The Best Expandable/Mechanical Broadheads in 2022

Rangermade’s Best Expandable Broadhead Reviews

Best expandable broadheads

I have been using expandable broadheads off and on for years.  There are several reasons that I like this kind of broadhead.  They fly like a field point which means no need to adjust the site pins.  This will allow you to simply screw on the broadheads and go out after the deer.  These expandable broadheads also have a larger cutting diameter than fixed blade broadheads. This means there will be a larger wound and a faster kill and recover. There is no need to align vanes or feathers with the blades of the broadhead.  There is almost no chance of the broadhead planning as the arrow flies to the target.

When expandable broadheads first came out there were some problems, the biggest was they simply didn’t open up.  I shot a four point buck with one of these broadheads.  Only one of the three blades opened.  I also didn’t have an exit hole.  The deer ran 45 yards before it died. There were many reasons the blade did not deploy. The biggest reason was there were too many moving parts.  They were also made out of weak metals that would cause the broadhead to bend or break.

One of the biggest problems with today’s broadheads is deflection.  This happens with top expanding broadheads.  When they hit a target at an angle the blades will deflect the arrow before the tip of the broadhead hits the target.  The deflection could be as long as the length of the blade.

However there are good performers on the market, and we’ll have a look at them.

Chart of the best rated mechanical broadheads

PictureNamePriceRating
Swhacker Levi Morgan Series 2-Blade Broadhead 2" 100 Grain Pack of 3$$[usr 4.5]
Grim Reaper Razortip Broadhead Whitetail Special 100gr 2in 3pk$$[usr 4.6]
Hothead 2 Blade Mechanical Broadhead, 100Gr, 3 Pack$[usr 4.7]
Bullhead 3 Blade Arrow Broadhead (Pack of 3), 125-Grain/4-Inch$$[usr 4.5]
NAP Spitfire Doublecross Mechanical Broadhead 4 Blade 2 Cut Design 2" & 1 1/8" Cutting Diameter 100 Grain Three Pack$$[usr 4.5]
RAGE Chisel Tip 2 Blade Broadhead, 100 Grain with Shock Collar Technology - 3 Pack$$[usr 4.6]
RAGE Chisel Tip 2 Blade Broadhead, 100 Grain with Shock Collar Technology - 3 Pack$$[usr 4.6]
Rage X-treme Two Blade Broadhead$$[usr 4.3]
Grim Reaper X-Bow Mechanical Broadhead Razor Tip 1 1/2-Inch Cut 3 Blade 100 Grain$$[usr 4.5]
Grim Reaper Razortip Broadhead Whitetail Special 100gr 2in 3pk$$[usr 4.6]
New Archery Products NAP Bloodrunner Mechanical Broadhead 3 Blade 1 1/2" Cut Diameter 100 Grain 3 Pack$$[usr 4.4]
Magnus Bullhead 100gr Extra Blade$$[usr 4.9]
Ramcat Black Broadhead (Pack of 3), 100 Grain$$[usr 4.5]
RAGE Hypodermic 2 Blade Broadhead, 100 Grain with Shock Collar Technology - 3 Pack$[usr 4.6]
Dead Ringer The Nasty Extreme Broadhead Arrow 100 Grain 2 Blade with Switchback$$[usr 4.7]

The Top 5 Mechanical Broadhead Reviews

1. Rage Chisel Expandable Broadhead

We are reviewing the rear deploying Rage Chisel Expandable Broadheads. There are two different styles of Rage slipcam Broadheads. They are available with three blades or two blades.  The two-blade broadhead makes a huge 2-inch cutting diameter entry and exit hole.  The three-blade broadhead has a 1.5-inch cutting diameter.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The three-blade broadhead makes a smaller hole but has a more cutting surface.

It will open with less kinetic energy than the two-blade version.  If you have a low pound or a short draw length then it is recommended that you use the three-blade version.

I like the three-blade broadhead because they cut the hide in three different directions.

Each blade is 33 degrees away from the other.  When you have more than two blades, the game will bleed better.  This will make it easier to find the animal after the hit.

While I recommend the three-blade system for deer hunting, I will be using the two-blade broadhead for turkey hunting.

I feel that the bigger cutting diameter will be very useful for turkeys.  Unlike deer or other big game, you want to put that bird down right in front of you.  The best way to do this is to break the wings or legs.  This will prevent the turkey from flying away, and the turkey will bleed out fast.

