Crossbow Authority

Crossbow glossary

What Is Bolt?

Bolt: The projectile a crossbow shoots; often used interchangeably with arrow.

By Marisol Vega, Senior Outdoor Equipment Writer & Research Editor. Manufacturer figures vary; check your crossbow's manual.

Crossbow bolts are shorter and usually heavier than compound-bow arrows. They are typically made of carbon or aluminum, and are fitted with a nock at the rear and a field point or broadhead at the front.

Use only bolts that match the manufacturer’s specifications for length, weight and nock type; mismatched bolts can be unsafe and can damage the crossbow.

Why Bolt matters

Bolts are the most consistent way to improve a crossbow’s accuracy after you have chosen the crossbow. Weight, straightness, length and nock fit all affect flight, and a mismatch can make a good crossbow shoot poorly or unsafely.

Manufacturers specify minimum bolt weight and length for each crossbow. These are safety requirements, not suggestions.

How to read it on a spec sheet

  • Look at the bolt’s weight in grains, its length and the nock type it requires.
  • Check straightness tolerance, often quoted as a fraction of an inch over the shaft. Tighter tolerance usually costs more.
  • Match tip weight to your intended use, and confirm the combination flies well from your crossbow.

Common mistakes

  • Using bolts shorter or lighter than the crossbow manufacturer allows.
  • Shooting a bolt with a cracked shaft or damaged nock. Inspect every bolt before use.

In my testing

In bolt reviews I check weight and straightness, then shoot groups with each set so you can see how they actually fly. How I test.

Frequently asked questions

Are arrows and bolts the same thing?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Bolts are the shorter, typically heavier projectiles made for crossbows.

Can I shoot compound bow arrows from a crossbow?

Not unless the crossbow manufacturer says so. Use only bolts that meet the stated specifications.

How often should I replace bolts?

Replace any bolt that is bent, cracked or damaged, and when nocks or inserts are worn.

See it in our reviews

Read more in our guides

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Definitions are general information. Always follow your crossbow manufacturer's manual, and verify local laws with the relevant authority.