Arrow weight and broadhead aside, it’s vitally important that what ever your set up is, you have a tuned bow. Shot placement should always be assumed. No one makes bad shots on purpose. We all know as hunters, things happen. Thats when the argument where heavy vs light or fixed vs mechanical comes into play. You don’t need it until you do kinda thing. It’s up to each hunter with what they are trying to accomplish to decide what set up is best for them. It’s crazy how much fighting is caused over personnel preferences.
Tanner, I agree with you completely. We are a community that should be praising others but I see so often just the opposite. It's sad. We really just need to ban together in order to keep this tradition of conservation alive. Good luck out there this season. Take care and God bless. -Love from NH
Yeah completely agree. Probably most of the time, it is shot placement. I think i'm going to try this year is bumping up my total arrow weight to 550 grain, but still not sure what i'm going to do regarding mechanical or fixed. I have no good reason to switch from mechanical, but just thinking of trying something different. This year, one shot hit high as everything shifted (deer and possibly shot) when i released. The mechanical caught part of the spine, dropped the deer and the Grim Reaper never fell apart, i was very surprised.
I appreciate this commentary. It is easy to fall into rabbit holes with all the discussion around broadheads. I currently have fixed and mechanical in my quiver, and have no hesitation shooting either.
Bill, thank you for doing these videos! I started bow hunting in 2014 and almost everything I know: set up, clothing, tactics, etc. I learned exclusively from you. I very grateful for your time and investment.
I actually took your advice a few years back and went against what everyone else was telling me to do. My son at the time was 11 years old and was going to try a compound bow . He got up to the Ohio minimum of 40# draw Weight. We tried 2 and 3 blade fixed heads and tried tuning and had a really hard time. I saw some info you had on the rocket steelhead. So I got a pack and he was drilling the target. First sit had a young buck come within 15 yards. He put a perfect shot directly behind the shoulder. Arrow poked out the opposite side. Deer went 60 yards. After field dressing it we can see he hit dead center in a rib on both sides an yet had no issues with penetration. It was one of my greatest memories with him and I want to thank you for making it possible. I think the confidence he had with the steelhead just made a huge difference too.
Try not moving the rest to tune the bow. Center the rest and get a correct spine arrow and cut it until a bareshaft flies straight. You can shoot whatever you want then.
Good information. I’m in the same camp just with 2” 2 blades. Your honesty on how you have learned from mistakes is always refreshing to see in the hunting world. You can always tell you keep your ego in check even as an accomplished bowhunter.
I agree with you Bill. Thanks! The majority of deer I've shot with mechanicals have dropped within sight. Didn't experience that with fixed blade heads...
Yes, I agree. Mechanicals have gotten a bad rap of late, but mostly, I think that any problems people have with them has to do with the large cutting diameter heads. I have never had any problems with the smaller models. Good luck.
I'm always jealous when I watch your shots. It's amazing to hear you say "I am where I am." I practice a lot, and I still punch the trigger once in a while. It's frustrating!
Shot mechanicals for years but last year switched to Exodus fixed heads. I’ve been blown away by these heads. Sharp as hell and tough. Fly straight and true. Never had really good blood trails with the Rockets and I shot the smaller ones like Bill. With the Exodus. Holy crap. Love them.
Great video, as always! It’s amazing how broadhead tolerances have gotten so tight in the more recent years! I moved away from Rocky Mountain Razors and Muzzy 100 gr Three-blade heads in the early 2000’s. I went to mechanicals for a brief stretch, but came back to fixed blades for the peace of mind of knowing that the blades are already deployed and ready to cut. With the improvements of fixed-blade broadhead tolerances, the results downrange have been significantly improved from the broadheads of the mid-90’s. Like you, I have just figured out what works best for me, and stuck with it! I don’t know if it’s me being hardheaded or what, but my QAD’s work, and haven’t given me a reason to change…yet! Thanks again for the great content, and good luck in the woods this year! Be safe out there!
Great video, Bill I've said that very same thing, as far as mechanical. Don't shoot over 1 1/2 " . You will get better penetration from the smaller heads.It only makes sense. Although I think mechanical have come a long way,I am old school and still shoot fixed blades. I shoot the 100 grain Slick Tricks in standard heads. They fly great and have good luck with them. Thanks for sharing!
