Buying Guide / Arrows & Nocks
Ravin .001 vs .003 Arrows:
What The Straightness Tolerance Actually Means
.001 and .003 refer to how straight each arrow is manufactured, in inches. Here's whether the tighter tolerance is worth the extra cost, and why your crossbow model decides which arrows you can even buy.
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The numbers .001 and .003 on Ravin arrows refer to straightness tolerance — how far off perfectly straight each arrow is allowed to be during manufacturing, measured in inches, inclusive of a 100-grain field tip or broadhead. A tighter tolerance means more consistent flight from arrow to arrow. It's a real, measurable spec — but it's not the only thing that decides which arrows you should buy, because Ravin also splits its arrow lineup by crossbow model, and mixing that up is the more common mistake.
.001 vs .003: The Actual Difference
Ravin's tightest manufacturing tolerance. Marketed as "the pinnacle of shooting perfection" — 100% pure carbon construction, built for hunters chasing the most consistent flight path possible. Costs roughly $35–45 more per arrow set than the .003 equivalent.
Ravin's most popular and best-selling arrow tier. Still built specifically for Ravin crossbows and rated to withstand the kinetic energy of high-speed models — just a looser manufacturing tolerance than .001, at a lower price.
Full Arrow Lineup Compared
| Arrow | Tolerance | Compatible With | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravin .003 Arrows | .003" | All models EXCEPT R500 Series | $84.99 | View → |
| Ravin .001 Premium Arrows | .001" | All models EXCEPT R500 Series | $119.99 | View → |
| Ravin .003 Match-Grade Lighted Arrows | .003" | All models EXCEPT R500 Series | $84.99 | View → |
| Ravin .001 Premium Match-Grade Lighted Arrows | .001" | All models EXCEPT R500 Series | $119.99 | View → |
| Ravin .003 R500 Series Arrows | .003" | R500 Series only | $84.99 | View → |
| Ravin .001 R500 Series Arrows | .001" | R500 Series only | $119.99 | View → |
| Ravin .003 R18 Arrows (16", 350gr) | .003" | R18 only | $84.99 | View → |
| Ravin .001 XK5 Arrows (500gr, Big Game) | .001" | All models EXCEPT R500 Series | $129.99 | View → |
| Ravin .001 XK5 Lighted Arrows (500gr, Big Game) | .001" | All models EXCEPT R500 Series | $129.99 | View → |
Which Arrow Should You Buy?
Best Standard Pick (Non-R500)
Ravin .003 Arrows ($84.99) — Ravin's best-selling arrow for a reason: rated for all non-R500 models and priced well below the premium tier. Start here unless you have a specific reason to upgrade.
Best Premium Pick (Non-R500)
Ravin .001 Premium Arrows ($119.99) — same compatibility as the .003 version, tighter straightness tolerance for hunters chasing maximum flight consistency.
If You Own an R500
Skip the standard arrows entirely — they're not rated for your crossbow. Go with .003 R500 Series Arrows ($84.99) for value or .001 R500 Series Arrows ($119.99) for the tighter tolerance, both purpose-built to handle the R500's kinetic energy.
If You Own an R18
Only one option fits: .003 R18 Arrows ($84.99) — 16" and 350 grains, built specifically for the R18's shorter frame. Standard 20" arrows won't work here.
Best for Big Game
Ravin .001 XK5 Arrows ($129.99) — 500-grain arrows built for increased kinetic energy and knockdown power, at Ravin's tightest .001 tolerance. The most premium arrow in the lineup, also available in a lighted version.
Nocks: Standard vs. R500 vs. Lighted
Nocks follow the same model-specific split as arrows — an R500 nock won't lock into a non-R500 crossbow's Trac-Trigger Firing System, and vice versa.
| Nock | Compatible With | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravin Nocks (set of 12) | All models EXCEPT R500 Series | $14.99 | View → |
| R500 Series Ravin Nocks (set of 12) | R500 Series only | $14.99 | View → |
| Ravin Lighted Nocks | Universal upgrade — ultra-bright for tracking | $44.99 | View → |
| Ravin Nock Arrow Puller | Doubles as lighted nock extinguisher | $14.99 | View → |
Related Arrow Storage & Rest Accessories
| Accessory | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Ravin Premium Arrow Rest | $99.99 | View → |
| Ravin 3-Arrow Quiver/Mounting Bracket | $64.99 | View → |
| Ravin Premium 4-Arrow Quiver | $74.99 | View → |
| Ravin R500 Series 3-Arrow Quiver/Mounting Bracket | $64.99 | View → |
Is .001 Worth the Upgrade Over .003?
For most hunters, no — the .003 tier is Ravin's best-selling arrow for a reason, and the tolerance difference is smaller than the $35–45 price gap suggests for typical hunting distances. The .001 tier makes more sense if you're shooting at longer range where small flight inconsistencies compound, or if you simply want the tightest spec available and the cost difference isn't a deciding factor. Either way, get the compatibility right first — an R500 owner buying standard .003 Arrows by mistake is a bigger problem than an R500 owner debating .001 vs .003 within the correct R500-specific line.
Ravin Arrows: Frequently Asked Questions
What does .001 vs .003 mean on Ravin arrows?
It's the arrow's straightness tolerance in inches, inclusive of a 100-grain field tip or broadhead — .001" is Ravin's tightest, most premium tolerance, while .003" is the standard tolerance used on Ravin's best-selling arrow line.
Can I use standard Ravin arrows in an R500 crossbow?
No. Ravin's standard .001 and .003 Arrows explicitly cannot be used in R500 Series crossbows. R500 owners need the dedicated .001 or .003 R500 Series Arrows instead.
Does the R18 use the same arrows as other Ravin crossbows?
No. The R18 uses its own dedicated .003 R18 Arrows, which are 16" long and weigh 350 grains, compared to the standard 20" length used on other Ravin models.
Are R500 nocks interchangeable with other Ravin nocks?
No. R500 Series Ravin Nocks are built to lock into the R500's Trac-Trigger Firing System specifically, and standard Ravin Nocks are rated for all models except the R500 Series.
What's the difference between XK5 arrows and standard .001 arrows?
XK5 arrows are Ravin's most premium big-game arrow at 500 grains, delivering increased kinetic energy and knockdown power, still built to the .001" straightness tolerance. Standard .001 Premium Arrows use 100% pure carbon construction at the same tolerance but aren't marketed specifically for big-game knockdown power.