Updated March 2023
Mechanical, or expandable, broadheads have grown in popularity over the years and are relied on by hunters all over the world. Mechanical broadheads are attractive to bowhunters because of their large cutting diameters and extensive blood trails they create. Many hunters still favor fixed-blade broadheads over mechanicals simply because fixed-blades are often seen as more dependable. Check out our fixed-blade vs. mechanical broadheads article to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each. There are many different styles and brands of mechanical broadheads out there. This article includes reviews of some of the best mechanical broadheads on the market and those most popular among bowhunters who use them.
Recommended All-Purpose Mechanical Broadheads
- Rage Hypodermic
- Swhacker #207
- Grim Reaper Whitetail Special
- Rage X-treme Chisel Tip
- NAP Spitfire
- Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid
- G5 Havoc
- NAP Killzone
- G5 Deadmeat
- Wasp Jak-Knife
Why Use a Mechanical Broadhead?
The two main reasons bowhunters favor mechanical broadheads are for their large cutting diameters and accuracy. Unlike fixed-blade broadheads, mechanicals have larger cutting diameters due to blades that deploy upon impact. Some mechanical broadheads have up to a 2-inch cutting diameter that results in huge blood trails and entrance and exit holes. In addition to cutting diameters, many hunters report that mechanical broadheads fly better than fixed-blades. Some companies even claim that mechanical broadheads fly just as good as field points. This is because most mechanicals fly in a folded position with a low profile allowing for less wind resistance.
10 Best Mechanical Broadheads for Bowhunting
1. Rage Hypodermic – The Rage Hypodermic broadhead is arguably the most popular mechanical broadhead on the market. These broadheads have a massive 2” cutting diameter and are designed to fly like a field point. The shock collar blade retention system keeps the Hypodermic collapsed in place while in flight for maximum aerodynamic capability. The Hypodermic is also a very sturdy broadhead that has a single piece stainless steel ferrule and large .035” thick blades. The Hypodermics are Rage’s strongest broadheads that are designed to create massive blood trails and are suitable for all-size game. Another great alternative broadhead similar to the Hypodermic is the Rage Hypodermic Trypan Titanium broadhead.
Features:
- 2 blade design
- 100 grain
- 2” cutting diameter
- Exclusive hybrid tip
2. Swhacker #207 – Another popular mechanical broadhead is the Swhacker #207. This 2-blade broadhead features a 2” cutting diameter with durable .032” thick blades. The stainless steel construction of the Swhacker #207 makes it perfect for all situations. This broadhead has a honed razor-sharp point and a hardened high-carbon steel ferrule made of anodized aircraft aluminum. The 1” low profile folded position of the #207’s make them extremely accurate and fly like a field point. What makes these broadheads different than others are the two separate cutting edges. The first set are used to cut the hide and ribs during entry and are responsible for deploying the main set of blades that do the majority of the remaining damage.
Features:
- 2 blade design
- 100 grain
- 2” cutting diameter
- Hardened high carbon steel point
3. Grim Reaper Whitetail Special – The Whitetail Specials by Grim Reaper are a great mechanical broadhead with a large 2” cutting diameter and has three blades. This front-deploying broadhead folds nicely to allow for field-tip like flight. Upon impact, the three blades fold back and lock into place while traveling though the animal. What makes this broadhead unique are the three razors on the tip of the head that allows for maximum penetration. Unlike many other large expandable broadheads, the Whitetail specials do not use a collar or rubber band to hold the blades in place while in flight. This broadhead works best with high kinetic energy bows and are perfect for whitetail deer.
Features:
- 3 blade design
- 100 grain
- 2” cutting diameter
- Stainless steel construction
Related: Grim Reaper Whitetail Special Broadhead In-Depth Review
4. Rage X-treme Chisel Tip – The X-treme Chisel Tip by Rage is one of the largest cutting diameter broadhead available. What sets this broadhead apart from others is the bone-crushing chisel tip that is designed to go through bones easily. The Rage X-treme Chisel Tip is a tough broadhead that has an anodized aluminum ferrule and .035” stainless steel blades. The SlipCam blades on this broadhead feature surgical-grade sharpness and a sweeping angle that maintains kinetic energy longer for deep penetration. Also, the Shock Collar blade-retention system helps to ensure that the blades stay in place until they hit their intended target. The combination of the large cutting diameter and chisel tip on these broadheads make them an extremely effective option. Another great broadhead option similar to the X-treme Chisel Tip is the Rage 3 Blade Chisel Tip SC.
Features:
- 2 blade design
- 100 grain
- 2.3” cutting diameter
- Chisel tip
5. NAP Spitfire – The Spitfire broadhead by New Archery Products is a front-deploying mechanical broadhead with a 1 ¾” cutting diameter with field point accuracy. The Spitfires have a razor sharp cut-on-contact tip designed for increased penetration followed by three ultra-sharp .030” thick blades that result in excellent blood trails. These broadheads are easy to use because they do not require an O-ring or rubber band to keep the blades in place. The NAP Spitfire is the perfect choice for game of all sizes.