Very concise analysis of the FB vs MechB argument. My theory is try different ones of both and see what you feel is best coming out of your bow, what penetrates best and ultimately what can you afford. Bill, it is great seeing you back on the small screen. I just happened across your RU-vid channel, and it is nice to have you back. I have great memories of you and your down to earth analysis of archery and hunting products. I always enjoyed your videos when you hosted Midwest Whitetails. MW was got me into watching hunting and archery videos. Keep up the good work.
There has to be balance. Many of us switched to mechanicals for a reason, not just to try something new. Until that reason is gone (I don't believe it is) they are still an important option.
I am a huge Winke fan. I shoot 70lbs at a 29" draw. I grew up on aluminum arrows with bear razor tips out of old bear whitetail 5 pulley bows and later the whitetail two. Then of course moved to carbons and spitfire max heads and faster and faster bows. I've killed tons of deer and lost very few. (Like 2 I think.) Two years ago I drank the ranch fairy kool-aid. High FOC, 150 grain iron will vented with a 100 grain stainless insert. My total arrow weight is just short of 600 grains. I also bare shaft tuned my bow. My fixed heads hit with field points out to 50 yards. I practice at 50 but I do not shoot at deer beyond 30. I will say this. The ballistics of high FOC and beyond razor sharp heads with a COC tip aren't disputed. It's just physics. I don't disparage anyone who wants to shoot expandable heads. Great video Bill, thank you.
I drank the Ranch Fairy Kool-aid too. I shoot almost the same setup as you, but with a 125 gr. QAD exodus head and I use feather fletching. 70lb 30 inch draw. Heavy arrows make my bow much quieter and never have to worry about mechanicals not opening or poor penetration. I haven't had an animal go more than 50 yards and they tend not to sprint off. They just trot and stop after 20 yards before getting tipsy. I honestly think they have no idea what hit them
great info...I switched to mechanicals back in 2015 and havent looked back......Most important is shot placement and with the mechanicals it is more consistent IMO
I like a real solid and reputable 2 blade mechanical broadhead. I have some 3's in my archery tackle box, but I lean towards my 2 blades. I am a little different though, I like the larger 2" cutting diameter.
I used the regular Steelheads and then the XL's for years, killed multiple dozens of deer with them, I still have some of both left and w/ extra blades and bands .... I put Steelheads thru 55 gallon drums to prove how strong they were, didnt lose a blade, a Muzzy 3 blades lost its blade on its attempt .... Rocket needs to bring these back ASAP ... love these heads
I stopped shooting mechanicals because I don't want any extra variables in my hunting setup. A two blade single bevel head will kill just fine and will outperform every mechanical on the market including sevr broadheads which are the best performing mechanical heads. Each hunter has to make the choice for themselves but I can hunt the rest of my life with the same broadheads as long as I don't lose them on a pass through shot.
I'm in the "never mechanicals camp". Lots can and does happen! I feel like a fixed blade bh can help compensate for something screwy happening FAR better than a mechanical!! Though, if someone wants to shoot something else then that's fine.
Only deer I've ever lost were mechanical. Some of the most impressive blood trails I've gotten are from mechanicals but you better stay away from bone.. in regards to accuracy have everything tuned very well in my Broadhead shoot as well as my mechanical. I totally get where Joe blow public who doesn't do that could benefit from off-the-shelf accuracy with mechanicals.
I lost one shooting down quartering slightly away and it appeared the head deflected off bone and went between the hide and ribs. That was the last deer I shot with a mechanical. I haven't lost a deer with fixed blade heads but that one and one other with rages were never found. To many things can go wrong with mechanical heads and simple broadheads have been killing animals all over the globe since bows were first built.
Also, in the video Bill mentions that his expandable bh are small diameter, but I don't think he clarified that in regard to the fixed blade bh that he used to shoot. I shoot Slick Tricks and they have a 1 1/8" cutting diameter which is fairly small. They are very accurate in my setup!!
I think in this modern age of bow hunting and archery, superior equipment, material and machine tolerances, it’s no longer a issue. Mechanicals are obsolete. Especially at whitetail distances. I regularly test out a bunch of different heads. I’m a broadhead junkie. The fixed blades I shoot are always right on point with field points. When I’m really stretching out the distance the mechs always start hitting lower and the fixed blades hit right where they need too. I also lost a opportunity at a world class mule deer because when I pulled my mech heads out of the quiver the rubber bands came off land the blades were just flopping around. 3 times. I gave up on them after that. It was fifteen years ago and I still hurt over it.