The Rage Broadhead comes with a practice head.I have always felt that every broadhead on the market should be sold with a practice head.  This way you can go out and shoot your broadheads without dulling the ones you will be hunting. Nizagara https://peteruncagedmd.com/nizagara/

The most important aspect of any broadhead is how it works. You want the broadhead to open as it hits the animal.  You don’t want the broadhead to open before it hits the game.  This broadhead meets and exceeds our expectations.  I’m a declared fan of this broadhead.

Check out the Rage Chisel’s reviews and pricing on Amazon


2. Ravin R101 High Performance 450 FPS Rated Mechanical Broadheads

Recently launched, the Ravin R101 Stainless Steel 450 FPS Rated Mechanical Broadheads make one of the best mechanical broadheads that you can use for your deer hunting.

The mechanical broadheads are made to maximize penetration upon impact and to impress with the overall performance. They’re made with a precise aluminum design, which ensures precision and reliability. These are tested and approved up to 450 FPS, 100-grain broadheads that come with single piece ferrule, and an internal spring clip. This way, the lock rings, and o-rings are eliminated, which eases out the use of the mechanical broadheads.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

It’s rear deploying 100-grain broadhead with 2-inch cut mechanical design so that your arrow flies better and opens on impact.

Due to their build and design, the mechanical broadheads will handle the high kinetic energy generated by your crossbow, no matter if it’s a Ravin crossbow or not. Even if the mechanical broadhead will impress with the performance when used with a Raving crossbow, it will work just as great with any other crossbow. You won’t have any surprises with this mechanical broadhead and you will improve your skills for sure.

THE PROS:
  • The 100-grain mechanical broadhead has an accurate aluminum design
  • It’s accurate and dependable
  • It’s tested and approved for 450FPS
  • It’s rear deploying with great arrow flight

THE CONS:
  • It doesn’t come with practice heads
  • The risk for bending isn’t null

You won’t need o-rings or lock rings when using these mechanical broadheads, and you will only need to focus on your game. Isn’t this what any deer hunter wants in the end?


3. NAP Killzone Mechanical Broadhead

Even if hunting is an amazing adventure that you will enjoy even if you don’t get your shot, it’s perfect when you don’t come back home empty-handed. The NAP Killzone Mechanical Broadhead may not have the most outstanding appearance, but the mechanical broadheads will help you get that final shot every single time.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The 2-inch cutting diameter may not sound much, but the broadhead will help you leave the blood trails of a good kill. The Trophy tip of the broadhead ensures extreme cutting and deep penetration, giving hope for success to even the less experienced hunters.

You won’t need to use rubber bands or o-rings as the broadhead presents a Spring Clip design. The built-in clip design takes the hassle and risk to fail of o-ring design out of the equation. The spring clip blade retention maintains the blades closed until impact.

The broadhead comes with 2 inches thick blades that are wide and don’t bend as often as other mechanical broadheads when in contact with dirt, ribs, or rotten logs. You will be able to get smaller games (doves) with marginal shots when using the broadheads. The wound channel is exactly how it’s advertised the broadheads cut on contact.

The broadhead flies straight and accurate, leaving a big blood trail. The cutting diameters are rock solid and you shouldn’t sit on the fence when buying.

THE PROS:
  • The broadhead has a spring clip design
  • The 2-inch cut diameter is impressive
  • The mechanical broadheads fly straight and accurate
  • The broadheads don’t bend and provide deep penetration

THE CONS:
  • The looks aren’t impressive
  • It’s rather tricky to change the blades

Regardless of the minor issues, the mechanical broadheads make a great addition to your hunting equipment, especially when your main goal is to come back home with a trophy.


4. NAP Spitfire Doublecross Mechanical Broadhead 4 Blade

Finding mechanical broadheads that make you a better hunter can be tricky, but you will have a better shot at it with the NAP Spitfire Doublecross Mechanical Broadheads.

The mechanical broadhead features four razor-sharp blades with impressive cutting power and two-stage deployment. The Spitfires bulletproof design will maintain the blades closed while flying, so the blades open only on impact, regardless of the flying speed.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The front deploying phase one main blade rocks a fantastic 1 7/8″ cutting diameter, whereas the rear deploying phase two bleeder blade impress with 1 1/18″ cutting diameter.

The mechanical broadheads will cut both horizontally and vertically, no matter the angle of impact. Therefore, the entrance and the exit wounds are better and the blood trail is easier to notice. The trophy tip ensures bone splitting upon penetration, lowering the risk of deflection even in the case of steep angle shots. The broadhead comes with a cut on contact tip and the four blades have lethal take downforce.

