Broadheads

Fixed blade vs. mechanical broadheads

Fixed blade broadheads have no moving parts. What is sharp in the box is sharp on impact, and nothing has to deploy. The tradeoff is flight: with more blade surface in the air, a fixed head exposes a poorly tuned bow, so plan on shooting them before the season and adjusting your rest.

Mechanical broadheads fly with blades folded, which brings them closer to field-point flight. They open on contact and usually cut a wider hole. They spend some energy opening, which matters more on lighter setups. Hybrids, like the Grim Reaper, Muzzy Trocar and Swhacker hybrid listings here, pair fixed blades with expanding ones.

A few states regulate expandable heads. Check your state wildlife agency before you settle on a mechanical.

Blade count, cut and grain weight

Names on this shelf spell out the design. Two-blade heads like the G5 T2, Swhacker 2-blade and Ravin steel 2-blade trade cutting surface for penetration. Three- and four-blade heads such as the Muzzy MX-3, MX4, Wasp Drone and G5 Deadmeat do the opposite. Magnus offers a single bevel option, and Rage lists chisel tip versions.

Grain weight should match your field points, usually 100 or 125 grains. QAD Exodus, for example, comes in both. If you move up in weight, check that your hunting arrows still have the right spine.

Broadheads for crossbows

Crossbows push heads faster than most compounds, and several brands build crossbow versions for that. Look for XBOW in the name: the G5 Striker V2, Deadmeat and Megameat, Muzzy Trocar, Rage Hypodermic and Hypo 2, and Wasp Jak-X SST all have one. Our crossbow broadheads sub-collection narrows it further. TenPoint, Ravin and Excalibur heads are made by crossbow companies.

Keeping heads safe and sharp

Broadheads are the one part of your kit that should never get dull or loose. The G5 Torkee and Allen wrenches hold heads while you tighten them, and the G5 Vault and MTM mechanical cases keep spares covered in a pack. In the field, a bow quiver with a deep hood protects the edges. After a hit, the game processing and skinning knives aisles take it from there, and a knife sharpener handles both.

Practice like you hunt

Broadhead flight problems tend to hide at 10 yards and show up at 30 and beyond. Shoot your hunting heads at the distances you expect, from the height of your treestand if that is where you sit, and with the same bow release you will carry. A rangefinder lets you mark trees and landmarks in advance, so the only decision left when a deer steps out is which pin to use.

Broadhead FAQs

Should I shoot fixed or mechanical broadheads?

If your bow is well tuned and you want nothing that can fail to open, go fixed. If you want flight closer to field points and a larger cut, go mechanical, and check your state's rules first.

What grain broadhead should I use?

Match your field points, commonly 100 or 125 grains, so your sight pins stay true. Heavier heads need a stiffer arrow spine.

Can I use regular broadheads on a crossbow?

Many crossbow owners use heads rated for crossbows, since bolts travel faster. Look for XBOW in the product name or the crossbow maker's recommendation.

Do I need to practice with broadheads?

Yes. Shoot your actual hunting heads before the season to confirm they hit with your field points, and retire any practice head that dulls.