Agreed, I've had 3 fail, lucky enough to eventually kill the deer that I hit, 2 of them never opened, holes like broad heads, those things are total junk....They are basically for people who are too lazy to actually tune their bows....
Thanks. We have used a few variations of Rage with good success. But I tend to gravitate back to Muzzy. Just about bought new Muzzy today at the bow shop but thought I would talk to some more folk. Coincidentally, this vid came up in my offering today. Going to have to give it some more thought. Much appreciated.
I find it interesting that you use mechanicals for the same reason I use fixed blades except opposite ends of that spectrum. In my case, shots may not be perfect and I want the best chance at cut through and penetration. In todays age, smaller cutting fixed broad heads that shoot like field points are more prevalent. In the end, mechanicals work on white tails and I think you’ve proven that. By the way, you have got the best intro on your videos on RU-vid!!! I really mean that. For once I don’t have to fast forward the musical junk. Thanks for that!!
Im in the same boat. Especially shooting my compound bow with fingers instead of a release aid. It's also nice to have a streamlined look at the end of the arrow for gap shooting. I'm using the Grim Reaper pro series 3 blade 1 3/8th cut at the moment. They served me well last year and don't have any complaints. Thanks for the video!
Great video. Thank you for sharing your rationale and the process through which you reached it. I still have to select my broadhead for this season and time is short. Good luck this fall
I have had fantastic results with spitfire maxx 125 grain heads. For years I shot a 525 grain arrow at 290 fps with these tips. Nothing helps a bigger mechanical more than extra KE. I have blown through the nearside scapula and far side humerus and shattered the arrow on a rock behind the deer from 40 yards with this set up. That being said I am getting older and 84 lbs is no longer easy for me to draw so my new bow is 65 lbs and I have just made the switch to the Magnus Black Hornets after hearing great things about them. I found it pretty easy to get them to group with my field points out to 50 yards and they are razor sharp. My arrows are flying like lazers, just need deer season to open up here!
Yes, I agree 100%! When people who shoot mechanical heads espouse accuracy the fixed blade crowd always say "you should learn how to tune your bow" but that's not a true statement. Sometimes you just can't get your field points and broadheads to shoot the same, depending on fixed blade design. You should match your head to the game your hunting just like you would with a rifle. Thanks Bill!
Agreed Frank. I used to spend weeks trying to get my fixed blade broadheads and field points to hit the same place. But some bows back then were not tunable because of sideways nock travel. I got sick of it and switched to mechanicals. No more problems.
Well said. I've been listening to all the talk about high FOC, single bevel, heavy weight arrows. But this is a well thought-out explanation of the other side of the argument. Accuracy is something that is skimmed over with the heavy arrows. eg. pin gap. Everyone agrees that the arrows need to fly well, no matter what broadhead you are using. Their argument is - if you hit them in the heart or lungs, doesn't matter what you are using - but what if you hit bone. Or - everyone's worried about getting the arrow to the deer, but not what happens after you hit the deer. I'm sure that a heavy arrow, fixed blade is better and gets more penetration than a thin mechanical. But if that heavy arrow causes you to miss by several inches, then what's the point. I guess the argument is - would you rather have an accurate arrow with poor penetration or a less accurate arrow with good penetration.
I believe you can have an accurate arrow with adequate to good penetration. We are all shooting powerful enough bows now that a moderate weight arrow will push a 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch cutting diameter mechanical through a deer almost regardless of where it hits. I just want to be accurate first. I know the penetration will be good enough even if it doesn't bury as far into the dirt on the other side as the guy shooting the one-piece heads.
I disagree yes you need to hit what you’re aiming at but we’re not shooting at target we’re shooting at live animals and stuff happens! I’m sorry I can’t chance my once in a year shot to some 50 Cent razor blade! Honestly the way fixed blades have improved in the last five years or so if you got a decently tune bow there’s no reason they shouldn’t hit with your field points
I agree Eric. In addition, what’s never said is that perfect shot placement means zip without penetration and in fact two holes should always be one of our goals.
I agree a well tuned bow should shoot fixed with your feild points all day. I shoot grim reaper micro hades pros out of a bow tech solution at 70lbs at 267 fps. I have no flight issues and pass throughs almost every time. I’ve shot both mech. And fixed it’s all in the tune and the shooters ability to practice. I don’t shoot mech because of failure to pass through, failure to deploy and failure to stay together during the impact. So what did we Learn we all have opinions and we all have our own experiences. Shoot what you can accurately and know your gear period. That’s my 2 cents for what it’s worth.
