The different tools that you use for hunting different kinds of animals are similar to the way fishermen using different rods or baits for different species of fish.
In terms of turkey hunting, you’ll come across something called a broadhead.
This review will discuss the various broadheads on the market and their particular features and what exactly makes them some of the best arrowheads to effectively hunt turkey.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Turkey Broadheads
- OUR TOP PICK: Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX Mechanical Broadhead
- RUNNER-UP: NAP Spitfire 100 Grain Three Blade Cut
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Swhacker Set of 3-100 Grain 2 Inch Cut
Comparison of the Best Turkey Broadheads
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What Are Broadheads?
A turkey broadhead is a special arrowhead designed specifically for turkey hunting. They’re designed to penetrate the toughest of turkey skin and bring the bird to a complete stop. The way that it stops the turkey from fleeing is by creating a huge impact wound and inflicting severe internal damage which the turkey won’t be able to recover from.
The blades used on these broadheads are extremely sharp and sturdy to inflict the most damage possible. There are more features than sharpness and strong material which make these broadheads so special.
What Makes Broadheads Great For Turkey Hunting?
Broadheads are a great way of hunting turkeys. Not only do they offer an affordable option, but they are also quite lethal and accurate. This is why most hunters and archers prefer broadheads, especially when hunting turkeys.
In this section, we will be discussing why broadheads are great for turkey hunting.
Accuracy
It’s true! Broadheads are highly accurate. The blades themselves are razor-sharp and deliver the job with just a single shot. Broadheads also feature a lightweight design, which makes them even more accurate while shooting.
Reliability
If it hits, it’s an instant kill. That is quite often the case with broadheads. Some good quality ones feature mechanisms that prevent premature blade deployment. As a result, your shots become more accurate and deadly once they hit the target. The blades are also quite sharp and are even good enough for large animals like deer or boar.
Affordable
Broadheads are available on the market at quite a reasonable price. You can find different types based on your preferred target. Apart from being affordable, they deliver high versatility, which gives you a lot of options when going for turkey hunting.
How to Choose Broadhead Arrows For Turkey Hunting
There are multiple features that make a turkey broadhead one of the best on the market. The following section will discuss the various features and qualities:
Type
There are a few types of turkey broadheads you’ll find throughout the market, all with a few unique features.
Fixed Blades
This variation is the traditional type of broadheads and is one of the most popular. A simple design which will allow for clean and easy penetration through the turkey. They can either be glued or screwed onto the arrow shaft. These are regarded as some of the most reliable on the market. However, their required regular maintenance can be an issue.
Expandable Blade
This blade is another widely used type as it’s extremely effective in penetrating the turkey and sticking inside the wound to create even more damage every time it moves.
Before firing a shot, you’ll need to retract the blades, and once it penetrates the turkey, these blades expand and stick inside the bird, making it almost impossible for them to shake it off. The one downside of these is that they often lack any support for the trailing edge of your arrow.
Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX Mechanical Broadhead
Guillotine Blade
These are easily spotted due to their long blades that are designed for clean cuts. One of the main attractions of this particular design is that they can be removed and replaced with new blades without throwing the full head away. The only disadvantage of this is that they don’t offer the same success rate as other types.
Durability
The materials that are used on these products should be highly durable and made to last. You need to keep an eye out for materials such as stainless steel or other high-quality metals. If you go for a cheaper material you could run the risk of them shattering inside the turkey which can be incredibly hard to remove.
Number of Blades
The rule is: the more blades the better. Your broadheads should have more than three blades for maximum damage. With over three blades you’ll also benefit from plenty of blood coming from the turkey which means you’ll be able to successfully track the animal if it manages to run away.
The amount of blades usually relates to what type you’re using. However, this isn’t always the case, so keep your eye out for those that have three or more blades.
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 Turkey Broadheads
One of the most important parts of this article is the review. This is the section where we discuss, in detail, the various features and pros and cons of each product we believe to be one of the best currently on the market.
