Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

These things are sweet. Anyone using them had any complaints?
http://www.slicktrick.net/images/100_0268.jpg

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Hopefully they'll put some sharper blades in them.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Lots and lots of threads about the Slick Tricks. Lots of people like them too. Yes, the blades aren't as sharp as most, but they are working on retooing the design of the blades (from what I've read and/or heard).

I have some Slick Tricks too and I took them apart and sharpened up the blades myself and they are great!

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

David, supposedly, the response below was posted by Gary of Slick Tricks on the Bowsite... Interesting reading.

Being a broadhead manufacturer is not as easy as it sounds. Ferrules are not a major problem, swiss screw machines can precisely turn them out. Blades, that is another thing.

It is natural to wonder why broadhead blades isn't easy to obtain, as you say, as your shaving blades. I could do that with no problem. Back in the late 60s if I recall, Schick blades were glued on heads. And then Satellite used basically the same thing in their early best selling replaceable heads. Thing is, razor blades are easy to make very sharp because of their thinness. Thin is inherently sharp. You probably somewhere down the line have cut yourself with a piece of paper. Thin. Problem is, as guys using the Schick blades, and guys using the Satellites with .010 blades, will testify, will break if you breathe on them, and you are left hitting a rib going in with, in effect, a fieldpoint actually going through the vitals. Not good.

What you want is a thick blade, and some designs allow you to do this, like a Trick, and some don't, that will not break on hard bone impact. And you want a bevel that is strong enough to keep the edge, but not too wide so it isn't sharp. As a bevel gets closer to a flat edge, a very wide "V", the harder it will be to get sharp, as a flat edge is inherently 100% dull. 3 blade heads that are sharpened on a flat surface, for instance, have durable bevels, but as guys will testify, are hard to get extremely sharp. And you want an edge with a good Rockwell so it doesn't dull hitting a rib going in. Heads that have a Rockwell of 45 sharpen easily, but by the same token, the softness also means they dull easily.

One thing the average guy doesn't know, is that the great majority of broadhead manufacturers, and that includes the best sellers, do not manufacture their blades themselves. The blades are outsourced to specialty blade companies who only make blades. Making razor sharp blades isn't easy. And shaving blade companies won't fool with archery quantities.

Furthermore, there are only a few blade companies out there. From what I gather, some blades are made in the US, but seems the great majority is made overseas.

Some companies fudge when asked about their blades, they say they get them from a company here in the US. Thats perfectly true, but what they don't tell you is that company has them manufactured overseas. That is true of archery products and everything else. I have seen posts on here about certain heads being made in the US, and the manufacturer keeping quiet about the truth.

But thats not condemning having something made overseas if need be, just think you should be straightup about it. If you can't get the quality you want here then you gotta do what you gotta do to produce a product that customers approve of.

And, there is the matter of price. Anybody can produce a broadhead with the greatest blade you ever saw. For $60 for 3. Problem is, the average working heroes figure they will either lose the head, or hit a good rock, and thats $20 shot. Pardon the pun. And, they figure they will take less animals since they would always be angling for a shot where there aren't any rocks behind the animal.

I began with having my blades made overseas like everybody else, wasn't satisfied with the sharpness, and 2-3 years ago found a company here in the states that sent some approved samples. Tricks have been made in the US since then. But, now I am not getting as consistent sharpness as I should, and am again working on new manufacturing.

So, I guess I am saying its not as easy as it sounds. I am tearing my hair out trying to get new blade manufacturing perfected, and as it always seems, no matter what the plan, running late getting it right. Looks like new blades are gonna take longer to get out, already should have been done. But I am insisting on doing everything I can to make these perfectly sharp and consistent. Say a prayer for me. Frustrated at the delay in getting them, don't know whether to shoot myself or go bowling. And I HATE bowling. Don't know if any of that makes sense, by now also lost what, if any, mind I had.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

It might not be easy...... but some do it and produce blades that hold up and kill.Their blade sharpness is the reason I haven't tried them. When they come up with a sharp blade I'll give them a try. Until then, I'll stick with what I have that has only had one blade chip in dozens of kills. Like they say, "if it ain't broke... don't fix it". From his response I take it they realizetheirs isbroke and they're trying to fix it.[8D]

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

sounds like a guy being candid, and i truly appreciate that.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Ditto!

