If this is the first you’ve read of Steambow’s arrows, know that there are 3 other blogs on the topic, so do have a scroll through the blog library to find them. This blog deals with the Warbolt arrows. Do you know the Hollywood theme where every family has that one crazy cousin everyone is a bit wary of? If so, then you get the idea behind the Warbolt arrows.
In previous posts, you will have read about the target arrows: a no-nonsense, dependable tool for practice and competitions. The Bodkins are essentially capable of exactly the same, with an added hooligan potential if you want to start perforating tin cans, coconuts, or sheet metal. Well, the Warbolts are to the hunting arrows what the bodkins are to the target arrows: big brutes that will put holes in things that the hunting arrows would be wrecked by.
However, at this point, let’s be clear on one thing.
Not for responsible hunting
The Warbolt arrows are NOT hunting arrows and should not be used in place of the hunting arrows. Hunting is a pursuit that does mean animals die, and that should happen as humanely as possible. The hunting arrows are designed for that purpose.
Obviously, the Warbolts are capable of wounding or killing an animal (or person), so they are not to be underestimated. Like the hunting arrows, the Warbolts are capable of producing massive internal injuries together with their immense penetrative potential by design. But if you plan to hunt, do the right thing and buy the hunting arrows.
With that said, the Warbolts have a genuine potential role in a self-defense/home defense context in places where this perspective is legally acceptable. However, this is not something that Steambow can nor wants to advise you on. Merely to say that the potential exists.
Warbolt by name, Warbolt by lineage
So, let’s talk about that design. Unlike the other arrow designs offered by Steambow, the Warbolt series are the only ones exclusively offered as the carbon (11.3g) or carbon-aluminum (16g) variants. There is no plain aluminum shaft version. And this is relevant as the carbon versions are, unsurprisingly, more expensive. Something to bear in mind.
Apart from the green livery, the most obvious feature is the impressive arrow tip. The Warbolt is so named because the tip harks back to the medieval battles of old. Attacking forces of any standing would have had armored troops, often on horseback. That armor was there for a reason: protection. And it did a pretty good job, so the opposing side had to come up with a means of defeating it.
Longbows and crossbows both had the power, but in both cases, their effectiveness lay in the means to effectively transfer that power: the arrow. So, the Warbolt was developed, and it worked. The spear-like tip with a heavy trapezoid cross-section had the point to compromise the armor and the weight to carry the arrow through, much to the dismay of the person wearing it.
So, although not a design you see much in modern-day archery, it is one steeped in history and grisly battlefield success. Fortunately for any knights in armor, Steambow is selling these simply because they are damn good fun.
Modern-day usage
The usual standard advice applies: choose a safe location, set up an adequate target and backstop, know what is beyond your target, and don’t overextend your skills unless you know for a fact that a miss won’t cause harm beyond your range. (Remember that these are literally designed to go through stuff, so a backstop for target arrows may not always be up to the job of stopping a Warbolt.)
But once all that is settled, you can have some epic demolition fun with various objects that are too tough for even the bodkins. Before your inner adolescent gets too carried away, just remember that these are not indestructible, and they are not cheap: have realistic expectations. If you shoot the wrong material, there’s a good chance you could chip a tip off your arrow. Shoot responsibly, and you and your friends will have a great time.
To see these awesome arrows for yourself, have a look at the webshop here. As always, have fun and stay safe.
