Hunting with a bow and arrow is an ancient practice that has been around for centuries. Over time, the equipment has evolved to become more efficient and accurate. One of the most critical components of a bowhunting setup is the broadhead. A broadhead is the tip of the arrow that is responsible for delivering a lethal blow to the animal being hunted.
There are two types of broadheads: fixed blade and mechanical. A fixed blade broadhead has blades that are permanently attached to the arrow shaft, while a mechanical broadhead has blades that deploy upon impact. In this article, we will be focusing on the best mechanical broadheads.
When choosing a mechanical broadhead, it’s essential to consider the size of the blades, the weight of the broadhead, and the type of game being hunted. A larger blade will create a larger wound channel, but a heavier broadhead may cause the arrow to fly slower. It’s also crucial to choose a broadhead that is suitable for the game being hunted, as some broadheads may not be strong enough for larger game.
After researching and testing various mechanical broadheads, we have identified the top products that provide reliable accuracy and lethal performance.
Best Mechanical Broadheads
When it comes to bowhunting, choosing the right broadhead is crucial. Mechanical broadheads have gained popularity due to their accuracy and increased penetration. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best mechanical broadheads that will help you take down your prey with precision and ease. So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, our list has got you covered.
Slick Trick Assailant, Hybrid Mechanical Broadhead
If you’re looking for a broadhead that delivers precision field-point accuracy and a massive cutting surface, the Slick Trick Assailant is a great choice.
Pros
- The hybrid-style broadhead with a 2 5/8″ total cutting surface delivers a massive wound channel.
- The Assailant features 1 3/4″ expandable heads and a 7/8″ fixed bleeder blade for maximum damage.
- The stainless steel construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
Cons
- The Assailant is a bit heavier than other broadheads at 100 grains, which may affect arrow speed.
- Some users have reported that the fixed blades are a bit difficult to sharpen.
- The Assailant is on the pricier side compared to other mechanical broadheads.
The Slick Trick Assailant is a hybrid mechanical and fixed broadhead that delivers a massive 2 5/8″ total cutting surface, making it a great choice for hunters looking for maximum damage. The broadhead features 1 3/4″ expandable heads and a 7/8″ fixed bleeder blade, ensuring a devastating wound channel. The stainless steel construction of the broadhead ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
While the Assailant is a bit heavier than other broadheads at 100 grains, it still delivers precision field-point accuracy. However, some users have reported that the fixed blades are a bit difficult to sharpen. Additionally, the Assailant is on the pricier side compared to other mechanical broadheads.
Overall, if you’re looking for a broadhead that delivers a massive wound channel and long-lasting performance, the Slick Trick Assailant is a great choice.
Grim Reaper X-Bow Mechanical Broadhead Razor Cut 1 1/2-Inch 3 Blade, 100 Grain
If you’re looking for a broadhead that is specifically designed for high-speed crossbows, the Grim Reaper X-Bow Mechanical Broadhead is a great choice.
Pros
- The one-piece stainless steel tip ensures durability and accuracy.
- The 3-blade design with a 1 1/2″ cut produces devastating holes.
- The blades stay closed even at fast speeds, making it field point accurate at speeds over 400 fps to 100 yards.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the tip tends to bend.
- The broadheads were broken upon impact in some cases.
- The blades never opened in some situations.
I used these broadheads to harvest two deer this year. One was a high lung shot at 15 yards, and that deer made it about 100 yards, which did not surprise me as it was a little keyed up when I took the shot. The other deer was a doe that I shot at about 25 yards, and it only went about 30 yards before it expired. The broadhead left a devastating hole in both deer and did not damage the meat.
The Grim Reaper X-Bow Mechanical Broadhead is field point accurate at speeds over 400 fps to 100 yards, making it a great choice for high-speed crossbows. The one-piece stainless steel tip ensures durability and accuracy, while the 3-blade design with a 1 1/2″ cut produces devastating holes. The blades stay closed even at fast speeds, ensuring accuracy and consistent performance.
However, some users have reported that the tip tends to bend, and the broadheads were broken upon impact in some cases. Additionally, some users have reported that the blades never opened in some situations, which can be frustrating.
Overall, if you’re looking for a broadhead that is specifically designed for high-speed crossbows, the Grim Reaper X-Bow Mechanical Broadhead is a great choice. It is accurate, durable, and produces devastating holes. However, it is important to be aware of the potential issues with the tip and blades.
New Archery Products Spitfire 3-Blade Mechanical Broadhead for Crossbow
The NAP Spitfire 3-Blade Mechanical Broadhead for Crossbow is a reliable and efficient choice for avid archers looking for great accuracy and knock-down power.
Pros
- The Spitfire Broadhead from NAP performs better than any other mechanical broadhead thanks to its ultra-sharp Diamize blades, creating massive hemorrhaging and knock-down power.
- The Micro Grooved Slimline Ferrule greatly increases flight accuracy and penetration power, making it the most accurate broadhead in the world.
- The patented spring clip technology ensures that the blades will stay closed in your quiver and in flight without the need for any rubber bands or o-rings.
Cons
- The blades are not replaceable, which means you have to buy a new set of broadheads when the blades become dull or damaged.
- The broadhead may not be suitable for hunters who prefer fixed blade broadheads.
- The broadhead is only available in 100/125-grain weight.
The NAP Spitfire 3-Blade Mechanical Broadhead for Crossbow is a high-performance broadhead that delivers reliable accuracy and trauma to drop your quarry right where it stands. Its ultra-sharp Diamize blades create massive hemorrhaging and knock-down power, making it the most efficient mechanical broadhead on the market. The Micro Grooved Slimline Ferrule greatly increases flight accuracy and penetration power, ensuring that the broadhead flies straight with pinpoint accuracy. The patented spring clip technology ensures that the blades will stay closed in your quiver and in flight without the need for any rubber bands or o-rings.
