Mechanical vs Fixed Blade
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leftturnabq
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Fixed.
I mostly hunt elk with archery equipment. A fixed blade is durable, fail safe, and can be plenty accurate.
Year's ago I tried mechanical. I shot the biggest bull I've ever launched an arrow at in the shoulder. Granted, I should not have put it in his shoulder, but that broadhead exploded like it hit a brick wall and bounced right out. The furule was bent about 80 degrees and all the blades were missing. I watched the bull cross the draw and continue to bugle without so much as a limp.
The following year I switched to the G5 Montec, when they were first released. I shot a 6x6 bull, though a much smaller bull, and the Montec blew right thru both shoulderblades. Only differences in setup was the broadhead, and the size of the bull.
I mostly hunt elk with archery equipment. A fixed blade is durable, fail safe, and can be plenty accurate.
Year's ago I tried mechanical. I shot the biggest bull I've ever launched an arrow at in the shoulder. Granted, I should not have put it in his shoulder, but that broadhead exploded like it hit a brick wall and bounced right out. The furule was bent about 80 degrees and all the blades were missing. I watched the bull cross the draw and continue to bugle without so much as a limp.
The following year I switched to the G5 Montec, when they were first released. I shot a 6x6 bull, though a much smaller bull, and the Montec blew right thru both shoulderblades. Only differences in setup was the broadhead, and the size of the bull.
Stillwater165
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Fixed , even tho my arrows are currently tipped with expandables for spring turkey. I switched for a little while and after I use these up I'm staying with a fixed blade head.
Fixed because simple wins. I used Rage mechanicals with the rubber rings for a few years but they were a pain when the broadhead brushed against a twig or branch - ring would sometimes slip. I use Muzzy 100 gr.
I did shoot two does with the Rage mechanicals and the results were amazing - very rapid blood loss. However, fixed would have done the same job.
I did shoot two does with the Rage mechanicals and the results were amazing - very rapid blood loss. However, fixed would have done the same job.
Stillwater165
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I agree with the above post completely , kinda what I found out myself. Just had to try the rage ....... but can't see big game hunting with them again !
leftturnabq
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After the story of my buddy shooting a javelina with a Rage and hardly getting any penetration, I would never use one on anything like an elk hunt. The javelina died, but I think it only got thru to 1 lung.
Unless you brain it, I'm of the opinion that an arrow should no problem passing thru a javelina.
Unless you brain it, I'm of the opinion that an arrow should no problem passing thru a javelina.
elkassassin
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Can't Believe the Mechanical MM Crew hasn't showed up!
[Font][Font color = "blue"]I Changed My Signature Just for NVB!
Like 6 Damn Times Now!
[Font][Font color = "blue"]I Changed My Signature Just for NVB!
Like 6 Damn Times Now!
Stillwater165
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I stated earlier I was going to use my last couple rage heads on turkey this spring. Well found out today I don't like them even on birds ! I did finally kill a turkey , after 2 arrows and flushing him out of a brush pile. By the looks of things they opened up about 2 inches more than necessary right on the wing bone and barely penetrated. Granted it was a long shot but I know for a fact a good fixed blade with a normal cut diameter would have zipped right through. My last one went in the trash tonight.
I'm a fixed guy. I've been shooting the 100 gr, 3-blade montec for the past few years. Just switched my arrow setup to move more weight up front and went with the 125 gr 4-blade slick trick magnum. Same cutting diameter, one extra blade! Can't wait to put em to work this fall. BH tuned my bow a few weeks ago with them and they are flying lights out!
I also picked up a set of 125 gr NAP COC killzones to give the mechanical a try. I like the idea of the rear deploy vs. the pivot style for quartering shots. Not sure if they'll make it out in the field but I wouldn't be opposed to giving them a try. Maybe I'll try them out on an antelope this year, but most likely I'll stick with the fixed.
I'm surprised this hasn't stirred the pot a little more Brian!
