If you’re planning to get into archery, one of the most important choices you will make about archery equipment is what kind of broadheads or field points to use on your arrows or bolts. Regardless if you are using a compound bow, recurve bow, or crossbow, you must choose the correct weight and type of broadhead or field point based on the draw weight of your bow, the size of your arrows, and the size and behavior of the prey you seek. When you nock an arrow and let it fly, make sure you've chosen the right tip that will improve your accuracy and precision so you can make a clean kill.
FAQ:
What are the three general types of arrow tips?
Broadheads are the general term for a killing tip. A broadhead is named because the tip has a sharp, broad edge that extends to the sides of the arrow, and it is used for killing game animals in the act of hunting. Fixed blade broadheads are exactly what the name implies. They typically have three or four extremely sharp blades that do not move. A mechanical broadhead has hidden or collapsed blades that protrude or extend upon impact. The purpose of a mechanical broadhead is to keep a minimal profile while flying through the air. This minimal profile is supposed to assure that the arrow flies quickly and accurately.
Bullet and field points are basically only used for target practice. Both tips need to have the same weight as the broadheads you're hunting with so that your practice sessions are realistic. Target arrow tips, also known as target points or field points, are the safest and most reliable method of practicing your shot, and your efficiency on the hunting grounds will see a massive improvement over time.
Should you use fixed or mechanical broadheads when bowhunting?
Both options have advantages and the choice depends a lot on your personal preference, so it helps to explain how each one performs. A fixed blade broadhead, like the name implies, has the cutting edges out from the onset. Even though the cutting diameter of fixed blade broadheads is smaller than mechanical broadheads, this actually works to your advantage. Since the force of the arrow is more focused on a smaller surface area, you have more penetration, which increases your chances of puncturing through thick muscle and hitting a vital organ. On the other hand, a mechanical broadhead has a larger cutting diameter, so when it extends after you hit the animal, it cuts everything around it and sticks inside, increasing your chance of retrieving the arrow.
What is a single bevel broadhead?
Put simply, a single bevel broadhead is only sharpened on a single side of the cutting edge. This means the opposite side remains flat. The point of doing this is to increase the rotation of the arrow as it penetrates, as the broadhead will try to rotate toward the beveled edge. The direction in which it rotates should match the rotation of your fletching, as this adds further rotation.
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OpticsPlanet carries Top Brand Broadheads and Fieldtips for target shooting and hunting like G5 Outdoors, Slick Trick, Muzzy, Rage and many more! Other categories you might be interested in are Quivers and Arrow Cases, Archery Sights, and Archery Targets.