I agree and so do i!

I've read tons of post on the tricks with lots positives and also some negatives. All the negatives have been about the dullness of the blades.
I've been using the same broadhead for a very long time with no problems but i'd be lying if i didn't say that i've been wanting to try the tricks for a while now but because of the blade sharpness issue i haven't. I don't want to buy new broadheads and then have to sharpen them because i'll admit, i'm not very good in that area.The tricks look like an awesome head no doubt and i'll definately be giving them a try when they get the blade sharpness issueworked out.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

He has no choice but to be candid. I don't know if it's being candid or owning UP. The dullness of his blades hasn't been a secret. In fact, it's been the main reason many people haven't bought into the "Slick Trick Hype". Their PR team did a great job getting thousands to declare it the ultimate broadhead when it fact it's just another like so many. I'm glad to see they're trying to correct it.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Actually Davidmil, the guy who asked the question had never used a Trick. He was asking because the popular brand he used wasn't as sharp as he would like, and wondered why sharpness is a challenge for many companies. He simply noted that I shoot straight and am known to be candid, and politely asked me for some enlightenment on the broadhead industry, which I attempted to provide.

I certainly had a choice not to respond at all.

And if you read posts many guys have been pleased with the sharpness, but, as you note, some haven't. Thats why I am working on sharpness consistency.

I do appreciate your praise of the PR team. That would be me. LOL
And all I do is waste a little time on forums.

And its not because of the media blitz, had 3 or 4 ads out last year, I think the first since I began the "super short" revolution in 2000. For a head thats just another broadhead the other manufacturers seem to have taken notice with the heads that followed Tricks.

I do enjoy the field reports guys are nice enough to share. Heres one you might find interesting.

Jason Peterson here, owner of Peterson Outdoors and Executive producer of Hunting Canada and Beyond TV and DVD series. I am sold on your product. Currently I have another Broadhead company on board with a product only sponsorship of the show. However one of my pro-staffers came to Bear camp last week with your 100 gr heads, 2 hours later he killed a 300+ lb brown phase black bear and your head passed through the off shoulder. Simply amazing, I have guided bear hunters and have hunted them myself for 18+ years and have not seen a pass-through on the shoulder of that big of a bear. We hunt and will be hunting and filming everything from Moose to coyotes for this upcoming season of Hunting Canada and Beyond and would like to know if you would be interested in becoming a sponsor of the show?? You have a great product and I truly hope to work with you in the future."

I have on occasion noted that Tricks were a favorite of Bear hunters up north. Usually don't take the time to specifically respond, but I have with that one in case there were doubters.

I do find your "Slick Trick Hype" comment interesting. Considering they have almost no promotion, would wonder what you attribute that to? I can assure you it isn't my good looks.

As the guy who asked the question noted, consistent sharpness is wrestled with by other broadhead companies.

But,performance levels because of design limitationscan't be overcome.On the other hand,blade manufacturing, with enough work, can be. And I assure you I am determined to have consistent sharpness to match the Trick design before season.

Thanks for listening, carry on.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I tried the heads and had 2 ferrules break back to back..... My shots were not good, hit the aluminum support rod in a 3-D target on consecutive shots.. In each case the ferrule snapped in half.... That was enough for me not to try them again......

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I think most heads would have bent or broke in that case. And it is my experince that the support rods in most 3d targets are galvinized steel. I have test shot the same ST head into plywood, saplings, a steel drum and the side of my garage (not on purpose, don't tell my wife) and it still flys true with new blades. I think you should send them back if your not happy but at least give them a chance to help you out.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

DC !

Come on what would you expect !!!!!!

I've used the Slick Trick for 2 season's now and I'm very impressed with them ,as for taken animal's ,not yet .But for flight thy're the best I've used and I've seen critter's that have been taken by them .This IS the best broadhead I've ever used when I bring in the tuning issue ,and the flight charactoristic's .As for the sharpness isssue's I've taken animal's with far less sharp blade's than the slick Trick's and in my own opinion the ST,s are as good as any blade out there.

nubo

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

What would I expect? I 'expect' the same exact thing to happen on a solid shoulder hit!!


