I will say.... You are the type of person that should be making videos and speaking to people for a very long time to come. While there were too many grey area's and generalities for me to give a thumbs up, I do believe that you are a big positive on the internet. Live and learn. Best of luck this year!
Line up the vanes of your arrows with the blades of your fixed head broadheads helps arrows fly straighter in my experience... to do that use the o rings used on the rage style broadheads to help line up vanes and blades. You can buy rage o rings at the store or online. just put a o ring on your fixed broadhead screw into arrow and adjust until everything lines up. Thanks for Great videos
As usual excellent video. Thank you. I'm also using an older crossbow, going into my 5th season with a refurb Barnett Recruit compound I got from ebay. Never a problem with it, never had to re sight it, (and yes I check it out before and after every hunt) never missed a deer with it, never lost a deer with it . I have in 4 seasons, put 11 deer in the freezer with it. I just don't feel the need to "upgrade" cost $145.00 + $30.00 for a scope off of ebay. I use fixed blades with my compound occasionally, but on the crossbow, have always used a Carbon express Torrid SS, very similar to your old favorite, every shot has been a pass through. I'm also one of those folks who doesn't care what anyone else uses, more power to you! Wishing all a safe and successful season, and all hail Bunjie :-). also am an old school kinda guy, still using Easton aluminum shafts.
I'm a brand new crossbow owner I bought the killer instinct ripper 415 shooting 20" pile driver bolts and I really like your videos they have been really helpful to me to learn about crossbow hunting. Thank you and keep them coming
I shoot swecker 100 grian broad heads they do hit the same place that my practice points hit without returning it on my centrepoint sniper 370 they are truly awesome
My hunting family have been using rage with vertical bows and crossbows for at least 7-8 years now without one failure. Best part is short blood trails even on not so good shots. We love them.
Thank you for this video. I made the switch 2 years ago to Rage Hypo. The main reasons, my son uses them on his compound and have they never failed and cut well with excellent results, no failure. Lastly, we found having less a variety of all the bits and pieces, elastics, different shock collars in the broad head component box in the hunt room. Very happy to minimize complexity.
They do work. Blades are very flimsy and thin, and often rust. Use a little petroleum jelly to avoid rust. If you hit bone, they will likely break. There's a reason some broadheads cost $15 a pack and some cost $50. Look at blade thickness and body strength. Lots of tests online.
If it ain't broke don't fix it. I switched because I had to find the razor blades inside a chest cavity and got cut. More expensive BH's don't shed blades as easily. Good luck out there,stay safe.
I also use 125gr rage crossbow 2in but not the hyperdermic ones. I got the axiom for my son but I use it more myself lol. I brag to my friends how awesome it is and they tell me they have a 10point crossbow but never seem excited about it like me. I was even considering trying for a 2 in one shot at one point. I'm glad to see someone else using the same gear!! Most of my deer only last 20-30 yards b4 dropping but I always double lung while also knicking a good slice somewhere on the heart. I'm in michigan 37 with a 17 yr old son. I should also mention how I hunt squirrel with the same gear and I behead them or try to. Slices thru their shoulder bones like the cleanest cut you've ever seen!!
Another thing to consider with mechanical broadheads used on crossbows is that they can open up in flight on faster crossbows if they are not designed as a crossbow broadhead.I personally use WASP Jakhammers with my Barnett Ghost 385, but I put 2 O-rings on the blades instead of one & it works fine.
I do the same . Fire 3 bolts, take my best flier , mark it # 1. Thats the one I zero in with. I make that my first shot until I break or lose it. Then I fine tune # 2
Fixed blade broad heads can be indexed to align exactly with the vanes by the use of #60 O-Rings. Those can be bought in most hardware stores or home centers. The broad heads can be adjusted against the O-ring until the veins align with the Broad head. That should achieve greater accuracy.
I have a mix of three. Mechanical three blades, a fixed double edge broadhead, and a cheap bodkin-like point. The extremely pointed bodkin-point would easily pierce deeply, but it lacks in cutting. Blood trail would be minimal. The fixed is more durable and has a wider cutting surface. I feel comfortable using those. Mechanical broad-heads seem like they would’nt be durable but most of them are. I shot one into a phone book with my 150# recurve and it just barley penetrated out the other side but the blades remained intact and cut the paper like butter. Awesome video
I use G5 bro ahead because they're made in my state. (Michigan) I've used their deadmeat mechanical and killed 2 deer very quickly with it last season. This year I'm trying their montec fixed blade
Thanks for your excellent videos. You are spot on with your comments. I have hunted the last 10 years with a Barnett BCX crossbow due to shoulder issues. I celebrated 55 years in the woods this last year. I have shot many bucks with muzzy and rage broad heads with no issue. I prefer the Rage and have had no issues. The important issue with any broadhead is to make sure you sight it in! Know thy equipment! Just ordered a Wicked Ridge M-370. I am a 71 year old and need a crossbow that is easier to carry and maneuver. Looking forward to getting it sighted in and next fall. At my age you never know if it will be my last hunt. Keep up the good work!
