When looking to head out into the field for a hunt, you need to know you have the best gear for what you are doing.
Dragging a crossbow out with you can only do so much good if you don’t have the right broadheads to do the job.
That’s where we come in to help. We’ve reviewed the top broadheads on the market and given some helpful tips to make choosing the right ones for you an easier task.
[sc name=”Best Crossbow Broadheads Quick Take”]
Comparison of the Best Crossbow Broadheads
[sc name=”Crossbow Broadheads”]
Aspects to Consider Before Buying Broadheads
Now that you are ready to look for broadheads to use for the upcoming season, there are some factors you should take into consideration before choosing.
Trajectory
When looking to buy, think of where and how you like to hunt. If you prefer to shoot from a distance, take into consideration that the larger the surface of the broadhead, the more wind it will catch and your shot may be thrown off target by this.
Strength
You will need to make sure the ones you buy are of good quality material that is durable and can withstand hitting bone without breaking. The material also needs to keep its edge sharp so you are not always having to sharpen the blades.
Number of Blades
The number of blades is important as it will also affect how much wind the arrow will catch. While this can be bad, it is however, good to have more blades because it increases the chances of leaving a traceable blood trail if you don’t hit anything vital on the first shot.
What Can You Expect From Using Broadheads
Now that you have looked at some aspects, it is time to think about why you should be using them and what you can get out of an investment in quality models.
Humane Kills
One of the benefits of using these is the size of the wound they deliver. They typically leave larger holes than the arrow shaft, allowing for quick blood loss. This is a good this because it puts the animal out of its misery much quicker, providing a humane ending. It also allows you to track the animal easier due to a distinct blood trail.
Accuracy
Broadheads, whether they are mechanical or fixed, offer good stability in flight, providing you with better accuracy for your shot and making it more likely you will be able to hit your target and not have to be overly concerned about crosswinds, although they still can affect the flight trajectory.
Quality Material
Most are made out of stainless steel. This is the best quality material as it is strong, durable, holds an edge, and will last many hunting seasons. Stainless steel is also one of the easier materials to care for to ensure that they stay in good condition for a long time.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean:
- Point Weight (Grains): Weight of the broadhead measured in grains- A grain (gr) is 1/7000 of a pound.
- Material: The main material used in manufacturing the broadhead
- Type (Fixed/Mechanical): Fixed types have replaceable blades which slide into slots or blades attached directly to the ferrules. Mechanical types open or “deploy” when fired and can open from the front or rear, expanding to increase the damage and cutting diameter.
- Cutting Diameter: The size of the wound created as the broadhead moves through the target.
- Number of Blades: The number of cutting blades a broadhead features.
- Blade Thickness: The thickness of the metal on each blade. Typically thicknesses of .03” or higher are necessary for large game animals.
Review of the Best Crossbow Broadheads
Now that you have read about what you should consider when buying and what to expect from a great quality broadhead, it is time to look at some of the best models on the market.
Best Overall: Wasp Archery Sharpshooter Traditional 150-Grain
[amazon fields=”B00TP8K30U” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- 1” Cutting Diameter to Ensure Large Wound Channel
- Made From Solid Steel Ferrules for Strength and Durability
- Self-Aligning Blade Lock System to Ensure Consistent Flight
CONS
- 4 Blades Could Catch More Wind Than Wanted
These are sturdy, reliable, and will last you a very long time. This is a four-blade, fixed-style, 150-grain broadhead, so it will pack a punch behind each shot. Made to last with solid steel ferrules, its blades are honed to perfection at 0.040” thick main and 0.027” replaceable blades, as well.
These sharp blades allow for easy penetration of thick, tough tides without being damaged so that they will last for many seasons. The four blades ensure for a large wound channel and the weight makes sure it will fly steadily over longer distances.
Bottom Line
The Wasp Archery Sharpshooter Traditional 150-Grain are an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike. Built from solid steel ferrules, these fixed broadheads have the best of both strength and durability due to the material, making sure they will last many seasons. These models have a self-aligning blade lock system to ensure flight will be consistent shot after shot. With a cutting diameter of one-inch wide, it is sure to provide a humane ending to the animal.
