top of page
Writer's pictureCarbonTV

Broadheads and Arrowheads: Essential Components of Archery Gear

Updated: Jul 22, 2023


Broadheads and Arrowheads | Equip Hunter

Archery requires skills, patience, and equipment for a successful and memorable experience. The game's most important components are the broadheads and arrowheads. These arrowheads are the tips of arrows that pierce the target, most commonly an animal. With multiple shapes, sizes, and materials, each has its specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. Similarly, every player has their own playing style, so choosing the right one according to your style, preferences, and needs makes a big difference and gives you good performance and results. Let's explore the multiple types of arrowheads and broadheads, their features and advantages, how to choose the right one, and their working processes.


Types of Broadheads and Arrowheads

Broadheads are arrowheads with sharp blades. The minimum diameter and quantity of cutting edges for broadheads used to hunt large game are regulated by laws in many states. However, we have found broadheads as massive as 6-inch, fired through cannon.



These sharp blades can damage the tissues severely and cause bleeding in the animals, as broadheads are used in big game hunting. They are of three types based on their blades:

· Fixed-blade broadheads have blades permanently attached to the ferrule (the metal part connecting the arrowhead to the shaft).

· Mechanical broadheads have blades that fold back when not in use and expand when they hit the target.

· Hybrid broadheads combine the features of both fixed blade and mechanical broadheads.


Types of Broadheads - Equip the Hunter




Target Arrowheads

Target arrowheads are specifically used for target shooting. They are unsuitable for hunting any game as they do not cause enough damage or blood loss. They usually have bullet-shaped designs that are made of steel. They easily penetrate the target, and you can also pull them out without any damage. They are usually classified into two types:

1. Field points have a tapered point similar to a broadhead but without blades.

2. Bullet points have a rounded point that is similar to a bullet.


Target arrowhead - Equip the Hunter



Blunt Arrowheads

Blunt arrowheads have some features, like target arrowheads, which are also used for small game hunting and target shooting but differ in shape and material. They are usually made of rubber but also use steel material. Their tip's shape is usually rounded or flat. They are made of rubber, and their tip might be flat, so they usually do not penetrate the target animal's body but cause blunt force trauma. This trauma can either kill the small animals or maybe stun them. They borrow only a little, so It is easy to find them without getting lost in the grass or other vegetation. Judo Point is a typical example of a blunt arrowhead. Judo Point has metal springs that catch on vegetation.


Blunt arrowhead - Equip the Hunter


Features and benefits of broadheads and arrowheads


Broadheads Features

  • They have steel blades that can cut through hair, skin, bones, and vital organs, causing massive blood loss and quick death.

  • They have different styles that suit different preferences and situations, as some broadheads have fixed blades, others have mechanical blades, and some have hybrid blades.

  • They can increase the chances of a successful hunt by delivering a clean and ethical kill.


Target Arrowhead Features

  • They have a simple design that is easy to insert and remove from the target without damaging it or the arrowhead.

  • They have different shapes that can affect the flight and penetration of the arrow, as some target arrowheads have a conical point while others have a bullet point.

  • They can improve the archer's skills and performance by providing feedback and practice.



Blunt Arrowheads Features

  • They have a flat or rounded tip that does not penetrate the target but causes blunt force trauma that can stun or kill small animals.

  • They have different materials that can affect the weight and impact of the arrow, as some blunt arrowheads are made of steel, while others are made of hard rubber or plastic.

  • They can prevent the arrow from getting lost in the grass or under leaves by stopping it from burrowing too deeply.


How to select and use broadheads and arrowheads properly


Broadheads Selection

The first factor you need to consider while choosing a broadhead is its weight, as it directly impacts the speed of the arrowhead, its trajectory, and its penetration into the target. Heavier arrowheads have lower speed but deep penetration capability, while lighter arrowheads have high speed but lower penetration capacity. Remember that your arrowhead's weight should equal the weight of the field point used for practice to ensure consistent accuracy.

The second factor is the style of the broadhead, such as fixedly, mechanical blade, or hybrid blade. Each style has its own uniqueness, specifications, advantages, and disadvantages, so consider the style that suits your requirements, such as the type of game you will hunt, your bow, and your shooting distance.

The third factor that needs to be considered is the sharpness of the broadhead, as it affects the cutting ability of the arrow, so it should be razor-sharp to ensure an ethical and clean killing.


Target Arrowhead Selection

The first factor that needs to be considered while choosing a target arrowhead is the shape of the arrowhead, as it affects its size and penetration. Consider a conical shape for accurate and stable penetration and a bullet-point shape for speedy flight and consistency.

The second factor is the size of the arrowhead. It affects the ease of insertion and removal from the target as small-size arrowheads penetrate deeply while larger-size arrowheads penetrate shallowly.


The third factor is the material. It affects the durability of the arrowheads as well as their cost, as steel arrowheads are more durable but expensive. However, steel arrowheads are unsuitable for all targets, as they can damage or penetrate them too quickly. Wood or aluminum arrowheads are more appropriate for softer targets, such as foam or straw. They are less durable but also less expensive than steel arrowheads.


Target Arrowheads Selection - Equip the Hunter


Blunt Arrowhead Selection

While considering the blunt arrowheads, please focus on the tip of the arrowhead as it affects the trauma of the arrow, so choose a flat tip to cause more trauma.

Also, consider the weight of the arrow and the blunt arrowheads; heavier arrows penetrate highly, while lighter arrows penetrate less.


Blunt Arrowheads Selection - Equip the Hunter


Final Analysis

Several factors impact the selection of broadheads and arrowheads, such as their size, shape, weight, style, material, and cost. Before choosing any, review your needs, preferences, requirements, hunting area, and animal, then choose accordingly after proper research. Always be ethical, clean, and easy to kill, and avoid hurting the animal illegally or causing any severe damage without killing it.


9 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page