Put simply, a broadhead is a large cutting point assembly, attached to an arrow shaft for hunting. It helps you to make your arrows go through your prey with maximum efficiency and precision. If you are serious about hunting, a broadhead is something that you should consider buying.
Choosing the right type of broadhead from those that are available is an overwhelming task. To avoid confusing yourself, refer to our guide to the 10 best broadheads to narrow down your options!
Reviews of the Best Broadheads
1. G5 Outdoors Montec 100 Grain
Best Overall
Durable
No moving parts to maintain
Accurate
Have to resharpen
Large vents might limit penetration
G5 is a family-owned business. It aims at producing innovative and accurate archery products for hunters. The G5 Outdoors Montec 100 Grain is a solid one-piece metal-injected molded broadhead.
The broadhead features three blades, which means you can create more damage when shooting a game. The broadhead is sturdy, sharp, as well as reliable due to its improved carbon steel content.
Specifically designed for hunting, the G5 Outdoors Montec 100 Grain is constructed out of solid stainless steel. It allows for repeated maximum penetration and devastation. It is available in 85, 100, and 125 grains so you can choose one that suits your needs. They also have a High-Speed Crossbow Model that is available in 100 and 125 Grains.
This top rated broadhead is also spin-tested for accuracy. On top of that, it is constructed with a patented MonoFlow technology. This technology ensures accuracy, durability, and penetration.
Users of this broadhead claim that when shot from a strong bow this broadhead can cut through muscle, tissue and even bone. This ability to pass through game easily makes it one of the best broadheads for deer hunting. Some users claim that it is one of the deadliest broadheads on the market.
The G5 is also easy to use and maintain. You just have to screw it on and shoot! Furthermore, the sharp blades can be resharpened for extra usage. However, this also means that you will need to re-sharpen blades individually after use, which many users find a hassle!
2. Rage Bowhunting Xtreme
Best Cutting Diameter
Wide cutting diameter
Sharp chisel-tip design
Simple design
Difficult to clean
Have to shoot 55 pounds or more
If you are a seasoned hunter, you would most probably have heard of Rage. The Rage Bowhunting Xtreme is part of a range of broadheads by Rage that has garnered a wide fanbase.
The brand is known to produce broadheads with excellent performance and damage. The Rage Bowhunting Xtreme is one of their best products. It features a simple, sleek but effective design.
The Rage Bowhunting Xtreme is made of stainless steel and aluminum, contributing to its quality and durability.
The mechanical broadhead sports two rear-deploying blades. They remain closed during flight but open upon impact to a target. It also features a chisel-tip design to punch through hiding and maintaining arrow trajectory.
Its blades are 0.035″, which makes them thick enough to be effective. At the same time, it is not thick enough to add any substantial or unnecessary weight to the arrow.
The highlight of this bow is probably the wide cutting diameter that it features. With a large cutting diameter of 2.3 inches, you would be able to create a large wound on your game. All in all, you get a broadhead that can effectively create wound channels on both sides of your game.
Many users cite that when you aim Rage Bowhunting Xtreme vital organs of a game, it is able to take down the animal quickly. It also creates consistent blood trails.
This feature is extremely useful if you shoot your game from afar or from behind thick forests and need to track the animal. But this broadhead opens early and quickly. So, they may work better on thin-skinned games as compared to thick-skinned or big-boned games!
Do note also, that in order to use this broadhead, you need to be shooting 55 pounds or more. On top of that, some users find that this broadhead is quite difficult to clean, sharpen, as well as assemble.
3. NAP Spitfire
Best Aerodynamic Properties
Maximum hemorrhaging
Simple mechanism
Aerodynamic for smooth flight
Have to replace retention clips
Substantial force is needed
New Archery Products (NAP), prides itself in creating the finest broadheads and archery accessories on the market. The NAP Spitfire is a mechanical broadhead that is available in 100 or 125 grains.
It features a slim ferrule and tucked deployable blades that promise a smooth flight. During flight, the three blades are tucked forward near the tip, to maximize aerodynamic qualities.
The broadhead features a simple front-deploying mechanical blade mechanism. When it hits a target, the cut-on-contact tip penetrates the hide before allowing the broadhead to expand as it passes through the animal. If shot with enough force, the broadhead, when fully deployed, will create a large exit wound using its 1.75 inch cutting diameter.