If mechanical broadheads were free, I would still pass on them. There are some fixed blade broadheads that fly awesome these days. Personally, I like the Slick Trick Viper Trick the most, but I would be content with the Magnum & Standards, too. I would also pick the QAD Exodus over any mechanical broadhead on the market today. If someone says they have been shooting mechanicals exclusively since 1995, however, I don't expect them to change. I guess that's why we have so many broadhead choices these days.
Thanks for the video Bill. I was wondering if you could give us a few of your favorite mechanical broadheads for hunting whitetail. Also, would love to see you do a video on FOC and whether or not that plays a role in your set up.
I will get to the FOC piece at some point. People are taking some of these tech tradeoffs too far. Yes, if you go to extremes you will see differences, but very little difference between an arrow's performance with 14% FOC versus one with 20%. I have always set up my arrows to fall into that range. Regarding mechanical heads, I am going to try the B3 EXO 3 and maybe the EXO Meg. These promise to be very accurate, good penetrating heads. You can see them here: b3archery.com/product-category/broadheads/ Good luck.
Thats a great perspective! Thank you for sharing.. one question, as you mentioned that you have shot 100s of deer since then. Do you ever lose a deer where maybe if you would have had a fixed blade you would have gotten it from your perspective? I've switched from a 2 blade stinger back to rage hyperdermics which I've had no issues with in the past. Thank you!
I played with those when they first came out. I think everyone went crazy for the large cutting diameter mechanicals and that made the manufacturers stop making the smaller ones - a big disservice to the hunters of this country.
It is totally a personal choice... Do you remember at one of the ATA at Indy when they had the 100-yard Rage Shootoff? I think you shot in that event. I believe Randy Ulmer had his blades open and ended up in the carpet(We think??). Tim G. was so worried about it that he super glued his blades down. I think they might be more consistent but not more accurate. Bottom line - Confidence is deadly... If you trust it use it, if you don't trust them don't use them..
Yes, I remember that event very well. I had a blast and you are right about what happened. I was standing right there when we cut the carpeting to get Randy's arrow out. And I watched Tim super glue his blades closed between rounds. But on another note: Randy is the man when it comes to bowhunting and shooting. He was my mentor. People never knew it but I ghost wrote all his articles for many years. We would talk on the phone for hours about some subject of archery or bowhunting and then I would write the article in his words based on those notes. It is amazing how much he knows about shooting a bow - and a lot of other stuff. He doesn't get nearly the respect he deserves.
Very compelling points. What made me switch to fixed blades is they all fly differently. There’s been some good fixed blade accuracy tests done, and a lot of fixed blades fly horribly. But there’s a few that don’t consistently rank as accurate fliers and i try to focus on them.
I used to have to micro-tune each arrow separately. It would take me a couple of days to get four arrows to fly the same when I was using fixed blade heads. Granted, arrows and broadheads are better now, but the lesson got permanently etched into my mind.
Looks like the old Rocket broadheads I use to shoot back in the day. I remember the archery shop I worked at got some of the first mechanical broadheads and it was called the Penetrator. Worst thing I had shot in a long time, but it caught on and we sold thousands of them. Still have some of the old Rockets and I think they are 1 1/8th inches. Killed a bunch of deer with those many years ago. You can kill a deer with a field point especially if you hit it in both lungs so shot placement is still the key for me. Thanks for sharing.
Agreed on all points. You probably remember the old Vortex broadheads too. Those things were huge, like two steak knives coming off the end of the arrow on impact. They were not for me, but those little Rockets made all the sense in the world. Good luck.
I prefer rear deploying broadheads. This past Sunday (9-18-22) I took a great 8pt on public land in Central Florida with a 2.3" rage xtreme chisel tip broadhead. 500gr arrow. 28 yard shot. Axe sized entry hole. Complete pass through - exited the opposite armpit and blew through the elbow joint and stuck in the ground. The deer ran 40 yards and fell over. Red buckets of paint blood trail. I was stunned that huge mechanical went through bone like that and didn't bend or break at all.
I'm a big believer in mechanicals. I shoot 1 1/4 " wasp jak hammers and have never looked back shot a 1 3/4 and like he says less penitration. All 6 deer I killed with 1 1/4 did not go far and pass thru. One even passed thru hitting the shoulder blade.