The mechanical broadheads are made around a micro-grooved ferrule that will slice into tissue without making a mess. Should you go for a large game like black bear, these broadheads are great as the main blades are .030″ thick and the bleeder comes with .027″ inch thick blades.

THE PROS:
  • The broadhead has four blades of fatal cutting force
  • It’s a 2-stage broadhead and cut on contact both horizontally and vertically
  • The entrance and exit wounds channel are better
  • The micro-grooved ferrule is smooth, and the chisel tip is Trophy and bone-crushing

THE CONS:
  • The blades feel a tad loose at times
  • You don’t get practice heads

Even the pickiest hunter won’t be disappointed with some of these fine mechanical broadheads, as they are precise, great for big game, and reliable nine times out of ten.


5. RAGE Hypodermic Broadheads

Aerodynamic and accurate, the RAGE Hypodermic 2 Blade Broadhead is a great broadhead to try with your crossbow.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The Rage hypodermic broad head presents an aerodynamic one-piece steel ferrule and razor-sharp stainless steel blades. The .035 inch thick blades are strong and have 2-inch cutting diameter. It’s a 100-grain broadhead though that comes with improved Shock Collar Technology, for better blade retention.

We all know practice makes perfect so you also get a free practice head so that you may improve your skills before going for the real, live-action.

The Rage hypodermic broad head presents a special hybrid chisel tip that has quite a surgical precision.

The blade design is compact and aerodynamic, ensuring more penetration. The hybrid tip gives accuracy, whereas the chisel point presents an impressive bone crushing performance and will cut on contact every time.

The Rage hypodermic broadhead comes in standard and deep-sixes models and you may use it with standard inserts.

It flies straight and deploys consistently every time. It carves huge wound channels and doesn’t rattle. It leaves a big gaping hole and it’s highly accurate.

THE PROS:
  • The broadhead features an exclusive and high-quality hybrid tip that will cut on contact
  • The steel ferrule has an aerodynamic, one-piece design
  • It flies straight and deploys consistently
  • It’s made with Shock Collar Technology for improved blade retention and comes with free practice head

THE CONS:
  • Some got it dull
  • In some cases, they broke a bit too easy

All in all, the broadheads are still of great quality and highly accurate, flying straight with great blades retention thanks to the Shock collar technology.


6. Swhacker Levi Morgan Series 2-Blade Broadhead

You know that you’re getting great broadheads if the World’s most renowned archer put his signature onto its design. It’s the case of Swhacker Levi Morgan Series 2-Blade Broadhead that will help you get the shots you want accurately every time.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

These are 100 grain two- blades broadheads with a two-inch cutting diameter and design that expands. They will be locked in a closed position for your practice tasks so you get to use the same broadhead that you use while in the field. The mechanical broadhead will impress you with the filed point precision. The blade design is arched and particular, reducing the blades resistance after entry and exit, but maintaining amazing arrow momentum. It could be the best mechanical broadhead that provides superior pass-through performance every time, but its minor flaws keep us grounded.

The mechanical broadhead comes with reinforced ribbed ferrule which ensures up to 20% better rigidity and power. The tuning is amazing too, and the broadhead is 1-inch while flying and has a two inches cutting diameter after penetration.

The reinforced ribbed ferrule is made with anodized aircraft-grade aluminum and the blade is made of arched stainless steel. No tracking will be necessary when using the broadhead; the blood trail will be too obvious. Tough, reliable, and accurate, the broadhead is sharp and great for doe and buck too.

THE PROS:
  • It comes with stainless steel blades and anodized aircraft aluminum for the ferrule
  • The cutting diameter is 2 inches after impact and 1 inch while flying
  • It’s accurate and dependable and has cut on contact tip
  • You don’t have to track anymore

THE CONS:
  • Some think that the broadheads are pricey
  • The fly could be improved

As long as you stay focused on the many advantages, you should take the plunge with the broadheads, so that you experience what world champions experience in the field.


Buying guide for expandable/mechanical broadheads

If you’ve been hunting for a while now you know that one thing you cannot complain about is the variety of gear that you may use for your hunts. Even if fixed blade broadheads come with several qualities (they’re durable, tough, and very popular), the mechanical broadheads provide a larger cutting surface, which is a great advantage when going after whitetails.

As you have numerous and various options to choose from, it can be tricky to know what works best for your hunting style, game, and bow. Keep reading to find out some criteria to use when picking your mechanical broadheads.

