Fixed vs. Mechanical Broadheads: What’s the Best Option?

Every bowhunter knows that selecting the right broadhead can make all the difference when it comes to a successful and ethical deer hunt. Fixed and mechanical broadheads are the two most popular choices among bowhunters, and each has its own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key features of both fixed and mechanical broadheads, helping you understand what sets them apart and guiding you toward the best option for your hunting style and needs.

Choosing the perfect broadhead for deer hunting can seem daunting, but it often comes down to your personal preferences, experience, and the specific hunting situations you’ll face. Factors like simplicity, reliability, penetration, cutting size, and accuracy all play a role in determining which broadhead is right for you. So, join us as we compare fixed and mechanical broadheads and help you find the ideal match for your arrows and deer hunting adventures.

Fixed Blade Broadheads

Advantages:

1. Simplicity and reliability: Fixed broadheads have a simple design with no moving parts, making them less likely to malfunction during a shot.
2. Penetration: Since fixed broadheads don’t need to expend energy to open upon impact, they generally offer better penetration than mechanical broadheads, especially on angled shots or when hitting bone.
3. Easy tuning: Fixed broadheads are generally easier to tune, as they usually shoot similarly to field points if they are properly aligned and matched to the bow setup.
4. Durability: Fixed broadheads are typically more durable and can be used for multiple shots if they are well-maintained and sharpened.

Disadvantages:

1. Smaller cutting diameter: Fixed broadheads typically have a smaller cutting diameter than mechanical broadheads, which may result in smaller wound channels and potentially slower blood loss in deer.
2. Wind resistance: The larger profile of some fixed broadheads can make them more susceptible to wind drift, which may affect accuracy at longer distances.

Recommended Fixed Blade Broadheads:

• Magnus Black Hornet
• G5 Montec Broadhead

Mechanical Broadheads

Advantages:

1. Larger cutting diameter: Mechanical broadheads generally have a larger cutting diameter than fixed broadheads, which can lead to larger wound channels, faster blood loss, and potentially quicker, more humane kills.
2. Improved accuracy: Due to their streamlined design, mechanical broadheads often fly more like field points and are less affected by wind drift, making them more accurate at longer distances.

Disadvantages:

1. Complexity and reliability: Mechanical broadheads have moving parts and are required to expand when making contact with their target, which can potentially malfunction or fail to deploy upon impact.
2. Penetration: The energy required to open the blades of mechanical broadheads may reduce penetration, particularly on angled shots or when hitting bone.
3. Increased risk of deflection: The expanding blades of mechanical broadheads can increase the risk of deflection when striking bone or even light brush on the way to the target, increasing the chances of an unsuccessful shot.

Recommended Mechanical Broadheads:

• NAP Killzone Broadheads
• G5 Megameat Broadheads

Fixed vs Mechanical: Bad Shots

Fixed blade broadheads and mechanical or expandable broadheads each have their advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to a less-than-perfect shot. In bow hunting, we all know that sometimes our arrows don’t hit exactly where we want to. We’ve all had bad shots that hit too far back or they hit bone and don’t penetrate. The list goes on and on. Choosing the right broadhead for your arrows can help make these bad shots better in some scenarios.

Here are some key differences between the two types of broadheads in such situations:

1. Penetration: Fixed blade broadheads tend to have better penetration in less-than-ideal shot scenarios, as they do not require energy to deploy their blades (especially when using single-bevel, cut-on-contact blades). This can be an advantage when a shot is taken at an awkward angle or through heavier bone, as the fixed blades can maintain their cutting path without losing energy to blade expansion. On the other hand, mechanical broadheads may not penetrate as deeply if their blades do not deploy properly or if they lose energy upon impact.
2. Cutting diameter: Mechanical broadheads generally have a larger cutting diameter than fixed blade broadheads when fully expanded. In a less-than-perfect shot, this larger cutting diameter can increase the chances of striking vital organs, even if the shot placement is slightly off. However, if the mechanical blades fail to deploy correctly, the cutting diameter will be significantly reduced, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the shot.
3. Reliability: Fixed blade broadheads are considered more reliable in less-than-perfect shots because they do not rely on moving parts to achieve their cutting potential. Mechanical broadheads, with their expanding blades, can sometimes fail to deploy properly due to factors such as impact angle or resistance from bone and other tissues. This can result in reduced cutting effectiveness and penetration.
4. Flight characteristics: Mechanical broadheads are often considered to have better flight characteristics and accuracy compared to fixed blade broadheads, especially at longer distances. However, in a less-than-perfect shot scenario, where the arrow may not be flying true, the differences in flight characteristics may be negligible.
5. Wound channel: With a larger cutting diameter, mechanical broadheads can create larger wound channels, potentially leading to quicker blood loss and a faster recovery of the animal. However, if the mechanical blades do not fully deploy, the wound channel may be smaller than expected. Fixed blade broadheads, with their smaller cutting diameter, may create smaller wound channels, but their penetration can result in a more consistent and predictable outcome.

Hybrid Broadheads: An Alternative Solution

As we’ve explored the differences between fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads, it’s important to also consider hybrid broadheads – an intriguing option that combines the benefits of both designs.

Hybrid broadheads feature a combination of fixed and mechanical blades, offering the reliability and penetration of fixed blade designs while also providing the larger cutting diameter associated with mechanical broadheads. Let’s take a closer look at the key advantages of hybrid broadheads:

1. Consistent penetration: Hybrid broadheads utilize fixed blades for initial penetration, ensuring consistent performance even when encountering bone or dense tissues. This can provide an added level of confidence in your equipment during critical hunting moments.
2. Larger cutting diameter: The expandable mechanical blades of hybrid broadheads increase the cutting diameter upon impact, resulting in larger wound channels and potentially greater damage to vital organs. This can lead to quicker recoveries and increased hunting success.
3. Versatility: Hybrid broadheads offer a versatile solution for hunters who want the benefits of both fixed blade and mechanical designs without having to choose between the two. This can make them an appealing option for a variety of hunting scenarios and game animals.
4. Flight characteristics: Hybrid broadheads generally maintain stable and accurate flight characteristics, although it’s essential to fine-tune your bow setup and practice with them to ensure optimal performance.

Some popular hybrid broadheads on the market include Muzzy Trocar and Grim Reaper Hades. As with any broadhead choice, it’s important to experiment with different hybrid designs to find the one that works best with your bow setup and hunting preferences.

*I used the Muzzy Trocar for two seasons and it worked extremely well. If I was to recommend any broadhead that mixed the benefits of both fixed blade and mechanical broadheads, this would be the one.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between fixed and mechanical broadheads for deer hunting largely depends on the individual hunter’s preferences and needs. Fixed broadheads offer simplicity, reliability, and better penetration, while mechanical broadheads provide larger cutting diameters, improved accuracy (in some cases), and potentially quicker kills.

I only use and highly recommend using fixed-blade broadheads, especially Single-Bevel Fixed Blade broadheads. I changed a few years ago and can’t see myself going back. The reliability and ability to shoot through thick brush and penetrate bone have made me a believer. Can you be successful in hunting using mechanical broadheads? Absolutely. I used the Muzzy Trocar Hybrid through two very successful seasons as I said above. That being said, I want to take the possibility of a malfunction out of my hunting scenarios, and fixed-blade broadheads give that to me. I’ve seen too many issues with mechanical blade failures or lack of penetration over the years and that’s why my broadhead of choice is always a fixed blade option.