However, the downside to this type is that while its four blades ensure heavy damage and a wide wound channel, they also provide more surface area to catch wind and can be thrown off target. Although this fault it is hardly unexpected and is a small one compared with the overall great quality these provide.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
150
Material:
Steel ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1″
Number of Blades:
4
Blade Thickness:
0.040″
Runner-up: Maifield Archery 100-Grain
[amazon fields=”B07HDW2RBW” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Triangle Blades Enhance Flight Stability
- Comes With Carrying Case to Ensure Safety
- Extremely Sharp Blades From Stainless Steel/Aluminum Mix
CONS
- Lighter Grain Could Lessen Penetration.
The Maifield Broadhead is a fixed-style that has three blades in a triangle formation and a chisel point tip. This is one of the lighter models at only 100-grain, flies fast, and is excellent for the smaller end of the game scale. The 0.028” blades are honed to a high degree and have a 1 and 1/8” cutting diameter to open up a wide wound channel to ensure a quick, humane death.
The tip of these are very sharp as well to ensure there is quick penetration through the hide without losing too much energy before entering the animal.
The Maifield Archery Broadheads 100-Grain is a great choice for someone looking for a precision three-blade, fixed broadhead that is perfect for taking down smaller game. This one has three extremely sharp blades made from a stainless steel aluminum mix that is both strong and durable.
The blades are in a triangle shape which helps to enhance the flight stability of the model. These also come with a high quality carrying case to keep them safe while transporting and storing them. A possible downside to this type is that being only 100-grain means they are lighter and pack less of a punch behind them. This means there could be less penetration which leads to a slower, less humane death for the animal.
Bottom Line
Overall, these are excellent quality and can still get the job done just as well as a heavier option if used with the right bow and on the right prey.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Aluminum ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1″
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.027″
Best for the Money: Sinbadteck Hunting Broadheads
[amazon fields=”B01LNOZN9E” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Three Sharp Blade Triangle Design
- Anodized Aluminum Shaft and Stainless-Steel Blades
- Screw-In Compatible With Crossbows and Compound Bows
CONS
- Lighter Grain Can Lessen Penetration
The Sinbadteck Hunting Broadheads are fixed-style, equipped with three, super-sharp blades. These are 2.8” in length and are 1.035” wide. The three blade triangle makes for a more stable flight trajectory as well as helps with precision. The blades are strong and stay sharp for a decent amount of time.
While these models work the best on smaller game because of the lighter grain, they are excellent quality and with the right bow and skills can still be used to take down bigger game as well. With the three blades, there is also less surface for wind to catch on, making them more accurate than the four bladed styles.
These are great quality fixed-style with a three blade triangle design that is very sharp and lethal. Made with an anodized aluminum shaft and stainless-steel blades, they are very durable and strong to keep them in working shape for many seasons. Built to have easy installation, this model is screw-in compatible with both crossbows and compound bows.
Bottom Line
Although they are very sharp and made to last, these are on the lighter side coming in with a 100-grain weight. While this is not always a disadvantage, it can lessen the hide penetration and diminish the force at which the arrow hits its target. Overall these are an excellent choice of a fixed-style option and are perfect for game that is on the smaller end of the scale. These will last a long time and still be in excellent condition if properly cared for.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Aluminum ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1″
Number of Blades:
3
[sc name=”see-table-button”]
Best Mechanical Broadheads:Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX Mechanical Broadhead
[amazon fields=”B0765VNRRF” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- 2” Wide Cutting Diameter
- Available in Both 100 and 125-Grain
- The Ferrule Alignment System Helps With Aerodynamic Flight
CONS
- Shock Collar Technology is Delicate and Doesn’t Always Retain the Blades Until Impact
Looking to use the best mechanical broadheads? Then look no further than the Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX. Made from durable, strong stainless-steel with a massive leading-edge blade, these are made to be effective and impressive.
Built to have excellent accuracy and a huge wound channel, they also come with a practice head so you can ensure that once you are in the field you won’t be taking a wasted shot.
The Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX is an excellent choice for someone looking to use mechanical broadheads that are extremely effective and of great quality. Built to have a huge two-inch wide cutting diameter, these provide game with a quick and humane death due to massive, rapid blood loss. These are available in both 100-grain and 125-grain to give a variety to the force they can exert and for the specific type of game you plan on hunting.
Along with the weight choices, this type is built with the ferrule alignment system in order to provide the most aerodynamic, stable flight trajectory possible. A downside is that the Shock Collar Technology that is supposed to ensure proper blade retention doesn’t always work and can mess up your shots and the overall impact these have.
