Broadheads - California Online Bowhunting Safety Education

Chapter 4: Know Your Bow and Arrow
Broadheads

Broadheads: Fixed blades, removable blades, expandable blades

Broadheads are used for hunting. There are three basic types of broadheads: fixed blades, removable blades, and mechanical (expandable) blades. All broadheads, regardless of category, 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.

Fixed Blades: Used by many traditional-style bowhunters, the blades of this broadhead are frequently broad and most are designed to glue the ferrule directly onto the arrow shaft. Some have screw-in type ferrules that can be used with adaptors placed on the outside or in the arrow shafts.
Removable Blades: Blades are designed to be replaced on the ferrule—the metal cap on the broadhead. There is no need to discard the entire broadhead if only the blades are damaged.
Mechanical or Expandable Blades: Blades are retracted close to the ferrule before the shot. Upon impact, the blades expand to expose the cutting edges. These blades are recommended for use only with bows rated 50 pounds or more because most mechanical heads require additional energy to open upon penetration.

For the greatest accuracy, make sure arrow points are aligned properly with the arrow shaft. This is critical with all styles of broadheads. Check all broadheads for alignment before shooting at an animal.

Arrows shaft inserts also must be properly aligned. Arrow shafts with a broadhead attached can be “spun” and observed from the point end for “wobble.” Simply place an arrow on a desk or counter with the broadhead extended over the edge and roll it across the surface. If the shaft appears to wobble rather than spin freely, check the alignment of the shaft’s aluminum or carbon insert. It must be aligned exactly in the center of the shaft or the arrow will not spin smoothly.

Chapter 4: Know Your Bow and Arrow Broadheads

A Simple Method for Testing Broadhead Sharpness

Chapter 4: Know Your Bow and Arrow
Broadheads