NDK Obsidian Carbon Arrows — Built for Serious Bowhunters
Some bowhunters want the fastest arrow. Some want the lightest. Some want the most forgiving.
The bowhunter who chooses the Obsidian wants one thing — an arrow that hits hard, holds together, and gets the job done when the moment matters most.
That's exactly what it was built for.
Let's Be Honest About What the Obsidian Is
The Obsidian is NDK's flagship arrow. It is the most durable arrow in our lineup, and the one we'd put in the hands of a serious bowhunter chasing big game in demanding conditions.
It is not the fastest arrow we make — that's the Ghost. It is not built for extreme distance wind-cutting performance — that's the Stealth Micro. And it is not the most budget-friendly entry point — that's the Series I.
What the Obsidian is, is a hammer. A well-built, consistent, lethal carbon arrow designed to penetrate deep, fly true, and hold up through the abuse that comes with hard hunting.
If you're chasing elk in the backcountry, hunting whitetail with a big mechanical broadhead, or simply want an arrow you can trust at every range you're comfortable shooting — the Obsidian was made for you.
What Makes It Great
The Obsidian earns its flagship status by getting every detail right.
3K Weave Carbon Construction: The Obsidian is built from a 3K weave carbon fiber pattern, the same carbon pattern used in high-end aerospace and performance applications. It's more impact-resistant, and more consistent than standard carbon shafts. When your arrow hits bone, hits a rock, or drives through a shoulder — the Obsidian is built to take it. The Obsidian earns its stripes from its durability. I believe in the saying "Buy once, cry once" for almost all gear in the hunting industry, but only to an extent when it comes to arrow shafts. One small movement on any big game animal will break almost every shaft on the market. We don't want you to cry too hard, or too often, but the saying doesn't hold the same weight as say shopping for new optics. Buy the best value for your hunting style is what we say.
Heavy GPI for Deep Penetration: At 10.4 GPI for the 250 spine and 9.4 GPI for the 300, the Obsidian packs a real punch. That weight translates directly into kinetic energy at the target and deeper penetration on game. For bowhunters who take frontal or quartering-to shots, or who hunt elk and other large game, GPI matters more than most people realize. The Obsidian delivers it.
Straightness Tolerance: The Obsidian runs ±.001–.003" straightness tolerance — tight, consistent, and built for hunters who demand repeatable flight from shot to shot. At longer ranges and in field conditions, that consistency is what keeps your groups where they need to be.
Black and Gold Design: We'll be honest — the Obsidian looks as good as it performs. The black and gold wrap design is one of the sharpest looking arrows on the market. But looks don't kill deer. Performance does. Fortunately, you don't have to choose.
Who the Obsidian Is Built For
The Serious Bowhunter: You've put in the time. You shoot year-round, you know your effective range, and you're not willing to compromise on gear when a once-in-a-lifetime bull is standing at 60 yards. The Obsidian is the arrow that matches your level of commitment.
The Big Game Hunter: Whether you're hunting elk, mule deer, moose, or bear — animals that require deep penetration and reliable pass-throughs — the Obsidian's heavy GPI and 3K weave construction give you the confidence to make the shot count.
The Bowhunter Who Shoots Heavy Broadheads: If you're running a 100gr or 125gr mechanical or fixed blade, the Obsidian's stiff spine and heavy construction keeps your arrow flying true even with a big head up front.
The Hunter Moving Up from Entry Level: If you've been shooting the Series I and you're ready to step up — the Obsidian is your next arrow. You'll feel the difference immediately.
The Specs
|Spine|GPI |Draw Weight|Insert Options
|-----|----|-----------|-------------------------------|
|250 |10.4|75+ lbs |50gr or 66gr Half-Out w/ Sleeve|
|300 |9.4 |60–70 lbs |50gr or 66gr Half-Out w/ Sleeve|
|350 |8.8 |55–65 lbs |50gr or 66gr Half-Out w/ Sleeve|
|400 |8.4 |45–55 lbs |50gr or 66gr Half-Out w/ Sleeve|
All Obsidian arrows come fletched with a 2.5" NDK Shield Vane on cut and fletched options. Bare shafts are available if you prefer to fletch your own.
Choosing the Right Spine
Same rules apply here as with any arrow — heavier draw weight requires a stiffer spine. Here's how to think about it for the Obsidian:
- Shooting 75 lbs or more? The 250 spine is your arrow — it's the heaviest, stiffest option and delivers maximum penetration.
- Shooting 60–70 lbs? The 300 is the most popular Obsidian spine for a reason. Versatile, forgiving, and deadly.
- Shooting 55–65 lbs? The 350 hits a sweet spot for mid-draw setups.
- Shooting 45–55 lbs? The 400 gets you into the Obsidian lineup without needing a heavier draw.
A note on the 250 spine — this spine is exclusive to the Obsidian and designed specifically for high draw weight setups chasing maximum penetration. If you're pulling 80 lbs and hunting elk, this is the arrow you want. No other arrow in the NDK lineup offers it.
When in doubt, go stiffer. It's better to be slightly over-spined than under-spined.
Not sure where you land? Reach out at Tylor@ndkarchery.com — we'll help you dial it in.
The Insert Options — 50gr vs 66gr
The Obsidian offers both a 50gr and a 66gr half-out insert option — and the choice matters more than people realize.
The 50gr half-out keeps your total arrow weight lower, giving you a touch more speed and a flatter trajectory. It's a great all-around option for most hunting setups.
The 66gr half-out with sleeve adds weight up front, increasing your FOC (Front of Center) percentage. Higher FOC means better arrow stability in flight, more consistent broadhead impact, and deeper penetration on game. If you're chasing elk or big deer and you want every advantage at the moment of impact — run the 66gr. You also get the durability factor of the aluminum sleeve. With the sleeve covering the last 3/4 of an inch of arrow shaft, you get greater impact resistance by spreading the impact out over more surface area on the shaft.
This is a decision worth thinking about before you order. If you're not sure which direction is right for your setup, reach out and we'll walk you through it.
What Comes in the Box
Every Obsidian 6-pack of Cut and Fletch arrows includes:
- 6, 3K weave carbon arrow shafts cut to your specified length
- 50gr stainless steel half out insert or 66gr half-out stainless-steel inserts with aluminum sleeve installed.
- 2.5" NDK Shield Vanes on fletched options
- X nocks installed
Everything you need to hunt. Nothing you don't.
How Does It Compare to the Rest of the NDK Lineup?
The Obsidian sits at the top of the NDK lineup for a reason — but that doesn't mean it's the right arrow for everyone.
If speed is your priority, the Ghost will fly flatter and faster with its lower GPI. If you're hunting in serious wind or shooting at distance, the Stealth Micro 4mm will cut through conditions the Obsidian can't match. And if you're on a budget or just getting started, the Series I gives you a great foundation to build from.
But if you want the most complete hunting arrow NDK makes — durable, heavy, consistent, and built for the moments that matter — the Obsidian is it.
Ready to Hunt?
The NDK Obsidian is available in 6-packs starting at $59.98 for bare shafts or $65.99 for cut and fletched arrows ready to hunt with.
Shop the NDK Obsidian →
*Questions about spine selection or which insert option is right for your setup? Reach out at Tylor@ndkarchery.com — we're happy to help.