Bottom Line
Overall, however, the Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX is a great choice if you are looking to take down a variety of game with accuracy and speed.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
2″
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.035″
Best Turkey Broadheads: Excalibur Boltcutter 150-Grain, 3-Blade Broadhead
PROS
- Come Preassembled
- Compatible With High Speed Crossbows
- Heavy, Small Design Helps Improve Aerodynamics
CONS
- Leaves Small Blood Trail
Looking to take out turkeys efficiently? Then these are for you. The Excalibur Boltcutter 150 Grain 3-Blade is a fixed-style that has the triangle design with its three blades. This type has a 1 and 1/16” cutting diameter and a chisel point tip built to withstand heavy hits to shoulders and bones alike.
With blades made from stainless-steel, these models are both durable and strong, and with proper care will last many seasons in peak condition. The three-blade, fixed design and 150-grain performance ensure you will get deep penetration on any shot, easily piercing tough hides and pushing through feathers.
Bottom Line
The Excalibur Boltcutter 150-Grain 3-Blade is one of the best fixed-style for many reasons. Coming preassembled, these models are heavy and small, allowing for speed and increased accuracy as there is less surface area for wind to catch on. Another great benefit is they are compatible with high speed crossbows, so you can hit your target quickly and have deep penetration thanks the weight and speed.
The main downside is that because these are so heavy and small as well, they can shoot through your prey, only leaving a small opening and little to no blood trail to follow if you don’t hit anything vital on the first shot. Overall the Excalibur Boltcutter is a great type that is extremely powerful and durable and will be a quality tool for many seasons.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
150
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1 1⁄16″
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.027″
Best 100-Grain Broadheads: Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar Crossbow Broadheads 3-Blade, 1 3/16” Cutting Diameter
PROS
- Sharp Contact Cut Tip
- Short Length to Keep Shots Accurate
- Helix-Blade Design for Extra Aerodynamics
CONS
- Changing Blades Can Be Difficult
The Muzzy Bowhunting Trocars are three-bladed, fixed-style broadheads. Made from solid steel ferrules and sharpened to have a keen razor edge, these models are effective and lethal. They have a 1 and 3/16” cutting diameter to leave an effective wound channel and 0.035” thick razor sharp steel blades that are strong and durable.
These types will be able to penetrate anything, even with the lighter grain weight and are also strong enough to withstand hitting bone and not being damaged. This means you can use them for many hunting seasons so long as they are kept sharp.
The Muzzy Bowhunting Trocars are excellent, quality, fixed broadheads built to last and help you keep up your accuracy and precision even over a distance. The short length of the model helps keep your shots accurate and reduces the amount of surface area for wind to catch on and disrupt the flight path. The Helix blade design is an added feature to provide extra aerodynamics to ensure you can take the most accurate shots possible from where you are.
Bottom Line
These are also contact cut tips, which are extremely sharp and tear through anything on contact, making them extremely effective at getting through thick hides. The main downside to these types is that even with the proper tools, changing the blades can be difficult.
However, this is not such a bad thing as they are very durable and the blades shouldn’t have to be changed often. Overall the Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar Broadheads are a great option for anyone looking for 100-grain fixed-style.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Aluminum
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1 3⁄16”
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.035″
Best from Rage: Rage Bowhunting Hypodermic Mechanical Broadhead
[amazon fields=”B0765VL42G” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- 2” Cutting Diameter
- Hybrid Tip Provides Surgical Accuracy
- Shock Collar Technology to Retain Blades
CONS
- Expanding Mechanisms Can Fail
The Rage Bowhunting Hypodermic Mechanical Broadheads are a powerful, expanding option that will get the job done quickly. Made to last from strong stainless-steel and including a large leading-edge blade, 0.035” thick razor-sharp blades, a two-inch cutting diameter, and available in both 100-grain and 125-grain, these models have it all to provide you with the power and precision to take down your prey.
Like many other Rage broadheads, these hypodermic models are equipped with the ferrule alignment system to promote an aerodynamic flight path. To assist with the accuracy of your shots, the Rage Hypodermic also comes with a practice head so you don’t have to worry about damaging the field ones in practice.
Bottom Line
These are great-quality, mechanical option that have an impressive, large two-inch cutting diameter to ensure a quick and humane death. The hybrid tip is super sharp, provides surgical accuracy, and cuts through anything. Along with having the ferrule alignment technology, these have improved Shock Collar Technology to ensure proper blade retention until the arrow hits its target.
Unfortunately, the main failing of this type is the same as in any other mechanical broadheads and that is, the expanding mechanisms can be damaged and either fail to fire or release too early. However, with proper care and handling, these problems can be minimized, making them not worth the worry when you compare the benefits to its downsides.
