Broadheads

Broadheads are used primarily for hunting big game. Selecting the proper arrow and broadhead combination for your bow and the game being hunted is critical for the most penetration possible. There are three basic types of broadheads: fixed blades, removable blades, and mechanical (expandable) blades. All broadheads, regardless of type, must be sharp, durable, and matched to your equipment and the size of game being hunted. Blades must be sharpened after each practice and prior to going into the field to hunt. A “cut-on-contact” broadhead (such as those shown in the first and third illustrations on the following page) may be used for all bows but is recommended for lower poundage bows to maximize penetration.

Use a Broadhead Wrench

Use a special wrench to screw on broadheads. This device covers the blades while a broadhead is being tightened on an arrow. If a wrench isn’t used, the slightest slip can cause a serious cut.

Testing Broadhead Sharpness

Even newly purchased broadheads should be tested for sharpness. To test the sharpness of a broadhead, pull a rubber band tightly over an open surface and touch the band lightly with the blade of the broadhead. If the blade does not cleanly cut the rubber band, it needs to be sharpened. Check all blades of all broadheads. For recommended sharpening methods, it’s best to follow the directions of each broadhead manufacturer.