From new arrivals to old standbys, hunting broadheads are better than ever in 2021.
Broadhead technology has advanced significantly since the early days of stone arrow points and wooden shafts. This year’s lineup features more reliable models with innovative hybrid designs that boost penetration for a clean kill shot every time—no matter what you hunt or where your prey might hide.
For easy-to-handle fixed blades designed for maximum blade exposure (and less sound) there is an emphasis on quiet performance while retaining surgical sharpness so they can be rigged into almost any bow setup without sacrificing accuracy at short ranges–or power when used out past 40 yards!
When it comes to bow hunting, the broadhead is one of the most important factors. It determines how quickly and humanely your prey will be killed. The best way to get a good sense of which type you need is by looking at what kind of animal you are hunting for as well as what type of bow you will be using while on the hunt.
Broadheads come in three different categories: fixed blade, mechanical blades, and hybrids. Each has its own advantages that make them better suited for certain situations over others.
The articles linked above delve into the details about how to select a broadhead when going hunting for deer, elk, or moose but also helps you choose specific models and brands so that you can be sure you have the best broadhead for your next hunt.
Fixed Blade Broadheads
A fixed blade broadhead means there are no mechanical or moving parts on its body– it’s made from one solid piece that makes it reliable and durable so you don’t have anything to easily break if it hits some bone on its way through an animal. They are also very reliable due to this solid design and while they may not make as big of a wound channel as their mechanical counterparts, if you put them in the right place they will do the job every time!
Fixed blade broadheads are also very easy to sharpen and maintain. They don’t have any moving parts that can get gummed up with blood or other fluids so they’re a great choice for hunters who want something simple, reliable but still able to do the job when needed!
The main drawback of fixed blade broadheads is that they are not as aerodynamic in flight. This can make them less accurate than mechanical broadheads, but if you’re hunting large game or shooting at moderate ranges then they should be just fine!
Also, keep in mind that fixed blade broadheads do not always shoot the same as your field points. Make sure to test your fixed blades by shooting them for accuracy to ensure they are hitting in the right place. It is common that a bow will have different impact points from both heads, so make sure it’s tuned properly beforehand!
Mechanical Broadheads
Mechanical broadheads are a newer invention to the hunting world. They work by holding blades inside of their body until they impact an object, which will cause them to expand upon contact. There is one major benefit that mechanicals have over regular-style broadheads: accuracy; and another noticeable perk for these types of arrows is how much larger in diameter they can cut when compared with traditional ones. This can produce an impressive wound channel that makes blood tracking very easy and takes the game down quickly and effectively.
The downside to mechanical broadheads is that they are more expensive than traditional ones, and the blades can be broken or bent with repeated use. They also require a little bit of maintenance after each use in order to keep them working properly; this includes making sure they are clean and not gummed up with blood, checking their alignment, or replacing any broken parts if needed (which will happen eventually).
Mechanical broadheads can also be a bit more finicky than fixed blades. Many models have elastic bands or plastic clips which keep the blades closed before impact which can come loose or even come off if they get snagged in the brush or are carried for repeated hunts without being checked.
Mechanicals can also have slightly less penetration than fixed blades. Especially if you have a lighter draw weight or shorter draw length.
Hybrid Broadheads
Hybrid broadheads are a mix of fixed blade and mechanical. They have the best features from both designs, but they can also be more expensive than either design on its own. They require extra engineering to make them work properly with each other without sacrificing any performance or flight characteristics (i.e., you don’t need an elastic band if your blades stay closed). Hybrid heads will perform a lot like a mechanical head when they make a good impact but still have a fixed blade portion that prevents clean pass-throughs if the mechanical blades do not deploy properly.
How To Choose The Best Broadheads
Choosing the best broadhead has a lot of personal decisions built into it. If you want the biggest wound channel possible then you will want a mechanical. If you want tried and true reliability, then you want a fixed blade broadhead. If you shoot lighter weights and shorter draw lengths, then you probably want a fixed blade as well.
I tend to use fixed blade broadheads for almost all of my big game hunting. I find that if I put a well-aimed shot where it needs to go then a good quality fixed blade broadhead does the job every time without the concern of any mechanical failures.
I also like the simplicity of a fixed blade broadhead. There is no need to worry about blades not deploying properly or any other mechanical failures that can happen with some types. There is such a wide variety to choose from and are available in so many different weights for all sorts of hunting situations from heavy-duty deer hunters up to big bull elk!
Make sure you dig into our guides, reviews, and product recommendations linked above to learn more about the different types of broadheads available on the market today, and make sure you get the best broadhead for your next hunt!
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