Owned my Phoenix for 7 years . All I've done is buy cheek piece, different string, yup use stock bolts , just switched to 100gr boltcutters , all the dampening systems. And couldn't ask for a more reliable crossbow. Great RU-vid channel .
Rich, I not only agree with your comments on what to look for when choosing the right broadhead for your crossbow, but I also agree on the order of importance when finding the right broadhead to shoot. I am new to crossbows but not new to vertical bow hunting. Definitely still been a bit of a learning curve though. Accuracy trumps everything. I seem to be doing very well with the Ravin titanium broadheads (similar mechanical design to the Rage Hypodermic). I am not too concerned with being heavier on front of center as at 505 fps speeds I am consistently getting on the Ravin R500 crossbow, the amount of kinetic energy is crazy. I did purchase a 3-pack of Rage Hypodermic broadheads for crossbow and I like how well they fit on the arrows, but I also feel, "if it ain't broker (Raving titanium broadheads), then don't fix it." Another great video. Thank you. I enjoy the outtakes too. Ha.
There are several great broadhead companies out there, you can pick up just about any pack and have some level of success. I totally agree with you though, hunters MUST confirm how their bow shoots with their choice of broadhead. Personally, I use Rage. They are definitely expensive, but I love the fact they include the blue practice point so you can sight in without sacrificing a "real" broadhead or destroying your target too badly. Two years ago I failed to assemble the Rage broadhead correctly (didn't line up the plastic band and blades properly) which caused the broadhead to not deploy upon entry. In fact, when I recovered the bolt from the dirt, the broadhead was still in the closed position. However, I made a great heart shot on the deer and still had a decent blood trail to follow and quickly recovered the deer. To me, that made the extra few dollars at the store worthwhile. My local Dick's Sporting Goods sells a Rage starter kit for around $30. It includes 3 bolts and 3 broadheads so this is a great option for anyone that is new to crossbows or looking to try out Rage.
Tip no. 2... best common sense advice I've received throughout the several videos I've watched about choosing a broadhead for my new crossbow! Thanks for putting this out there. Keep the videos coming!
I'm new to crossbow hunting this year. I picked up a Carbon Express Piledriver 390, & probably will use the fixed blade broadheads I got with the extra piledriver bolts I purchased, but u'r videos are very informative, & do give me food for thought as I gain more experience in the sport, Thanks.
Hi Rich , There is something about you that demands the utmost attention of your family of arbelests ..You have a wealth of knowledge that is much appreciated by us all. You will notice that your viewers have varied opinions as do I. As a retired Olympic Archery coach the first prerequisite is to make certain the carbon/aluminum arrows are squared off for and aft ( I’m a Navy vet), Next you have to tune your bare shaft with the field point to the front and the nock to the rear. When the broadhead is secured it should fit tight then you glue the insert ..Never assume that Arrow #1 broadhead can be removed and attached to Arrow #4 and shot with the same accuracy..This is heavy stuff Rich and who has time in this time frame that we live ..Let’s have fun and hunt . Enjoy the time afforded us . It’s FALL ..time for a pumpkin 🎃 doughnut and 🥃 a glass of cider and a venison blackstrap ..LOL
Since I came across your videos a couple of years ago I've thoroughly enjoyed the advice you've given to your fellow hunters. You're pretty much spot on with everything you've said. I'll add to your comments.: I've been a Bowhunter for over 25 years but only took up the crossbow in 2017. Since then I've purchased two more bows. Over the years I've tried about every broadhead you can imagine. And guess what, everybody makes good equipment. But bows are like rifles, some just shoot certain ammunition better than others. So, I have a couple of observatons: In compound bows it's pretty easy to get fixed blades and mechanicals to perform well. I think that has a lot to do with the arrows. Since, crossbow arrows are shorter they tend not to be as stable and they don't fly as well with fixed blade heads. I have become a very strong advocate for mechanicals in crossbows. I also use the Rage Hypodermics and they are excellent. This year I have begun using the SEVR broadheads and believe that they fly even more accurately than the hypodermics. I shoot 420 to 425 grains in all my crossbows. I get complete pass thrus on just about every deer I shoot. I hunt in North Carolina and Virginia and the average buck in my neck of the woods is probably 175 pounds so 425 grains is plenty. All three of my crossbows are rated at 380 fps or better so penetration is no problem. Another thought : Crossbow arrows are a lot cheaper than arrows for compound bows. And it seems that no two fly the same. So, when I sight in my bow I'll dial in my arrow as close to perfect as possible and then put the two arrows that fly as close to that one in my quiver. I'd advise crossbow hunters to buy arrows with the best straightness tolerance that they can, preferably .001 . Hunters should look at Black Eagle Executioners or Zombie Slayers. They're as good as any on the market. Good hunting
