Bow hunting is a more technical sport than a lot of people realize,
There’s a science to getting a good, clean kill.
And, at the heart of that science? The question of which broadhead you put on your arrows.
In today’s article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best broadheads available for bowhunting.
From fixed blades to mechanical, we’ve prepared a five point list to truly transform the way you hunt.
Choosing The Right Broadhead For You
“The best broadheads” is a hot topic among bow hunters.
Everybody’s got their preferences, whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who’s only just started out.
From fixed blade training models to more advanced mechanical broadheads, for improved accuracy. Whatever level you’re shooting at, you need a head that matches your skill level and your budget.
Our list, today, contains two fixed blade and three mechanical models.
Essentially, there are two categories of broadhead most bow hunters will use, in their lifetimes:
Fixed Blade Broadheads
Fixed blade broadheads are what you picture when you imagine a classic arrowhead. A pointed end, with three-to-four bladed edges tapering outwards from it, to create a cone.
There are no moving parts, and nothing is detachable in any way.
The blades are supported along their entire length, making them sturdier than mechanical models. These are considered, by many, to be the best broadheads for hunters looking for strength over versatility.
This often includes beginners and, more specifically, elk hunters.
The only concern when using this kind of broadhead is that they can influence the aerodynamics of your arrow. The bladed edges function as rudders, during a shot, and will often veer your arrow off target.
Still, with proper bow tuning and the right person shooting, there’s a lot to be said for fixed blade broadheads.
Let’s take a look at a few of the top performing models in this category:
- NAP Thunderhead: This is often touted as the strongest competitor on the fixed blade broadhead market, and it’s easy to see why.This is a three-bladed model, boasting expert construction and high-quality materials. Micro grooved ferrules improve accuracy, and Diamize Sharpened Blades are remarkably sharp.This second point, specifically, is what’s remarkable about these broadheads. Sharpened blades knock animals down quicker, encouraging hemorrhaging immediately. This translates into a quicker, less messy kill, ultimately improving your entire hunt.
- Muzzy 4 Blade Broadhead: If what you require is a fixed blade broadhead with four blades instead of three, the Muzzy 4 has design where it counts.Interlocking, removable blades can be swapped out at a moment’s notice. This makes it easy to change out from hunting to practice configurations.Hardened steel Trocar Tips, help to improve penetration. These are also handy for mitigating the effects of wind planning, creating an overall much more stable flight path for each arrow.
Mechanical Broadheads
Mechanical broadheads are designed with blades that move in and out, instead of sticking out, permanently. These edges retract, during flight, and then open once the arrow hits its target.
One of the biggest benefits of this type of head that, because the blades move in and out, they can be designed larger than fixed blades. These don’t influence the direction of the arrow as much, and are actually able to correct their course more reliably, mid-flight.
As with any piece of sports equipment, there are problems with a mechanical broadhead that can’t be avoided.
These heads, on average, aren’t as strong as fixed blades, owing to all of their moving parts and hinges.
If the blades open up out of sync, when hitting their target, this head can deflect the arrow off of its target.
They’re also more expensive, on account of their design.
- WASP Jak-Hammer SST: One of the most consistently highly-rated broadheads on the market, the Jak-Hammer is a high-quality product with a lot to offer.The Neoprene O-Ring deployment system pushes out three Razor Sharp .036″ blades upon contact. These blades are perfectly honed and aligned, and follow behind a Stainless Steel Trocar Tip, hardened to Rockwell 46C.With its ultra sharp edge, this is a mechanical broadhead that jams itself right into bone, easily. Open up a clean wound and kill more efficiently, with the WASP Jak-Hammer.
- NAP Spitfire 3 Blade: New Archery Projects’ flagship model is, unquestionably, their most popular model.And it’s easy to see why. This is a bowhead that comes, standard, with razor sharp accuracy and ultra-sharp Diamize blades. Added to that is a tough-as-nails construction, making this a broadhead that hits all the right notes.This bowhead’s reputation for flying “like a guided missile” from a bow is well deserved.
- Ramcat Broadheads: Topping lists of bowheads people switch to when they’re wanting to make a change, the Ramcat is a highly sought-after product with a great design.This is, hands down, one of the most accurate mechanical arrowheads in the world. Strong, fast, and affordable, this is quickly becoming one of the most popular broadheads on the market.
Choosing The Best Broadheads: A Question of Taste
Ultimately, the type of arrowhead you settle on comes down to a question of what you want to do with it.
We hope you’ve gotten something rewarding out of this in depth look at the best broadheads on the market, right now.
From fixed blades to mechanical, and everything in between, there’s a world of possibilities out there.
For those of you trying to find something for your first hunt, there’s no beating the stability of a fixed blade.
For those with some mileage on their bows, maybe you want to make a change to the way you’ve been doing things. Perhaps you’re a perfect candidate for a shiny new mechanical broadhead.
Whatever the case, remember to prioritize aim and strive for a more efficient kill.
From bows to broadheads, your choice of equipment is a reflection of you.
It’s important to get it right.
For more on the often-complicated world of bows, both compound and traditional, visit us today.
