I knew I had to write this blog after catching up with one of my old-time friends. He said in the middle of our conversation, “You’ve been using crossbows for a while now. Can you recommend a good broadhead to me?” That made me think about the ones I’ve utilized and liked in the recent years for big-game hunting.
If you want to know the ten best crossbow broadheads, jump to the review section below. But for the sake of the new hunters out there, allow me to offer a buying guide for arrowheads.
10 Best Crossbow Broadheads
Now that we’re all on the same page about the subject matter, it’s time to present the best crossbow broadheads. I repeat, the products you’ll read about below have been handpicked by yours truly, and they did work well for me. Find out which ones may suit your bow too as I outline them in a definite order.
10. Blade Archery Broadheads 125 Grain Arrow Head Hunting Arrow
Hunting don’s crossbow broadheads are the most suitable choice for novice archers. I personally used them a lot when I was starting too since they only cost less than a dollar a piece. You get 12 tips in each pack, which saves you from taking multiple trips to the shop.
They have a decent quality as well. The three blades are immovable – you don’t need to worry about them opening in mid-air or flying off the head. Along with the bullet point, their sharpness can impale the animal effortlessly.
Another cool thing about these arrowheads is that they fit in most bolts that take 125-grain tips. It is a plus because even the heavy-duty bows usually make room for that weight. You may keep on using this product to practice shooting small/medium targets until you’re ready for the big game.
9. New Archery Products 100 Grain 3-Pack Crossbow Spitfire Broadhead
One of the best crossbow broadheads to try as well is the New Archery Products’ Spitfire. It is a hybrid type since the three blades mechanically open when it hits a target. But then, the presence of the screws there primarily entails that they are also replaceable.
My initial thought when I bought one is that its structure isn’t flimsy at all. Once it soared in the air, it continued to a straight line towards the prey. The point is very sharp, so it’s impossible not to strike the latter efficiently. The Diamize blades feel somewhat luxurious too, and they cut 1½ inches into the flesh.
Moreover, I like that they match various crossbows with high frequency rates. That’s amazing, especially when you’re in the process of finding the perfect bow for yourself.
8. G5 Outdoors Montec 100% Stainless Steel Fixed Broadheads
In case you prefer to purchase arrowheads whose parts you’ll never have to replace, go for the G5 Montec.
What I appreciate about it is that it has a seamless structure. From what I heard, the manufacturer fills a mold injection with high-quality steel to get this shape in one go. It’s handy, in my opinion, since you won’t need to mind any loose screw or blade.
Furthermore, the three blades are slightly different from what you may be used to as well. Rather than having the same thickness all over, they taper at a particular angle near the edges. Their ends also convene at the pointy tip, which is perfect for piercing your prey.
7. Excalibur Boltcutter 150 Grain 3-Blade Broadhead (Pack of 3)
The Excalibur Boltcutter 6670 is on my list of the best crossbow broadheads too because it’s the epitome of power. It is the perfect match for high-speed bows whose overall weight recommendation is no less than 350 grains. There aren’t many 150-grain products on the market, and this one’s the finest I’ve used so far.
You won’t see any plastic on this item. From the point to the screw, you get solid, stainless steel. This fact ascertains the longevity of the arrowheads; even when you hunt with them for years, they won’t fail you. The three blades are detachable, and these are also cut out of the same material.
Due to its heft, I noticed first-hand how it doesn’t curve at all once you allow the broadhead to fly. It can take down any game you set your eyes on within 30 or 40 yards.
6. Swhacker Set of 3-100 Grain 2 Inch Cut Broadheads
Among the fastest broadheads I have personally tried during a hunting season is the expandable one by Swhacker. I was blown away by how aerodynamic it made the entire arrow. Two tiny blades protrude from it while in mid-air; that’s why it’s liking firing a bullet instead of a bolt.
The wound it generates is not too shabby either. Out of all the points I’ve tested, only this mechanical broadhead makes a slash so deep and wide. Its hardened tip, which won’t shatter on impact with a bone, does the first cut. The stainless blades pierce the animal too by an inch despite being closed as their “wings” have sharp edges. Once the main ones open, they expand up to two inches and do more damage to the target.
5. Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX Mechanical Broadhead
The unique structure of Rage’s CrossbowX retractable broadhead caught my attention for the first time. Its slim design makes it effortless to drive the point to even a moving prey. The two 0.35-inch blades have cut-out parts at the center as well to increase its sleekness. And with the two-inch cutting diameter, the arrowhead can pierce through the animal more deeply than the others.
Fixing it to the bolt is also stress-free since you can screw it in place without a wrench. Rage developed a better shock collar for this head too so that the blades will not expand when you’re holding it.
4. Muzzy 225-MX3-3 Bowhunting Broadheads 3 Blades Trocar Tip
If you’re looking for another distinctive head for your bolt, among the best crossbow broadheads is Muzzy MX-3.
I initially got curious about why the brand says the three blades are like for surgical use. The answer came when the package containing it arrived at home. They are 0.025-inch thick, and the edges are so prominent that they can effortlessly drill through bone or flesh.
