Crossbow Specific Broadheads

[Kodabow]

Over the weekend at a Crossbow Shoot in Rushville, NY, we had some good discussions with NY hunters on broadheads and the regulation language describing broadheads. We all know that Game Regulations will differ state by state and at one point, we were all a little confused. Here is New York state info on broadheads that prohibit "barbed" broadheads... simple enough but the discussion was about mechanicals and whether they were considered "barbed." Looking at the chart, it would appear that our favorite mechanicals (Spitfire and Killzone) retract and pivot at withdrawal, so they would be OK as shown on this chart. (99% of the time, withdrawal is not an issue --- the arrow will pass through the game animal.) On a recent bear hunt with Killzones which is our Number #1 choice, that was the case for 2 bears - the bears only traveled 10 yards after the shot. If you use mechanicals on your crossbow, we would suggest you always use "crossbow specific" mechanical broadheads since they are engineered to remain closed during arrow acceleration. See our Accessories section at www.kodabow.com for some descriptions of the broadheads and examples.

[Terry]

Is there a difference in fixed blade broadheads between those marketed for crossbows and standard archery?

[Kodabow]

re crossbow fixed blades....they are not generally "crossbow specific" types but what we know that will deliver the best results (in our experience) is smaller profile types like Hellrazor or Montec. A less desirable choice would be a blade we tend to use on our traditional vertical bows like a big Magnus. In our view, it is important in the crossbow world to shoot the actual fixed blade broadhead on the specific arrow that it is installed on in advance and then resharpen. It will take about 45 minutes to get 5 arrows sorted out and to optimize results; we will often switch broadheads from arrow to arrow but you should be able to end up with at least 3 or 4 arrows that will shoot within a 1" square repetitively at 30 yards ..... we then step back to 50 yards and use our 50 yard scope aim point and expect that arrow to also drop into that same 1" square at 50 yards. That results in high confidence when you head to the woods.

[Terry]

Thanks. I currently shoot Muzzy MX3 100gr heads out of my vertical bow and was thinking about the Muzzy Trocar 125gr crossbow heads out of my crossbow. I just didn't know if it would be worth the investment or if I should shoot the MX3's out of both.

[Kodabow]

Terry,

Personal opinion.... I prefer a 1 piece all steel broadhead that is "cut on contact" rather than a chisel tip. Consequently, I rule out the replaceable blade types ---- because I won't shoot and then resharpen that style. Either way, the idea of sighting in with one of these broadheads and then having the other 5 "new and ready to go" (and having never been shot)can yield results with high variance. A hunter going on a bear hunt last year visited our company range and was in disbelief when we told him the "new" broadheads he had in his quiver would likely not group well. They shot a 6" group at 20 yards.

He tossed them -- put on a Killzone and killed his bear. No issues.

Chuck at Kodabow

PS..... but then again, everyone has an opinion and if you can achieve good results, go with what you have confidence in.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Kodabow

[Terry]

Thanks for the advice!