I use both hypodermic Rage and Schacker .. I just smoked a nice buck with the Schacker and it was perfect. I am shooting a 430 FPS bow. I had a buck picked that watered and I knew I had a shorter shot. So I decided to tune in the heavier schwacker with large cut … it was amazing .. 30 yard shot and deer fell at 50 yards and landed exactly on the aim site
Another top notch video rich. Thank you for all you do and are willing to help us all. My son and I truly appreciate all you have done over the past few years. I have been using the same excalibur ecomax crossbow since 2011. I have tried several fixed and mechanical broadhead. For me it breaks down to a very simple issue. What am I hunting for. Deer are soft and wild hogs are very tough. So depending on what my target game is for the hunt, will depend on the broadhead I will use for that hunt . Happy hunting to all
Not using the latest and greatest, a major software company on the west coast doesn't like hearing that. LOL I've yet to find a mechanical that flies truly like a field point. Muzzy VS NAP VS Rage VS Swhacker etc is like Chevy VS Dodge VS GMC VS Ford. Fixed VS Mechanical is like Compound VS Recurve. What works for me may or may not work for you. In the end it has to work for you and that you are happy with what you use/drive.
Thank you for your insight about this topic. As a relatively new member of the crossbow hunting community I believe all opinions offer something positive to the discussion. I'll try to apply what I've learned from your presentation, and see if I'm successful in the hunt. Thanks again.
So I was an archery tech for years and I can say that fix blad broad heads do not make your bow less accurate. They dont stear your arrows/bolts diffrently from one to the next and they dont need to be indexed. Arrow stabilization is done at the rear of the arrow/bolt. As long as the bow or crossbow is properly tuned a fixed blade broad head will be just as accurate as a mechanical. There are going to be times where a arrow/bolt likes one broadhead over another attched to it just like a guns barrle likes one buttle over the other. The average difference between a mechanical vs a fix blade for accurace is generaly about 1 to maybe 2 inches when comparing to field points and even the mechanicals dont fly the same as field points which is why you need to turn your bow/crossbow with your broad heads
Gotta tell your channel is my new favorite!! Love your delivery/ commentary! Very informative!! Keep Up the great work! I have the ten point flat line 460. It’s a beast! Been a bitch getting it sighted in though
I make my own single bevel 2 blade broadhead. My crossbow is "homebuilt primitive." My arrows (bolts) are bamboo also homemade. I spent a very long time straightening the shafts. My crossbow is very accurate. Not as fast as many modern versions but within 30 yards it is extremely deadly.
For my Ghost 410 (that I picked up back in 2015), I shoot Grim Reaper SS Razor Cut 3-blade, 125 grain, for mechanical heads and Muzzy One, 125 grain for fixed, when I want to shoot fixed blades. I have also recently picked up some of the Ranch Fairy 3-blade fixed blades in 150 grains and 200 grains.
My brother in law took a massive deer and a good-sized hog using some "$5.00 clearance" broadheads he found at Walmart. So I'm done spending $40.00 for 3 name brand broadheads! As for worrying about having the latest and greatest equipment, I wanted a compound bow back around 1999-2000. Looking at a Cabelas catalog, it became obvious one could spend an awful lot of money, and I wasn't yet sure I was going to really get into archery. I bought a Bear Whitetail 2 for $125.00. It is heavier than the new bows, but it still kills the game. I bought a Barnett Brotherhood compound crossbow & a Barnett Recruit recurve crossbow back in 2015, they still work fine.
I use the G5 Striker. Fly like a dart. Complete pass thru on every deer I shot. Replaced the blades and ready to shoot again. Tried the Rage and was not impressed when sighting it in. Used the Wasp Jackhammers in my compound bow and had great results. Was afraid they would open up in flight in the faster Crossbow.
Totally agree with everything said Rich. Don't need the latest and greatest to be successful. Though you do need to be confident and accurate with the equipment you use.
