Updated March 2023

Fixed blade vs. mechanical broadheads continue to be a never-ending debate among bowhunters. And for good reason, as each have their benefits and drawbacks for hunting. Fixed blade broadheads have been around since the beginning of bowhunting and can even be traced back to fossilized arrow heads of the first hunter-gatherers. It has not been until recently that innovations in broadhead designs have allowed for mechanical, or expandable, broadheads to gain popularity. Their increased effectiveness, larger cutting diameters and field tip-like accuracy have drawn many hunters to mechanical broadheads. This article will provide an in-depth review of the pros and cons of both fixed blade and mechanical broadheads to assist you in deciding which is right for you and your specific hunting scenario.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Broadhead

• Accuracy – Some broadheads are more accurate than others. Also, your bow may favor different broadheads over others. It depends on your specific setup. Many hunters will tell you that mechanical broadheads are more accurate than fixed blades. This is because of the smaller flight profile of a mechanical broadhead that is similar to a field point.

• Reliability – Reliability is another important factor to consider when choosing a broadhead. Fixed blade broadheads tend to be more reliable and durable than mechanical broadheads because they do not have moving parts and there is no chance of a fixed blade broadhead not deploying.

• Penetration – In general, fixed blade broadheads are known to get deeper penetration on game. This is due to their smaller cutting diameters that allow for them to pass through easier. A fixed blade broadhead will have a much better chance at passing through a shoulder on a deer than a wide-bladed mechanical broadhead.

• Effectiveness – A broadhead’s effectiveness should be another important consideration. Many hunters report that the blood trails left by mechanical broadheads are larger that those left by fixed blades. If shot through vitals, mechanical broadheads provide quick and ethical kills that require less tracking. On the other hand, some would argue that fixed blade broadheads are more effective as they penetrate deeper and go through bone easier.

• Type of Game – When choosing between a fixed blade or mechanical broadhead, you need to consider the type of game you will be hunting. As a rule of thumb, fixed blade broadheads are better for larger game animals such as elk or moose where deeper penetration is important with a larger body with bigger bones. Similarly, mechanical broadheads are great for whitetails and smaller-sized game.

• Type of Hunting – You should also think about the style of hunting you will be doing when selecting a broadhead. Some hunters that plan to take longer shots may favor a mechanical broadhead for their accuracy. If you are spot and stalk hunting with an arrow nocked, a mechanical broadhead may not be the best option as the broadhead could be opened from moving around through brush. When hunting from a treestand, a straight down shot is probably better with a fixed blade broadhead for greater penetration.

Fixed Blade Broadheads

Fixed blade broadheads have historically been known for their tried and true reliability. Often equipped with 3 or 4 blades, fixed blade broadheads have no moving parts and leave out any variables. Fixed blade broadheads have been trusted by hunters since the beginning of time because of their fool-proof and simple design. They are not perfect and they do have their drawbacks when compared to mechanical broadheads.

Fixed Blade Pros

• Better Penetration – Fixed blade broadheads tend to penetrate better and go through bones easier. This is good if you shoot an animal in the shoulder blade as there is a better chance of it penetrating through. Fixed blades are also better for lower poundage bows with less kinetic energy as they tend to penetrate further.

• Dependable – Fixed blade broadheads have a very simple design and no moving parts. When shooting a fixed blade there is no worrying about blades not deploying.

• Durable – Fixed blades are just tougher than mechanicals in general. Most fixed blades are stronger and have a lesser chance of breaking upon impact. Some fixed blade broadheads come with replaceable blades and most blades can even be sharpened for multiple uses.

• Better for Large Game – Fixed blade broadheads are preferred for larger game animals such as elk or moose. For these larger animals, you need all the penetration you can get and fixed blade broadheads are better for that reason.

Fixed Blade Cons

• Accuracy – In most cases, fixed blade broadheads tend to be less accurate and predictable when shot from an untuned bow with unbalanced arrows. In order to get precise accuracy with fixed blade broadheads, your equipment needs to be fine-tuned as any tuning imperfections will be magnified when shooting a fixed blade broadhead. You will also need to make sure that your arrows are properly balanced and spin smoothly to get the most accuracy out of a fixed blade broadhead. Another common complaint about fixed blade broadheads is that don’t fly like field points because of the larger surface area when in flight. A larger surface area allows for a greater chance of the broadhead catching the wind in flight. Don’t expect to screw on a fixed blade broadhead and expect it to shoot like a field point without fine tuning your bow.

• Cutting Diameter – Compared to mechanical broadheads, fixed blades usually have a smaller cutting diameter. Most fixed blade broadheads have cutting diameters just over an inch whereas some mechanicals have up to 2 inch cutting diameters. The smaller the cutting diameter, the less chance there is to hit vitals.

3 Popular Fixed Blade Broadheads

1. G5 Montec
2. Muzzy Trocar
3. QAD Exodus

Mechanical Broadheads

Mechanical broadheads, also called expandable broadheads, are broadheads that fly in a closed position and deploy and expand upon impact. Some mechanical broadheads are rear-deploying and others are front-deploying. Mechanical broadheads have gained popularity in recent years due to their accuracy, effectiveness and forgiveness. When compared to fixed blade broadheads, mechanicals have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Mechanical Pros

• Accuracy – One main advantage of mechanical broadheads are their aerodynamic design and field point-like flight. Due to their low surface area, mechanical broadheads have a narrow flight profile that allow for less wind resistance. This allows for a lesser chance of a blade catching the wind and going off path. This is important for some of your newer and faster shooting bows over 300 feet per second as a higher fps bow has a greater chance of a blade catching wind and going off path.

• Cutting Diameter – An added feature of mechanical broadheads are their large cutting diameters. By having blades with a larger surface area, you get rapid trauma and blood loss for a quick and ethical kill. This also results in large entrance and exit holes. With a large cutting diameter, you also have a better chance of hitting vitals, allowing for more forgiveness if your shot is slightly off.

Mechanical Cons

• Less Penetration – One of the biggest complaints about mechanical broadheads is their lack of penetration. This is due to their large blades and cutting diameters that create greater friction upon impact, slowing the arrow down. Another complaint about mechanical broadheads is that they have a tougher time going through shoulders on whitetail deer. Again, this is due to their larger cutting diameters. In order to get good penetration with a mechanical broadheads, it is recommended to use a bow shooting over 50 pounds so there is enough kinetic energy for the broadheads to penetrate deep enough.

• Reliability – Compared to fixed blade broadheads, mechanicals have more variables, meaning that they have a greater chance of failing. Some examples include opening in flight, not opening on impact or a simple user error. If stalking an animal with an arrow nocked there is the chance of a broadhead opening up if it is hit on something before shot the shot. Another issue with mechanical broadheads is that some hunters have reported heads not deploying correctly and even ricocheting off animals at sharp shot angles.

• Durability – The durability of mechanical broadheads is sometimes lacking in comparison to fixed blades. A lot of times, you will only get one shot out of a mechanical broadhead and they can rarely be reused because the blades break easier.

• Illegal in Some States – in some western states, mechanical broadheads are illegal to hunt with and some mechanicals are even banned by outfitters.

3 Popular Mechanical Broadheads

1. Rage Hypodermic
2. Grim Reaper Whitetail Special
3. Swhacker #207

Summary

At the end of the day, broadhead selection comes down to preference and hunting situation. You may also notice that some styles and brands of broadheads shoot better out of your bow. Finding the right broadheads for you is trial and error combined with tuning and adjusting your bow. To find out if a fixed blade or mechanical broadhead works better for you, try out both this hunting this season to see the results. You may find that you prefer one over another. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!