However, the blades are not replaceable, which means you have to buy a new set of broadheads when the blades become dull or damaged. The broadhead may not be suitable for hunters who prefer fixed blade broadheads. Additionally, the broadhead is only available in 100/125-grain weight.
Overall, the NAP Spitfire 3-Blade Mechanical Broadhead for Crossbow is a great choice for hunters who want reliable accuracy and knock-down power from their broadheads.
KEAUP Mechanical Broadhead
If you’re looking for a reliable mechanical broadhead that offers great penetration and can be reused season after season, then the KEAUP Mechanical Broadhead may be the right choice for you.
Pros
- No need for collar replacement
- Can be reused
- Offers super penetration
Cons
- May not be suitable for all types of bows
- May be too heavy for some hunters
- Blades may become dull after multiple uses
This mechanical broadhead from KEAUP features a one-piece steel ferrule and .036″ stainless steel blades that are tough and razor-sharp. The 2-blade design ensures a wide cutting diameter of 2″, making it an ideal choice for hunters who want to take down their prey quickly and efficiently.
One of the biggest advantages of this broadhead is that it doesn’t require a collar replacement, which means you don’t have to remove the broadhead from the shafts to replace a new collar. Instead, you can combine the blades directly, which saves you time and effort.
Another great feature of this broadhead is that it can be reused, which is perfect for hunters who want to save money and reduce waste. The KEAUP Mechanical Broadhead can be sharpened easily and quickly, giving you a razor-sharp head that will last season after season.
However, it’s worth noting that this broadhead may not be suitable for all types of bows. It’s also relatively heavy, which may be a concern for some hunters. Additionally, the blades may become dull after multiple uses, which means you’ll need to sharpen them regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Overall, if you’re looking for a mechanical broadhead that offers great penetration, can be reused, and doesn’t require collar replacement, then the KEAUP Mechanical Broadhead is definitely worth considering. With its tough, razor-sharp blades and wide cutting diameter, it’s a reliable choice for any hunting enthusiast.
BLOODSPORT Nitefall Hunting Rear-Deploying Hybrid Mechanical Broadhead
The BLOODSPORT Nitefall Hunting Rear-Deploying Hybrid Mechanical Broadhead is a perfect choice for avid archers who are searching for great efficiency.
Pros
- The Nitefall innovative construction provides increased flight accuracy and greater penetration.
- The blades of this Bloodsport hunting arrow broadhead are crafted of 420 stainless steel which provides good corrosion & temperature resistance plus increased strength and hardness.
- The patent-pending lock holds blades and eliminates the necessity of rubber bands or O-rings.
Cons
- The 2-inch cutting diameter mechanical blades may not be legal in some states.
- The broadhead is quite expensive compared to other mechanical broadheads in the market.
- The broadhead is not suitable for beginners due to its complicated design.
The BLOODSPORT Nitefall Hunting Rear-Deploying Hybrid Mechanical Broadhead is a very efficient and reliable broadhead that can be used with both compound bows and crossbows. The broadhead features a large triangular blade flanked by two razor-sharp mechanicals that fold into a hardened chisel-tip ferrule for in-flight precision. The unforgiving blades immediately open on impact to create a menacing cutting force that spans 2 inches in diameter. The innovative construction of the Nitefall places these blades behind the point, providing increased flight accuracy and greater penetration.
Crafted of 420 stainless steel, the blades of this Bloodsport hunting arrow broadhead are ultra-durable and provide good corrosion & temperature resistance plus increased strength and hardness. The patent-pending lock holds blades and eliminates the necessity of rubber bands or O-rings, making the broadhead more reliable and durable. However, the 2-inch cutting diameter mechanical blades may not be legal in some states, and the broadhead is quite expensive compared to other mechanical broadheads in the market. Additionally, the broadhead is not suitable for beginners due to its complicated design.
Overall, if you are an experienced archer looking for a reliable and efficient broadhead, the BLOODSPORT Nitefall Hunting Rear-Deploying Hybrid Mechanical Broadhead is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When shopping for the best mechanical broadheads, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look out for:
Blade Material
The blade material is an important factor to consider when choosing mechanical broadheads. You want to ensure that the blades are made of high-quality and durable material that can withstand the impact of hitting your target. Stainless steel is a popular choice for blade material due to its strength and rust-resistant properties.
Blade Size
The size of the blade is also important. You want to choose a broadhead with a blade that is large enough to deliver a lethal blow to your target. However, a larger blade may also mean a slower arrow speed, which can affect accuracy. It’s important to find a balance between blade size and arrow speed.
Cutting Diameter
The cutting diameter refers to the size of the wound channel created by the broadhead. A larger cutting diameter can increase your chances of making a successful shot by creating a larger wound channel. However, a larger cutting diameter also means a larger surface area, which can slow down the arrow and affect accuracy.
Weight
The weight of the broadhead can also affect accuracy and penetration. A heavier broadhead can provide deeper penetration, but it can also slow down the arrow and affect accuracy. It’s important to find a balance between weight and accuracy.
Expandable vs Fixed Blade
Mechanical broadheads come in two types: expandable and fixed blade. Expandable broadheads have blades that deploy upon impact, while fixed blade broadheads have blades that remain open at all times. Expandable broadheads are known for their accuracy and penetration, while fixed blade broadheads are known for their durability and reliability.
Price
Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing mechanical broadheads. While you don’t want to sacrifice quality for a lower price, you also don’t want to overspend on a product that doesn’t meet your needs. It’s important to find a balance between price and quality.
In summary, when choosing the best mechanical broadheads, consider the blade material, blade size, cutting diameter, weight, expandable vs fixed blade, and price. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a product that meets your needs and provides the best performance.