Simmons Shark 190 grain

Plywood: 3 points
Steel drum: 4 points
Tire: 2 points
Accuracy: 4 points
Blades 2 points
Cutting diameter: 4 points
Non-mechanical head: 2 points
Total score: 21 with a blade sharpness rating of C (with bleeder blades this head actually scores a 22. The accuracy score goes down to three, but the penetration levels remained the same.)
This is Simmons largest head. It can be shot as a two or four blade head by simply adding the bleeder blades. This is the case with most of the Simmons heads. In my earlier tests with the 125’s and 160 grain heads I found the performance to be improved without the bleeders. In the case of the 190’s I found the bleeders did not effect penetration to any great degree, and they did add a good bit of cutting surface. The down side is the accuracy level dropped somewhat with them installed. We need to get one thing cleared up with this head. It’s not for those who want to shoot a super fast setup. At 190 grains this head weighs as much as some raw shafts! That doesn’t mean that it’s not a good head, far from it. If you want to add a bunch of weight to your arrow, or want the maximum amount of tissue damage from a fixed blade head this is the one for you. The only other fixed blade head that I have tested that makes this large a wound channel is the Magnus Snuffer. Where accuracy is concerned I found that as a two blade head using 5” feathers on a 2317 shaft that the head shot very well. Groups were consistent and very close to the field points. With the bleeders installed the groups opened up a little, and the impact points compared to field points was a little lower. The groups however were still respectable and more than good enough for 30 to 40 yard shooting.
In the plywood the head penetrated up to the back of the blades, and without damage. In the tire the penetration was about the same, the head made it up to the back of the blades and without damage. In the steel drum the broadhead penetrated the first side, with ½” of tip sticking in the back wall, again no damage.
Overall this is an impressive head in many ways. It’s not for everyone, but used with the proper equipment I can see it being DEADLY! I think most bowhunters would prefer either the 125’s or 160grain heads, but if you want a maximum size fixed blade broadhead this would make an excellent choice. On a side note, this head is tailor made for bowhunters looking to head to Africa and hunt really big game. Arrow minimums are standard practice, and a 190grain head helps add weight fast. I did some testing with my bow turned up to 75lbs and two carbon arrows, one slid inside the other. Total arrow weight was 850 grains. I did this shooting at 25 yards and found that the 190grain Shark penetrated every test material fully, except for the steel drum. In the drum it busted through the first side and buried up to the curve of the blade in the back wall. I know this is not the standard “test” setup and I also know that most hunters heading to Africa to hunt the really big stuff will most likely be pulling a good bit more than 75lbs, and I think this shows the potential of the head and it’s usefulness in hunting really big game.

five' er,

Totally awesome report!!! The thing I was most interested in was the last part where you brought the arrow weight up to 850 grain mark and ran the tests. Way above and beyond the call of duty! How interesting the results are!!! You didn' t happened to chrono that setup did you? []

That is some " heavyweight" stuff for sure.

Good job! [:-]

...Ha, if memory serves me correctly you no longer have a chrono due to that unfortunate accident....so I guess that is a big negatory on the chrono question eh! [&:]

Oh well, good stuff just the same.

Oh yes you still remember the " chrono" incident![:' (] I am going to pick another up soon though, I can truly justify the exspense now I know one thing the 190 shark is one HECK of a big head!! not for the faint of heart![]