expandable broad heads

[traper]

i just bought some expandable broad heads an tried sighting them in with my bow at a broad head target an now they dont work right the blades wont open or close right now. i want to know if any one else had this problem and how do you fix it or are you just not supposed to use them on targets

[Pitdog]

What brand are they? personally won't use them, just in case they don't open- it isn't worth an animal's health and my satisfaction. I use only Thunderhead or Muzzy fixed blade, they both shoot great and they both do phenomenal damage. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

[trapperjoe]

I don`t think you should practice with those mechanical broadheads for the reason you stated, and because they should be kept razor sharp. Since they are basically like a field point untill they contact A target, I would practice with field points of the same weight.
I have been using regular type Thunderheads for several years, but was told they are no longer made, or called Thunderheads.
My nephew knows a hunter who swears by a mechanical called Rage. Large cutting diameter.

Joe

[deeker]

Most all of the mechanical broadheads come with blades to use for target practice. They are 100% reliable. We use them on deer and elk. If they failed, they would be illegal and no market for them.

What brand did you get??? We us NAP...bought them 12 years ago. Still using the original four dozen we bought. They have practice blades.

We have had complete pass through on elk (carbon express arrows) and on mule deer.
One has been used to take a Montana black bear...

I like the accuracy even with a stiff breeze. We will be trying the newer Rage broadheads with the next purchase.

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkxtJfz1LmZoAohxXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyZHV0dGF hBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA0g0NThfODI-/SIG=123pl5d2a/EXP=1262407881/**http%3a//www.newarchery.com/products/1/broadheads

[recoilless_57mm]

We took 2 nice bull elk with the Vortex mechanical broadhead. The only issue we had was the blades wanted to deploy upon arrow release. This affected the accuracy of the arrow. We solved that problem by using 2 rubber bands instead of one. Neither of the animals traveled more than 60 yards from where they were shot. The wound path was huge. I have not seen that kind of damage from a regular broad head. I am not saying the regular broadhead is not as effective. I am simply comparing wound path. Our goal is to put a good shot on the animal and create as much truama, (bleeding) as we can. I feel mechanicals have a greater chance of doing just that.

In my opinion, mechanicals are good now. They will only get better with time. CW

[Pitdog]

Perhaps time and technology will improve them. I have seen several the failed to deploy properly, and just didn't produce.
I just stick with what I know, but may be convinced otherwise @ some point. I'm looking forward to a good bow season this year, and really pushing hard to hunt more than ever- yet again.

[recoilless_57mm]

Pitdog: I to am looking at a good year coming up.

We practiced with one package of the broadheads we used. We did not experience the blades not deploying. Like I said before, the issue was the blades partially deploying thus making the arrow flight eratic. The only other thing that we did notice was that they don't like bone. One of the broadheads hit a bone with one blade. It did not come off but, the blade effectiveness was reduced to less than half on that side. This would be a good arguement for the fixed blade broadheads.

In the end it is the archer that makes the difference, in my opinion. If you can call your shot you will be successful. A larger wound path may reduce the distance you have to go to find the animal. Or in our cases the distance you have to carry the animal back to camp.

Good luck to all. I suggest that everyone should try as many different broadheads as possible. You never know what works well until you fall in love with the one that does.

Cheers, Charlie

[SamS]

I know I'm bringing this one back from the dead but I have to ask are any of you using mechanical broad heads with a recurve or long bow?