Learn To Choose The Right Broadhead

fishing
BIG RED FULTON, TX MUD ISLAND
June 26, 2018
A Love For Bowhunting And More
August 1, 2019

If you are going to bow hunt for big game animals, you will have to have an arrow tipped with a broadhead.  A broadhead is a razor sharp arrow point that is designed to penetrate and cut with extreme efficiency. Most states require that the cutting diameter be a minimum of 7/8 of an inch. Broadheads come in various shapes and sizes and have different flight characteristics as well.

One type that has become extremely common over the last decade is mechanical.  These are a favorite of many hunters for a variety of reasons.  One reason is that many of them have field point precision. By this, I mean that you can unscrew a 100-grain field point and screw on a 100-grain mechanical broadhead, in most cases they will hit the exact same spot.  This eliminates the need for broadhead tuning.  Another benefit of mechanicals is that they typically have larger cutting diameters than fixed blade heads.  This larger cutting surface means a larger hole in the animal which leads to better blood trails and a quicker recovery.  With these two advantages, it would seem that everyone would shoot mechanicals. However, there are many who question the durability, penetration, and reliability of mechanical broadheads opening properly upon impact.

Fixed Blade Broadhead

Another type of broadhead is the four blade fixed broadhead.  These are typically fairly tough and usually have a cutting diameter from 7/8 inch to as much as 1 1/2 inch with most being around 1 inch.  Some of these will fly the same as a field point on a particular set up but most will not. As a general rule, the larger the head, the more likely that it will need to be tuned or you will need to adjust your sights. These four blades heads are a staple for archers and have been chosen for their durability as well as multiple cutting surfaces.

A final type many hunters use is a single blade cut on contact broadhead.  This head has less cutting surface than either of the above mentioned, but it is by far the most durable and has the best penetration. This is the head that is often used when hunting extremely large or dangerous game animals. Animals like the Cape buffalo.  With a perfect shot, this head is extremely efficient.

Regardless of which broadhead you choose, shot placement is crucial.  Be sure to practice with your broadheads out to the distances you will shoot while hunting.  Pay attention to the impact point as well as the flight of the arrow.  An arrow that flies true with a sharp broadhead is as deadly as any bullet. The key is making the perfect shot.  Remember that practice makes perfect.

Brian Johnson

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