Are you into bowhunting and want to be on the cutting edge? Well, you can take your hunt to the next level by investing in the best mechanical broadheads.
Mechanical broadheads, a more innovative approach to broadheads, is a bowhunter’s biggest advantage. It combines superior flight, accuracy, and maximum blood trail, which are key aspects when honing in on the best broadheads for deer. Also, some hybrid models provide the reliability and penetration of fixed broadheads for all-around performance.
This article discusses our picks for the best expandable broadheads. And it does not matter whether you are new to bowhunting or a veteran needing a brush-up. I have a guide that outlines the features to look for when choosing the best mechanical broadheads.
Best Mechanical Broadheads Review
1. Rage Crossbow X 2-Blade Archery Broadhead
Crossbows are getting faster and faster. Still, mechanical tips cannot withstand the speed and force that crossbows deliver. But Rage, the legendary manufacture of lethal, high-precision broadheads, has an answer. Rage Crossbow X 2-Blade Archery Broadhead fixes the problem, courtesy of the Crossbow X mechanical tip.
The high-energy shock collar design gives this broadhead the advantage when shooting from high FPS crossbows. It can withstand the breakneck speeds of crossbows, up to 450 fps. Also, the collar allows for proper blade retention.
Accuracy and aerodynamics are also on point, thanks to the new Ferrule Alignment Technology. It dramatically reduces wind drag, hence provides a straighter flight every time. Moreover, it ensures proper fit to crossbow bolts.
For your attention, the ferrule comes in high-strength aluminum alloy. It is light but strong enough to withstand the impact of hard rock.
The Crossbow X broadhead uses a massive leading edge blade with SlipCam technology. It cuts wider to a diameter of up to 2 inches, leaving extra-wide entry and exit wounds. Such a gaping wound leaves a massive blood trail that is easy to follow.
Like the ferrule, Rage does not skimp on the durability of the blades. The blades come in 0.035-inch thick surgical-grade stainless steel, giving it the edge over cheaper competitors.
This mechanical tip is available in 100 or 125-grain weights. It is compatible with R53005 replacement blades, which you have to buy separately.
Verdict
Crossbow X offers high-precision slicing power, even for long-range shots. The accuracy, aerodynamics, and excellent blade retention make it one of the best mechanical broadheads for crossbows.
2. NAP Spitfire Mechanical Broadhead
NAP Spitfire is among the leading names in mechanical broadheads and a go-to choice for most serious bowhunters. And should you need a broadhead that flies straighter and with pinpoint accuracy, this model is your best bet.
The Micro Grooved Slimline Ferrule is the secret to the accuracy of this front-deploying mechanical tip. It not only provides pinpoint accuracy but also increases the penetration power.
NAP Spitfire has three Diamize blades, one of the sharpest in the industry. It cuts 1-3/4 inches, providing much-needed knock-down power and massive blood trails.
Besides the ultra-sharp 0.03-inch Diamize blades, this mechanical broadhead has the legendary Trophy Tip point. It is hardened for durability and maximum bone-splitting power.
Thanks to the patented spring clip technology, the blades stay closed during storage and in flight. Indeed, it eliminates the need for rubber bands or O-rings.
NAP Spitfire broadheads come in a pack of three and are available in a 100-grain size.
Verdict
NAP Spitfire is a fine mechanical broadhead that combines accuracy and lethal take-down force. It is the ideal choice for a razor-sharp cut-on-contact tip with field point accuracy.
3. Rage 3-Blade Chisel Tip SC 60100 Mechanical Broadhead
Chisel Tip SC 60100 is easily the best Rage 3-blade broadhead. It is a mechanical tip that satisfies the insatiable hunger for bowhunting.
This broadhead rewards you with deadlier efficiency by combining a newly designed steel chisel tip with shock collar technology. Well, the shock collar retains maximum power through impact, while the chisel tip delivers a bone-busting hit. Such devastating damage delivers a quick kill.
The 0.035-inch blades have a more swept-back design for better flight and greater range. Again, the design provides a suitable angle for maximum penetration.
Like most Rage broadheads, the SC 60100 uses SlipCam technology. It deploys the blades upon impact and cuts up to 3 inches wide for serious hemorrhage.
This mechanical tip has stainless steel blades and a high-strength anodized aluminum ferrule. Hence, it can withstand high impacts and tough conditions.
SC 60100 mechanical tip comes in 100 and 125-grain sizes. Also, it uses R60105 replacement blades.
Verdict
Rage Chisel Tip SC offers greater bone-crushing power for a quick kill. Also, it provides more accurate, deeper penetration. It is among the strongest on the market and the best Rage 3-blade broadhead for serious hunters.
4. Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid 4-Blade Broadhead
Muzzy is among the pioneers of bone-shattering broadheads and a respected name in the fixed-blade category. Muzzy Trocar HB hybrid broadhead is among its most versatile creations. It combines toughness and accuracy to help you drop big games fast.
Trocar HB has two offset fixed blades and two rear-deploying mechanical blades. Well, the fixed blades provide a more stabilizing design, allowing the broadhead to fly like a field point. They induce spin and provide more accurate flight over long ranges.
You get a cutting diameter of 1-inch from the fixed blades and 1-5/8 inches from mechanical blades. So, once deployed, the broadhead delivers a total cutting diameter of 2-5/8 inches for large wound channels.
This broadhead is exceptionally robust. It has a solid steel ferrule and Trocar chisel tip. As such, it delivers bone-crushing penetration, enough to take down the legendary buck.
Muzzy Trocar HB is available in a 100-grain weight. Also, replacement blades are available for this broadhead.
Verdict
Muzzy Trocar is excellent at hitting vital organs for a quick kill. It is the type of broadhead that drops the animal close to where you shot it. Also, it is the best choice if you want a fail-safe hybrid that combines accuracy and deep penetrating power.
5. Rage Xtreme 2-Blade Broadhead
Rage has a long lineup of lethal mechanical broadheads in its arsenal. But few can match the devastating power of Rage Xtreme broadhead. And to many bowhunters, this broadhead causes more damage than any other arrowhead out there.
This broadhead has a rear-deploying SlipCam technology. Unlike traditional mechanical tips that open as they enter, Rage Xtreme deploys fully upon contact.
Stainless steel blades provide surgical sharpness and a 2.3-inch cutting diameter. Such superior lethality provides not only exceptional blood trail but also quick, humane kills.
The enhanced ferrule alignment is among the upgrades outstanding upgrades in this broadhead. It works in tandem with the sweeping blade design to enhance velocity and power, especially during long-range shooting. Hence, this is a broadhead with improved penetration potential.
Like most broadheads in the Rage collection, the Xtreme series has optimized shock collar technology. It keeps the blades in place and easily copes with high-speed crossbows.
Verdict
Rage Xtreme broadhead offers enhanced velocity and power for long-range shots. It is the ideal choice for most bows and provides better accuracy with fast animals.
6. Ramcat Pivoting Broadheads
It is called Ramcat for a reason. This is a broadhead that hits as hard as a ram and cuts deadly quiet as a cat. And as the company claims, no fixed broadhead is as accurate and deep-penetrating. It is quite a claim but debatable nonetheless.
Thanks to the proven aircraft technology, this broadhead flies like a field point. It does so, no matter the type of bow and speed.
But how does it achieve that? Well, as it turns out, Ramcat broadhead has a patented Airfoil system. It eliminates the wind, providing more accurate, dead-silent flight.
Still, on aerodynamics, this broadhead uses Firenock Aero Concentric technology. It comprises two O-rings that keep the shank in perfect alignment as well as eliminate thread slip.
Ramcat broadhead continues to pivot, even on impact. And pairing with the concave scoop technology, it provides the deepest penetration in a broadhead.
Again, this broadhead uses back-cut technology comprising front and rear-sharpened blades. Such a design does as much damage penetrating as when coming out. Hence, even if the arrow does not pass through the animal, it continues to inflict more damage.
Ramcat broadhead comes in 100% stainless steel and is solid to the core for rugged durability. Also, it cuts 1-3/8 inches, wider than most fixed broadheads.
You get this broadhead in 100 and 125-grain versions. While it works great on any bow, this Ramcat broadhead offers the best results in a compound bow setup.
Verdict
Ramcat pivoting broadhead offers excellent aerodynamics, field point accuracy, and dead-quiet performance. If you want the deepest penetrating broadhead for turkey or deer hunting, Ramcat will suffice. Also, it is the best choice for a compound bow setup.
7. Grim Reaper X-Bow 3-Blade Mechanical Broadhead
Grim Reaper is renowned for its ultra-sharp Broadheads. After all, this brand is the architect of Razortip Technology.
But what is Razortip Technology? Well, Grim Reaper X uses a patented mini-tip Maxx Edge blades. At 0.015 inches, it is super-thin and less than half the thickness of your average broadhead blade. So sharp is the blade that it cuts like a scalpel, making it a force to be reckoned with.
Though super-thin, the 440 solid stainless steel provides more durable blades. Also, you get an impressive total cutting diameter of 2-1/4 inches.
However, the Grim Reaper X broadhead is not all about razor-sharp slicing power. It also has a hardened steel Trocar tip that pulverizes heavy bones.
This broadhead is tested at speeds of over 400 fps. Hence, it can handle the power behind crossbows and high-energy compound bows. And provided you tune your bow and arrow right, this broadhead will provide field point accuracy to 100 yards.
