Choosing Broadheads

Categories of Broadheads

Broadheads have four blades which cause massive bleeding in the victim. Because of their expense, broadheads are not used for target practice. However, there are practice blades that you can purchase for a fraction of an actual broadhead price. There are three different categories of broadheads to choose from. They are:

• Fixed blade- the fixed blade broadhead is fixed and does not move at all during its flight. It has the best penetration, but doesn’t always fly perfectly straight.
• Mechanical – the mechanical broadhead deploys the blades on contact. It usually flies the farthest because it is streamlined, but it doesn’t penetrate as deeply.
• Hybrid – a combination of the fixed blade and mechanical. While it acts as a mechanical broadhead, it has the penetration abilities of a fixed blade.

Choosing Broadheads to Suit Your Needs

Hunters should use the following criteria when choosing broadheads for their setup. The broadhead is the most effective piece of equipment you have when hunting with a bow and arrow. If the broadhead isn’t attached to your arrow correctly or it isn’t weighted properly you may as well have stayed home!

• The length and spine of the arrow should match the length of the bow.
• The broadhead weight should match that of the field points. This is key to a level and straight flight.
• Buy the best quality broadhead that you can. High quality broadheads can be re-sharpened and used over again.
• Avoid choosing broadheads with serrated edges. They will catch on the hair of the animals and significantly slow down the penetration of the broadhead. This will produce a hard to follow blood trail.
• Use helical or offset fletching. Straight fletching can cause the arrow to zig-zag and miss the target in windy conditions.
• The goal is to choose a broadhead that will cleanly slice through an animal and leave an easy to follow blood trail. This may require selecting several different broadheads and testing to see which works best with your bow and arrows. Most hunters prefer the cut on contact style of broadhead.

Where to Buy Broadheads

Broadheads can be found in many hunting goods stores and some of the larger retail stores with a sports department. The following online stores offer a variety of broadheads to the consumer:

• Cabela’s
• Archery Warehouse
• Eagle Archery
• Chicks Archery
• Bass Pro Shops

Conclusion

Choosing broadheads can be a frustrating experience. If possible, go shopping with or ask the advice of someone who has experience hunting with broadheads. Purchase several different types of broadheads and experiment to see which works best with your setup. Buy several practice blades to use instead of practicing with the expensive broadhead tips.

Experiment with your broadheads in different weather conditions, especially in the wind. This will help you determine if your broadhead and field points are properly weighted. It is preferable to use helical or offset fletching instead of straight fletching on your arrows when hunting. Straight fletching may cause your arrow to fly erratically, causing you to miss your target.

Finally, choose a quality product instead of cheap imitations. Your ultimate goal when choosing broadheads is to find one that flies true and straight, and cuts the biggest hole on impact, which leads to an easy to follow blood trail. Avoid serrated edged broadheads because they catch on the hair of the animal and slow down penetration. This results in a blood trail that is difficult to follow.