A triple bladed fixed broadhead with triple fletching is perfection. It is minimally affected by crosswinds and is deadly accurate. Plus the punch through is amazing. Mechanicals have failure points that fixed just doesn't have. I can sharpen and reuse the same three fixed broadheads. With a mechanical after one animal I'll probably have to replace it. Fixed are the natural progression of thousands of years of hunting using obsidian and quartz arrowheads. They just work.
Good input. Thanks. I tried hard to tune and shoot fixed blade heads for many years but couldn't shoot them as accurately as I could the mechanicals so I switched. It wasn't a big difference, but especially on windy days the mechanicals were noticeably more accurate. Also, if I made a rough release they didn't react as much. Good luck.
I've had a hate-love relationship with mechanicals starting around 96 myself. I've always preferred fixed (which in the 80's was the only option) but have used mechanicals on occasion. To your point accuracy is key but the reality on the margin of error is sometimes slim (chalk up to the items you mentioned) and it has cost me using mechanicals on hits where I feel a fixed would have performed better. However, my question: would you consider a fixed blade where the new geometry designs create better flight dynamics = accuracy ? I hate tuning, heating inserts, realignment as well but I feel the new fixed (cut on contact 2 blade) are substantially better in design. I mentioned EVO on one of your last video's and I really make no significant adjustments from my field points and their performance is literally night and day from other fixed that I've used. *Sorry for the long post but better materials, engineering and even the bow/arrow combinations lead to better flight accuracy these days. Not trying to convert but as an "old" bowhunter myself I try and stay current and keep an open mind to sustainable progress as it relates to bowhunting technology. Thanks Bill always appreciate the sharing of insights.
Added a few mechanical broadheads into the mix the year. They currently fly better than fixed blades do at 60 because I haven't been able to fully dial in my bow. They definitely impart less drag than some of these higher end fixed blades. I still love these bomb proof fixed blades that can be reused with a light sharpening!
Totally agree, the accuracy across all situations you can run into in the field, Mechanicals are more accurate. I also started using FOBs about 7 years ago, I believe there’s an edge there also.
I have been experimenting with the B3 Destrukt 3 fixed blade head. The blades are offset to match your helical and they are super accurate. Not sure just yet if they are as accurate as mechanical in every situation, but they are sure good out to 40 yards for me. I haven't shot them farther. The designer says they are field point accurate out to 100 yards! That is a strong claim. Good luck.
That’s great to know, my brother in-law lives out in northern NM and wants me to come out and hunt Elk/ Mule Deer archery season. I was definitely going to go with fixed blades. This will help me narrow the search. Thanks again for the info!
I just recently shot my first deer with a rage. Shot straight through the deer ran about 35 yards. Both lungs were destroyed. My brother asked “Did you hit it” and I respond with it “It just dropped”
None specifically, just a category of small cutting diameter heads. The biggest problems with mechanicals came from the big cutting diameter heads. I like just about any solid head under 1 1/2 inch cutting diameter.
I’m torn between the cut on contact and the mechanicals right now, season starts this Saturday! Both are flying decent, just need to commit. Thanks for the video!!
I switched to cut on contact fixed blade last year, what I've noticed, is the deer react different when shot with a cut on contact fixed blade than they do with a mechanical. With mechanicals, they run hard as soon as they're shot, with the cut on contact fixed, they took a hop and walked off looking backwards to see what hit them. Completely different reactions.
Cut on contact are superior in my opinion. Bill argued for penetration and yet that last doe in the video wasn’t a pass through. Buy a really good cut on contact fixed blade that you can resharpen and you’ll be impressed I promise. I’ve used a single broadhead to shoot four different whitetail and it’s still ready for more. Just touch ups between. My wife shoots 40# and still had an entry and exit hole on her first buck. He fell in 60 yards.
I to loved the rocket stihlhead but I can’t seem to find any anymore any where. Only thing I’ve found is trophy ridges attempt at remaking them, is that broadhead more or less the same ?
What's your degree in Bill? I had no idea you had experience in aerospace. I'm an aerospace engineer and have worked in structural testing for almost 10 years!
I guess to each their own I’ve never had a problem with accuracy with a Magnus stinger. I did shoot rockets steel heads for a few years and did like them but fixed heads have worked since the beginning of a creation .
Have you noticed deer react different after being shot with a fixed blade or mechanical? It seems like with mechanicals, they run off hard and with fixed, they don't. I had 2 deer last season just walk off after being shot with a fixed blade.
