If push came to shove
09-11-2002, 12:44 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Miami FL USA
Posts: 208
RE: If push came to shove
Good discussion! I am going to try mechanicals for the first time this season, mainly out of couriousity. I have not had any problem getting my fixed blades to group with my field points out to 40yds. I am getting right around 73# of computed KE with my setup so reliable opening should not be much of a problem. I selected Spitfire 100 with a 1.5" cut because of the cam type system requiring no O-rings. We'll see how it goes.
Without a doubt, if I had to just choose one style only it would be have to be fixed blades because of the reliability and versatility.
Aim Hard!
Edited by - FLHunter on 09/11/2002 13:54:07
Without a doubt, if I had to just choose one style only it would be have to be fixed blades because of the reliability and versatility.
Aim Hard!
Edited by - FLHunter on 09/11/2002 13:54:07
09-11-2002, 02:17 PM
#16
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lehigh County PA USA
Posts: 12,157
RE: If push came to shove
Rocket Steelhead 100 mechanical broadheads would be my choice if push came to shove and I had to pick only one head that I was required to use frome here on out. I am generating around 70 ft. lbs of KE with my setup so I should be able to effectively use them on just about any critter I might encounter in my area...not to mention the fact that the Steelheads penetrate as well as, if not better than, most other broadheads on the market. I would choose the steelheads simply because they are a reliable head with excellent penetration and a proven track record. Though 5shot and several others have made some comments about the blade sharpness I have yet to hear any complaints about penetration, accuracy or durability.
Edited by - PABowhntr on 09/11/2002 15:19:28
Edited by - PABowhntr on 09/11/2002 15:19:28
09-11-2002, 06:42 PM
#18
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Palmyra PA USA
Posts: 292
RE: If push came to shove
I've killed deer with both, but stopped using mechanicals years ago due to lack of penetration, fragile construction, and proneness to field failures. Of the three deer I killed with Rocket miniblaster mechanicals and a 65# cam bow, two were broadside passthroughs on small does from close range (3 yds on the ground and 25 from a tree). However, I only achieved about 3" or 4" of penetration through the ribs of a 180# buck (20 yds from a tree). I've also hunted with friends who had similar (or worse) penetration problems, including arrows bouncing off shoulder blades. In each of my mechanical kills, the blades came through badly mangled or broken off. In two cases, the broadhead's ferrules were bent and the chisel points were ripped off to the side. Other problems occured with the rubber bands breaking off broadheads in the field and blades flopping open with the arrow in hand. Finally, the blasted things are terribly expensive, and for all purposes they are once and done disposable.
With fixed blades (especially one piece cut-on-contact heads), I consistently achieve much better penetration and do not experience such problems. I shot through both shoulder blades on one particular buck with a 2-blade head, picked up the arrow, and simply touched up the cutting edge to return it to service. I can even stump shoot with one-piece heads and just resharpen the blades with a file to restore them for hunting use. In simplest terms, fixed blade broadheads are better penetrating, stronger, and more reliable.
For the last 3 years I've been strictly shooting longbows and wooden selfbows. With these bows, mechanical heads aren't even a consideration due to their poor penetration.
With fixed blades (especially one piece cut-on-contact heads), I consistently achieve much better penetration and do not experience such problems. I shot through both shoulder blades on one particular buck with a 2-blade head, picked up the arrow, and simply touched up the cutting edge to return it to service. I can even stump shoot with one-piece heads and just resharpen the blades with a file to restore them for hunting use. In simplest terms, fixed blade broadheads are better penetrating, stronger, and more reliable.
For the last 3 years I've been strictly shooting longbows and wooden selfbows. With these bows, mechanical heads aren't even a consideration due to their poor penetration.
09-11-2002, 07:02 PM
#19
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Phoenixville, PA USA
Posts: 5,541
RE: If push came to shove
Sisk, I see your point. My post may have come off a little more harsh than intended. All I was trying to say was if you post something make sure that it contributes to the post and isn't merely an off the cuff comment or based on limited experience. I did not mean to incinuate a lack of expertise or validity merely that some posts seemed to just be there for the sake of writing something. No offense intended, just make a contribution. Can't we all just get along?!?!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>