Overall, these are some of the best on the market, especially from Rage and should be considered a great option.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
2”
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.035″
Best Swhacker Crossbow Broadhead:Swhacker SWH00231
[amazon fields=”B00UU3EF7Q” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Two separate cutting edges ensure a lethal hit
- Very fast delivery and easy-to-follow blood trail
- Pack includes three broadheads and one practice head
- Good construction that does not waver much in the wind
- Heavy enough at 125 grain to penetrate into the body of the animal
CONS
- Needs sharpening before it can be reused
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers’ testimonials prove that the Swhacker Crossbow Broadhead is an exceptional hunting tool. It was hailed by dedicated hunters for its accuracy and quickness. The head fits most bows securely. Moreover, the exit wound it left showed that it was a solid piece of equipment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The intelligent design of the broadhead makes it extremely useful. It has two cutting edges, the wing blade, and the main blade. The wing blades cut through thick hide, muscle, and bone. This gives definitive entry into the body. Once inside the body, the main blades work their magic and cause lethal damage to the prey’s organs. As a result, it falls down before it can escape past a few yards.
Bottom Line
This broadhead is fast, accurate, and delivers a lethal wound. The blood trail left from the wound makes tracking your hunt very easy. Moreover, the kit includes one practice head to gain familiarity before shooting the actual pieces. In short, this head is an excellent choice for seasoned hunters. However, due to its efficiency, beginners will enjoy it as well.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
125
Material:
Aluminum ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
1 1⁄4″
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.032″
Best Muzzy Crossbow Broadhead:Muzzy Trocar HBX
[amazon fields=”B07V5RS98W” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Includes three heads per pack
- Steel body ferrule with a chisel tip for deep penetration
- Available in 125 grain and 100 grain for different animals
- Offset blades induce spin for a more consistent flight pattern
- Three fixed blades and one offset blade give a wide 1 5/8 expandable cutting diameter
CONS
- Does not come with a practice head
- Needs to be paired with a good focus to make use of its high speed
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers had successful hunting trips with these broadheads. The product was reported to remain steady during projection. Due to its helical structure, it was efficient against wind resistance and allowed for accurate aim even from a distance. Moreover, the steel body helped penetrate through hide and punch through bones, ensuring the success of the shot.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Muzzy released this crossbow in 100 and 125 grain. As a result, once you are used to this broadhead, you don’t have to buy from a different brand if you need a heavier or lower weight for a different animal. Also, the cutting diameter of at least one inch, which is expandable to 1 5/8” leaves a blood trail that is easy to follow.
Bottom Line
The Muzzy Trocar HBX has a solid construction built for lethal penetration. Its design also offers stability against wind resistance. It is a popular choice among professionals, especially those who hunt more than just deer as it comes in two sizes that cover most of the hunter’s needs.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
2 5⁄8”
Number of Blades:
4
Blade Thickness:
0.035″
Best NAP Crossbow Broadhead:NAP Killzone 100 Grain
[amazon fields=”B00BD599XU” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Usable with up to 400 FPS crossbows
- No rubbers in the assembly for easy maintenance
- A cutting diameter of two inches for excellent penetration
- Three broadheads per pack, available in 100 and 125 grain
- Spring clip blade retention to keep the blades closed during flight
CONS
- More useful for experienced hunters, not suitable for beginners
- Blades may be slightly bent on recovery, but they can be easily pushed back to position with a little force
What Recent Buyers Report
A fair share of successful hunting trips was enjoyed by most recent buyers using this broadhead. They reported that it almost always left an entry and an exit wound. In cases it didn’t, it still penetrated deep enough to prove lethal. The bodies hold fine even after several kills, and it is easy to regain the sharpness back with a little touch-up.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The NAP Killzone broadhead is a durable head with incredible accuracy. It employs spring clip blade retention technology to ensure that the blades do not open prior to making contact with the target. In this way, the blades still remain razor-sharp and cut more efficiently through hide and bones. It can be used with high accuracy crossbows of up to 400 FPS and can deliver a lethal wound to animals other than deer.
