I don't use Rockets Steelheads. But I shot them through some plywood along with my Muzzys, and every time the Rockets got through about 7in. more than the Muzzys. So the penetration argumentI think is bs. Iagree, you need to use a quality head no matter what style you shoot. Give me the huge cutting diameter anyday.
I agree about the quality head argument but you cannot totally use the Steelheads as a perfect example of a typical expandable for a couple reasons. One, they have a shorter overall ferrule and a smaller cutting diameter than most other expandables. I think if you took a poll then you would see average cutting diameter to be about 1.5 inches. The Rockets only are 1 1/8. In the big schemf things that might not seem like much of a difference but when referring to penetration and KE it makes a huge difference.
Now, don't get me wrong, I shoot the Steelhead 100s for hunting. They are my "go to" head. In fact I will probably have one on the end of my arrow come this Saturday. However, I chose them for the very reasons you listed. Out of all the expandables I have tried they provide the best penetration and durability.