STEEL FORCE’S SABERTOOTH TALON - Reviewed by Daniel James Hendricks
On one of our spring bear hunts, we had an opportunity to use a new and unique broadhead from Ballistic Archery/Steel Force. The 100 grain, (it also comes in a 125 grain model) stainless steel Sabertooth Talon, proved to be an exciting new addition to our hunting arsenal.
As most of you know, the traditional, cut-on-contact broadheads are unbeatable when it comes to penetration. The problem is, however, that sometimes these deadly heads have too much penetration. Steel Force has designed this broadhead to reduce penetration, while inflicting more fatal damage with each shot. The Sabertooth Talon is specifically designed to reduce overall penetration, while increasing tissue, bone and feather damage. It’s perfect for turkeys and small game where extreme penetration is not necessary.
The forward facing teeth of the Talon will grab and tear anything they touch, while the razor sharp edges will easily cut arteries and veins assuring quick game recovery. However, don't doubt the capabilities of this extraordinary broadhead on big game. During our bear hunt in Canada, the Sabertooth Talon was put to the test on a medium sized black bear. The arrow passed completely through ribs and vitals, burying deeply into a tree, forty feet beyond its victim. The Talon was lodged so deeply into the tree that the head broke free of the arrow while trying to extract it. When pliers were used to pull out the broadhead, we were pleased to discover that the stainless steel blades were still so sharp they easily shaved the hair from our arms.
The best and most impressive thing about the Talon was how well it flew from the crossbow. After the second shot, we were forced to make one shot at a time because the arrow flight was so consistent and accurate, the arrows were virtually going into the same hole made by the previous shot.
There has been a steady movement back to the more traditional cut-on-contact broadheads by both vertical and horizontal bowhunters, and for some very good reasons. Ballistic Archery is one of the leaders in the production of tough, almost indestructible stainless steel broadheads. They are also the only company to offer free lifetime resharpening for your Steel Force broadheads.
With a company that offers that kind of quality, performance and service, do yourself a big favor and check out the Steel Force broadheads. It may be one of the smartest things you’ve ever done. For more information on the full line of Steel Force products call Ballistic Archery at 609-397-1990. Tell them that the Horizontal Bowhunter Magazine sent you and they will be happy to see to your questions and your needs.
