The upside of mechanical broadheads are massive entrance wounds and copious blood to trail seen, even on an entrance wound only. Many love them. Me? Read on…

The four most obvious documented downsides can be the following:

1. the blades did not open/deploy
2. the poundage of bow or striking energy (long shot) was insufficient to open/deploy
3. the arrow did not fully penetrate vitals, spending energy on opening instead of all important penetration.  
4. mechanical blades broke on entry

Mechanical broadhead Cost? The engineering that goes into a great mechanical broadhead translates to much higher cost for fewer broadheads (three per pack) and no practice heads. Three broadheads are commonly sold in the $50 to $60 category and reuse as a broadhead is one and done throw away.

 Reviews by many hunters are a tell all to quality and reliability. Some swear by them. 

Fixed Blade Broadheads – There are fewer downsides of modern fixed blade broadheads particularly with cut on contact tips and they have been used for tens of thousands of years. They cost less than most mechanical heads and fixed blade broadheads often can be reused. 

I contend that sharp bullet or pencil points seem sharp but push/tear their way till razor sharp blades cut flesh. I avoid these pencil pointed heads.

I advocate cut on contact tips on fixed blades, like sharp trocar/scoop or the sharp blade tip itself cuts nerves and tissue on contact, thus the deer is often not aware of the wound.

I used Muzzy 4 blade trocar tipped heads in Africa with great success. Both the red hartebeest and gemsbok fell dead in less than 50 yards.

I will be bear hunting in Alberta with crossbow in June 2025. I will used fixed blade broadheads to ensure complete penetration. Likely Muzzy. 

Doing your homework by reading online web reviews can aid in your choices. Once I trust a broadhead, I try to stay with it. 

Good Hunting

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