Tungsten vs Stainless Steel Archery Points

Are tungsten points a scam by big arrow companies to rob you of your hard earned money? Or are they a magical upgrade that is going to take you to the next level?

Let’s talk about it.

The Materials: Tungsten vs Stainless Steel

Tungsten

• Ultra-dense (about 2.5x the density of steel)
  
  

• Extremely hard, resistant to corrosion, and nearly impossible to melt
  
  

• Offers high mass in a very compact form
  
  

• Expensive to machine, which drives up cost
  
  

Stainless Steel

• Strong, durable, and naturally corrosion-resistant
  
  

• Far more affordable and easy to machine
  
  

• Less dense than tungsten, so longer point lengths are needed to reach the same weight
  
  

• A long-standing favorite for recreational and competitive archery alike
  
  

What Tungsten Points Actually Do

The benefits of tungsten points are subtle, but they can matter:

• Higher FOC (front-of-center): A tungsten point shifts weight forward without increasing point length.
  
  

• Shorter design: Because tungsten is denser, the points are shorter, which allows the arrow to flex more. This can make the arrow slightly more forgiving and easier to tune.
  
  

• Durability over time: Stainless steel points are prone to bending or getting dinged, especially on micro-diameter shafts. Tungsten resists both issues, staying straighter for longer.
  
  

That said, tungsten isn’t invincible. Because it’s so hard, it can occasionally snap clean off if it strikes something very solid, whereas steel tends to bend. Lower-quality tungsten points are also more prone to this.

Cost Over Time

Steel points are cheaper per set, but if you shoot high volumes and replace them often, the costs can add up:

• Steel points may need replacement 2–4 times a year, often totaling $80–$150+ annually.
  
  

• Tungsten points cost more upfront but hold their shape and surface far longer, often lasting multiple seasons.
  
  

Comparison: Tungsten vs Stainless Steel Points

Who Should Use Which?

Stainless Steel is best if you:

• Are a recreational archer
  

• Shoot relatively low arrow volume
  

• Are more budget conscious
  

• Don’t mind replacing damaged points a few times a year
  
  

Tungsten is best if you:

• Compete at the national or international level
  

• Shoot high arrow volume daily
  

• Want every small advantage possible
  

• Don’t mind paying more upfront for gear that lasts longer
  
  

Final Thoughts

Most archers don’t need tungsten points. Stainless steel points are affordable, reliable, and perfectly capable of helping you shoot great scores.

But if you’re a serious competitor looking for every edge in consistency and performance, tungsten can be a smart long-term investment. The added durability, compact size, and performance nuances, while subtle, do matter when you’re chasing points at the highest levels.

If you are going to make the jump to tungsten points, consider the RamRods Archery Tungsten Points compatible with x10 arrows. These are a big hit for world cup athletes competing around the globe.