The NAP Spitfire also features ultra-sharp Diamize® blades. This allows for massive hemorrhaging and knockdown power. On top of that, it features the Legendary Trophy Tip® point. This is specifically designed for maximum bone splitting power and maximum durability.
A patented spring clip technology also ensures that your blades will stay closed in your quiver without the need for any rubber bands or o-rings. This means that unlike cheaper broadheads that may open mid-flight, the NAP Spitfire never faces such an issue.
All these add up to a broadhead that is able to deliver a quick and ethical kill that you can track using the blood trails that are left by this broadhead. The broadheads come in a pack of three.
One drawback of the NAP Spitfire is that some hunters found that the blades required a substantial amount of force to open.
4. Swhacker 100 Grain
Best Beginner Broadhead
Aerodynamic design
Affordable
Very accurate
Only 100 grain version
Not for large games
Swhacker’s 100 Grain Broadheads come in a set of 3. They feature 2 blades, both with a cutting surface on each side. It is a front-deploying broadhead. This means that the first set of blades is designed to pierce and penetrate the animal’s hide.
This broadhead sports an aluminum body with a carbon steel trocar tip and stainless steel replaceable blades. The blades are resistant to corrosion and rust, and are also easy to sharpen and easy to manage. The aircraft-grade aluminum that is used also keeps the weight of this broadhead to a minimum.
The Swhacker broadheads are also designed to cut as soon as it touches your game. So, when the broadhead is inside the animal, the blades deploy so that the other side of the blades cut into the animal almost immediately. It also produces a healthy blood trail.
Another amazing feature of the Swhacker broadheads is its aerodynamic characteristic. They are designed for accuracy. The blades of this broadhead remain inside the ferrule during flight. This provides some stability. On top of that, because the structure of the ferrule is long and thin, it allows for smoother flight.
This broadhead is extremely useful for hunters who shoot small to medium-sized games with thin skin. It is also great for beginner hunters who are getting used to mechanical broadheads. Do note that the Swhacker is available only in 100 grain versions.
5. Rage Chisel Tip SC
Best Value for Money
Aerodynamic design
Free practice broadhead
Shock Collar Technology
Only available in 100 grain
Might bend
Another broadhead by Rage is the Rage Chisel Tip SC. This broadhead features two 0.035″ stainless steel blades that ensure a precise and accurate cut. It has a chisel-tip with a 2 inch cutting diameter, and is available in the 100 grain option.
Aside from its quality blades, the Rage Chisel Tip SC uses a Shock Collar Technology. This technology ensures proper blade retention. This means that the broadheads will not come apart when they expand on impact.
The Rage Chisel Tip SC features a redesigned ferrule that is more aerodynamic. Specifically, they come with an anti-friction nickel-coated chisel point and red-anodized ferrules. The result is a broadhead that offers a smooth flight and better penetration.
This rear-deploying broadhead is also known to be able to bust a bone. It is able to go smoothly through almost anything and destroys any bones in its path. Therefore, it increases your chances of adding to your kill count.
With the Rage Chisel Tip SC, you get 3 broadheads from your purchase. In addition to that, you get one more free practice head for you to get a feel of how your broadhead will feel.
6. Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar
Best Convenience
Deadly and accurate
Blades can be replaced
Durable
Blades are difficult to replace
Rather small
Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar is a fixed broadhead that features a trocar tip. It is available in 100 grain and 125 grain. Its ferrule is made from one solid piece of steel for maximum accuracy. Not only that, it is able to fight wear and splitting.
Trocar means three edges. So, this broadhead sees three aggressive cutting 0.035” thick offset blades that can be replaced after every hunt. It is also easy to sharpen and has a great penetrating broadhead design.
The deadly and accurate tip is sturdy, and known to cut through bone. This broadhead will also not have any problems with thick-skinned game like a bear or a hog. The wound channels that are produced are massive too. The durable construction of this broadhead will easily see it through several games. It will not deform or deflect even when striking bone.
The design of this broadhead is also short and compact, allowing for accurate flight and excellent entry. The exit holes that it makes also increase blood loss and form greater blood trails for you to track your game.
You only need to screw them in to be able to use it. However, do note that some users state that the blades of this broadhead are difficult to replace.
7. QAD Exodus 100Gr Non-barb
Best Compact
Compact but powerful
Replaceable blades
Durable
Pricey
Only available in 100 grain
Exodus broadheads are 100% designed and manufactured in the USA. The QAD Exodus Non-bard broadheads measure just 0.912 inch from tip to back-blade edge. It features a trocar-style tip and surgically sharp blades that allow for a very steep cutting angle. On top of that, the blades are replaceable and they offer an adequate 1.25 inch cutting diameter.
