When it comes to choosing what broad head you should use for
Bow hunting, the choices are endless. So many variables can deter an archer
from using one or the other. In my thirteen years of bow hunting I have used
both fixed blades and expandable broad heads. I have now rested on using an
expandable broad head for the last five years. But what is right for my setup
may not be for yours.
Accuracy
I can remember when I first heard
about expandable broad heads. The biggest selling point was that it shot like a
field tip. There is no doubt that an expandable shoots pretty close in accuracy
to that of a field point. Any experience I have had with fixed blade broad
heads has resulted in buying an extra pack just to sight in my bow. I can’t say
this is true for all brands of fixed blades, but in my experience expandable
broad heads take the cake when it comes to accuracy.
Penetration
This is a very loose statement when
I say fixed blades are better for penetration. I have used some fixed blade
broad heads that couldn’t cut through butter. With that being said, I have got
my best penetration results with fixed blade broad heads. Not to say expandable
broad heads are not getting the job done. Like I said, I have shot expandable
broad heads exclusively for the last five years. But expandable broad heads
require energy to open. For hunters shooting less than 50 pounds, it can take
away some of the kinetic energy needed for sufficient penetration.
I also worry about expandable’s
when a shot gets into the paddle bone on the shoulder. Let’s face it, we are
not all Olympic shooters and I will be the first to admit it. Even in the best
conditions our emotions can get the best of us. For that reason, even with an
expandable broad head, I like to shoot a heavy arrow. I have been fortunate
enough to get through that paddle bone on two separate occasions but I have
lost deer due to hitting that bone and not getting enough penetration.
Without retracting my previous
statement, I have to add that the expandable broad heads that have hit the
market in the last five years, combined with an arrow that delivers a high
amount of kinetic energy and a bow that shoots 70+ pounds, can result in some
devastating blows. I just favor a good fixed blade over an expandable when I
have any concerns about penetration pertaining to the rest of an bow hunter’s
setup.
Durability
Here is
where I draw the line. I will mention that the expandable broad heads have gotten
a lot better in durability, but I can never count on more than two shots with
the same broad head. I have used a couple different models from several brands
and still to this day I can’t get more than two fatal shots out of one broad
head. Keep in mind I am shooting 70 pounds with a 30 inch draw.
The
majority of fixed blades that I have used were never a problem with durability.
This is not to say that you will not run into problems with lower end brands.
Generally speaking, you will most always find that a fixed blade will be more
durable than an expandable in the same price range.
Terminal Damage
If it
sounds like I’ve been hating on all the expandable lovers out there, this one’s
for you! Just remember, I use expandable broad heads. Here is why! By far the
most gruesome terminal damage I have ever seen has come from expandables. I
have witnessed blood trails that Freddy Krueger himself would find terrifying.
Without mentioning any brands, there are some two bladed monsters on the market
that have been compensating for bad shots since their first pass through an
animal. With some brands offering a 2 inch cutting diameter, there is no doubt
they will get the blood flowing.
Cost Effective
Now that my terminal damage rant is
over, I can get on to the cost effectiveness. This should have been added to
the durability category but I made it one of its own. Being that fixed blades
are typically more durable and you can use them over and over, I have to
imagine you’ll get the picture on which style is the most cost effective. A
solid fixed blade will really only ever need to be sharpened. On the other
hand, an expandable will need replacement blades and some even need O-rings to
hold the blades in place. Whether the cost or minor differences in durability, accuracy or penetration make that much of a difference is up to you, the shooter. If I haven’t said it enough, I shoot expandable broad heads. I’m happy with my setup, but I may try a couple new products, as they are only getting better with each passing year. There are so many choices in the market today. This is just a heads up for what I have learned along the way. Just remember, you can have the best broad head on the market but if you don’t practice with your bow, you may never even hit a deer.
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