When mechanical broadheads were first introduced to the bowhunting public, they quickly earned and deserved a reputation for being terrible. Blades falling off and heads refusing to open on impact were just two common complaints. They were also very expensive. However, technology has overcome the first two of these three complaints, and today the best mechanicals are just as reliable as the fixed blade heads. Plus mechanicals offer some important advantages to the bowhunter willing to pay the extra cost. They are easier to carry and keep sharp in a quiver and they cut a bigger hole than fixed blade heads of the same weight are just two.
If you are having trouble getting your fixed blade heads to strike the target in the same spot as your field tips, you may want to give mechanicals a try, and if you shoot a short arrow, as with an overdraw or a crossbow, there is a very good chance that mechanicals will give you noticeably better arrow flight. And as for the third complaint listed above? Well, mechanicals are still very expensive, even at NZAP prices, but hey, two out of three isn't bad.
The Tekan is a new type of mechanical broadhead from G5 Archery. The Tekan is constructed of one-piece stainless-steel, with no screws or other fasteners to come lose, and a tough .625-inch (16mm) cut-on-contact tip. The folding blades are .040" thick and simple to replace. The folding blades are held closed with a simple spring washer until contact with the target causes the blades to ratchet open. The spring washer also keeps the blades from closing while they are passing through flesh, insuring maximum wound channel and blood trail.
G5 Tekan replacement blades are .040 inches thick with a 1 1/2 inches (38mm) cutting diameter.
There are enough blades with O-rings and washers in each packet to do three broadheads.
The Rocky Mountain Snyper is a two-blade cam-action broadhead that is designed to position the cutting edges of the blades outward where they can do the most damage. As the Snyper enters the target the blades are pushed back into the ferrule where they cam out into the full-open position.
The traditional, cut-on-impact razor tip on the Snyper eliminates the worry of arrow deflection during angled hits. And because it is fully open upon entry it produces a large entry wound for a quick, humane kill.
The Snyper is 5/8 inch closed, opens to a 1 3/8 inch cutting diameter on entry, and weighs 100 grains with .035" thick, stainless-steel blades. Comes in a packet of three fully assembled broadheads.
Snyper replacement blades are .035 inches thick with a 1 3/8 inches Cutting Diameter.
There are enough blades with tips in each packet to do three broadheads.
The Spitfire mechanical broadheads by NAP are without doubt the finest on the market. Where lesser mechanical broadheads rely on "O" rings to hold the blades in the closed position, the Spitfire blades are held in place by a patented snap-lock system, which is made possible by the extreme precision used in making these fine broadheads.
Here is what the folks at NAP say about them:
Spitfire is undoubtedly the most trusted name in mechanical broadheads! Spitfires fly straight with pinpoint accuracy, perform better than any other mechanical thanks to the sharpest Diamize blades, and stand up under the toughest conditions. And the practice blades mean you can save your super-sharp hunting blades for the big day.
Spitfire broadheads are available in 80-grain, 100-grain, and 125-grain sizes. Blades are .030 inch thick stainless steel with a 1/14 inch cutting diameter for the 85-grain head, and a whopping 1 1/2 inch cutting diameter for the 100 and 125-grain heads.
These replacement blades for your Spitfire Broadheads are the same .030-inch thick super-sharp stainless steel blades that came with your original Spitfires.
Replace our hunting blades with these practice blades. You won't ruin your good blades and they will be a lot easier on your target.
This cut-on-contact version of the famous Spitfire mechanical broadhead might just be the ultimate in mechanical broadhead design. It is identical to the regular Spitfire listed above except for the replaceable cut-on-contact tip. Here is what the folks at NAP say about them: "Accurate, penetrating, a legendary name now delivers like never before with a razor-sharp, replaceable cut-on-contact tip. Complete with the hassle-free, no o-ring retention system and uncompromising design innovations you expect from Spitfire, the Spitfire XP builds on a name you can trust."
The Spitfire XP Pro Series uses standard Spitfire practice blades and Spitfire 100/125 replacement blades.
The Spitfire XP Pro Series accept the same replacement blades as the regular Spitfire 100 and 125 grain heads listed above, but these sets also include replacement tips. Packet contains 9 blades and three tips.
The Scorpion XP is NAP's brilliant answer to bowhunters wanting a value-priced cut-on-impact mechanical broadhead. The tip has a replaceable low-profile cut-on-contact blade. The strong aircraft aluminium ferrule is grooved for quick penetration and features the proven N.A.P. O-Ring blade retention system.
The Scorpion XP uses tough, incredibly sharp .030" thick, knife-grade stainless steel blades with a very generous 1-1/4" cutting diameter. Available in 100 and 125 grains packets of three broadheads.
One size fits both 100 and 125 grain Scorpion broadheads. Stainless steel blades .030 inches Thick, 1 1/4 inches Cutting Diameter. Packet of 18 blades.
Shockwave mechanical broadheads give you all the quality, sharpness and durability of the other N.A.P. mechanical broadheads but at a very economical price, and they are guaranteed to fly like field points.
Shockwave features Tri-vex� points for more penetrating power; aircraft aluminium ferrule for unyielding strength; easy installation, o-ring fits behind the blades; and replaceable 0.030" stainless steel blades. Comes in a packet of three broadheads.
One size replacement blade fits all three Shockwave sizes, 030 inches Thick, 1 1/4 inches Cutting Diameter. Sold in packet of 18 blades.
If you want a really cheap (like free) broadhead target, get a cardboard carton about half a meter square and about 150 to 200mm deep and stuff it very tightly with crumpled-up newspaper. Now attach two strong cords to adjacent corners so the box can be suspended in front of your backstop. The idea is that the arrow with the broadhead will penetrate the box without a complete pass through leaving the broadhead sticking out of the back of the box. To remove the arrow, unscrew the broadhead and pull out the arrow. This only works if the box is suspended because the swinging box absorbs most of the energy from the arrow.
If the arrow passes through the box use more paper. If the broadhead doesn't protrude from the back of the box, use less paper. If you miss the target, get a bigger box or stand closer. If you still miss the box, you're on your own.