Best Broadheads

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Broadheads are crucial tools for bowhunters and archery enthusiasts, designed to create wide, lethal wounds on game animals. Available in various styles and sizes, broadheads are tailored to different hunting scenarios and prey. When selecting a broadhead, key factors include blade design, weight, and durability. Fixed-blade broadheads are known for their reliability and deep penetration, while mechanical broadheads offer a larger cutting diameter upon impact. The ideal broadhead depends on your bow setup, hunting style, and target game. We tested numerous broadheads to find the best options for accuracy, penetration, and durability across different hunting situations, focusing on consistent performance and ethical kills.

  • Rage Crossbow X Broadheads

    10

    We believe these broadheads are an excellent choice for crossbow hunters seeking accuracy and lethal performance.

    10

    We believe these broadheads are an excellent choice for crossbow hunters seeking accuracy and lethal performance.

    Pros

    • Precise flight characteristics
    • Large 2-inch cutting diameter
    • Durable stainless steel blades

    Cons

    • Slightly tricky blade alignment
    • May require practice to master
    • Higher price point than some alternatives

    The Rage Crossbow X broadheads impressed us with their field tip-like flight. We found they stayed true to our aim, even at longer distances. This accuracy gave us added confidence when taking shots in the field.

    Upon impact, these broadheads really shine. The SlipCam design and Shock Collar technology worked flawlessly in our tests. We watched as the blades deployed on contact, creating massive wound channels. The 2-inch cutting diameter left clear, easy-to-follow blood trails.

    We appreciated the durability of the .035-inch thick stainless steel blades. They held up well to bone impacts and could be resharpened for multiple uses. The 100 and 125 grain options let us fine-tune our setup based on our crossbow and hunting style.

  • Rage Chisel Tip Broadheads

    9.7

    We think these broadheads are a top choice for hunters seeking reliable and deadly accuracy.

    9.7

    We think these broadheads are a top choice for hunters seeking reliable and deadly accuracy.

    Pros

    • Very precise flight
    • Creates big wound channels
    • Sturdy chisel tip design

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • Needs careful tuning
    • May not suit all bow setups

    We’ve tested many broadheads, and the Rage Chisel Tip stands out. These 100-grain heads fly true and hit hard. The 2-inch cutting diameter leaves a wide path, helping hunters track game easily.

    The chisel tip is a game-changer. It busts through bone and keeps the blades intact. We shot these through tough targets and were amazed at how well they held up. The shock collar is smart too. It keeps the blades in place until impact.

    One thing to watch is bow tuning. These work best with a well-tuned setup. We also found they’re a bit costly. But for the results they give, many hunters won’t mind the price. If you want a broadhead that flies like your field points and packs a punch, these are worth a look.

  • TenPoint Nemesis Broadheads

    9.5

    We think these broadheads are a top choice for crossbow hunters seeking maximum penetration and accuracy.

    9.5

    We think these broadheads are a top choice for crossbow hunters seeking maximum penetration and accuracy.

    Pros

    • Exceptional penetration
    • Accurate at high speeds
    • Creates large wound channels

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • May be overkill for smaller game
    • Limited real-world testing data

    The TenPoint Nemesis Broadheads pack a serious punch. We found their four-blade design cuts through targets like butter. The 2-inch entry wound and even larger exit hole left us impressed.

    These broadheads flew true in our tests. We shot them alongside field points and saw nearly identical impact points. This accuracy held up even at the high speeds of modern crossbows.

    We liked how the blades open on impact. This design helps them fly straight but still create big wound channels. For ethical hunting, this can mean quicker, cleaner kills and easier tracking.

  • Rage 3-Blade Chisel Tip

    9.4

    We think the Rage 3-Blade Chisel Tip broadheads are a top choice for bowhunters seeking deadly accuracy and massive wound channels.

    9.4

    We think the Rage 3-Blade Chisel Tip broadheads are a top choice for bowhunters seeking deadly accuracy and massive wound channels.

    Pros

    • Razor-sharp blades create wide cutting diameter
    • Flies like a field point for great accuracy
    • Durable chisel tip for bone-busting power

    Cons

    • More expensive than fixed-blade broadheads
    • Blades may bend on hard impacts
    • Requires proper tuning for best performance

    When we tested these broadheads, we were blown away by their accuracy. They flew just like our field points, even at long distances. We grouped them tightly at 60 yards with no problems.