What is your go to mechanical broadhead? I remember you sitting rocket broadheads in Early Midwest Whitetail videos but I can’t find them. Would be interested to learn more about your broadhead of choice.
I am still shooting those Rocket Steelheads (leftovers from when Rocket was still alive). My favorites were the old black 125 grain models. Gosh those things were tough. The next best option is the Wasp Jak-Hammer in their smaller size. There are some other good ones too. Seems like a lot of people like the Sevr, but that is basically just the Rocky Mountain Gator from 20 years ago.
....."hundreds of deer" is the key phrase in that statement....all of us who shot in the 90s used fixed blades and heavy arrows....and now don't....wisdom is a great thing...if you learn how to use it. Not many videos of deer getting shot at 30yrds with 600 grain arrows out there is there!!!
No, not many doing that. One year (1993 or 1994, I think) I shot 2317 arrows with 150 grain Thunderhead broadheads. I was also shooting 92 pounds at the time with a 32 inch draw. I figured my KE was something like 120 ft-lb. Could have killed an elephant with that setup and all I was hunting were those poor little whitetails. I tried every broadhead on every arrow I owned until I came up with three that hit the same spot, more or less, at 30 yards. It was a different time, that is for sure.
I’ve had both success and failure with fixed blade and mechanical heads. I do tend to buy the lower priced ones. I’ve had so many blades fall off upon impact. I bought all of the closeout 100 grain rage mechanical heads 2 years ago. They work fine and I got them for pennies on the dollar. I probably have enough for the rest of my life! Unless those pesky squirrels don’t stop barking at me. I shot a few right in the mouth and it came out the tail. Relieved my stress.
are you still shooting the rocket broadhead steel head? I've noticed that they have been discontinued and was just wondering if you had tried the jak hammer from wasp?
Marsee, I am going to shoot B3 EXO 3 broadheads. They seem to have all the features I want. Here is the link: b3archery.com/product/exo3/ If they don't work as I think they will, the owner of B3 has offered to let me design something different. Will be interesting. Have a great day.
I actuly love this video. I have been bow hunting since 1987. And have watched the archery world evolve. I switched to mechanicals in the late 90's. I firmly Beleive a smaller diameter head is best for penatration. No need for over kill as long as you hit the Mark. So many people go overboard with the " hype" these days. I do however have a question. What broadhead is that you are showing in the video. I've never seen it. And love the design. Could you please tell me what head that is? Thank you.
Thanks Jason. That one is not made any more. It is the Rocket Steelhead. I killed a lot of deer with those. The best replacement I have found for that head is the B3 Archery EXO3. As I mentioned in the video, I am less concerned with broadhead design than accuracy and penetration. I have found that B3's fixed blade head (called the Destrukt) is really accurate for a fixed design. I shot several deer with it last season and was impressed. I may call that my future favorite, but I am still testing. Here is a link to their website if you are interested: b3archery.com/
@@bill-winke ok.thats a bummer they quit making those. I love a small diameter head. I'll be honest. I recently came across a head that has my attention.its a " sevr" 1.5". Check out lusk archery on youtube.just punch in lusk archery sevr 1.5. i am really impressed with it's design and durability. I'm about to check out the b3 ex03. We are snowed in our homes here in arkansas and I'm checking out broadheads. I'm going out this afternoon to try to get a doe behind the house. Thanks for the info bill.
Personal preference for every hunter and skill level. Fixed blades enhance your shooting errors more so focusing on your shot process is more important. While mechanical eliminate some errors of grip and torque they don’t get rid of them. You can shoot 100 arrows every day and still not be very good with fixed blades. It comes down to how much work one is willing to put into to be the best they can be and focusing instead on there shot process. I shoot mechanical for turkeys and fixed for antelope and deer. I shoot 4 days a week and completely focus on my shot process and form instead of just slinging arrows. Ultimately in the end it comes down to the hunter and their trust/preference/confidence in whichever head they shoot.
Considering how easily penetration issues can be mitigated by arrow weight, there really is no problem with mechanicals as long as they are built well and don't fall apart in impact. They sure as heck make a huge difference on marginal hits. I've killed alot of deer over the years that would have lived had it not been for that extra half inch of cutting diameter.
I've considered mechanicals, but I just feel comfortable with my current fixed blade set up and am hesitant to change. The 1.5-inch-cut SEVR mechanicals are really intriguing. Also, I really like that painting of the Albia buck over your left shoulder, Bill. Cool stuff!
