Pennsylvania Game News - September 2020 - 58

Among other factors, a broadhead's
flight is impacted by air resistance, which
affects broadheads of different shapes
and sizes differently. So let's take a look
at some of the qualities different broadheads have to help you make an informed
choice on which is best for you.

MECHANICALS

Broadheads come in three basic styles
- those with fixed blades; mechanical
heads designed to fly with blades closed,
then open on impact; and hybrids that
combine the features of both.
By providing a low profile in flight,
mechanicals minimize the effects of air
resistance.
But it's important for the blades to
remain closed in flight because, if one or
more opens, the arrow will veer sharply
off course and could miss the intended
target completely.
To help ensure blades remain closed,
mechanicals incorporate a retention
system that releases on impact. Still,
before loading arrows tipped with
mechanical heads into your quiver,
always check to be sure the blades are
being held in the closed position.
Know, too, that arrows carrying
mechanical blades lose energy when
they impact the target. Because of this,
mechanicals are not recommended on
compound bows with draw weights less
than 55 pounds.
As crossbows have become faster,
with some capable of sending arrows at
speeds approaching 500 feet per second,
some mechanical broadhead manufacturers have increased the strength
of the retention systems to prevent the
broadhead from opening when fired,
meaning additional force is required
for the blades to open on impact. These
58

broadheads are intended specifically for
use on high-speed bows and using them
on less-powerful bows will drastically
reduce penetration.

FIXED-BLADES

Fixed-blade heads remain quite popular among bowhunters. As the name indicates, there are no mechanics involved.
And while the blades, which always are
exposed, can dull, they can be resharpened with a file or stone, and are suitable
for repeated use.
While some fixed-blade broadheads
are manufactured as a single piece, most
have replaceable blades that lock into
the ferrule.
Shooters practicing with their broadheads should install new or sharpened
blades before hunting with them.
Always make sure your broadhead
blades are as sharp as possible. Replace
or resharpen blades after a miss in the
field, and check the entire broadhead -
including the tip - for damage. Damaged
broadheads might be candidates for use
on the practice range.
Because fixed-blade broadheads present more surface area that could affect
flight, shooters should be sure their hunting bows are properly tuned and have
been sighted-in using the broadhead to
ensure maximum accuracy.
Never assume a broadhead will fly
accurately out of your set-up. Always
practice with them, and make any necessary adjustments before heading afield.

HYBRIDS & SINGLE-BEVELS
Hybrid broadheads combine fixedblade heads with additional built-in
blades that open on impact. So they offer
the advantages of both fixed-blade and
mechanical heads, but also the disadvan-

Pennsylvania Game News - September 2020

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