Before I got the blind I was using a mechanical broadhead, then when I got the blind I had to switch to fixedblade if I wanted to shoot through the mesh. I switched to NAP Crossfire. As far as if it effects speed, I can tell you for sure. I would imaginn it would slow it down a bit but it seemed to still hit the target fairly accurately. It does leave pretty good holes in the mesh also on mine. But for the most part I try to remove the mesh in the window I think will be most likely to present my deer.