Expandable vs. Fixed Blade Broad Heads

                  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. 

Hunter Accountability

There is nothing like the first flush of the year or the last second before you let an arrow fly towards a Whitetail. These are the moments that keep us coming back for years and what also keeps us so passionate about our respected hunting sports. We as hunters also have the responsibility of upholding an ethical image for our sport. As hunting becomes more popular with each passing day, keep in mind the traditions and ethics you must pass on or keep to in order to keep hunting the rich tradition and ethical sport that has made us the hunting enthusiasts we are today.
                      
                                Your Hunt

          If you’ve ever heard the story: “I would have let him walk, but it was the last day of the season.” You probably know that this is in reference to a hunter giving an excuse as to why he harvested an animal that he or she fears others may not approve of. Well I’m here to tell you that we as hunters should not fear what other hunters may think or say. I’ve always told hunters that came to my camp; we do not have any expectations or size minimum. As long as the deer is legal and the hunter harvesting the animal is happy with their harvest, it’s no one’s business as to what another hunters sees fit to harvest?
               I firmly believe in that a hunter’s choice is his own. Like I said, given that the law or rules approve of the harvest, a hunter should be happy with any kill regardless of what others may say. I am a meat hunter first. I will harvest a doe before I shoot a first year buck. Then I am a trophy hunter, but not by any other hunters trophy standards. My personal standards are judged by me and only me. That means when I shoot a Deer, Bear or Turkey, you can bet I am absolutely thrilled with that harvest.
              You owe it to yourself to harvest what you want as long as it’s by your own standards. If you know you are capable of passing on a younger deer or bear, than do so. Don’t shoot an animal you will not be absolutely thrilled about. Your hunting experience will be far better when you can leave the woods with or without your quarry, knowing your standards were met by your own choice.

Respect other Hunters

              We as hunters have the opportunity to share our beloved sports with many others like us. That doesn’t mean that these interactions are all positive. However, there’s no reason they should be anything but sincere. It goes back to elementary school when we were all taught not to treat others any different than the way we would like to be treated. I’ve seen other hunters spot another hunter’s harvest and without hesitating, mention something negative: “Why would you shoot that?” “That’s small!” “Who told you too shoot that!” I can honestly say this makes me sick to my stomach.

Tommy with his first spike horn in the 2013
 youth hunt. Shot with a crossbow!!!!

                When I was in the sixth grade, my father and I participated in the opening day of Michigan’s rifle season. We hunted all morning. Around 3:00 pm I was awoken from a nap by a loud gun shot. My father had shot a spike horn. I cannot tell you how blessed I was to share that experience with him.  My father had gone at least four years without shooting a deer, not hard to do in Michigan where the deer herd isn’t exactly up to par. But my father is also a paraplegic. So getting to good areas to hunt is rather hard with his limited accessibility.   

Are we to expect that every hunter meet the same trophy standards as others? As long as a harvest is legal and the hunter is happy with his or her quarry, shouldn’t we be happy for them? After all, that’s what hunting is supposed to be about. The measure of joyful moments and memories go far beyond the weight or size on an animal.

                                                   Pass it on

             Could you imagine if your father or grandpa had never taken you hunting? I am forever grateful that my father, even being restricted to a wheelchair, still made the effort and time to teach my brother and me how to hunt. We spent many hours staring out the peek hole in the front of the blind that our dad made for us. Maybe once every five times we went hunting did we actually see a deer. That was the best thing that ever happened for my hunting career. It taught my brother and me that hunting was far more than just shooting trophy deer. It was about bonding and spending time together.
             We as hunters not only owe it to the future generation, but also to the sport of hunting to pass on the ethics and traditions that make hunting great. In our lives, we will work hard to harvest our game. We cannot replace those animals, but we can give back to the sport by passing it on. It’s very important that we start and continue to get new hunters involved with sport that we love so much, but to also get them started off the right way. Ultimately, the next generations of hunter’s are the most important for they will carry on the sport we love dearly.
             We as hunters love our respected hunting activities. We spend a lot of money to enjoy the pursuit of the many different game animals of our choosing. We owe it to ourselves, to other hunters and to first time hunters to show this sport the respect it deserves. Whether you are a Deer hunter, Turkey hunter or upland bird hunter, we all have the responsibility of not only being an ethical and respectful hunter, but to also pass the traditions of hunting to following generations. We must put into hunting what we take from it. That is the true goal.