Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows Review

The Good, the Bad & the Real of the Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows

As someone who’s spent over a decade relying on gear across diverse environments – from the sterile confines of a laboratory to the unforgiving terrain of outdoor expeditions – I’ve developed a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t. This extensive experience led me to seek out a reliable and accurate arrow solution for my needs, which eventually pointed me towards the Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows. My previous set of arrows, while functional, had begun to show signs of inconsistency, prompting a search for a replacement that offered better durability and predictable flight.

Upon receiving the Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows, my initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. They felt substantial in hand, and the carbon weave appeared consistent across the shafts. I had briefly considered a more budget-friendly option from a lesser-known brand, but opted for Crosman, a name with a decent track record in archery and airgun accessories, hoping for a more refined product. The immediate feeling was one of cautious optimism, a sense that these arrows might just be the consistent performers I was looking for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground for these carbon arrows was primarily a dedicated archery range, interspersed with some backyard practice sessions. The initial setup was straightforward; I nocked them onto my bow and was immediately struck by how smoothly they slid on and off the string. The fletching seemed securely attached, and the nocks felt robust, snapping firmly into place.

During my first few shooting sessions, I noticed a satisfying consistency in their flight path. Even with slight variations in my draw or release, the arrows seemed to correct for minor inconsistencies, flying true to the target. I did notice, however, that the 20-inch length felt a touch long for my particular bow draw weight, though this is more a fitment issue than a product flaw. The 400-grain weight provided a good balance of speed and kinetic energy for the targets I was engaging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, encompassing multiple range visits and countless backyard plinking sessions, the Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows have held up remarkably well. I’ve had a few instances where an arrow struck the edge of a target or bounced off a particularly hard backstop, and thankfully, none have shown any signs of cracking or splitting. The carbon construction seems to be holding its integrity under moderate stress.

Maintenance has been minimal, which is a huge plus. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a dusty session is usually all that’s needed. The fletching has remained intact, with no peeling or lifting, and the nocks continue to provide a secure fit. When compared to some older fiberglass arrows I’ve used in the past, these Crosman arrows demonstrate a clear superiority in terms of resilience and long-term performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows

Specifications

The Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows come as a 6-pack, offering a solid supply for most recreational archers. Each arrow boasts a 20-inch length, a common size suitable for a wide range of bows, though users with very specific draw lengths might need to consider alternatives. The standout feature is their construction from carbon fiber, a material renowned for its strength, lightness, and ability to maintain rigidity.

Each arrow in this 6-pack tips the scale at a notable 400 grains total weight. This weight is further broken down, with the arrow shaft contributing approximately 300 grains, and the included arrow tip accounting for the remaining 100 grains. This specific weight distribution contributes to a balanced flight characteristic, offering a good blend of penetration power and stability. The Crosman manufacturer has clearly aimed for a consistent and reliable projectile with these specifications.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of core performance, the Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows deliver admirably for their intended purpose. The carbon shafts ensure a straight and true flight path, minimizing wobble and contributing to tighter groupings on the target. I found them to be particularly responsive to proper form, meaning that any improvements in my shooting technique were immediately reflected in more accurate shots.

The primary strength of these arrows lies in their consistent flight and durability. They seem to absorb impact well, resisting the kind of damage that can plague less robust arrow materials. A slight weakness, if one can call it that, is that the 100-grain tips are fixed, meaning users cannot easily swap them out for lighter or heavier options without some modification or replacement. However, for general target practice and recreational shooting, they meet and often exceed expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows is functional and understated, focusing on performance over aesthetics. The carbon weave is visible beneath a clear coat, giving them a professional look without being flashy. The fletching is securely attached and appears to be standard, durable vanes that provide excellent stabilization during flight.

Ergonomically, the arrows are designed to be gripped and handled easily, with the nocks providing a positive and secure fit. There’s no discernible learning curve associated with using them; they simply work as expected when nocked onto a bowstring. The fixed 100-grain tips are robust and provide a good point of balance for the arrow, making them straightforward to use right out of the package.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of these arrows is a significant selling point. The carbon construction is inherently strong and resistant to the kinds of impacts that can easily damage lesser materials like aluminum or even some cheaper carbon blends. I’ve experienced no delamination, no splintering, and no significant deformation even after some rather hard impacts with the target butt.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down after use is sufficient to keep them in good condition. The fletching has shown no signs of coming loose, and the nocks have maintained their integrity. There are no specific maintenance tips required beyond basic care, making them a low-fuss option for regular shooters.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows come as a 6-pack, and in terms of included accessories, they are quite straightforward. They are supplied with pre-installed nocks and fixed 100-grain arrow tips. There are no additional components like replacement vanes or adjustable tips included in the standard package.

However, being standard carbon arrows, they do offer a degree of customization for those willing to tinker. The fixed 100-grain tips could potentially be replaced with screw-in tips of varying weights, though this would require ensuring compatibility with the shaft’s insert. Similarly, the vanes could be replaced if damaged, though their current resilience suggests this is unlikely to be needed frequently.

Pros and Cons of Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows

Who Should Buy Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows?

The Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows are an excellent choice for recreational archers, backyard target shooters, and those involved in entry-level archery competitions. They are particularly well-suited for individuals using medium-poundage bows where consistent accuracy and durability are valued over extreme specialization. Someone who is looking for a reliable set of arrows that can withstand a reasonable amount of use without constant worry about damage will find these arrows very appealing.

However, serious competitive archers looking for highly specialized setups, or bowhunters who require specific weight tolerances or broadhead compatibility might need to look at more premium or customizable options. Those seeking lightweight arrows for maximum speed at the expense of momentum might also find the 400-grain weight a bit heavy. For maximizing their utility, ensuring your bow’s draw weight and length are compatible with 20-inch arrows is key.

Conclusion on Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows

Overall, the Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows stand out as a robust and reliable option for the discerning recreational archer. They deliver consistent performance, exceptional durability thanks to their carbon construction, and a weight that strikes a good balance for many shooting scenarios. The 6-pack offers good value for consistent practice and casual shooting.

Considering their build quality, performance, and resilience, the price point of $79.79 for six arrows feels justified. They are not the cheapest arrows on the market, but the durability and predictable flight path they offer make them a worthwhile investment. I would certainly recommend these Crosman CP400 Carbon Arrows to anyone seeking a dependable, no-frills set of arrows for their archery pursuits, especially if longevity and accuracy are your primary concerns.