I was always partial to the design of the Rage. Design wise, I believe that it’s an extremely effective and devastating broadhead. The one issue I have is the collar. Collars & bands are the weakest link of many broadheads. Wether they fail by themselves or are improperly installed by the user, it seems to be the weakest link and carries the potential for error. This is what brings me to a broadhead that i absolutely love! The NAP Killzone Crossbow version. They can be better described as an improved Rage. Instead of a collar, they use a durable spring clip. I have never had a problem with them opening when they are supposed to. It doesn’t seem to matter how fast your crossbow is driving those arrows either. The NAP is always accurate like a field tip and does “Rage-like” when it hits with good penetration as well. For deer it’s a beautiful thing! I know that there’s many folks out there offering many good opinions on broadheads, but do yourself a favor and test them out some time. I don’t think you’ll be sorry. In conclusion, I must say that I do like Rage a lot. Don’t get me wrong. Rage, from its inception may have been one of the single most effective designs ever. The NAP Killzone Crossbow is much like that design and very accurate. It’s much like an improved version.
Hunters Pay attention to the remarks at 2:50 into this post!!! Broad heads of whatever you choose will be just fine WHEN YOU HIT YOUR TARGET!!! A well placed shot is the most important part of the story!!! After that a very sharp ( insert your broad head brand here) will be fantastic!!!
You are so right I think knowing your equipment, optics arrow or bolts weight and broadheads then speed. I started with a jackel. Uncle Ted doesn't go long distance very often..
Hahaha! Haven't heard the "mmmmmwwaaaaBuuunnnnnjjiiiieeee......" in awhile! Brought a smile to my face. Been out a week I got some catching up to do on my season 10 viewing. Binge Time!
I've been bowhunting with recurve bows,compound bows and now crossbows.im old schooled now for over 40 years,I make and fletch my own arrows just crossbow arrows for me.and regular arrows for family and friends,I've tried almost all broadheads out there now.im 60 years old now and use a parker challenger crossbow and have never had any problems with it over the past 12 years,about 1988 I think puckett came out with a 90 grain broadhead that really flies like a field point and it is probably the first open Machine broadheads.it uses a rubber band to keep it from opening up until it hits the target,and theres 4 blades that open up.well ever since then that's I'm still using I've collected over forty now in great shape still.cant find rubber bands for them now but I've started using a little peace of paper tape on each broadhead now to keep it closed until it hits its target and it cuts through the paper tape and all is history.a persons choice of what broadhead or broadheads is his choice,not all broadheads are made for ever ones bow or crossbow so if you get one good broadhead that flies great for you and you can hit what you shooting at then that's what you need to stick with.no matter what anyone says or tells you,its like this "if it's not broke,then why fix it" I do have a new crossbow a sa sports aggressor 390 haven't shot it much yet but I'll use it as my back up bow in case my parker challenger ever poops out on me.until then I'll stick with what's been getting the job done for me!!!!!
So much appreciate the vast amount of crossbow information especially since I bought an Excalibur Axiom (Bunjie style) crossbow yesterday! I understand that Axiom was last made in 2016 so my bow is at least 4 years old but looks great. I don't think the previous owner hunted much or shot targets much from the condition of the bow. That said, your info about Bunjie and the fact it's 10 years old is encouraging and is invaluable info. Thanks!
Rich, if you line up your blades with the vanes, there should be no problem. 2 blades split the difference and obviously practice. I use both Rage Hypodermics and Grim Reapers (3 blade). I agree just use what works for you. One guy I know uses the cheap fixed heads, and they work for him. High price isn't the only way to go, obviously. I tend to go with proven manufacturers, it's up to whatever you like.
GREAT informative video.......I just ordered my first crossbow (I'm 73), been hunting all of my life but never used a crossbow, looking forward to a new adventure.
Still using my good ole Excalibur ExoMax. Have been taking Whitetails consistently with 100 grain Shwackers for years, no complaints. All complete pass-throughs, massive internal bleeding, large exit wounds and easy tracking blood trails. I am getting an itch to give Rage Hypodermics a try though and will in the Spring and Summer in prep for the 2021/2022 season. - I may change broadheads but no faster, lighter, slimmer or sexier crossbow is going to replace the ExoMax.
First off. I want to comment on your videos. They are great and very informative through all my years of experience. I have found that most mechanical broadheads fly well. You're personal experience will vary from person to person. I still believe shot placement and tuning your arrows are key to successful hunting. If you're not accurate. Any Broadhead will fail.
I have found that Slick Trick Crossbow heads fly phenomenally. The Rages hit 8" high and to the left. Besides, more deer are lost with Rage heads than all others combined.