Grim Reaper X does not use O-rings or rubber bands, giving you something less to worry about. This broadhead tip weighs 100 grains.
Verdict
Grim Reaper X is an accurate broadhead that gets results. It combines bone-busting penetration and ultra-sharp slicing power. Indeed, it is one of the best for whitetails and medium-sized games. However, ensure you have a high-powered bow for this broadhead.
8. Savage Village 4-Blade Hybrid Mechanical Broadheads
Savage broadheads are as devastating as their name implies. This broadhead is among the flagship models.
For a hybrid broadhead, it combines the benefits of fixed and mechanical broadheads. It has two mechanical blades and a pair of fixed blades that cut 1-3/5 inches when open for a maximum blood trail.
I like the accuracy of this hybrid broadhead. It is spin-tested to avoid wobbling, hence flies straight and hits accurately.
The chisel tip delivers bone-crushing power. It provides excellent penetration for a complete pass-through sot. Indeed, this 100-grain broadhead has enough power behind it to take down big-boned animals.
Also, this broadhead can handle high-speed bows. Hence, it can be an excellent match for your tactical crossbows.
Verdict
This broadhead hits and slices savagely. If you want a bone-busting hybrid that is spin-tested for accuracy, this 4-blade broadhead will suffice. Also, it is one of the best for high-speed bows, especially crossbows.
9. OTW B34 Hunting Broadhead 2 Spring Slide Blade
Do you plan to bring along more broadheads during the hunt? Well, these 6-pack OTW B34 broadheads will suffice.
The two spring-assisted blades are only 1-1/4 inches wide to reduce drag during flight. Still, they open wide upon contact, providing a 2.1-inch cutting diameter for a gaping wound.
And yes, it flies true, just like field points. And pairing with a bone-busting chisel tip, it can take down just about any game.
This 100-grain broadhead uses premium materials for long-lasting durability. It combines super-hard 420 stainless steel and 6061 anodized aluminum alloy that pretty much outlasts your arrows.
The standard screw-in thread offers excellent compatibility, especially with crossbows and youth compound bows.
Verdict
OTW offers a great broadhead package at a great price. Even more outstanding, it includes a portable box for safe storage and transportation. The broadheads are sharp and with bone-crushing action. Should you want the best affordable stainless steel broadheads, OTW B34 will suffice.
10. BLOODSPORT Grave Digger Cut-on-Contact Hybrid Broadhead
Grave Digger is one of the best hybrid broadheads on the market. It gives the best of both worlds – a 1-inch cut-on-contact leading fixed blade and 1-3/4-inch expandable blades.
The aerodynamic leading blade ensures optimum accuracy. Also, it requires little to no tuning to obtain field point accuracy. Moreover, the fixed blade has a bone-splitting tip to provide much-needed knock-down power.
I like the unique retention system. It keeps the expandable blades locked until penetration, hence providing a devastating wound channel.
Thanks to the cross-blade system, the amount of energy required for blade deployment is dramatically reduced. Also, such a design enables you to shoot the broadhead as a mechanical or fixed head.
The construction is pretty solid and durable. The blades come in 416 stainless steel, while the ferrule is made of high-strength aircraft aluminum.
Grave Digger 125-grain broadhead has neither O-rings nor rubber bands. Therefore, it provides a worry-free, fail-safe design.
Verdict
Grave Digger is one of the best fail-safe cut-on-contact broadheads. It is ideal for anyone who does not completely trust mechanical heads but wants wider cuts.
Best Mechanical Broadheads: Complete Guide
There is a vast collection of mechanical broadheads on the market. Still, there are a few things to consider before making your final choice. In this guide, I will be discussing what to look for when choosing the best expandable broadheads.
Tip
Which type of broadhead tip is best for you? Well, broadhead tips are divided into two: chisel point tip and cut-on-contact tip.
Chisel point: Chisel point tips are extremely hard. High-carbon steel and titanium are the premium materials for chisel point tips. Titanium is as hard as high-carbon steel but super light. Well, stainless steel is also used. However, it is not quite as tough.
A chisel point has remarkable punching power that goes through anything, including bones. And should you drop it on the ground, it would simply bounce rather than get damaged. So, unlike cut-on-contact tips, it is pretty much indestructible. Also, it is the ideal choice for powerful bows, including crossbows and high-energy compound bows.
Cut-on-contact tip: The blades on cut-on-contact tips run the entire length of the ferrule, all through to the point. Such a design allows it to cut as soon as it hits the target.
Well, cut-on-contact tips tend to get deflected by bone. Hence, they are specifically for penetrating soft tissue. If you shoot lightweight bows, such as Recurve and longbows, cut-on-contact tips are the best choice.
Blade Configuration
Mechanical broadheads often come in 2 or 3-blade configuration. You can also get them in 4-blade and hybrid versions.