Best Overall:
Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX
PROS
CONS
This Rage Broadheads are known for the massive amounts of damage they can cause because of their mechanical blade that will open inside the turkey so that it doesn’t fall out. The more the animal moves with this type, the more damage is caused.
The sleek design of the product was created to provide a more aerodynamic flight for the arrow which results in greater accuracy. Because of the speed at which you’ll be releasing your arrow, these make quite the impact at a damaging speed. However, a shock collar has been built into the body of the broadhead which limits any damage to the broadhead itself caused by the impact.
The stainless steel blades also have a two-inch cutting diameter, which is perfect for causing a lethal blow to the turkey. You’ll also be given a free practice model, which can be used to improve your shot without damaging or wearing down any of your proper broadheads.
Bottom Line
This is without a doubt, the best on this list and we believe it to be the best currently on the market. It has plenty to offer like the stainless steel blades that will retain their sharp, two-inch diameter and are able to penetrate the toughest of turkey skin. The shock absorbing collar will greatly limit the force felt by it on impact, which is a common reason why others break over time.
The aerodynamic design is also another big bonus, as most expandable blades like this offer the smoothest of flight paths. The only problem with this product is that it might take longer to load as you have retract the blades before firing.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
2"
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.039"
Runner-up:
NAP Spitfire 100 Grain Three Blade Cut
PROS
CONS
The four-inch cutting diameter of these is what attracts most hunters to this product. These were designed for destruction and that’s exactly what it’ll do. The mechanical ability will allow the broadhead to stick inside the turkey, making it impossible to shake off without causing even more damage.
The product is also protected by the stainless steel construction, as this will increase durability and protect against all of those high-speed impacts. It ensures a smooth and aerodynamic flight that will result in a clean shot with a huge exit wound through the other side. There is no way that it won’t cause enough damage for a heavy blood trail. The animal won’t get far before it collapses, if it survives the initial shot.
Bottom Line
This product is one of the best currently on the market. These are made from stainless steel meaning that it’ll be extremely durable, even against repeated high-speed impacts. The four-inch cutting diameter is a huge advantage, as this will create an even larger entry and exit wound than the previous product which means even more blood will be spilled in order to successfully track the turkey.
The mechanical design is what makes it so deadly as these retractable prongs will snap into place once they’re embedded into the turkey and can’t be shaken off without causing significant damage. The only downsides to this product are that the prongs make a clicking noise when retracted, which could scare any local turkey and they also take longer to load because of these retractable prongs.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
1 3⁄4”
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.02"
Best for the Money:
Swhacker Set of 3-100 Grain 2 Inch Cut
PROS
CONS
These have an aluminum body, this is the same grade of aluminum used on aircraft, ensuring its durability. The high carbon steel point is also what makes this product extremely durable and protected against high-speed impacts that would previously dent or damage any normal arrowheads.
The two bladed set up has a two-inch cutting diameter, which is decent for penetrating the body of any turkey and latching on to cause even more damage. The result of such an effective design is that the animal won’t be able to escape far once struck by one of these, and if they do manage to travel, the trail will be so bloody that there’s no way you won’t be able to find them.
Bottom Line
Their durability is great and the high-grade carbon steel point will have almost no chance of actually being damaged, even through high-speed impacts. The two blades will also allow for severe and deep wounds that will make it easier to track and kill. The aluminum body also adds extra certainty to the durability and reliability of the structure.
However, there are a few downsides to be aware of with these. The aluminum structure has more chance of denting compared to stainless steel, which most broadheads are made from. This product also only has two blades, which means it has more chance of falling out after a struggle and won’t cause as much damage as other products.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Aluminum ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
2"
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.032"
4. G5 Outdoors Montec 100 Grain Carbon Steel
PROS
CONS
This model is one of the fixed blade type. These are some of the most reliable and widely used broadheads on the market. The single fixed blade is known to be so sharp that it will penetrate the tough skin of the turkey and seamlessly just glide through the rest of the body out the other end.