And yes, as long as I have been shooting, I have had other broadheads hit the leg on a 3-D target and not have any problems...

Bowtech Defender,

The stake is steel, but the tubing is aluminum.......

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

they are the best flying broadhead i've used, and the damage they inflict is quite incredible. no one in my holler has ever seen an exit hole like that before from an arrow.

again, i appreciate the candor. i have issues with my strings sometimes and i'm always as candid as can be with folks. people aren't used to it, and people aren't used to a manufacturer who readily takes responsibility for their product, will openly talk about any issues, and who doesn't blame the end user. 99.9% of folks will become loyal customers when they find out you're open, honest, and trying to take care of folks like american businesses used to do. the few others seem to like newer style companies that hide issues, won't be candid, and won't show up to honestly represent themselves.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I have never used one yet, but I might just have too. Oldhootowl, when do you think the new heads will be out? And when buying them how do we know if we are getting the new sharper heads or the older style? Jason

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

The new blades are being delayed due to getting them just right, may be July now, will post on slicktrick.net when they are shipping. Also working to have new custom clamshell packaging which will differentiate, if the package is 7" longwith cavities for blades and ferrules they will bethe new ones.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Thanks OHowl, your up front honesty is enough to make me want to try them out. More people and business in todays world need to be like you, instead of wanting more and more of the allmighty dollar.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I picked up some earlier this year, I've got to say unless something amazing happens I'll be shooting these for a couple years. Fly great, and to be honest the sharpness I couldn't care about, I ALWAYS touch my blades up before hunting so its not a big thing to me.
Hopefully I'll get to hit a bear soon with them.

Kirby

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I make sure any head that rides along in my quiver is cutting light arm hair sharp. If I can't get a blade to do so it becomes a practice blade.
So far I've gone through 2 or 3 ST blades that wouldn't sharpen. The rest (out of 2 packs & 1 replacement pack) I've been able to get a hunting edge on.
4 animals so far, Pass thoughs and big holes.
I hope he corrects whatever he feels is wrong.

I also hope his entire process remains "Made in the USA".

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Double Creek, Come on! Theres a big difference between galvanized pipe and bone/scapula material. I have hit my target with a Muzzy and totally destroyed it. Ive also put a few thru shoulders only to be able to use them again and again. Do a search for Reaper or Reapers Blades(broadhead test site) Slick Trick heads were one of few that passed the test. It is a good read so I hope you will check it out. You may need to register to view. Anyway I still use Muzzys but these Slick tricks have been used by a few buddies of mine and I must say Im impressed with the results theyve had to date.

Hootowl, Thanks for the honesty!!! It is a refreshing feeling knowing that you are willing to be fourth wright about what is going on. Keep up the good work and hurry and get things fixed soI can try some of your heads. I just printed off an order form and Ill be waiting for you signal. Can I order them and just have you place on back order until your shipping?

Here is theaddress for the site mentioned above. http://btreviews.proboards57.com/index.cgi

Jason

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I and my son have been using ST for three years and several animals with perfect results (perfect in this case, means no lost animals and great bloodtrails and all passthrus).

The thing I like most is we can shoot 300+ fps with no detriment to arrow flight. That gives us hunting confidence and we will us them exclusively for now as a I haven't seen anything better.

Oldhootowl, looking forward to purchasing when available.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I did the same thing with a motec 100 grain head and in my opinion they have to be one of the most durable heads out there, needless to say it was ruined after hitting the support rod...it bent all to hell. I also tore up a thunderhead the same way.Also needless to say that you (we) aren't supposed to hit that spot in the target[8D]. I haven't tried the slick tricks yet but I plan to this season as soon as the re-tooling is completed.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Are you shooting those robotic deer used by game wardens to catch poachers?:DJoking... sounds like you had some bad luck there, sorry

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

yeah, i was thinking that some more practice may be in order before hunting if you're hitting the support a lot.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I'd have to say that these head were the most accurate that I have ever used from a compound. They blades were thick and tough, they withstood thousands of practice shots. I never had a problem with the sharpness of the blades and after practicing with them, I could resharpen them easily. Took many deer with them. But ifthey can be made even sharper, more power to you.

