I have been talking to bowhunters for the last twenty plus years and come to a few conclusions. The first on is that archers enjoy trying nay new material in the search for the perfect piece of gear.
The second important conclusion is that everyone’s idea of what is ideal is different.
In archery every decision we make obtains a benefit but pays a price: a heavier arrow will have more penetration capacity than a lighter one but will drop quicker; a fast bow will deliver more energy but will be more critical to shoot, etc.
When it comes to broadheads, there is no difference to that cost/benefit principle. A bowhunter can prioritize penetration, or cutting diameter or perfect flight or durability as their key factor to choose a broadhead. None of them will be right or wrong as long as they make their choice aware of the cost it involves.
These two approaches represent the polar opposites of broadhead design. Quality fixed blade broadheads are designed so every part from tip to mounting threads remains completely intact after impact. Mechanicals include moving parts, with blades swinging or sliding open to maximum cutting diameter only after impact. Each approach has its advantages, and limitations.
Getting enough penetration on big animals with thick skin and large bones requires a solid broadhead.
A mechanical broadhead will have a wider cutting surface and a perfect flight. It is the right choice when stalking roedeer
Ultimately, there are no absolutes in broadhead choice. Purchasing and trying different broadheads to see which feels better to you when shooting seems like a good overall recommendation.
Choosing between mechanical and fixed broadheads is a matter of personal preference, but it also depends on the specific hunting conditions and game you pursue. Both types offer advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to make a good decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Taking into account the following aspects should also help to make a more informed decision.
Is is very important to adapt our broadhead selection to the species we are chasing and the type of hunting.
Consider the size of the game you intend to hunt and match your setup to the task.
If you are hunting for cape buffalo you probably want to consider using a solid-welded or single-piece cut-on-contact fixed blade broadhead while if you are after turkey, you will most probably think of a large cutting diameter mechanical as the sole option.
In general, as game size diminishes, skin thickness narrows and bone resistance becomes less of a problem, broadhead choices lean toward wider cutting diameters and/or mechanicals.
Your bow’s speed and kinetic energy play a role in broadhead selection.
50Lbs. compound and 27” draw length is considered the standard minimum above which an archer should not have any problem with normal hunts. This might be different if you are shooting a limited-energy traditional bow.
Whatever the case may be, you need to ensure your chosen broadhead can maintain accuracy and efficiency at your bow’s speed. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re achieving complete pass-throughs on most of the game you shoot, no need to worry. If not, maybe you should consider a more efficient broadhead design made for better penetration.
Think about your hunting environment, including wind conditions and the distance from which you typically shoot. Some broadheads handle wind better than others.
If you exclusively hunt from a tree stand or a blind at known distances around 20 meters, your concerns with wind drift will be minimal whereas if you usually stalk roe deer in open areas where you can regularly be forced to take long distance shots, your choice will be totally different.
No matter your hunting distance or style, accuracy has to be always a priority factor when selecting a broadhead. Ethical hunting implies accurate shots.
Consider all these factors, include your budget in the equation, as broadheads are a costly piece of gear, and you will be ready to select the perfect broadheads for your bowhunting adventures. Whether you opt for the precision and the wide cutting diameter of mechanical broadheads or the toughness and penetration of the fixed blade broadheads, your choice can significantly impact the success of your hunts. Make sure to practice with your chosen broadheads to fine-tune your accuracy and your hunting season will be a success.
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D2D was born with the idea of promoting still stalk hunting, through the distribution of quality equipment for the hunter.
Our mission is to effectively make available to European hunters those products and technologies that will allow them to go out into the wild and carry out their hunts in the safest and most efficient possible way.
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