Bottom Line
For trained and experienced hunters who shoot with pinpoint accuracy, this broadhead is a great choice. It has an intelligent design to work against wind resistance and to cut through air efficiently. It is a fast hunting tool with great accuracy.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
2”
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.039″
Best G5 Crossbow Broadhead:G5 Outdoors Montec
[amazon fields=”B07CM91SG4″ image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- 100% spin-tested accuracy for pinpoint aims
- Quiet flight does not alarm the animal or make it run away
- Simple and easy-to-maintain design requiring no replacements
- One-piece all-metal construction is solid enough to puncture the bones
- 1″ to 1 1/8″ cutting diameter for successful penetration through muscle and bones
CONS
- Sharpness dims early after some use and re-sharpening isn’t very helpful either
- Additional arrow insert at the back adds to the drag during flight, cutting the shooting length short
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found the G5 Outdoor Montec very reliable. This was mainly because of its simple assembly. A simple assembly meant easy maintenance without having to worry about losing parts during flight or after exit. Moreover, they report that the broadhead was useful against pigs, deer, and other furry animals as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The broadhead packs simplicity with deliverance. It has an all-steel construction, which makes it a solid tool. The steel construction not only makes it effective against thick hide, but the weight helps the head to sink deeper into the animal and even pass through the bones. It has its own arrow insert, which might add to the drag but is very useful because of its compatibility for almost any bow.
Bottom Line
In all, this product is excellent for targeting from short to medium distances. It works well for those who don’t want to get caught up in the nitty-gritty of mechanical and multi-part broadheads. With its one-piece construction, it has an accurate and silent flight that hardly ever misses the target.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1 1⁄8″
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.030″
Best Crossbow Broadhead for Deer:ZCISSY Crossbow Broadheads 100 Grain
[amazon fields=”B07L4QJN64″ image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Comes as a pack of six sharp broadheads
- Quiet release and flight ensure stealth during the hunt
- Three precision ground and honed stainless steel blades
- Aerodynamic body with strong chisel followed by sharp blades
- One and a half-inch cutting diameter gives a clean wound that leaves a good blood trail
CONS
- Only comes in 100-grain weight
- Tread is not perfectly consistent on all heads
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were happy with their purchase as they almost shot one kill per broadhead. They were appreciative of the head’s accuracy. Six pieces per pack gave a good deal for their money too. They were able to shoot successfully from different distances without facing much resistance from the wind.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ZCISSY crossbow broadhead is one of the best for deer hunting out there. It has very sharp blades arranged in an aerodynamic design to harvest a clean-cut and deep penetration. The blades remain sharp even after multiple shots and are easy to re-sharpen. Moreover, even though it has a metal construction, the quiver and flight are silent.
Bottom Line
All the factors of this hunting tool counted in make for an excellent broadhead for deer. It is well-built with solid construction and a very sharp blade. It gives incredible accuracy and low drag against the wind. Moreover, it comes in a pack of six and fits all bows. It makes for a good choice for both seasoned and beginner hunters.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
1.5″
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.032″
Best from Barnett: Barnett Cross Gamecrusher – 100-Grain
[amazon fields=”B007FAQYQW” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Super Sharp Diamize Blades
- Offset Blades for Large Wound Channel
- Trophy Tip Can Withstand Hitting Bone Repeatedly
CONS
- Mechanisms Can Be Unreliable
The Barnett Cross Gamecrushers are a mechanical-style, three-blade design. The blades expand out of the body once impacting the target, creating a large wound to allow for a quick, humane death. The fact that the blades are stored in the body during flight decreases surface area for wind to catch on, making them more precise and less likely to be blown off course by a crosswind.
This type is 100-grain, putting them on the lighter end of the scale, although this does not detract from the cutting diameter they provide with the expanding blades.
The Barnett Cross Gamecrushers are a great option for someone looking to get into using mechanical broadheads, especially on smaller game, due to the lighter grain weight. The Diamize blades are honed to be extremely sharp and stay that way with proper care. They are also offset in order to create a large wound channel to ensure a quick, humane death from rapid blood loss.
Bottom Line
The trophy tip is extremely strong and durable to ensure it remains intact and in good condition even if it hits bone multiple times. The main downfall of any mechanical style is the mechanisms that hold the blades in place until impact can be damaged or fire too early if there is enough pressure exerted on them from the force of being shot.
This issue is, however, universal with mechanical options and if you are prepared to handle them, it is not a huge disadvantage. Overall, these are great quality and will get the job done for you.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Mechanical
Number of Blades:
2
[sc name=”see-table-button”]
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying Crossbow Broadheads
Crossbow broadheads exist in a large variety on the market. They each have their own distinct feature, and each specializes in hunting a particular animal. Before deciding upon a broadhead, you should remain mindful of the circumstances you would be using it under, such as the climatic condition and the type of animals to be hunted.
