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How To Test Your Broadheads
How To Test Your Broadheads
DIY Bowhunting Ballsitics: by Kirk Deeter
Selecting a bowhunting broadhead is a highly subjective matter. For example, you might prefer broadheads with a large cutting diameter for whitetails from a treestand, while I might lean toward a broadhead that packs more penetration punch for shooting elk on a flatter trajectory. Of course, factors like cost and durability also matter to most hunters. And that's all before we start considering biases toward fixed, versus mechanical, versus replaceable, versus three- or four-blade options...
I recently completed an admittedly non-scientific broadhead ballistics test for Field & Stream's Bowhunting Handbook, focused on one category: replaceable four-blade broadheads. For kicks, I also shot some mechanical and fixed-blade heads to gain some comparative perspective. If you want to conduct your own field testing and draw your own conclusions, it's easy to do, and worth the effort as you fine tune your setup for the season ahead. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how I did the test that dialed me in on what I'll be using this fall.
Selecting a bowhunting broadhead is a highly subjective matter. For example, you might prefer broadheads with a large cutting diameter for whitetails from a treestand, while I might lean toward a broadhead that packs more penetration punch for shooting elk on a flatter trajectory. Of course, factors like cost and durability also matter to most hunters. And that's all before we start considering biases toward fixed, versus mechanical, versus replaceable, versus three- or four-blade options...
I recently completed an admittedly non-scientific broadhead ballistics test for Field & Stream's Bowhunting Handbook, focused on one category: replaceable four-blade broadheads. For kicks, I also shot some mechanical and fixed-blade heads to gain some comparative perspective. If you want to conduct your own field testing and draw your own conclusions, it's easy to do, and worth the effort as you fine tune your setup for the season ahead. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how I did the test that dialed me in on what I'll be using this fall.
Photo by Kirk Deeter
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Photo Gallery Comments (6)
Thank ya very much for this guide and all the helpful little tips. The ballistic jell recipe was VERY helpful. Great job and keep it up!
Rage broadheads for all of those interested in a mechanical. They're un-real!
They arn't held together by rubber bands... They just slip in place and never come un done. I had one come un done when I shot a deer because I didn't check it. It still put a 2 inch hole and the 6 point dropped 45 yards away. I couldn't lose the blood trail if I wanted too. Check em out guys!!!
I agree with you bowhunter352 Rage broadheads are the best on the market in my perspective. I shot a buck with them this year and he only went 26 yards . The bloodtrail looked like a murder scene and the entry hole was big enough I could fit my fist through it.
the rage broadheads are unreal for whitetails, but I like the bone busting muzzys for the bigger game but thats my opinion
I agree that rage can be extremely lethal. I have seen them do some incredible damage, but just like any other mechanical, they still are less reliable than a fixed blade broadhead. I have seen the rage wound two deer simply due to lack of penetration on a 30 yard shot. You still have to deal with o-rings, and while these are more reliable than the rubber bands, the more moving parts you add to any mechanical device, the more chance for error there will be. I still shoot thunderheads and gold tips arrows, just because I think they have incredible knockdown power and have a comparable (not quite as murderous, but lethal nonetheless) cutting diameter to the rage. Also, the thunderheads and gold tips have staying power in the market and are proven products, which for someone on a budget like me, is very reassuring.
...but the rage is still pretty damn awesome.
I have never been able to get the muzzys to shoot very well. They shoot all over the place. With the maniac by aftershock there is no adjusting your sights between your field tips and the maniac. For larger game the penetration is unreal. They have no problem putting down game like elk.
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Rage broadheads for all of those interested in a mechanical. They're un-real!
They arn't held together by rubber bands... They just slip in place and never come un done. I had one come un done when I shot a deer because I didn't check it. It still put a 2 inch hole and the 6 point dropped 45 yards away. I couldn't lose the blood trail if I wanted too. Check em out guys!!!
I agree with you bowhunter352 Rage broadheads are the best on the market in my perspective. I shot a buck with them this year and he only went 26 yards . The bloodtrail looked like a murder scene and the entry hole was big enough I could fit my fist through it.
the rage broadheads are unreal for whitetails, but I like the bone busting muzzys for the bigger game but thats my opinion
Thank ya very much for this guide and all the helpful little tips. The ballistic jell recipe was VERY helpful. Great job and keep it up!
I agree that rage can be extremely lethal. I have seen them do some incredible damage, but just like any other mechanical, they still are less reliable than a fixed blade broadhead. I have seen the rage wound two deer simply due to lack of penetration on a 30 yard shot. You still have to deal with o-rings, and while these are more reliable than the rubber bands, the more moving parts you add to any mechanical device, the more chance for error there will be. I still shoot thunderheads and gold tips arrows, just because I think they have incredible knockdown power and have a comparable (not quite as murderous, but lethal nonetheless) cutting diameter to the rage. Also, the thunderheads and gold tips have staying power in the market and are proven products, which for someone on a budget like me, is very reassuring.
...but the rage is still pretty damn awesome.
I have never been able to get the muzzys to shoot very well. They shoot all over the place. With the maniac by aftershock there is no adjusting your sights between your field tips and the maniac. For larger game the penetration is unreal. They have no problem putting down game like elk.
Post a Comment