In addition to that, the trocar tip is as sharp as the carving tools that sculptors have in their collection. It even has a bit more length than the others; that’s why the arrowheads won’t possibly bounce off.
3. Carbon Express XT Dual Blade Serrated Crossbow Broadhead, 3-Pack
The XT Dual Blade Serrated Crossbow Broadhead is my favorite from the Carbon Express brand.
It is a unique product since it has a total of six edges. Even with a cutting diameter of 1⅛ inches, the jagged design on the stainless-steel blades can’t merely be for show. It increases the chances of the material to cut through the flesh and bone in one move by 250%. The mark it leaves on the target is like a stylized letter H too, which is different from the rest.
Now, is it reusable and aerodynamic? The company made sure of that by attaching aluminum ferrule to it. The metal is of the same grade as what aircrafts have; that’s why the arrowheads are super durable.
2. Rage Bowhunting Xtreme Series Mechanical Broadheads
The Xtreme Crossbow from Rage is also the type of arrowhead I can talk about for hours in one sitting. The blade shapes attached to this product are so exceptional and competent at doing their job. Instead of being triangular, they resemble mechanical antlers that only release upon contact.
There’s no issue with the tip either. It’s more of a knife than a point due to how its appearance, yet you can’t hate the gap it can make on the animal. I personally like the fact that it has extra width compared with some broadheads. Hence, even when the blades snap open, the cut still looks neat.
1. Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar 290-P Crossbow Broadheads 3 Blade
In pursuit of a broadhead that will not instantly fall apart regardless of how massive your game is? That, from my experience, is the Muzzy Bowhunting Trocar 290-P. There are a lot of reasons why it beats the rest of the best crossbow broadheads.
While it is an arrowhead with removable blades, you may never even have to do that for years. Each of the three has a thickness of 0.035 inch as well, and their total cutting diameter is 13/16 inches. They are indeed as sharp as a razor, which further helps ethically kill the animal.
What lets them pierce your prey’s body efficiently, nonetheless, is the spinning movement of the head. It goes off helically, so it won’t be difficult to hone in on your target. The tip also fits a 100- or 125-grain crossbow.
Points To Consider When Getting The Best Crossbow Broadheads
One head cannot fit every single arrow you’ll see in the shop. The type of crossbow you own, the quality of the broadheads, and much more should be put into consideration.
Structure
The first thing you should look at is the construction of the arrowhead. The reason is that manufacturers offer products with fixed, removable, and mechanical blades.
Archers with compound bows prefer to have fixed-bladed broadheads. They are classic, in the sense that you just need to screw or glue the head on the arrow shaft, and then you’re ready to hunt massive beasts. As everything is attached, it’s effortless to clean and sharpen the items.
In case you’d instead change the broadhead parts than polish them, the removable arrowheads will be perfect. From the blades to the tip, you can customize the material to make it seem brand-new again. It’ll be great for people who don’t mind carrying replacement pieces when hunting.
Furthermore, mechanical broadheads are known as the innovative products in the archery world. The blades remain hidden as it flies towards the target, but then they fully expand once the arrowhead hits home. Although it sounds like a cool accessory to have, you can’t guarantee that the technical bits will work the same way next time after the initial cleaning.
Power
Your ultimate goal is to drive the broadhead efficiently deep enough to disable your prey and take home the meat or the carcass, isn’t it? Well, regardless of how amazing your aim is, the win will still depend on the type of arrowhead you have.
Fixed or removable broadheads, for instance, have their blades out even before the flight. Once the archer finally launches the arrow, these protruding metals can act as the wings of an airplane or a rocket. It results in a curved trajectory most of the time, which makes it difficult to strike the big game.
The expandable-bladed ones, on the contrary, go off in the actual direction that the hunter points it to. There are no blades out immediately as well, so they move in a straight line. But the problem is, without a propeller, the speed may reduce its strength when you fire it at a long distance. The broadhead may also hit the animal’s bone once the mechanical blades open.
Heft
If you buy arrowheads, you need to ensure as well that their weight is compatible with your crossbow and bolt. The manufacturer will inform you of that as you’re getting the bow setup – just ascertain that you won’t forget it.
The key is always to use broadheads that are either of the same heft or slightly heavier than the old ones. You shouldn’t try going for a lighter head in comparison with your usual point because that merely calls for destruction. The crossbow may malfunction, you won’t hit your target, and it’s possible to hurt yourself.
Value
I can’t speak for everyone, but I seek durability whenever I purchase broadheads. They have the most vital job during the hunting season; that’s why it isn’t OK to settle for products that are too economical or too pricey. It’s wise to check out the materials used, the blade structure and impact, and the cutting surface, among others, to identify if they’re honestly worth every penny.
Validity
Finally, you should also consider the state where you’ll hunt. While many of them just limit the number of hunters that can come each season, there are a few states that specify the kind of broadheads allowed. Some may be particular as well about the sharpness, weight, and number of blades connected to the arrowhead. Be mindful of these regulations before you make a purchase.