FWIW,

Remember there that there are folks that form an opinion even before seeing one or using one. When they do finally use one a biased opinion has alreadybeen formed. - Shame.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I love these heads. I plan to hunt a good bit from ground blinds this year, and plan to use these as my primary head when in a blind and shooting through mesh. I will have a mixed quiver of these and the new rage slip cams.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Gary (oldhootowl), can we get you to come on here and give us an announcement when the new heads are ready to go? Or do we just need to keep checking your site?

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I just went tonight and bought some at the local shop and brought them home and the blades were alittle on the dull side compaired to my Muzzys but I was able to sharpen all 6 blades in a matter of minutes and they are sharp as my Muzzys ever are. That will work for me. Ill shoot them for the first time tomorrow night.

Jason

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Mine fly as good as FP's and leave anasty exit hole. It only takes mea few seconds to hone the blades on a stoneand make themvery sharp. I will agreethat the ferrule is the weak point of the head, I have salvaged blades after pulling out of tree's ,but have lost a few because of the ferrule breaking. I think any head wouldsuffer damage when shot into steel bar, or trees,LOL.
I willcontinue using ST's they are my no 1 choice in BH's.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I tried them 2yrs ago on a friends advice. At 13yds the ST just stuck into the shoulder of a large 8-point. We found the broken arrow,only 2" went in. My friend agreed the muzzy's I normally use would have gone right on through. I'm sold on Muzzy!

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

A one time scenario that could have, and I'm sure has happened, with many other broadheads including muzzys. Your friend must be clarivoyant to make a statement like that. You either hit the scapula ot the large leg bone more than likely for that to happen, must've had the shakes pretty bad to not put it in the boiler room at thirteen yards. Sorry you didn't get your deer.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Dr. Andy, Im a die hard Muzzy fan and have shot them for over 10 years but I will be ADDING the Slick Tricks to the quiver this season. Ive had some Muzzy go thru bone and others that didnt. No two shots are ever the same. Even with Muzzys.

Jason

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I'mcurious how much kinetic energy your set-up has. You can figure kinetic energy by taking the arrow speed X arrow speed X arrow weight divided by 450240. Just curious if low kinetic energy had anything to do with the lack of penetration when you hit the big bones of the leg/shoulder!

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

[quote]My shots were not good, hit the aluminum support rod in a 3-D target on consecutive shots..

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Like many other fanatics on this board, I've tried many fixed & expandables--and have always given an ear/eye to "5 Shot" field testing broadheads.
We all have our likes and dislikes and obviously we're all not the same.To each his own, with all due respect.
Nevertheless, I personally have had excellent results with the Slick Tricks heads. When I first started using themfour years ago I shot a moose @ 42 yardswith a Champion Mustang, 55 # DW, 27.5 DL generating a mere 338 fps &48 pounds kinetic energy. To my surprise, I got a complete pass thru, the moose dropped 46 yards from where it was hit and died in about 45 seconds.
Since then the Tricks have given me many more trophies, on bear, deer and hogs.
As for the sharpness of the blades, I'll say I've seen sharper blades--but my goal is to kill what I'm shooting at and if a braodhead can get this done, then I've accomplished what I've set out to do.
Shoot an animal with a pretty decent braodhead in the vitals, you'll take it home with ya--shoot an animal with a razor sharp blade on a bad shot--the razor blades ain't going to be worth nothing.
All said, I am a believer in the 'Tricks'--and I'll be standing in line to get the new 2006 version--even though I still have about 6-sets, brand new, still in the old square packaging ;).

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Will the new blades work with the heads I currently have?

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Something doesn't sounds right to me.

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

" a mere 338 fps" wow how fast do you shoot on a good day

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

I agree... [&:] Maybe it's actually 238 fps...

RE: Slick-Tricks - Retooling Until June 1st.
 

Sorry guys--I stand corrected--that should have been a mere 238 fps, shooting a GT Hunter 3555, weighing 378 grains.
My mistake----certainly wouldn't be a 'mere' 338 fps--I can't even get that speed from my new Tribute, and backthen I was shooting a old Champion single cam Mustang, which I later switched for the ETS Scorpion.