As hunting season gets closer and closer, there always seems to be one big debate among hunters: which broadhead is the best choice?
While it may seem like a simple question, there is definitely a lot of options and opinions out there.
Hunters today have plenty of different broadhead options out on the market, and each will have its own set of pros and cons. Some of the basic broadhead types available today are:
- Fixed blades
- Mechanicals
- Hybrids
It depends on your state’s laws, the quarry you are hunting, and your own set of preferences. The best broadhead for you might differ from the best broadhead for someone else. So, which one should you pick?
Fixed Blade Broadheads
Just as their name implies, these broadheads have “fixed” blades that do not move and are set in place. One of the biggest advantages of using a fixed blade broadhead is that all of the kinetic energy from the shot is used behind the arrow to propel it through an animal. With no moving parts, there is minimal kinetic energy that is lost.
Another big advantage to fixed blades is that they tend to be the most durable broadheads and certainly the most reliable. As long as the blades are sharp, there is no doubt a fixed blade will cut whatever it comes into contact with.
Mechanical Broadheads
Mechanical broadheads have expandable blades that are built-in and are deployed once the broadhead comes into contact with an animal. This gives mechanicals the advantage of being extremely aerodynamic and usually much more accurate than standard fixed blades.
Mechanical broadheads also excel at leaving big holes in animals. If they are properly deployed when hitting an animal, they leave very large and devastating hole because their cutting diameters are usually much bigger than any other broadhead types.
Hybrid Broadheads
Hybrid broadheads are exactly how their name sounds and are hybrids of both fixed blade and mechanicals. They will generally have two or more fixed blades, as well as two or more expandable blades. The idea behind hybrids is that you get the best of both worlds, the rugged reliability of fixed blades and the wide cutting diameters of mechanicals.
Hybrids are able to give you some of the benefits of both fixed and mechanicals, but if you are wanting undeniable reliability, you should probably stick with the fixed bladed broadheads. The same holds true with mechanicals. While hybrids can give you some great cutting abilities, they still won’t be quite as big as the mechanicals.
Final Thoughts
There are many different advantages and disadvantages to each type of broadhead, and ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference. So which broadhead is best for you? Consider any state or local laws and think about what broadhead attribute is most important to you. Whatever you decide to choose, don’t forget to practice with it!