Because of these replaceable blades, this broadhead is great for hunters who do not have time to sharpen your blade. You can conveniently and quickly be ready to shoot with the QAD Exodus broadheads.
The blades are also rather thick, which makes them difficult to bend, adding to the broadhead’s durability. It is also constructed with heavy-duty SST material. This means you never have to worry about the blades not holding up. They bust through and knock down the even biggest animal.
Taken together, despite its small and compact size, this broadhead is able to cut through game with its power.
If you are looking for a broadhead with more weight options, however, this broadhead is not for you, because it comes only in the 100 grain option. Also, some users feel that the QAD Exodus broadheads are considerably expensive.
8. NAP Thunderhead
Best Accuracy
Durable
Accurate
No need to assemble
Only available in 100 grain
Not suitable for pistol crossbows
NAP Thunderhead is another one of NAP’s broadheads that made it to this list. It is a fixed broadhead that is extremely sharp. It features a tapered and grooved, three-sided aluminum ferrule. The ferrule is also patented and micro grooved to greatly increase flight accuracy and penetration power.
The broadhead comes in a 100 grain option and has a cutting diameter of 1.18 inches. The blades that are featured on the NAP Thunderhead are Diamize sharpened, and are made of stainless steel for durability. These blades are known to cause massive hemorrhaging and knockdown power, enabling your kills to be quicker and more ethical.
The NAP Thunderhead also features a patented lock ring. This is an O-ring blade retention system that allows for perfect head alignment and cushions the blade on impact.
Each package comes with 5 compact and tough broadheads. This is a great option for fixed-blade shooters whose hunting needs demand a broadhead that accords extreme accuracy and ruggedness.
For hunters who do not like to assemble their broadheads, the NAP Thunderhead comes assembled and ready to shoot. However, do note that this broadhead is not compatible with the small bolts of pistol crossbows.
Different Types of Broadheads
Before you begin your search for the best broadhead on the market, you should learn about the different types of broadheads. There are generally three types of broadheads: Fixed, Mechanical and Hybrid Broadheads. Each type of broadhead differs from each other in terms of features, and how they work.
Fixed Broadheads
Arrowheads have been used by cultures all around the world for thousands of years. These arrowheads were used to penetrate game and often made of stone or bone. With arrowheads, hunters were able to cut an animal inside its body, instead of just wounding it. This makes the injury more lethal and increases the odds of a kill.
Fixed broadheads are extremely similar to these arrowheads of the past. Instead of being constructed out of bone or stone, fixed broadheads are made of metal. In addition, they have razor blades sticking out of them.
Since it is reminiscent of arrowheads, fixed broadheads have a simple and sleek design. The NAP Thunderhead and Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar broadhead are examples of fixed broadheads. They are easy to choose, easy to shoot, and perhaps most importantly, with them, you do not have to assemble or disassemble! This saves you a lot of time and hassle.
In terms of hunting, fixed broadheads are used to kill bigger animals. Therefore, if you are looking for deer hunting broadheads, you should consider a fixed broadhead!
Mechanical Broadheads
Mechanical broadheads are slightly more complicated as compared to fixed broadheads. While fixed broadheads stay the same shape during the whole shooting process, mechanical broadheads experience changes during a shot.
Before it is shot, the blades of a mechanical broadhead are closed. After it is shot and a target is hit, the blades expand outward and work to cut the animal after the arrow enters its body. This feature of mechanical broadheads means that they are able to inflict greater damage.
As hunting broadheads, mechanical broadheads are particularly useful when you have to hunt small game such as turkeys. This is because mechanical broadheads allow you to gain more immediate tissue damage which can effectively penetrate a smaller game easily. An example of a mechanical broadhead is the Swhacker 100 Grain.
Hybrid Broadheads
Hybrid broadheads are quite literally broadheads that encompass the best of both worlds. They combine elements of both fixed blade broadheads and mechanical broadheads. This combination usually sees the triangular shape of a fixed broadhead and the expandable broadhead feature of a mechanical broadhead.
Hybrid broadheads are quite new to the hunting world, and while it has not been traditionally used by many cultures, it is beginning to gain traction today.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Broadhead
A good broadhead is one that is able to meet your needs and preferences. That differs from hunter to hunter. To determine the right type of broadhead for your needs there are several critical factors that you have to consider.
