Arrows

Arrows are projectiles designed to be propelled from a bow. An arrow typically consists of a shaft, fletching, a nock at the rear, and a pointed tip called the arrowhead. Arrows are used for hunting, sport archery, and historical warfare, and they have been produced in a wide range of styles and materials.

Materials: shafts may be made from wood (traditionally pine, spruce), carbon fiber, aluminum, or composite materials. Fletching is usually three feathers or plastic vanes that stabilize flight. The nock at the end engages the bowstring. Arrowheads vary widely: target points for sport, hunting tips such as broadheads for game, and bodkin points for armor penetration historically.

Performance and tuning: the 'spine' or stiffness of the shaft affects flight; straightness tolerance is critical. Arrows are selected to match bow draw weight and draw length. Fletching orientation (offset or helical) and nock alignment influence stability. Weight, balance, and point type influence trajectory and energy transfer.

History and use: Arrows have existed since prehistoric times and were used by cultures worldwide. The emergence of metal arrowheads and advanced bow designs enhanced range and lethality. In modern times, arrows are central to sport archery, with disciplines such as Olympic recurve and target/field archery, as well as hunting in many regions.

Today, arrow production blends traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing. Quality control focuses on straightness, spine, cresting, and consistency across a group of arrows. Safety concerns include proper storage, handling, and draw weight guidelines to reduce risk of injury.