The single blade is well-known for being extremely deadly and accurate which is why these are the oldest and most traditional variation, because they can be relied upon. These blades do require regular maintenance to ensure the sharpness of the blade for maximum effectiveness. This blade has a cutting diameter of 1/16-inch, which is decent enough to cause severe damage to the turkey at the right spot.
Bottom Line
A fixed blade is one of the most reliable designs on the market. They’re deadly if shot at the right place, as they’ll easily glide right through the turkey, tearing apart anything it comes into contact with. You’ll be benefiting from a deadly reputation that has lasted for years as hunters use this variation continuously for their hunts.
The only downsides with using this product are that it has a small cutting diameter as it only has a single blade, so the damage will be limited, requiring a more accurate shot. Also, with every hunting trip, you’ll need to sharpen your blades back to working order as they can become dull after a few shots.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Carbon Steel
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1 1⁄16"
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.030"
Best Crossbow Turkey Broadhead:
Rage Xtreme Turkey Broadhead
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the users reported flawless operation of this broadhead. They say that it is perfect for hunting turkey with high accuracy. The product itself is quite well-designed and lightweight, which is a huge plus. Users recommend using it for a reliable hunting experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a number of things that we like about this broadhead. The most important one is the lightweight design. This 100-grain broadhead is perfectly designed for minimum adjustment while hunting. It features a shock collar blade retention system, which ensures that the blade opens on contact. It is also durable and made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Bottom Line
Well, this crossbow broadhead should be on your list if you are a professional hunter. If you are hunting turkeys, using this is probably the most reliable way of killing them. The lightweight design and build quality just add to the quality of this broadhead.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Aluminum ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
2 1⁄8"
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.035”
Best Muzzy Turkey Broadhead:
Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A high percentage of positive reviews is what we get for this broadhead. Users seem to be completely satisfied with the quality and function it provides. They believe that it is quite reliable for hunting; however, blood trails might be absent sometimes. They recommend using this for an instant and safe kill.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This broadhead features two rear-deploying blades that are expandable. On impact, these blades deliver huge damage and normally result in an instant kill. The 100-grain broadhead is highly accurate even at long distances. Moreover, it uses a hardened steel trocar tip that penetrates easily while the steel ferrule negates deflection when striking bone.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a great broadhead for hunting. The blades are ideally designed to penetrate and kill instantly. In addition, it is highly accurate and is capable of striking even at long distances. It’s the perfect tool for archers and hunters.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Hybrid
Cutting Diameter:
2 5⁄8”
Number of Blades:
4
Blade Thickness:
0.035''
Best Rage Turkey Broadhead:
RAGE Hypodermic Trypan Titanium
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users were amazed by the quality and performance of this broadhead. Many users shared their experience while hunting large animals like deer and boar. They believe that this product is delivered as advertised. Recent buyers urge individuals to invest in this product for a great hunting experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What strikes us about this broadhead is the multitude of features it delivers. Apart from being highly accurate, it delivers fatal wounds on impact. The streamlined titanium ferrule promises an aerodynamic flight while the super swept-back blade delivers minimum friction. Also, high penetration capability makes it suitable for large animals.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a superb broadhead designed to kill large animals as well. The great thing about it is that it uses shock collar technology. It negates the possibility of premature blade deployment, making your every shot highly lethal.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Titanium ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Mechanical
Cutting Diameter:
2"
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.039''
8. Carbon Express XT Dual Blade
PROS
CONS
This fixed blade broadhead is completely different from the more traditional version. What gives this product such an edge are the six serrated blades that have been designed for maximum damage. These blades will cause up to 250% greater wounds than that of a standard models.
The design has also been created with an aerodynamic design that will ensure balance and pinpoint precision for the deadliest shots possible. The blades themselves have been crafted using stainless steel which makes these blades extremely durable no matter what speed they impact at. The main body is made from airplane-grade aluminum which is also highly durable.
