Did you know crossbow broadheads can be the difference between a good or bad day on the hunting field? Broadheads are one of the essential components of an arrow or bolt.
Make sure you get a solid one to take out the desired game animal successfully. Let’s learn how they work and what are some of the best options available on the market.
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How Crossbow Broadheads Work
A crossbow broadhead is one of the most important components for hunting with a crossbow.
Unlike great shock of energy generated by bullets, a broadhead kills by cutting blood vessels leading to massive blood loss.
As a result, the game usually suffers from a hemorrhage if the broadhead hits the targeted area of the body.
It is highly recommended to keep your broadhead razor-sharp. However, this makes it a huge safety concern, so handle it with great care and try to keep it in the quiver when not in use.
Best Broadheads for Crossbow
Now that you know how a crossbow broadhead works to bring down a game on the hunting field, it is time to look at some of the best broadheads available on the market.
There are some really good fixed and mechanical broadheads with just the right features. However, what works best for you depends on several factors.
Let’s see what the best broadheads look like:
Rage Hypodermic Trypan
The Rage Hypodermic Trypan features a 2-inch cutting diameter is a state-of-the-art Mechanical Broadhead.
The blades on this one are made from stainless steel and measure 0.39 inches. It is a 150-grain broadhead that is incredibly sharp and effective upon impact.
Rage has used their popular hybrid tip that enhances surgical accuracy.
It is also one of the most durable broadheads out there, with Shock Collar Technology allowing for the perfect blade maintenance.
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TenPoint Evo X Montec
The 100-grain TenPoint Evo X Montec has been designed for maximum impact and clear-cut accuracy.
It has a cut-on-contact design featuring three blades that offers a one 1.125 inch Cutting Diameter.
If you are in there to get the game good, this is your broadhead.
With the diamond cut sharpness and One Piece MIM construction, there is no way anything can get out alive once hit with it.
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Rage R100 Titanium
The Rage R100 is undoubtedly one of the top-performing broadheads out there, offering extreme penetration and accuracy.
With 450 fps and a mechanical design, it can take a heavy impact.
It is a premium product made from Grade Five Titanium, ensuring substantial penetration.
The rear deploying mechanical design combined with a 2-inch cutting diameter is all you need for a good day on the field.
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Muzzy Trocar
The Muzzy Trocar might be minimal when it comes to specifications, but it is undoubtedly an incredible performer on the field.
It features a total of 4 blades, out of which two are fixed, and two are mechanical. The blades are incredibly thick, measuring just 0.035 inches.
You also get 1 5/8 inches of cutting expandable diameter as well as 2-5/8 inches of total cutting diameter.
The ferrule is made from high-grade stainless steel, and the chisel tip complements it.
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Rage Crossbow X
The Rage Crossbow X Broadhead is available in two variants: 100 Grain (5 options) and 125 Grain (19 options).
Of course, the more it costs, the better it gets. It is one of the broadheads that are popular for extreme precision and accuracy.
It has ultra-sharp stainless-steel blades measuring 0.035 inches thick. In addition, the ferrule alignment technology makes it easier to attach to the bolt.
All in all, this rear deploying mechanical broadhead is all you need if you are looking for premium and effective.
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Swhacker SWH00219
The set of three 100 grain crossbow broadheads made from a hardened high carbon steel point is something you can rely on.
For even better durability, the ferrule on this one is made from anodized aircraft aluminum.
The two blades found on the broadhead are expandable and measure only 0.032 inches, making them perfect for penetration.
The blades combined with the 1.75 inches cutting diameter are perfect for taking any game out.
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New Archery Spitfire
The Spitfire by New Archery is a one of its kind crossbow broadhead that comes in a pack of 3. It is 100 Grain with a 1.5-inch cutting diameter.
The diamaze sharpened blades combined with the legendary spitfire technology are perfect for taking out any game.
You can use them with any high-speed crossbow, and they will perform up to the mark. These fronts deploying mechanical broadheads are also available in a 125-grain model.
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G5 Outdoors Striker
Featuring a 1.25 inches cutting diameter, the ultra-sharp blades on the G5 Outdoors Striker are designed for maximum damage upon impact.
The newer version of the broadhead features enhanced bolt flight as well as a machined steel ferrule.
