Single-Bevel vs. Double-Bevel Fixed-Blade Broadheads

As a bow hunter, choosing the right broadhead is essential to ensure effective shots and successful hunts. In our previous blog post, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of fixed vs. mechanical broadheads. Now, let’s dive deeper into the world of fixed-blade broadheads, specifically comparing single-bevel and double-bevel blade designs. Both single and double-bevel broadheads have their unique benefits, but understanding the differences can help you select the best option for your hunting needs and personal preferences.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between single-bevel and double-bevel fixed blade broadheads, including factors such as penetration, wound channel, flight characteristics, and ease of sharpening. We’ll also discuss scenarios where each type may be more suitable, helping you make an informed decision about which broadhead design is ideal for your next hunting adventure. So, let’s jump right in and look at the features and benefits of both single-bevel and double-bevel fixed-blade broadheads!

What is a Single Bevel Broadhead?

A single-bevel broadhead is a type of cut-on-contact fixed-blade broadhead used in bowhunting. It features a unique design where only one side of each blade is sharpened, while the other side remains flat. This asymmetrical design causes the broadhead to rotate or twist as it penetrates the target, creating a spiral wound channel.

Recommended Single Bevel Fixed Blade Broadheads:

• Iron Will Single-Bevel Broadhead
• GrizzlyStik Maasai Single Bevel Broadhead
• Cutthroat Single Bevel Broadhead

What is a Double Bevel Broadhead?

A double-bevel broadhead is a type of cut-on-contact fixed-blade broadhead used in bowhunting. It features a design where both sides of each blade are sharpened, resulting in a symmetrical cutting edge. Double-bevel broadheads typically penetrate targets in a straight line, creating a straight wound channel as they pass through the target. Most of the fixed-blade broadheads you find in stores or are heavily marketed through the most popular brands in archery hunting are double-bevel broadheads.

Recommended Double Bevel Fixed Blade Broadheads:

• Magnus Black Hornet
• G5 Montec Broadhead

Now that you understand what each type of fixed blade broadhead these are, let’s talk about the features and benefits of each.

Penetration

Single Bevel

A single-bevel broadhead is sharpened on one side of each blade. That edge geometry can encourage rotation as the head cuts, and some single-bevel designs also use a long, narrow profile that improves mechanical advantage. Those features may help in some impacts, but the bevel alone does not guarantee deeper penetration or bone failure. Sharpness, steel strength, blade angle, total head design, arrow flight, and impact angle all matter.

Double Bevel

A double-bevel broadhead is sharpened on both sides of each blade. It is a familiar design that can be very sharp, durable, and easy to maintain. Penetration is not automatically straight or shallow because of the bevel style; the complete head design, tune, arrow flight, and impact determine the result.

Read: Heavy or Light Arrows: Arrow Weight vs. Arrow Speed

Wound Channel

Single Bevel

A single-bevel edge can create a different cut path than a double bevel, but wound-channel size and blood loss cannot be predicted from bevel style alone. Cutting diameter, blade sharpness, tissue encountered, impact angle, and penetration depth all contribute.

Double Bevel

Double-bevel heads use a balanced edge on both sides of the blade. Their cut still depends on the number of blades, cutting diameter, sharpness, alignment, arrow flight, and impact—not simply the bevel label.

Flight Characteristics

Both single and double-bevel fixed blade broadheads generally offer stable and accurate flight characteristics. However, individual broadhead designs and arrow setups can vary, so it is essential to test and tune your specific combination for optimal performance.

Sharpening and Maintenance

Single Bevel

Sharpening single-bevel broadheads can be easier due to having only one edge to sharpen on each blade. This can be an advantage for hunters who prefer simple maintenance routines. That being said, these types of broadheads rely heavily on blade sharpness for success, so maintenance is essential when using them.

Double Bevel

While double-bevel broadheads require sharpening on both edges of each blade, they can still be maintained with relative ease. Modern sharpening tools can help simplify the process, allowing you to keep your broadheads in top condition.

Ideal Hunting Scenarios

Single Bevel

Single-bevel heads are worth considering when you want a strong fixed-blade design, a long cutting angle, and a sharpening system built around one bevel. Choose the complete broadhead—not the bevel name alone—and verify that it is sharp, aligned, and tuned.

Double Bevel

Double-bevel broadheads are a versatile, familiar fixed-blade option. Their practical performance depends on the exact design, sharpness, alignment, tune, and impact.

Single Bevel vs. Mechanical Broadheads

While we’ve discussed the differences between single-bevel and double-bevel fixed blade broadheads, it’s also worth considering how single-bevel broadheads compare to mechanical or expandable broadheads.