Bottom Line
These come off as a deadly piece of kit. The six serrated blades are what make these are so deadly and reliable when it comes to hunting turkey. Each blade has a serrated edge which will just rip apart anything it comes into contact with. The power also comes from the aerodynamic design which ensures the steady speed and impact.
What protects it from such force are the durable materials used to make the broadhead, such as the stainless steel and aluminum. The only downsides are that the cutting diameter is pretty small so the damage would be limited. Another problem is having to maintain the serrated edges, as this would require more skill than just a normal sharp blade.
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Aluminum ferrule; Stainless steel blade
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
1 1⁄8"
Number of Blades:
2
Blade Thickness:
0.031''
Best Magnus Turkey Broadhead:
Magnus 100 GR
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
An overwhelmingly positive response was recorded for this broadhead. Users believe that this is one of the best broadheads available for shooting turkeys. Not only does it deliver an instant kill, but it also offers high accuracy. The blades themselves are quite sharp, which kill on impact.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This broadhead is strong, sharp, and accurate. This is why it makes a perfect killing machine, especially if you are hunting turkey. The blades can penetrate into the turkey’s body for an instant kill. In addition, the blades promise a great flight with high accuracy. It comes with three extra blades as well.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that this broadhead is perfect for killing turkeys. Most importantly, you can expect superb customer services to be offered by the manufacturer. Now, you won’t miss your target with this amazing broadhead. What more can you ask for?
Product Specs
Point Weight (Grains):
100
Material:
Stainless Steel
Type:
Fixed
Cutting Diameter:
2 3⁄4"
Number of Blades:
3
Blade Thickness:
0.048''
Pros and Cons of Using Broadheads For Turkey Hunting
There are plenty of benefits that come with using these for hunting, and like all great products, there are also a few downsides. The following section will discuss these benefits and disadvantages in more detail.
Pros
Below are the main pros:
They Are Deadly
Broadheads, no matter what type, are extremely effective at penetrating the toughest skin and causing some serious damage. Some variations are designed to spread out inside the wound and shred the inside further to completely incapacitate the bird.
They Are Durable
A decent quality design will be made from some of the strongest materials such as stainless steel. These broadheads will last you a long time and will have a very low chance of being damaged. You’ll not be picking any shards of metal out of your turkey dinner anytime soon.
They Are Reliable
You should always be able to trust that they will be able to carry out its job with extreme accuracy and effectiveness. Even the poorest performing models will provide you with a better success rate than your standard arrowhead. These are designed for killing, and that’s exactly what they’re best at.
Cons
Below are the main cons:
They Are Expensive
Like all great products, they come at a price. Depending on the type you’re going for, you’ll need to fork out a few bucks. However, you can get standard turkey broadheads that are the most reliable and widely used for a good price. This downside is mainly for guillotine broadheads.
They Need Regular Maintenance
Some need more maintenance than others, regardless, all of your broadheads will need to be regularly cleaned and kept in working shape so that you’ll benefit from a clean kill while hunting. These products are designed to be highly effective at killing. However, this will only happen if you take care of them, and this takes up precious time.
Comparison Overview
Nowadays, you can find a variety of broadheads designed for different purposes. Which one will suit you best? Well, it depends upon your individual preferences and purpose for the purchase. However, we will be discussing only a few types and how they are similar or different from one another.
100 vs. 125 Grain Broadhead
You might be wondering whether you need a 100 or a 125-grain broadhead. Well, you don’t have to wonder about that anymore! Here are some similarities and differences between the two to clarify what you need.
Similarities
100 grain and 125-grain broadheads are alike in quite a few aspects. Some of them are:
Penetration
Both the 100 grain and 125 grain have nearly identical penetration. Both of them are quite deadly, even at long ranges.
Trajectory
Yes, there is nearly no difference in the trajectory of these two broadheads. Although the 125-grain broadhead is heavier, both share almost similar projectile motion.