The number of blades

It’s probably one of the first things to decide. The two-blades model will present less resistance when going through the game as it has fewer blades, which may actually help with the penetration. It’s an aspect to value especially when you use a lighter arrow or you shoot low poundage.

The 3-blade broadheads provide another blade, which increases the cutting surface. When you compare the two-blade with the 3-blade broadheads, both with 2-inch cutting diameters when cutting, you will obtain an extra inch for the surface of cutting as the latter has an extra blade. Moreover, the model with three blades will cut in three dimensions for generating bigger wound channels for the wound, cut artery tissues or additional vital organ, which also creates a larger blood trail.

The number of blades always matters, and broadheads with three (or four) blades will open more while the prey is running off. Broadheads with two blades cause a single slit and may close up, diminishing the blood trails.

You should go with a broadhead with three/four blades for higher poundage bows or when using heavier arrows; it’s because you need to generate more kinetic energy for balancing the extra blade/blades. The results for bow hunting deer are impressive, but you can also use these for the larger big game.

The mechanism

When selecting the broadheads, you should decide if you go with the front flip-open or rear-deploying model.

The rear deploying broadheads mean that the blades will slide back into place, and they will cut and slice while doing it.

With the front flip-open broadheads, the blades have to open up before cutting per see, which will decrease the kinetic energy and the penetration distance. No matter which type you choose, it’s important that the mechanism works every time and that the wing blades will open.

The cutting angle

It’s pretty common for the mechanical broadheads to have the blades placed too close to 90 degrees to the ferrule. You want the broadheads to slice like a knife, and not to chop like an ax. Because of the angle, the broadheads will lose penetration and efficiency as they hit the rough hide of the prey.

Look for broadheads with blades angle under 45 degrees so that you decrease the friction/resistance. It goes without saying that the blades should always be razor-sharp and to cut similar to a hot knife through cold butter.

The material

The material is also an aspect to consider when buying. For many years, the aluminum alloy was the only material used for broadhead ferrule, as it’s light and easy to shape.

Stainless steel has become also popular as it’s stronger, but it’s titanium that makes the best option in terms of durability. Titanium broadheads will provide the best performance, durability, and cutting power, especially when compared to the alternatives.

As for the blades, you should look for stainless steel and thick blades. .03 inch or higher is considered to be a good thickness, and high-quality models come with the stamina you need for punching through the big games. Either way, it’s not a bad idea to also buy replacement blades so you make sure you’re always covered. It’s going to be more difficult to buy a replacement once the season begins; you’re not the only hunter out there!


Frequently Asked Questions on Mechanical Broadheads

Q: Can you use mechanical broadheads with crossbows?

A: One of the best parts with crossbows is that you may use both fixed blades and mechanical broadheads. The tough shaft weight, the arrow launch qualities make the fixed blades models fly very well from a crossbow. However, make sure you test them before going after your game, with smaller heads providing the best results.

Mechanical models work with crossbows but only if you select models specially made for the crossbows. As crossbows launch the arrow fast, the models that aren’t made for crossbows will open too soon, causing instability for the arrow, poor shot, and even a miss.

Q: Do the expandable models work with vertical compound bows?

A: Vertical compound bows may launch both mechanical and fixed blades, without compromising accuracy. However, mechanical models have become the norm for the compound bow as they’re easier to predict and more stable while flying, which is like a field point used while practicing.

Keep in mind that not all mechanical models fly flawlessly or similar to a field point; you will still have to shoot them throughout practice for finer tuning.

Q: Should recurve/traditional bowhunters use mechanical broadheads?

A: Unfortunately, mechanical models don’t make a safe choice for the recurve bow. The arrows are heavy and slow and a fixed blade broadhead won’t affect the stability of the arrow flying. Moreover, the fixed blade broadheads almost always fly true when the arrow spins are right for the length and draw weight, while the string nock is set correctly.

Mechanical broadhead may also fly true with the traditional bow, but a decreased tendency for gaining pass-through shots and problems with the blade deployment are important drawbacks to consider.

Q: Can you use the mechanical broadheads everywhere?

A: Sometimes, it’s not going to be after you if you use a fixed blade broadhead or a mechanical broadhead. For instance, in some western states, the use of mechanical models on big game like moose or elk is prohibited. The tough build of fixed-blade heads and the capacity to ensure maximum penetration after launching are the main reasons for the regulations.

RangerMade
Logo