This was a great video covering the broad head discussion that always comes up. For my first crossbow hunting in Pa., I think I've made my decision on the crossbow and now my decision is made regarding the broad heads I will use first.
I really enjoy your videos very informative on things I just now started back hunting after a 10yr lapse and decided to use a crossbow I got a bone collector 370 and have shot it yet cause my wife got it for me, I'm a truck driver and havent been home yet to try it out so I'm looking forward to that and from your videos I've learned alot so far and what to do and expect thank you so much for what you do
I shot NAP Thunderheads for years and watched them drop. Never lost a deer. One year I shot a doe with the grim reaper broadhead and the blades opened and twisted around the shaft of the bolt. Took me forever to find that deer. I went back to NAP Thunderheads immediately.
The whole reason I use a superheavy arrow is to quiet my bow beyond anything that most people would think possible Almost silent not to mention The life expectancy of my bow Is prolonged. My bow is a 415 that actually only shots 388 with stock a Arrow and with my 550 Grain Arrow clocks in at just under 350 but hits like a ton of bricks and each one of my Bows has over a 1000 shots on the same string with no signs of wear. I am shooting twin Center point 415s. Money is no object with my purchase but I did a lot of research and decided to try the 1st one and ended up purchasing another and is the best bow I've ever had.
I wanted say that I switch from the cheaper broadheads to the Rage hypodermic ones was the best. Last year I shot 3 deer and lost them all because the blades didn't open all the way or not at all. This year first night I dropped a doe on my first shot. So I learned it pays to pay a little more. Thanks
The outtakes are awesome.🤣🤣.. I have a few different different broad heads to try and am going to go with which ever one flys the best with my crossbow. Guess we’ll see after tomorrow, the new string should be here.
Shot my deer last year with the 150 gr 3" swacker. Deer ran maybe 40 ft huge hole my hand fit into. Looked like a 5 gallon bucket of blood where deer was hit. Using a Crosman Sniper 370 bow.
I use carbon express fixed serrated blades 1 1/8" diameter cut in 125g on carbon fiber arrows. It totally pass through my 24" practice cube at 150ft with no drop. Im using a pulley 370fps crossbow. And shoot within the size of a tennis ball at 150ft with fixed blades with more penetration than my 125g practice points.
First year with crossbow, I'm pretty excited. I'm using wasp exspandable, 100 grn, jackhammer. See what happens. I never used expandables before either. Was always true to the fixed blade thunderheads..
I tried mechanical broadheads two different brands both rear deploy one of them was rage. I had an issue with the rage opening during flight and the other brand I had the issue of it not opening at all. I went back to 100 grain for blade fixed broadhead no problems, but you don’t get the, gushing blood trails you get from the expendables. The crossbow shot last year was shooting about 350 ft./s. I just ordered a new crossbow that shoots 400 fps so I’m interest to see how the fixed fly with this one.
I am new to crossbow hunting and recently came across your channel. I bought a PSE Coalition using Rage Chisel Tips SC 100gr broadheads and will see how they do in the woods this weekend. I have enjoyed watching your videos. Thanks for the information.
Really really like your channel. Im new to crossbow hunting this year and ive learned a lot from your vids. I don’t comment on a lot of vids or pages but i had to to take a second to say thank you
I shot range with my regular compound bow and love them due to shoulder injury I am now shooting a crossbow for the first time this year and thinking of shooting the hypodermic rages cool video thanks for sharing
Great Advice Rich and Thx! I like what you said about your equipment and crossbow. Too many folks get equipment happy and try and buy accuracy and their way to success. Great Vid and Thx! Fletchman
I use muzzy trocar,or g5 montecs fixed blade 125grain.im firm believer in stainless steel broadheads.ive seen aluminum broadheads get destroyed if you stick it in front front shoulder. But just me 26 dollars for 3 and my crossbow shoots em just like practice tips
Hunters!!! Here is how to tell if you are using the correct broad head with your Weapon of choice. After you shoot your (insert favorite game animal here) if it has been killed then you used the proper broad head!!! Mechanical fixed blade whatever!! Enjoy!!!🦃🦌🐗🦆
Rich great video and well presented! Mechanicals are all the RAGE now and of course I bought three last year but I’m really dedicated to fixed heads! I picked up some Black Hornet serrated heads and I’m hoping to stick a pig this month as a real test. But I agree with your accuracy statement and to borrow from a crossbow manufacturer’s ad; “Speed thrills but Accuracy Kills!’ 🎯
Great video! I’m going to try rage this year and am excited to see how it goes. I think these guidelines are right on for what to consider. These videos are getting me amped for hunting season!