In addition, the blades stay in their place thanks to the incredible Anix Blade Locking System.
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Slick Trick Raptor X
Both the 0.035-inch blades and the ferrule on the Slick Trick Raptor X are made from premium grade stainless steel for maximum durability.
You would never have to worry about any bends or distortion, thanks to the solid build.
The 100-grain broadhead is specifically designed with a high retention band to perform optimally in high-speed flights.
As a result, you can use it with some of the fastest crossbows out there.
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OTW Broadheads
The OTW is, without a doubt, one of the most rugged and accurate broadheads.
The ultra-sharp blade, measuring 1 inch, combined with total steel construction, makes it suitable to take out the biggest of the game.
The three fixed blades deliver a cutting diameter of 1 inch with extreme accuracy. The build is highly durable, making it last a long time.
You can take full advantage of the 100 grain, 0.02 inches thick blades and diamond-cut sharpness with some of the fastest crossbows out there.
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Fixed Blade vs. Mechanical Crossbow Broadheads
Broadheads come in two main types: fixed and mechanical.
A fixed broadhead either has three or four blades that are always open. The blades are permanently attached to the ferrule and always stay intact in their position.
Thus, even upon impact, the blades maintain their fixed position. So due to no moving blades, fixed broadheads are often prioritized by hunters.
It is believed that since no part is moving, there is a greater chance of accuracy when shooting with fixed broadheads.
On the other hand, a mechanical broadhead does not have fixed blades. Instead, the blades are closed before and during the flight. However, they open upon impact with the target.
The ferrule holds the broadheads with the aid of the hinge. It is also responsible for the opening when the target is hit.
Thus, you can either get a rear-deploying or front-deploying broadhead. Both have their own styles of opening the blades.
For instance, the front deploying broadhead opens as soon as the front tips of the blades hit the animal.
How to Install the Broadhead on a Bolt?
Since the blades of a broadhead are quite sharp, they can potentially hurt you. Therefore, I recommend you use a broadhead wrench which keeps the blades from cutting your fingers.
Once you insert the broadhead into the wrench, you can screw it onto a high-quality crossbow bolt.
You can get your hands on a broadhead wrench from the same shop you purchased the broadhead from. Just use it to screw on the broadhead and remove it once it is in place.
Here is the installation procedure in eight simple steps:
- Use identical weight and brand crossbow bolts with field points to sight in the crossbow.
- Detach the field points from the bolt/arrow.
- Check the bolt for wobbling by setting all the shafts in the arrow spinner.
- Once checked for wobbling and straightness, carefully slip on the O-ring on the ferrule.
- Start screwing the broadhead and keep tightening until you are sure it’s tightened.
- Make sure the broadhead blades are aligned with the vanes of the bolt.
- Recheck the bolt for straightness, but this time with the broadhead to ensure everything is in the perfect order.
- Take a test shot to check if the crossbow and the scope are properly sighted.
Crossbow Broadheads FAQs
Which are better, mechanical or fixed blade broadheads?
Both mechanical and fixed blade broadheads work in different ways. While the mechanical blades only open once they come in contact with the target area, the fixed blades always stay in the same position.
Professional hunters tend to prioritize fixed blade broadheads since it is popularly believed that they have a better shot accuracy. However, that does not mean that mechanical broadheads are bad. It honestly depends on your situation, environment, and the animal you want to take out.
Are crossbow broadheads any different from a regular bow?
Since a crossbow is designed to shoot at greater speeds than a regular bow, crossbow broadheads have far better features than traditional broadheads. With heavy retention abilities to stay intact during high-speed flights to stronger builds for the intense impact, a crossbow broadhead is stronger, heavier, and more durable.
How to sharpen a crossbow broadhead?
You need certain tools to sharpen a crossbow broadhead, including a broadhead sharpener, mill file, sharpening stone, petroleum wax, or jelly. Once you have all these, you can begin sharpening and then finally put on the wax or jelly to preserve the sharpened edges. If the condition of the blades is too rough, consider getting a new broadhead.
Hi, my name is Michael Goodman. As a skilled hunter and a man of the field, I will show you some sophisticated, intelligent, and useful hunting methods and techniques.