The bottom line is use what works for you. I shoot mechanicals because I don’t have a place I can safety practice daily with fixed broad heads. I think practice and confidence with what works for you is number one. I’m 30 yards and in guy and have not had issue with mechanical broad heads.
i used to shoot the rocket steelheads back in the 90's as well. they are small cutting diameter for a mechanical. i think 1 1/8" thats why they penetrated so well, about the same size as a normal fixed head. i been shooting fixed heads the last few years. this year i am going to try the standard 1.75" swhackers, because i feel like i am wasting too much energy burying my fixed blades so deep into the dirt on pass thru's. i feel like i will still get all pass thru's but with with a larger cut, maybe the arrow will be less buried in the dirt.
That is a good point. Those heads seem like they would do better entering into the animal because they open inside (presumably on soft tissue). Would be interested to know how they do on a shoulder hit. If it happens (hope it doesn't) please let us know.
Hi Bill. Really enjoy watching your videos. Especially the ones you are doing with your daughter. Maybe I missed it, but which mechanical broadheads are you using? Thanks.
Accuracy yes, that is the #1 important issue. You've definitely killed more deer than I have in life bowhunting, but having killed probably 50ish deer in my life with a bow and probably 40ish or so with mechanicals, I have had those 3 or 4 or so that hit bone and kept that broadhead from doing what it should have done. The last time I used a mechanical was a big axis buck I hit slightly quartering right in the knuckle of the shoulder and that mechanical got about 1" penetration. I've been shooting a fixed 2 blade solid hardened steel 150 grain tip that I hone razor sharp with a leather grinding wheel ever since that time. My arrow is now melting through deer like a hot knife through butter. I shot a bear last spring quartering hard away and it entered the butt and came out the shoulder passing through almost the entire length of the bear. The arrow was lying on the ground in front of the bear before it could collect itself to run. 65# V3 @ 29" is what I am presently shooting. Accuracy is not an issue as I just make sure the bow is tuned properly. Punch type broadheads, whether fixed or mechanical are energy hoggs. Razor sharp cut on contact will always beat in the penetration test. You could kill a deer with a target tip if you were really accurate and the deer didn't move. I simply want the the best tool to do the job, not an adequate one that has a higher fail rate. That's why I switched to fixed razor sharp cut on contact hardened steel and won't go back. I also don't have to worry about sponsors either. Taking on sponsor where one has to meet contractual obligations to sell the product can jade a view. All the best.
I have used three blade fixed broadheads. What are the mechanicals that you shoot? And their weight? I have shot the bigger mechanicals in 125 grains, 3 blade. The poundage of my bow was set at 65 Lbs. The broadhead had trouble opening on impact. I talked to a guy at the bow shop and he told me that the bow poundage had to be at least 70 Lbs for the broadhead to open properly upon impact. That's why I decided to use Montec one piece three blade broadheads 125 grain. If I am shooting a 60 Lb compound bow would the mechanicals you mentioned work?
I've had great success with those Montec heads. I used to shoot strikers, but switched to Montec last season. Most deer don't make it 50 yards that I've shot, whereas with mechanicals, they seem to run a long ways.
I really miss Rocket's. I shot Sidewinders for years till Escalade purchase and quality dropped severely. Switched to Nap Killzone same story company sold product quality dropped. I'm shooting Wasp now but not mechanical purchased the Darts they fly and group amazing.
I used to shoot steelheads but I wish the 100 grain steelhead had a longer ferrule more like the sidewinder for angled shots I like the smaller cut but hate arrow kick or having it deflect off completely
He won't lose his mind. He'll remind us that the deer don't want to die. They will react and drop and spin or whatever to get out of there. Thus shooting the accuracy part of Bill's argument down somewhat. Accuracy is of course important. But what about those plan b hits. We all don't have the luxury of shooting at relaxed cornfield feeding deer from a scent and noise reducing enclosure over a foodplot . Nor do we want to. Bill said it himself. Cut on contact broadheads have best penetration. Why you wouldn't choose that option still baffles me. I don't think he lost his woodsmanship skills. Maybe it's because He pays his bills by promoting blinds and ozone , ebikes, cell cameras or whatever else provide an income. Maybe mechanical broadheads too? Maybe he needs the ability to shoot 50 yds? Now the comment about good enough for deer and he's not hunting hogs or cape buffalo was silly. You can't overkill with an arrow, can you? I personally would choose a machete over a pen knife in a street fight. I'd also apply the same logic to my broadheads. I have chosen a 750 grain total arrow weight with 200 grain inserts and 200 grain 1 1/2 inch wide single beveled axe head honed like a razor. But I'm a trad hunter with a 20 yard maximum distance range. But that's me and my idea of what bow hunting is it's supposed to be ; a primitive weapon sport and I don't think I will be trying to gain technical advantages with every gadget that comes along. We all grow and evolve differently. How many deer do you have to kill with a bow till YOU start giving away advantages to your prey? Enjoy your hunt!