2-blade: This blade configuration offers less resistance. Hence, you can use it with low-poundage bows or lighter arrows and still get deep penetrating power. It creates fatal damage but without a huge wound channel. Well, 2-blade broadheads are ideal for beginners or those who shoot low-poundage bows, such as Recurve and longbows.
3-and 4-blade: Three or 4-blade broadheads offer more resistance. As such, they are ideal for high-poundage compound bows and crossbows. Also, they are excellent for shooting heavier arrows. More blades provide more cutting surface, hence a bigger wound channel. It cuts additional vital organs as well as artery tissue, creating a much larger blood trail.
Hybrid broadheads: A hybrid broadhead has the perfect balance of fixed and mechanical blades, providing the best of both worlds. It shoots like a mechanical broadhead for accuracy and cuts on contact like a fixed blade. Hence, it is pretty much a fail-safe design for a guaranteed cut and wound channel. Like three and 4-blade configurations, hybrid broadheads are ideal for high-poundage bows.
Deployment Mechanism
As far as the deployment mechanism goes, we have rear-deploying and front flip-open broadheads.
Rear-deploying: Rear-deploying blades simply slide back into place, slicing and cutting the whole time. They are extremely tough, more aerodynamic, and offer more penetration.
Front-flip open broadhead: In this system, the blades open up before they begin to cut. Hence, it tends to sacrifice some kinetic energy and the penetration distance.
Cutting Angle
Some broadheads have blades that sit 90 degrees to the ferrule. Such a design does not have as much slicing power. Instead, it tends to chop like an axe, hence does not have the penetrating power to hit the tough hide of an animal. For this reason, I recommend a blade angle less than 45 degrees. It experiences less friction and resistance, hence cuts like a hot knife through butter.
Blade Material
Stainless steel is the go-to material for the blade. It is tough and resistant to corrosion. And while a bit difficult to sharpen, it retains its edge for longer.
Blade Thickness
Mechanical broadheads have a blade thickness of up to 0.0375 inches. A thicker blade will more likely penetrate the hide. Also, it is more durable and less likely to bend.
Cutting Diameter
The cutting diameter of a broadhead usually ranges from 1.5 to 2.75 inches. Wider cutting diameter damages more vital organs and results in more blood trails for easy tracking. Also, it compensates for some imperfections in your shot. A large cutting diameter, however, demands a bow with sufficient draw weight to overcome friction.
Ferrule
The ferrule is very important as it affects the flight of your arrow. Consider a spin-tested ferrule for a true, accurate flight. Also, choose the right material for the ferrule.
Steel: It is the cheapest yet strongest ferrule material. It is, however, heavy and prone to rusting.
Aluminum: Aluminum is the most popular ferrule material that combines lightness and strength. But for the best performance, consider aircraft-grade aluminum.
Titanium: Titanium is easily the best ferrule material. It is, however, expensive and not as common. It is three times as strong as aluminum but lighter.
Broadhead Weight
Mechanical broadheads come in 75-grain to 150-grain varieties. Well, 100 grains is the standard weight and a favorite among most bowhunters.
Generally, 100 grains is a good match for most arrows and small to medium-sized games. But for larger games, such as elk, moose, and bison, you will need more weight to create momentum and kinetic energy. Such tasks will often demand heavier 125-grain and 150-grain tips.
Draw Weight
Not every bow has sufficient poundage to shoot a mechanical broadhead. After all, it takes a lot of force for it to pierce and pass through the animal. For the best performance, I recommend a bow with a draw weight of at least 55 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What makes mechanical broadheads perfect for bowhunting whitetails?
Answer: Well, whitetails are pretty swift and very alert. Hence, they need a broadhead that is as swift, hits more accurately, and leaves a good blood trail. Such are the specs you get in mechanical broadheads.
Question: Are mechanical broadheads re-suable?
Answer: You can use them as long as the blades are sharp and spin true. And should you want, you can also buy replacement blades for your mechanical broadhead.
Question: Which one should I choose between 100-grain and 125-grain mechanical broadhead?
Answer: It pretty much depends on the animals you are hunting. I will recommend 100 grains for small to medium-sized animals. However, for big-boned animals, such as elk, you will do better with a heavier 125-grain broadhead.
Question: How best do mechanical broadheads fly?
Answer: Well, mechanical broadheads exhibit stable flight characteristics. They fly true, more like field points used for target practice. However, that cannot be said for all mechanical broadheads. Hence, use our best mechanical broadhead reviews to choose wisely.
Conclusion
Mechanical broadheads showcase precision, superior flight performance, and excellent blood trail. But as with any product, not all models perform to or beyond industry standards. Lucky for you, I have reviewed the best mechanical broadheads that meet and exceed the expectations of most bowhunters. Still, I would love to hear your views and which broadhead you find the best.
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