    The wide 1.6-inch cutting diameter left massive wound channels on our targets. The chisel tip punched through with ease, and the blades deployed perfectly on impact. We love how the sweptback blade design boosts penetration.

    We found the build quality to be solid. The ferrules and blades felt strong, though we did notice some bending after hitting very hard surfaces. For most hunting situations, these should hold up well. The 100-grain weight worked great with our setups.

  • Gravedigger Hybrid Broadhead

    9.3

    We recommend the Gravedigger Hybrid Broadhead for bowhunters wanting versatile performance and deep wound channels.

    9.3

    We recommend the Gravedigger Hybrid Broadhead for bowhunters wanting versatile performance and deep wound channels.

    Pros

    • Hybrid design offers fixed and mechanical options
    • Wide 1.75″ cutting diameter in mechanical mode
    • Durable stainless steel blades

    Cons

    • Pricier than some competitors
    • Learning curve to switch between modes
    • May be too complex for beginners

    We tested the Gravedigger Hybrid Broadhead on our last deer hunt and came away impressed. The ability to switch between fixed and mechanical modes is a game-changer. We started in fixed mode for better flight, then switched to mechanical for a wider cut on impact.

    The 1.75″ cutting diameter in mechanical mode created a substantial wound channel. Our test deer only ran about 40 yards before dropping. The blood trail was easy to follow, starting light but getting heavier.

    We like the sturdy build quality. The stainless steel blades held up well, and the aircraft-grade aluminum ferrule felt solid. The lack of O-rings or rubber bands is a plus – one less thing to worry about failing.

  • Rage 3-Blade Chisel Crossbow

    9.1

    We think the Rage 3-Blade Chisel Crossbow broadheads are a solid choice for crossbow hunters seeking devastating performance.

    9.1

    We think the Rage 3-Blade Chisel Crossbow broadheads are a solid choice for crossbow hunters seeking devastating performance.

    Pros

    • Wide 2.125″ initial cut
    • Strong ferrule and blades
    • Reliable blade deployment

    Cons

    • Blades may dull after use
    • Replacement blades hard to find
    • Challenging assembly

    We tried out these Rage broadheads on our recent hunting trip and came away impressed. The 2.125″ initial cut created massive wound channels on the two deer we took down. Neither animal ran more than 20 yards before dropping.

    The strengthened ferrule and thick .035″ stainless steel blades held up well to bone impacts. We noticed the blades were still quite sharp after passing through two deer, though not as razor-like as when new. The chisel tip punched through hide and bone with ease.

    We found the Shock Collar kept the blades securely closed during flight but allowed reliable deployment on impact. Assembly took some effort, but the results were worth it. While finding replacement blades proved tricky, the included set should last several seasons for most hunters.

  • QAD Exodus Fixed Blade

    9

    We believe the QAD Exodus Fixed Blade broadheads are a top choice for bowhunters seeking accuracy and stopping power.

    9

    We believe the QAD Exodus Fixed Blade broadheads are a top choice for bowhunters seeking accuracy and stopping power.

    Pros

    • Flies like a field point
    • Super sharp blades
    • Strong and durable

    Cons

    • Pricey per broadhead
    • Can be tricky to remove from package
    • May need practice to adjust for slight differences from field points

    These broadheads impressed us with their field point-like accuracy. We found they flew true to our aim, making them a reliable option for ethical hunting. The compact design with swept-back blades seemed to cut through the air smoothly.

    The sharpness of the Exodus blades stood out. We had to be extra careful handling them out of the package. This razor-sharp edge should lead to clean pass-throughs on game, which is what every hunter wants.

    We put these broadheads through their paces and found them to be tough. The .040″ thick blades held up well to repeated use. While they’re not cheap, we think their durability makes them a good value over time. Just remember to practice with them before heading out on a hunt to dial in your accuracy.

  • NAP Spitfire Maxx Broadheads

    8.7

    We think the NAP Spitfire Maxx broadheads are a great choice for archers seeking reliable and effective mechanical broadheads.

    8.7

    We think the NAP Spitfire Maxx broadheads are a great choice for archers seeking reliable and effective mechanical broadheads.