@Lt Dan funny. I've not spent a dime with him, ever. And he's taken the time to email me back with any questions I've had. If you think the actual laws of physics are stupid, then I don't know what to tell you. Have a good day!
@@joepople7667 views on his channel translate to dimes in his pocket. He doesn't care what you shoot while making money on videos telling you what to shoot. Laws of physics huh? He reminds me of Keith Warren shooting deer with a 50 cal. Sure it works but it might be a tad excessive LOL
So Bill explain to me, why all these TV hunters get shit penetration with 3/4 arrow sticking out? I love mechanicals, but I switched to crossbow, and I penetrate everything. I shoot Swahachers.
I am not sure. I admit that I don't watch a bunch of deer hunting videos (some but not much). Possibly they shoot really big mechanical heads that reduce penetration. Also, it is possible that they hit a rib on entry or exit. That can affect penetration, or maybe they hit or nicked the offside front leg. Without seeing specific examples, I can only guess. But, as popular as those really big mechanicals have become, that is likely a big part of it.
I understand you’re argument but still disagree. Fixed blades are superior in my opinion. Not in every aspect, there’s give and take with anything but I’ve had much better luck with a quality fixed blade.
I still think that is the best mechanical broadhead ever made. I have shot just about everything out there at one time or another and that is the simplest design imaginable with a durable ferrule and good penetration. I sure killed a lot of stuff with them. Good luck.
0:37 that’s my biggest beef with the mechs. Their whole design is specifically contra penetration. If you compare it to which design is for penetration (3:1 cut on contact two blade single bev) these heads are totally contra that.
Paul, no doubt that there are designs that penetrate better than mechanicals, but for a lot of people, the limiting factor in their success is not penetration, but accuracy. Most bows produce a lot of energy now, so the arrows have some to spare on impact. I have shot a new head this past fall that was fixed blade and very accurate. That one is by B3 Archery and is called the Destrukt. I really liked that. I shot three deer with it. Have a great day. b3archery.com/product/exoskeletal-destrukt/
@@bill-winke that’s nice. I can see how some fixed that are bulkier would prove to have issues with accuracy, but I shoot a 250gr two blade bear razor head single bevel and never have accuracy issues. Always aligns with my field point unless I mess it up. However, I don’t really shoot past 40 because I like shooting heavy. Anyways thanks for response
I’m a bit confused. If the crosswind caught the veins and redirected the arrow upwind, it sounds to me that a change in the profile and/or size of the veins was the appropriate place to start ….not a change up front.
@@bill-winke I’m sorry that my question rubbed you the wrong way. That was not my intent at all. I’ve bowhunted for four decades and am still learning and was just curious. I realize that as a life long learner I sometimes need to accept the fact that if something works it’s not always imperative to know why it works. Good luck on your new farm.
There are some mechanical heads with higher opening force just for crossbows. B3 makes a couple. Otherwise fixed blade heads with small blade profiles like the B3 Destuckt. For example. You want limited exposed blade surface at those higher arrow speeds to promote better accuracy. Good luck.
My arrow is about 500 grains and FOC is pretty high, I am guessing 14 to 15% though I have not measured it. But, I am shooting a pretty draw weight. I like a finished arrow that comes in around 5.5 to 6 grains per pound of draw force. So for a 70 pound bow, it would be ideal to be in the 400 grain range for whitetails. Good luck.
@@bill-winke if you still have connections with the rocket broadhead company, please get them to start making the 125 steelhead again. Best broadhead ever imo
Do you think that if you replicated that test today that the results would be the same? Curious to see how modern fixed blades stack up in your test. I’ve seen reviews that show many fixed heads flying like field points. It’s the possibility of mechanical failure that turned me away from mechanical heads.
Those are the old Rocket Steelheads. The closest thing I can find on the market right now is the B3 EXO3. That is what I plan to shoot this year. Here is a link to that head: b3archery.com/product/exo3/ Good luck.
