Fixed Blade Broadheads
Fixed blade broadheads have blades that are permanently fixed in position at all stages of the shot.
Pros
- Reliability.
- Possess strong blades.
- Offer good penetration.
- Generally are more economically priced.
Cons
- Limited cutting diameter.
- Prone to “catching the wind” more during flight, slowing
arrow’s ability to correct itself. - May cause erratic flight of the arrow when shot out of an improperly tuned bow.
Mechanical Broadheads
Mechanical broadheads have blades which by design are hidden during flight and open upon contact with the target.
Pros
- Offers a larger cutting diameter.
- Diameter of blades during flight is smaller and affected less by wind.
- Design enables the arrow to correct itself in flight very quickly.
- Generally impacts close in proximity to field points on improperly tuned bows.
Cons
- Blades are sometimes weaker in design.
- Possibility of premature deployment of blades.
- They are more expensive.
- Blades may deflect arrow off its trajectory path by not opening in synchronicity when the animal is standing at a poor angle (not broadside).
- Requires a quiver that “grabs” the arrow in two spots while containing the broadhead in a hollow compartment.
Blood trail from a Rage mechanical broadhead
Click link for a video of a blood trail from a mechanical broadhead.
Summary on broadheads
Both styles of broadheads will kill an animal with a properly placed shot. Fixed blade broadheads are generally more dependable but deliver a less forgiving arrow flight and a smaller cutting diameter. This results in tougher animal recovery after an undesired hit.
Mechanical broadheads are a newer technology. They deliver better arrow flight and greater cutting diameters. This results in a higher recovery rate of shot game.
If you meet these conditions, mechanical broadheads may be a good choice for you:
- You have a quiver that grabs the arrow in two places.
- You can keep your broadheads in mint condition.
- You do not take shots when the animal is at a poor angle.
Mechanical broadheads will normally deliver better blood trails and a higher success rate in finding downed game.
Do not shoot mechanical broadheads that you intend to hunt with into an archery target for practice. This may cause unnecessary wear and tear on the components of the broadhead. This will increase the chance of premature blade deployment during arrow flight. Use practice heads if offered by the manufacturer or field points.
Pictures of animals shot with 100 grain two blade Rage broadheads.
Whitetail deer shot at 52 yards
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https://shootingtime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/broadheads/photo-1.jpg
Coyote shot at 28 yards
https://shootingtime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/broadheads/photo-3.jpg