Even though there are many different broadhead brands, in general, when choosing the best broadhead, you should consider: weight and penetration, material quality, cutting diameter, precision, game type, broadhead tip, amount of blades present, stabilizers, as well as legality.
Weight and Penetration
Broadheads are sold in different weights, or grains. The most common size is the 100 grain broadhead, but there are other heavier grained heads in the market. Generally, you would want to match what grain your field tip is.
When choosing the appropriate weight of your broadhead, you want to achieve the ideal 12 to 15% front of center. This aids in the shooting of the arrow as well as the level of penetration that you want to achieve.
Some seasoned hunters prefer heavier broadheads of up to 300 grain for compound bow shooting. It is important to note that heavy broadheads may weaken the spine of the arrow over time. Do make sure your arrow is spined right if you want to shoot heavier broadheads.
Draw Weight of Your Bow
The type of broadhead that you choose is also largely influenced by the draw weight of your bow. If you are shooting a bow with lower poundage, you would most likely want to opt for a fixed broadhead.
Bows with a lower poundage do not usually shoot arrows forcefully enough to penetrate the animal and pass through it efficiently. However, an arrow with a fixed broadhead such as the Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar can improve penetration and counter the lack of force of a bow with lower poundage.
Material Quality
It is important to consider the type of materials that are used to construct your broadhead. Fixed broadheads are usually made with a single material, while other types of broadheads see a combination of materials.
Essentially, you want to make sure that the blades of your broadhead are made of stainless steel. This is to ensure that the strength of the blade is powerful and is able to cut through game. As for mechanical and hybrid broadheads, try to choose one that has ferrules that are made of aluminum. This way, you avoid adding unnecessary weight to your arrows.
Above all, your broadhead is one of many bowhunting gear. But it is the one gear that helps you to shoot down your hunt. So, it needs to be durable for you to have a successful hunt. Its material will contribute to that.
Game Type and Size
Remember that broadheads are not a one-size-fits-all type of gear. When choosing the right type of broadhead, you have to consider the type and size of the game that you are hunting.
In general, most hunters find that when hunting bigger game, fixed broadheads work best. This is because fixed broadheads are very sturdy. When they are shot from a heavy bow, they are capable of cutting through hide, muscle as well as tissue.
Furthermore, they are known to be able to punch through bone. They are thus the best known to be the deadliest broadheads and are great for big boned animals like elk or moose.
On the other hand, mechanical and hybrid broadheads are great for hunting small to medium sized games. So if you are looking for a good broadhead for whitetail, consider a mechanical or hybrid broadhead. They are able to cut through organs and put them down efficiently.
Your Experience Level
The amount of experience that you have as a hunter will also help you to decide what broadhead to choose. Mechanical broadheads require a substantial amount of energy to open up. Therefore, it is not advised for beginner hunters or traditional hunters who are using a low poundage bow.
For these archers, a fixed broadhead that is simple and requires no assembly is highly recommended.
Cutting Diameter
The greater the cutting diameter of your broadhead, the larger the wound that it causes. That means that if you are hunting larger prey, you should consider one with a larger cutting diameter!
Broadhead Tip
Whether you decide on a fixed, mechanical, or hybrid broadhead, you have to pay attention to your broadhead tip. Broadheads sport either a chisel tip, which is a basic pointed tip, or cut-on-contact tips. The latter of which are razor blade tips or small blades mounted at the tip of the head.
A broadhead with a chisel tip is stronger and able to hold through the shooting of a deer. However, many hunters express that a cut on contact tip results in greater overall damage.
Amount of Blades Present
The number of blades that are present in a broadhead directly affects how damaging your shot is. For hunting, it is great if there are more blades so that a more consistent blood trail is created. This will allow you to follow your hunt to complete your kill if you wound it without killing it.
Legality
It is important to note that certain broadheads are not considered legal for use due to ethical reasons. For example, some US states make it illegal to use mechanical broadheads for various game categories. So, be sure to check with your local legislation before you jump ahead to buy a broadhead!
FAQs
Conclusion
The G5 Outdoors Montec 100 Grain is the overall winner for the best broadhead. The top-rated broadhead is durable, accurate, and powerful. It still manages to be easy to maintain. The Rage Bowhunting Xtreme comes in close with its excellent performance and damage.