I also picked up a set of 125 gr NAP COC killzones to give the mechanical a try. I like the idea of the rear deploy vs. the pivot style for quartering shots. Not sure if they'll make it out in the field but I wouldn't be opposed to giving them a try. Maybe I'll try them out on an antelope this year, but most likely I'll stick with the fixed.
I'm surprised this hasn't stirred the pot a little more Brian!
I made the switch to mechanicals after many years of shooting fixed blades. I shot the Ulmner edge and loved the accuracy. They performed very well on bear, deer, and elk. I didn't like the rubber bands, and I had this feeling in the back of my mind that eventually the broadheads were going to cause a problem due to opening prematurely. I shot them for two seasons and when I heard that they were going to stop making them I made the switch back to fixed blades. I've been shooting Trocars and I like them a lot. They fly well and perform great. I enjoy the peace of mind they bring as well. I believe that if something can go wrong, it will and at the worst possible moment. I think mechanicals kill very well, and they can leave one hell of a blood trail. I just could never put my full trust in them.
Chacoblue777
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I guess I will be the first to buck the trend.....
I have used Grim Reaper mechanicals for several years now and have had good success with them.
I have used Grim Reaper mechanicals for several years now and have had good success with them.
sticksender
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Broadheads shouldn't be treated like a religion requiring a vehement defense of one narrow-minded philosophy. No reason for it, and therefore we shoot just about every kind of head at various times, depending on what the particular situation calls for. From two-blade fixed heads for tougher game and close-range shots in thick cover, like Moose....to big 3-blade mechs for easy-to kill animals like mountain sheep where longer range shots and windy conditions are common. From gigantic expandables like a 2-blade Vortex on turkeys, to durable medium sized 3-blade heads like VPA's on elk. There's really nothing magical about any particular style of head.....they all work perfectly fine when understood and employed correctly.
NMBOWHNTR27
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Mechanical/ hybrid (blood sport gravedigger) Most lethal/blood trail. Fly better than any fixed head. I use them on elk.
Bowhunter05
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Mechanical. 100g grimreaper
hunthigher
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Muzzy 125 fixed. Fly straight,pretty cheap and penetrate well. Six point last year was quartering to me at 50 yards. Shot sliced rib cut lung liver gut and exited far hip. Elk layed down and expired in sight. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure mechanical would have deflected resulting in no elk steaks! Also mechanical is not legal here
Trad Bow 1979
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>Mechanical. 100g grimreaper
I had a really good experience with grim reapers but I got away from them cause the practice heads did not fly the same as the actual broadheads. Then I practiced with the actual blades and they kept breaking while practicing on foam. Started costing too much and a bit of a pain in the ass.
Slick trick standard seems to work well.
I had a really good experience with grim reapers but I got away from them cause the practice heads did not fly the same as the actual broadheads. Then I practiced with the actual blades and they kept breaking while practicing on foam. Started costing too much and a bit of a pain in the ass.
Slick trick standard seems to work well.
Bowhunter05
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I have never experienced those problems with my reapers and I shoot nothing but the actual broadheads into my block target. I have never been a fan of practice heads. I do however want to try the regular three blade fixed muzzys. Is there alot of tuning to get them to fly true?
Bowhunter05
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As far as tuning goes what were you needing to adjust? Rest and sight? I havr Never had to broadhead tune before.
I have shot and killed lots of critters with a wide assortment of broadheads. From moose to turkeys. I buy the best I can get at closeout pricing and never worry to much about broadhead performance. The key is getting them to fly where you aim. Any decent Mechanical or fixed will kill quickly and efficiently if placed in the vitals. I have been using slik trik for the past few years as I was able to buy a good quantity at a closeout price.
Fixed ! If you watch any hunting shows on tv you can almost always tell when theyre shooting mechanicals. Not sure why anyone would ever shoot a mechanical on anything bigger than a deer. The lack of penetration even with excellent shot placement leaves a lot to be desired.