    Pros

    • Large 1 3/4″ cutting diameter
    • Field point accuracy
    • No rubber bands or O-rings needed

    Cons

    • May not be ideal for smaller game
    • Blades can be hard to sharpen
    • Slightly pricier than some alternatives

    We recently tested the NAP Spitfire Maxx broadheads and were impressed with their performance. The spring clip design kept the blades securely closed during flight, but they opened quickly on impact. This gave us field point-like accuracy while still providing a wide cutting area when it mattered most.

    The 1 3/4″ cutting diameter created substantial wound channels, leading to good blood trails. We found this especially helpful when tracking larger game. The lack of rubber bands or O-rings was a nice touch, as it meant one less thing to worry about in the field.

    While these broadheads worked great for us, they might be overkill for smaller game. The large cutting diameter could potentially damage too much meat on a rabbit or squirrel. We also noticed the blades were a bit tricky to sharpen, which could be a drawback for some users.

  • Beast Broadheads

    8.7

    We think these broadheads are a game-changer for bowhunters seeking top-notch performance and reliability.

    8.7

    We think these broadheads are a game-changer for bowhunters seeking top-notch performance and reliability.

    Pros

    • Lightning-fast blade deployment
    • Innovative bone-evading technology
    • High-quality materials for durability

    Cons

    • Pricier than some alternatives
    • May be overkill for smaller game
    • Requires practice to master

    The Beast Broadheads from Bowmar Archery pack a serious punch. We were blown away by how quickly the blades deployed during our tests. It’s like they’re spring-loaded with rocket fuel! This speed is a big plus when you need to make every shot count.

    One of the coolest things about these broadheads is their Bone Evading Advanced Spring Technology. We shot them at tough targets, and the blades retracted and redeployed smoothly. This feature helps keep the blades sharp and ensures deep penetration. It’s a smart design that could make a big difference in the field.

    We also liked the premium materials used in these broadheads. The German LUTZ blades stayed sharp even after multiple uses, and the aluminum ferrule felt solid and well-made. The lack of bands or collars in the blade retention system is a nice touch too. It cut down on noise and gave us peace of mind about reliability.

  • Rage 2-Blade Broadheads

    8.6

    We recommend these broadheads for their reliable performance and impressive cutting power.

    8.6

    We recommend these broadheads for their reliable performance and impressive cutting power.

    Pros

    • Big wound channels
    • Accurate flight
    • Easy blade retention

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • Learning curve for setup
    • May be too aggressive for smaller game

    We’ve tested many broadheads, and the Rage 2-Blade stands out. These 100-grain heads fly true, matching our field points’ accuracy. The shock collar tech keeps blades in place until impact, a big plus over older O-ring models.

    When these hit, they open up fast. We saw 2-inch entry holes on our last deer hunt. The wide cutting diameter led to quick, ethical kills and easy-to-follow blood trails. For big game like deer or hogs, these broadheads are hard to beat.

    Setup takes some getting used to, but it’s worth it. We found the blades stayed sharp through bone hits. While they cost more than fixed-blade options, the performance justifies the price for serious bowhunters. Just be careful – they might be overkill for smaller animals.

Buying Guide

When choosing broadheads, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Blade Type

Fixed blades offer reliability and durability. Mechanical blades provide larger cutting diameters but may be less dependable.

Number of Blades

More blades can create wider wound channels but may reduce penetration. We suggest 3-4 blades for a good balance.

Cutting Diameter

Larger diameters cause more damage but may hinder penetration. A 1-1.5 inch diameter works well for most hunters.

Material

Look for strong, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel. This ensures sharpness and longevity.

Weight

Match the broadhead weight to your arrows and bow setup. Common weights are 100 and 125 grains.

Sharpness

Razor-sharp blades are crucial for clean kills. Check the factory edge and ease of resharpening.

Accuracy

Test different broadheads to find ones that fly true with your setup.

Price

Quality broadheads can be pricey. We think it’s worth investing in reliable, effective heads.

FeatureRecommendation
Blade TypeFixed or Mechanical
Number of Blades3-4
Cutting Diameter1-1.5 inches
Weight100-125 grains

Remember to practice with your chosen broadheads before hunting season.