The Elephant in the Room. Part One...Mechanicals

Well, I figured I might as well write about the most "discussed" topic in the bowhunting world...mechanicals vs. fixed blades. To me, it's not an either/or. I think they both have their place. So here's my two cents. Take it or leave it.

This week we will talk about mechanicals. Don't worry my cut on contact, hit 'em hard, flipper flapper haters, your turn comes next Tuesday.

Mechanical broadheads can cause extreme devastation in a game animal. They fly flat and fast, very similar to a field tip. They make broadhead tuning simple because they are really compact during flight and don't try to steer the arrow. Depending on the make and model, when they open properly, the cutting diameter can be upwards of 2.5 inches. That is a BIG hole.

I have killed well over 50 big game animals with various mechanical brodheads, and at least that many small game animals. Everything from squirrels to elk. If your shot placement is good and the animal cooperates, the blood trail can be amazing!

There are downsides to mechanicals, though. There is very little margin for error in shot placement. Major bone contact (shoulder, spine, etc.) can wreak havoc on the structural stability of the broadhead. Mechanicals tend to have thin blades that can easily bend or break on contact. Angle of shot also effects the mechanical system. Severe angles may prevent all of the blades from opening on contact and can also cause the broadhead to deflect. I know most companies sell replacement parts for mechanicals, but there's a less than 50% chance that you will be able to reuse one. They usually get pretty banged up after hitting an animal. 

So, like I said earlier, if shot placement is good and the animal cooperates (doesn't move) mechanicals may just be the ticket to a one way trip to the freezer.

Next week....the other side of the story.

Shoot straight,

Arrow Junkie