The notion that folks on TV don't get pass-throughs (penetration) because they are using mechanicals is implausible. Do you know what draw weight were they pulling? Or arrow weight? I've known several people who have shot elk with mechanicals and had complete pass-throughs.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IoVQI4UHuhk
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IoVQI4UHuhk
leftturnabq
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I know someone who shot a javelina with a rage from a 70# bow and got very poor penetration.
Granted he also killed a hell of a nice bull elk with the same setup despite the poor penetration on it as well.
In those cases it worked out by puncturing the near lung, but I still prefer a setup that penetrates enough to punch thru both lungs on a deer or elk sized critter.
Granted he also killed a hell of a nice bull elk with the same setup despite the poor penetration on it as well.
In those cases it worked out by puncturing the near lung, but I still prefer a setup that penetrates enough to punch thru both lungs on a deer or elk sized critter.
I've seen a guy shoot an elk at ~30 yds in the shoulder, with a fixed blade (I think he was using Muzzy's or Slicks), and the elk ran off and we found the arrow on the ground about 60 yds into the trees. We ended up seeing that bull again a few days later.. he seemed to be doing ok (thank goodness).
I would use a mechanical on anything including elk and moose. Helps with accuracy for those bowhunters who don't tune their bow correctly. Also helps recovery with those shots that are not so perfect. Plus they fly better than any fixed head. I shoot the grave diggers (hybrid), but I would shoot swhackers, rage hyperdermics any day of the week with a 450grain arrow.
>I know someone who shot a
>javelina with a rage from
>a 70# bow and got
>very poor penetration.
>
>Granted he also killed a hell
>of a nice bull elk
>with the same setup despite
>the poor penetration on it
>as well.
>
>In those cases it worked out
>by puncturing the near lung,
>but I still prefer a
>setup that penetrates enough to
>punch thru both lungs on
>a deer or elk sized
>critter.
Which rages? Slip cams? They suck! Hyperdermics are great
>javelina with a rage from
>a 70# bow and got
>very poor penetration.
>
>Granted he also killed a hell
>of a nice bull elk
>with the same setup despite
>the poor penetration on it
>as well.
>
>In those cases it worked out
>by puncturing the near lung,
>but I still prefer a
>setup that penetrates enough to
>punch thru both lungs on
>a deer or elk sized
>critter.
Which rages? Slip cams? They suck! Hyperdermics are great
bojangles
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i shoot exclusively mechanicals.
but i'm choosey. 90 percent of mechanicals look like a piece of junk. it better look like it's going to go in deep, or i won't even look at it.
I shot the ulmer edges until they were gone, and i now shoot shwackers.
to me, accuracy is everything. i've had tuning nightmares with fixed blades. if you want to take the long shot, 60 plus yards, it's hard to beat a mechanical.
safety is up there, too. i don't like handling exposed blades in rough country.
but i'm choosey. 90 percent of mechanicals look like a piece of junk. it better look like it's going to go in deep, or i won't even look at it.
I shot the ulmer edges until they were gone, and i now shoot shwackers.
to me, accuracy is everything. i've had tuning nightmares with fixed blades. if you want to take the long shot, 60 plus yards, it's hard to beat a mechanical.
safety is up there, too. i don't like handling exposed blades in rough country.
tracker12
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LAST EDITED ON Sep-17-17 AT 06:31PM (MST)[p]I shoot both but prefer good old Rocket Steelhead 125 grain. Not sure why guys complain about the rubber bands. I have never had them fail and they always open up on contact. I have killed deer, bear, elk, caribou and an aoudad with them.
