Selecting a Broadhead

For those who are just beginning bow hunting, broadhead arrowheads are used to kill deer.  That information may not have been necessary but its good to know.  I am going to talk about the two most popular broadhead types, fixed and mechanical (or expandable).

Fixed Broadheads
Fixed broadheads are the most used broadheads the world has ever known.  Even the Indians used fixed broadheads, though they didn't call them that.  Here are the pros and cons of a fixed broadhead.

Pros

• They are sturdy
• Cut on impact
• Don't need a high poundage bow to ensure penetration
• Definite cut
• Blades are usually replaceable

Cons

• Could cause personal injury while putting on the blades and attaching it to the arrow
• Smaller cutting area than a mechanical broadhead    

                                                                                         

Mechanical Broadheads

These broadheads have little tips on them that help the blades to expand on impact.  The blades are usually held together by O-rings, elastics or bands of some type.  Since the blades are in the arrowhead this type of broadhead flies like a field point until impact.

Pros

• Flies like field points would
• Less chance of injury since blades are in the arrowhead
• A bigger cutting area than fixed broadheads 

Cons

• Risk or mechanical failure
• Needs a faster arrow speed to open up the blades on impact, which leads to needing a higher poundage on you bow
• Doesn't cut until the blades are open

I plan to stick with fixed broadheads.  But you decide what you want to use.