Penetration: A narrow, sharp, structurally sound fixed head may require less energy to cut than a wide expandable design, but there is no universal winner. Blade angle, sharpness, cutting diameter, deployment system, arrow flight, and impact angle all affect the result.

Reliability: Fixed heads have no deployment mechanism. Mechanical heads add moving parts and must be used exactly as designed. Either type can fail if it is damaged, dull, poorly assembled, or mismatched to the setup, so inspect every head and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cutting diameter: Mechanical broadheads typically have a larger cutting diameter when fully expanded compared to single-bevel fixed blade broadheads. This can lead to larger wound channels and potentially increased damage to vital organs. However, if the mechanical blades fail to deploy properly, the cutting diameter will be significantly reduced.

Flight characteristics: Both single-bevel broadheads and mechanical broadheads can offer stable and accurate flight characteristics, depending on the specific design and arrow setup. However, mechanical broadheads are often favored for their flight characteristics, particularly at longer distances.

Choosing between designs: Compare blade angle, sharpness, cutting diameter, structural strength, deployment, and the performance of your complete arrow. The bevel label or broadhead category does not make one design universally best for a certain impact.

Don’t forget to Check Out our Arrow Calculators here.

Selecting the Right Broadhead for Deer Hunting

In my previous post, I discussed why I prefer to use fixed-blade broadheads over mechanical or expandable broadheads for deer hunting. With that in mind, choosing between single-bevel or double-bevel fixed-blade broadheads comes down to personal preference and hunting conditions. Both types have their advantages, but here are some key benefits of each:

Single Bevel Broadheads:

1. Cutting geometry: Some single-bevel heads combine one-sided sharpening with a long blade angle and strong construction. That complete design may cut efficiently, but the bevel alone does not guarantee penetration.
2. Structural design: Many single-bevel heads are built as stout fixed blades. Steel, ferrule design, blade angle, alignment, and impact conditions matter more than a promise that the bevel will break bone.
3. Cut path: The edge geometry may influence rotation and the shape of the cut, but cutting diameter, sharpness, penetration depth, and impact location still control the practical result.

Double Bevel Broadheads:

1. Versatility: Double-bevel heads are available in many blade angles, cutting diameters, and construction styles, which makes it easier to match a specific design to the arrow setup.
2. Sharpening and maintenance: Double bevel broadheads require sharpening on both edges of each blade, but with modern sharpening tools, they can be maintained with relative ease.
3. Straight-line wound channel: Double bevel broadheads create a more traditional, straight-line wound channel, which can be effective in causing damage to vital organs when placed correctly.

Ultimately, the choice between single-bevel and double-bevel broadheads for deer hunting depends on your specific hunting style, conditions, and personal experiences. Both designs have their merits, and by understanding the benefits of each type, you can choose the best option to enhance your deer hunting success.

Conclusion

Choosing the right broadhead for your bow hunting needs can be challenging, with single bevel, double bevel, and mechanical designs each offering unique advantages. Understanding the differences between single-bevel and double-bevel fixed blade broadheads, as well as their performance compared to mechanical broadheads, can help you make an informed decision tailored to your hunting preferences, target game, and personal experiences.

While I have personally used standard double-bevel fixed-blade broadheads for a number of years, I will be making the switch to single-bevel blade broadheads for the multitude of reasons outlined in this post. I have tested quite a few of these types of broadheads and the value and longevity you can get from them are far and above what you can get from other broadheads. The superiority they have in the different characteristics we’ve discussed here shows you why they can provide you with a superior hunting experience to other options on the market.

What Matters More Than the Bevel Label

• A sharp edge that can be maintained consistently.
• A blade angle and cutting diameter suited to the available arrow performance.
• Strong steel, ferrule, and component alignment.
• A tuned arrow that carries the broadhead without unwanted steering.
• A broadhead that groups with field points at the distance you plan to shoot.

Your Next Steps

Use the Everyday Arrow System in this order:

1. Choose the complete broadhead design, not the bevel label alone.
2. Verify component alignment and total arrow weight in the Arrow Weight Calculator.
3. Tune one finished arrow and confirm broadhead groups before hunting.

Build one test arrow before you commit to a full batch. That is where the numbers become a real setup.

That being said, whether you prefer the rotational power of single-bevel broadheads, the versatility of double-bevel designs, or the larger cutting diameter of mechanical broadheads, always remember to practice and fine-tune your setup for optimal performance in the field. With the right broadhead choice, you’ll be well on your way to a more successful and enjoyable bow-hunting experience. I hope this post has helped and made things easier in your search for the right broadheads. Happy hunting!