How to Construct an Omarad Siloflex Crossbow Bolt

Greetings. This article is intended to help novice combat archers start the sometimes long and arduous journey of building combat crossbow bolts. The following is an explanation of Sir Omarad’s bolt design, first approved in the Midrealm and approved society wide.

I'll be updating this page with illustrative photos at some point.

Supplies for Bolt

Tools

Pre-preparation Notes

Siloflex and its equivalents come in different sizes. Make certain you are using the 100 PSI Siloflex or a society approved equivalent polyethylene tube. Check the Combat Archer website for a list of approve substitutes.

Prepare the Siloflex Tube

1. Cut the Tube to Length so that it will fit into the groove on your crossbow. I cut mine to 14”.
2. Drill four holes in one end of the tube. You will lace the rubber stopper on later through these holes

Attach the Rubber Stopper

1. Firmly set the rubber stopper into the end of the tube. You may need to twist and push hard until the whole thing is seated firmly.
2. Cut a piece of string to approximately 1 yard (3’).
3. Thread the string through the holes in the tube and over the rubber stopper, crossing on top and securing it to the shaft. Without the tie-on the rubber stopper pops off after the first hit.
4. Tighten the string and tie off around the shaft. The knot may not be on any part of the bolt that may strike your target.
5. Use the strapping tape to secure the string around the tube.
6. Place two lengths of strapping tape over the rubber stopper along the strings, crossing on the top.
7. Cut two circles out of the blue camp pad. Make them slightly larger than the top of the rubber stopper.

8. Place the foam over the end of the rubber stopper.
7. Use strapping tape to wrap the end of the tube and secure the string and foam with two lengths of strapping tape.
8. Cover the end with red duct tape. All that is required is a red X but I usually cover the whole thing.
9. I use another color of duct tape to cover the strapping tape for esthetics.
10. Place your name somewhere on the bolt and you’re done.

Fletchings

I'll be updating this with steps and illustration, but for now, take a look at Master Erik's Siloflex Fletch design at http://www.combat-archery.com/newappr.htm.

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