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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.

Using a broadhead wrench

Test Broadhead Sharpness

To test the sharpness of a broadhead, pass it through rubber bands stretched across a small opening. If the bands are cut easily, your broadhead is sharp and ready for the hunt.

Simple method for testing broadhead sharpness
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