Features:
- 3 blade design
- 100 or 125 grain
- 1 ¾” cutting diameter
- Cut-on-contact tip
6. Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid – The Trocar HB Hybrids from Muzzy are designed to help bowhunters drop big game fast. This tough and accurate broadhead has a hybrid design that delivers exceptional penetration and large wound channels. This broadhead comes equipped with a bone-crushing Trocar chisel tip and a 1” fixed-blade design paired with a set of long 1 5/8” center-pivot blades that deploy on contact. The Trocar HB Hybrids are made .035” surgically sharp stainless steel blades with a total cutting surface of 2 5/8” after impact. These broadheads are incredibly accurate at long ranges as the mechanical blades fold tight to the broadhead’s steel ferrule while in flight.
Features:
- 4 blade design
- 100 grain
- 1 5/8” cutting diameter
- Hybrid design
7. G5 Havoc – The G5 Havoc is an awesome mechanical broadhead with surgically precise construction and a 2” wide cutting diameter for extreme blood trails. The Dual Trap blade retention system eliminates the need for an external collar to keep the blades folded while in flight to deliver precise accuracy. The Havocs have .030” thick stainless steel Lutz blades with a cut-on-contact design. The G5 Havoc broadheads are an excellent choice for bowhunters looking for an equal combination of accuracy and the effectiveness of a large cutting diameter head.
Features:
- 2 blade design
- 100 grain
- 2” cutting diameter
- 100% steel construction
8. NAP Killzone – The Killzone by New Archery Products is a rear-deploying two blade mechanical broadhead with a massive 2” cutting diameter. The low profile design of this broadhead results in field-point accuracy and deep penetration. What sets the Killzone apart from other rear-deploying broadheads is the unique spring-clip design that ensures that the blades will not open in flight or in your quiver and eliminates the need for O-rings or rubber bands. The NAP Killzone is guaranteed to create large blood trails and short tracking jobs.
Features:
- 2 blade design
- 100 or 125 grain
- 2” cutting diameter
- Cut-on-contact razor tip
9. G5 Deadmeat – The Deadmeat broadhead by G5 is a three blade mechanical broadhead that has a 1 ½” cutting diameter. This broadhead features a convenient Snaplock blade retention system that locks the three blades into place for secure flight until impact. This eliminates the need for external O-rings or rubber bands. The Deadmeat’s durable 100% steel construction makes is super tough for just about any situation compared to aluminum construction of some other broadheads. The Deadmeat’s low profile design keeps the three blades folded nicely for increased accuracy at long distances.
Features:
- 3 blade design
- 100 or 125 grain
- 1 ½” cutting diameter
- Durable 100% steel construction
10. Wasp Jak-Knife – The Jak-Knife by Wasp is a popular two blade mechanical broadhead that has a 2” wide cutting diameter and durable .036” stainless steel blades. The two large blades on the Jak-Knife fold into place to create a small profile for field point like flight. The O-ring blade retention system guarantees proper deployment on every shot. The Jak-Knife is very popular among bowhunters because of its wide-cutting capability combined with increased accuracy and no worries of mechanical failure.
Features:
- 2 blades
- 100 or 125 grain
- 2” cutting diameter
- Stainless steel Smart Tip
Most Popular Brands
- Rage Broadheads – Rage is a popular broadhead company that sells only mechanical broadheads. Rage is owned by the parent company, Feradyne Outdoors, which owns other popular companies such as Block Targets, Muzzy Broadheads and IQ Bowsights. Rage is most well-known for their large cutting diameter broadheads.
- Grim Reaper – Grim Reapers makes a variety of fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads. They are known for their three blade front-deploying mechanical broadheads that leave massive blood trails.
- G5 Outdoors – G5 makes a variety of archery products including quivers and rests and are known for their quality broadheads. G5 makes a number of different broadheads that are a good options for just about any hunting scenario.
- Swhacker – Swhacker is another popular brand that makes great mechanical broadheads. Swhacker is most known for their large cutting diameter mechanicals that are designed to deliver maximum damage. You cannot go wrong with any mechanical broadhead from Swhacker.
- NAP – New Archery Products is a well-respected company that sells a variety of archery products including arrow rests, stabilizers and quivers. NAP makes both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads, all of which are great options.
Summary
Mechanical broadheads are a great choice for hunters who want maximum effectiveness out of a broadhead and are popular among both beginner and advanced archers. The broadheads reviewed in this article are some of the most-used mechanical broadheads on the market. All broadheads shoot differently for different people and many mechanical broadheads come with practice tips that can be used to sight in your bow. You may have to try a few brands or types of mechanical broadheads to find the right one for you. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!
