ORIGINAL: GrumpyTom

To me there are pro's and con's to both stubby and long broadheads.

Usually the short stubby heads do not have the greater cutting dia. so they can come up short in reaching (cutting) for a main artery for massive blood loss. Yes the 4 blade heads have a greater cutting surface, but that extra 1/4 or 1/2" in length of blade can mean cutting or not cutting a main artery. A major problem with 2 blades is that the cutting angle can go right beside a main artery without even cutting it.

The short stubby heads are usually more accurate because they catch less air and do not have a tendicy to plane like the larger heads do (this is why I use a quality mechanical head). One problem with the short stubby heads which many do not think about is the angle of shot at the game. Your broadhead must have the tip to start tracking in the game before the blades make contact, if not, them you could have your arrow deflect instead of entering the animal. Because of the nature of a short stubby head, your angle of entry must be kept to a more straight on shot then would be needed with the longer heads. (just check yourself with your head with a straight edge and see at which angle the head is when the blades makes contact before the tip)

Also the short stubby (same weight heads) can usually add thickness to the blades for extra strength because the bodies are not as heavy as the longer heads.

Just some thinking for your head choice. Hope it helps you.