Broadhead Selection and Kinetic Energy

mdhunter2 · 09-03-2002, 04:28 PM

Need a little advice from field users of the Wasp Jak-Hammer mechanical broadheads. Went to my archery dealer looking for Snypers. He was sold out but recommended the Wasp Jak-Hammers. They are the ones he personally uses and likes very much. After reading CG's Snyper report on the Snyper (on an elk), I may be glad the dealer was out of them.

I'm new to mechanicals which is why I'd like some feedback. I use to use the Thunderhead 125's exclusively so I'm a little concerned about mechanicals in general.

Anyway, here's what I'll be using the Wasps (100 gr.) with:

Mathews Icon
28" draw
60#
Mirage fall-away rest (the new and improved Mirage)
27-1/4" Gold Tip 5575 carbon arrows
Chronographed 55 shots in a Techno-Hunt at between 237-240fps

So, any idea what my KE would be with this setup and is it enough for Maryland whitetails? Plus, would the Wasps be sufficient for the job? No elk sized game in Maryland <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>, I'll strictly be hunting whitetails here.

Thanks for the input,

Don

Arthur P · 09-03-2002, 04:57 PM

Assuming you're shooting 4" vanes, that arrow will weigh around 380 grains. Averaging 238.5 fps, you're getting right at 48 ft lbs of energy. I'd say it's marginal for mechanicals. The 100 gn Jackhammers have a 1 3/4" cutting diameter. I'd be very concerned that's too much cut for too little energy.

mdhunter2 · 09-03-2002, 05:04 PM

Thanks for the info. I am shooting 3 4" feathers, not vanes. So what would your recommendation be? It's a 60# bow so I can't really go up on the poundage. Go with a lighter arrow?

Thanks.

Arthur P · 09-03-2002, 05:16 PM

<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Asking me if you should shoot a lighter arrow is like asking Hillary Clinton to become a Republican! Or like asking Sarah Brady to endorse a new high capacity semi-auto handgun. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

If you're determined to shoot a mechanical, I'd say stick with something like the Steelhead with a small diameter cut. Or use your tried and true Thunderheads. If you just want to do something different, check out the Steelforce heads.

By the way.... With 4" feathers, your arrows will weigh right around 365 gns for a smidge over 46 fpe.

Edited by - Arthur P on 09/03/2002 18:22:56

5 shot · 09-03-2002, 06:25 PM

I believe that with your setup you really need to stick with a quality fixed blade head. Thunderheads, Muzzys, Wasp hammer sst's, and Rocky Titianiums are all excellent. I think you will see much better results on game with those head over just about any mechanical. My personal minimum for mechanicals is 55 ft/lbs

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS

Matt / PA · 09-03-2002, 07:01 PM

mdhunter......if your KE does come out to be in the mid 40# range (which it sounds like you are) you really should completely shy away from a mechanical head of that design ,and more importantly , one of that size cutting diameter.

I'm guessing that you fell into another case of "Works for me......will work for you" without the guy understanding why it works well for him in the first place,and not taking into account why it may not be the best choice for you. This simple fact is IMO the biggest reason why bowhunters end up in a very disappointing situation with certain heads.

You have NOT ,in your personal case been given good information, and I can say that with certainty.
If I were to guess, I'd say the guy who recommended them probably shoots a bow that puts out much more energy than yours, and that fact never entered into his thoughts......
I personalyy shoot mechanical heads that big (1 3/4&quot

, but I personally would NEVER do so if my KE level was under 65# ( I shoot mid 70# KE levels and higher on my bows)

You should ,as 5-Shot suggested stay with a nice sharp fixed blade head, like your trusted Thunderheads or another quality head of that style......they even have a 100gr version.
If you already bought the WASP mechs.....do yourself a big favor and take them back in exchange for a different head.
And when the shop guy gives you grief, stick to your guns and insist that you need a different head.....he will probably try to convince you otherwise, but he is WRONG.
Maybe even print out a copy of these replies and educate him a bit? <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Good luck in your season, and I'm glad you came here with your question.....the more people who understand the "How,when,where and why" of mechanical heads the better. It may be one less horror story we read about this season.

moonge · 09-03-2002, 07:08 PM

I too would go with a good fixed blade head such as the golden key deadhead, rocky moutain ironhead or T-100, muzzy, thunderhead, etc. All of these have a proven track record and will really well for you.

I also like the phantom cut on impact head which would work really well with any rig generating lower KE.

Todd1700 · 09-03-2002, 07:14 PM

A couple of things. First the Snypers are the best pentrating mechanical head on the market. PERIOD! Bar None! I would love to hear what negative report you have heard on them as my expierience and every single word I've read has not only been possative its been Exceptional. Second, Wasp Jackhammers have a 1 and 3/4 inch cut. I am shooting a Mathews Q2 at 70 lbs with a 28 inch draw. Thats the same draw lenght as you but a 10 pound heavier pull. Even at 70 lbs I don't generate enough KE to use an expandable with a cut that big. If I understood your post correctly you heard something negative about Snypers in regards to Elk hunting. Well first of all I would not advise anyone to use and expandable head on an animal that size. You may get away with it but it really increases your odds of heartbreak.
I'm sure that some do regularly kill elk with these type heads but consider this; you have a 5 in 6 chance of not blowing your brains out playing Russian Roulette but that doesn't make it a good idea to play does it? As for whitetails or mule deer sized game, I think the Snyper is the best option for people on the lower edge of the KE scale like yourself if you are dead set on using a mechanical head.
It doesn't fold open from the front but cantelevers open in a rearward sliding motion that requires much less energy to open. It also has a small fixed tip that impacts well before the exandables do. This reduces deflection on angled shots.

CLOUD 9, MN · 09-03-2002, 09:24 PM

All these guys are giving you good advice in the right direction. Shoot a fixed blade or if you want a expandable a Rocket Steelhead would be just fine. The Wasp Jackhammer 100 is a very good head for set-ups with high KE.

Good Luck!

PRACTICE....PRACTICE....PRACTICE......SUCCESS!

Stealth_Force · 09-03-2002, 11:26 PM

If you want to shoot a mech head, and you already set up for 125gn tips, try the Steelhead. They are much tougher than the snypers, and have scored the near the highest if not THE highest in penetration on every test I have read (even beating tried and true fixed blades, AND cut on contact heads)
Sorry to disagree with Todd1700, but I just don't think you would be accurate saying the snypers are "the best pentrating mechanical head on the market. PERIOD! Bar None!" I haven't seen or heard of such conclusive data yet.