Horsecorn
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Ya and I can kill things with a rock too, if I hit it just right. The best blades are the ones that cut on contact. Not chisel points but razors that are right up to the tip. I know my fixed blades are open before I even let an arrow fly. You mechanical guys need to wise up. I know you've killed them with your tips but there will be a time when you don't make that perfect shot and that will be the difference.
wstrntines
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I like mechanicals they fly great and I don't have to do much tuning. Grim reapers have treated me well I've watched them all drop in sight with the reapers. I can find them at almost any store which is a plus. Never have an issue with tuning. And they always open up. I liked ulmer edges as well I feel the same with them. Only difference is they use a rubber band which I don't like as much. And they don't make ulmers any more. Wac em's were pretty good fixed blades I used as well. Thunder heads were a good fixed blade I used for a bit. Can't beat muzzys either for a fixed blade they are tough and easy to find most stores have plenty. But mechanicals is the route I have been going for a long time.
HorseCreek
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It should never be that simple of a question... There are too many factors that go in to it. Draw length, draw weight, arrow weight. If you have a short DL and shoot a light arrow I'd for the most part say stick with fixed heads. If you are pushing a heavy arrow up around 280+ fps a GOOD quality mechanical will kill any animal on this continent. If you wanna fling arrows at animals at long distance where you lose most of your arrow speed I'd shoot a fixed head.
I switched to Iron Will heads after this season. This years bull and buck were killed with mechanicals and they died within 3 seconds of being shot.
If your making a decision based on what is popular you could be making a big mistake. Look at your setup and the kind of shots you'll likely take and go from there.
Traditional >>>------->
I switched to Iron Will heads after this season. This years bull and buck were killed with mechanicals and they died within 3 seconds of being shot.
If your making a decision based on what is popular you could be making a big mistake. Look at your setup and the kind of shots you'll likely take and go from there.
Traditional >>>------->
The fixed blades Im shooting are Muzzy Trocar Deep sixes with Injexion arrows. They fly as straight as any mechanical or field point and better penetration than the mechanicals. If you think the mechanicals will make a complete pass through on an elk at 60 yrds quartering away youd be wrong most every time.
you know, what about when something goes wrong, how do mechanicals perform? This yrs deer spun at the shot and went from broadside to almost straight away when the arrow arrived. Arrow entered in the left rear ham with a 145gr Steelforce Phathead up front and exited the front of his chest, will a mechanical do that? I doubt it.
Bowhunter05
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Anyone used the new muzzy trokar? Half fixed half mechanical. Thinking about getting a pack for my Texas white tail hunt since I'll be shooting some hogs as well
I prefer fixed but use mechanicals a lot. Never had a problem with grim reapers when I did my part. I tried scwackers this year for my javelina and coues. Killed them both but never again. Jave was 49yrds quartering away, arrow punched through both sides but stayed in side. Jave ran 10yrds and rolled 10yrds blood road was impressive but how does a 70lb 425 grain arrow (340fmj with 125gr head) not exit a 50lb pig?
Next up was coues deer, mature buck 51yrd downhill shot, arrow entered top of shoulder and angled down in the chest penetrated 10?. Never even poked through the bottom. Deer was dead in 50yrds but not a speck of blood.
The Broadhead did its job but if things hadn't gone exactly right I don't think I'd depend on them.
Any reasonable built fixed blade would of sailed through both the deer and the pig. Even my normal grim reaper razortips have given me pass through a 90% of the time. I hate the fact they are basically a 1 time shoot head. Where as a slick trick or magnus stinger.... new blades and your back in business.
I'll keep using reapers probably for deer and smaller and fixed for everything else.
Next up was coues deer, mature buck 51yrd downhill shot, arrow entered top of shoulder and angled down in the chest penetrated 10?. Never even poked through the bottom. Deer was dead in 50yrds but not a speck of blood.
The Broadhead did its job but if things hadn't gone exactly right I don't think I'd depend on them.
Any reasonable built fixed blade would of sailed through both the deer and the pig. Even my normal grim reaper razortips have given me pass through a 90% of the time. I hate the fact they are basically a 1 time shoot head. Where as a slick trick or magnus stinger.... new blades and your back in business.
I'll keep using reapers probably for deer and smaller and fixed for everything else.