Below, we will discuss some of the most important factors to be considered before buying a broadhead.
Legality Under State Law
Some states have bans on different types of broadheads and allow certain types to be used. These bans usually are related to the cutting diameter of the broadhead. There are other states and countries that have a complete ban on the use of crossbows. Hence, before buying a broadhead, make sure that it is lawful to use it there.
Mechanical vs. Fixed
Both types of blades are widely used and trusted by many hunters. While mechanical broadhead blades are sleek and open upon contact to deliver a sharp cut, they sometimes might not open up, and the blade might not cut through the animal’s body.
Fixed blades are more rugged and always deliver a cut if they make contact with the body. They, however, have exposed blades that lose sharpness quickly. They also have a smaller cutting diameter than mechanical ones.
Generally, fixed blades are used for hunting large animals with thick hides, and mechanical ones are used for hunting small or medium-sized animals with high precision and accuracy.
Weight
The weight of broadheads indicated in grains is very important in determining the penetration. Lightweight ones have low penetration power and are used for animals like deer in open spaces.
Standard weight broadheads falling somewhere at 125 grains and above have deeper penetration than lightweight ones, but they have slower flight motion.
Heavyweight broadheads have greater penetration power and have prominent trajectories. They are used for larger animals with thicker hides.
Types of Broadheads
Now that you have looked at some of the top models on today’s market, you will have noticed some variations in form and exactly how they take down the game they are after. There are three main types:
Mechanical Broadheads
Mechanical broadheads-the name pretty much says it all. These are basically small machines. The blades stay tucked into the body during flight and then release upon impact with the target, expanding the wound channel and inflicting greater damage. A perk of these is that they have increased accuracy because the blades stay tucked, reducing the amount of wind that is caught.
Fixed Broadheads
Fixed broadheads have blades that stay exactly where they are all the time. Normally, these are a little bit heavier duty and have stronger blades. They are fairly accurate, but where these really shine is with their reliability and the fact that they penetrate deeper than mechanical broadheads do.
Hybrid Broadheads
Hybrid broadheads are a cross between fixed and mechanical with both fixed and expanding blades to increase both the reliability and the width of the wound channel they cause.
How to Sharpen Broadheads
Sharpening a broadhead is not very difficult, but it does involve the risk of cutting your hand. Therefore, care needs to be taken while sharpening your tool.
- A broadhead may be sharpened using a diamond stone, tool stone, or just sandpaper. Assemble your sharpening tools.
- Mark your blades on the broadhead with a marker to keep track of the amount sharpened on each blade.
- Place the broadhead down on the sharpening stone with the blade making direct contact with the stone.
- Place one hand’s index finger behind the broadhead, and the other hand’s behind the first one. Securely hold your bolt and apply pressure, moving the blade forward while pushing it downward.
- While rubbing the blades against the stone, count your strokes. Around ten are enough before you rotate to the other blades.
- Repeat the rubbing strokes, making them five for each blade this time. Go opposite in rotation this time.
- Once you are satisfied with your sharpening, run a test. Take a piece of thick cord and see how easily the blades cut it. If you feel like the blades are not yet sharp enough, repeat the process.
For a better understanding regarding how to sharpen the blades, have a look at the video below.
Conclusion
Now that you have seen some of the best options of broadheads on the market, both mechanical and fixed-style, looked at what aspects you should consider before buying, and what you should expect to get out of great quality, it is time for you to go and see what type is best for your style of hunting and the game you are after.
[sc name=”see-table-button”]
People Also Ask
In this section, we will answer some of the most asked questions related to crossbow broadheads. These answers might satisfy any queries that may have remained unattended in our previous discussion. These answers are formed after careful research and are aimed at providing a better understanding of the overall topic.
What Should Be Used to Screw on Broadheads?
There is a special wrench for screwing broadheads on crossbows. It is designed in a way that it covers the blades while you push the broadhead down in place and screw it on to a secure position. If a safety wrench isn’t used, the sharp blades can cause serious injuries. The wrenches would be available at your local hunting tools supplier.
What Grain Broadhead For Crossbow?
The most widely used grain weights for crossbows are 100 and 125-grain broadheads. This is because they cause a good projectile without compromising on accuracy. Upon contact, they prove to be adding weight enough to the bolt to make it sink inside the animals’ body, delivering a clean cut channel.