Differences
Here are some of the differences between the two.
Cheap
100-grain broadheads are definitely cheaper than 125-grain broadheads. They are lighter and quite easy to operate as compared to the latter.
Purpose
A 100-grain broadhead might not be as effective at killing large animals as 125-grain broadheads. If you’re hunting for smaller animals like turkey, the former will do; however, for larger animals, you need the latter.
2 Blade vs. 3 Blade Broadhead
If you are looking for a broadhead, you might come across this situation; do I need a two-blade or a three-blade broadhead? Don’t worry; here we will disclose some of the similarities and differences between the two.
Similarities
Here are some similar aspects between two-blade and three-blade broadheads.
Cutting Area
Both have a similar cutting area in terms of width. In other words, the width of the hole they cut is almost similar.
Differences
The following are some differences between the two-blade and three-blade broadheads.
Type of Hole
A 3 blade broadhead usually leaves three flaps on impact while a two-blade will basically cut one hole.
Blood Trail
A 2 blade broadhead might offer better penetration; however, it lacks in blood trails. A 3 blade is definitely more reliable for visible blood trails.
Conclusion
There are plenty of factors that come into consideration when determining what makes a great turkey broadhead. You should always make sure you’re going for the best-suited variation, as they’ve all got their unique features that come in useful in different situations or in various methods of hunting. Hopefully, this article has helped you find your next set and even taught you a few things on how to find the best broadheads.
People Also Ask
There are always some questions in the mind of people during purchase. It is necessary to address those to ensure customer satisfaction. To help you in the buying process, we have listed some frequently asked questions. Not only will they help you answer your queries, but they will also save you from any inconvenience.
What Grain Broadhead Should I Use?
There are different types of broadheads available in the market. Some of them are light in weight, while others are relatively heavier. If you are shooting small animals like turkey, a lightweight broadhead will do the job. However, if you’re looking to hunt large animals like deer or boar, a heavier broadhead is the way to go.
What Type Of Impact Do Broadhead-Tipped Arrows Deliver?
Broadhead-tipped arrows are quite commonly used for hunting. It is because of their affordable, lethal, and accurate nature that makes them an attraction. Broadhead-tipped arrows typically deliver a low-energy impact. On contact, it kills by cutting the vital tissues of the target, which quite often proves fatal.
Killing a turkey with a bow is one of hunting’s greatest challenges. Successfully hunting turkeys is difficult enough with a shotgun. A bow just complicates matters further. The vital area on a turkey is very small, leaving little room for error. The correct broadhead can be the difference between success and failure.
Dan Ellyson of A1 Archery in Hudson, Wisconsin recommends mechanical broadheads for turkey hunting. They create large entrance wounds and massive internal destruction. Specifically, Ellyson and the A1 ProStaffers use Rocket Broadheads. He likes the Miniblaster for shooting through ground blind material and the Hammerhead in all other applications. The 100 grain Hammerhead provides a two inch cut channel. The 75 grain Miniblaster features an 1 ¾” cut.
No matter which mechanical broadhead you use, Ellyson recommends targeting turkeys right above the legs. He calls it, “shooting for the drumsticks”. He says taking out the legs will put the broadhead right into the vitals and makes it impossible for turkeys to run away, thus a crippled bird is much easier to track and kill.
Guillotine style broadheads are very popular with turkey hunters right now. The Gobbler Guillotine and the Magnus Bullhead are the two most popular. These broadheads are only effective for head shots. This limits their effectiveness to 15 or perhaps 20 yards since the potential target is much smaller. There are also significant arrow and bow considerations to make before shooting these broadheads. On the plus side, with a guillotine style broadhead you will either make a clean miss or completely decimate a gobbler.
Choosing the correct broadhead is one of many factors leading to successfully taking a turkey with archery equipment. In this edition of Foremosthunting.com's Archery Journal, Dan Ellyson of A1 Archery shows us his favorite broadheads for turkey hunting and how they are best utilized.
