How do I choose a broadhead for my hunt?

Start with the species, rules and shot you will take

For a broadhead choice, first check the current rule for the species, area and season. Some places restrict expandable heads, cutting diameter or other equipment. Then consider the animal, the likely shot angle, and whether brush or bone could be in the arrow path. No broadhead design makes a poor angle or obstructed shot a good choice. For a comparison of head designs, read the guide to choosing broadheads.

For deer-sized game, compare fixed and mechanical heads that meet the local rule and your setup limits. For larger-bodied game, give the full arrow and bow more attention, and plan a clear path to the vital area. A heavier point or a larger cut is not, by itself, a reason to choose a head. For small game, use a point intended for that purpose and check the species rules and backstop.

Retail pages can show which models stores feature, but placement and rebates are merchandising. Cabela's product grid marks the G5 Montec with a rebate; Walmart labels the distinct Rage Hypodermic Crossbow NC listing “Best seller.” That badge is a retailer sales label, not an independent performance test or evidence of fit for your setup. Cabela's G5 product listing · Walmart broadheads page.

Consider arrow energy, not draw weight by itself

Draw weight affects arrow speed, but it does not tell you the energy of the finished arrow on its own. Arrow mass and actual speed both matter; draw length, bow design and tuning also affect the result. Weigh the finished arrow and measure its speed from your bow. Enter the arrow's finished weight and measured speed in the kinetic-energy calculator for an estimate. Do not apply a single draw-weight label as a universal broadhead rule.

When the complete setup has less energy margin, a simple fixed cut-on-contact head can be a reasonable preference because it has no blade-deployment mechanism. That is a design consideration, not a guarantee of greater penetration. Edge sharpness, head and shaft fit, arrow mass, species, shot angle and bone contact all matter. A fixed head still needs to be checked for straightness and tuned with the hunting arrow.

Follow the exact bow, shaft and broadhead makers’ current instructions for any arrow-mass or energy limits. If the instructions do not cover your bow and arrow, ask the maker or a qualified archery shop before hunting.

Set a distance you can prove with the hunting head

Distance does not select a broadhead by itself. It does make differences in arrow flight, wind drift and aiming error harder to manage. Shoot the hunting head, or the maker-approved matching practice point, through the distances you expect to face. Compare its groups and point of impact with your field points before the season.

Set your personal distance limit at the farthest range where you can repeatedly place the complete hunting setup in your intended vital zone under conditions like the hunt. Reduce that range when wind, awkward footing, steep angle, low light or an obstructed lane makes the shot less certain. There is no universal yardage that makes a head suitable for every bowhunter.

A fixed head has blades exposed during flight, while a mechanical keeps them folded until deployment. Hybrid designs combine fixed and deployable blades. Any design can require tuning in your bow, so follow the exact model’s practice-target, deployment and blade-retention instructions.

Match point weight, spine and components

Choose shaft spine from the arrow maker’s chart using the actual bow, draw length, arrow length, point weight and configuration. The Gold Tip selector, for example, asks for draw weight, arrow length and point weight. Its instructions define arrow length from the nock throat through the insert end, and point weight as the point, insert, Ballistic Collar and FACT weights together. Other charts may use different definitions.

Count the broadhead with the components that remain on the arrow when hunting. If you change point weight, insert or shaft length, recheck spine suitability, total arrow mass and tune. Follow the arrow-weight limits in the exact bow, shaft and broadhead makers’ instructions. A grain or front-of-center figure is not a universal prescription for a species.

Compare a few different designs

These catalog examples illustrate distinct designs. Their appearance here is not a sales ranking or a claim that one model fits every setup. Check the exact model instructions and verify the finished arrow before choosing.

G5 describes the Montec M3 as a one-piece, three-blade fixed head available in 100 and 125 grains. G5 describes Deadmeat V2 as a rear-deploying mechanical with replaceable blades, available in 100 and 125 grains. QAD lists standard Exodus fixed heads in 85, 100 and 125 grains, with full and swept blade designs. Those specifications identify design and weight; they do not prove accuracy or performance from your bow. G5 Montec M3 · G5 Deadmeat V2 · QAD Exodus.

Outdoor Life reports separate fixed-head and mechanical tests in its deer broadhead guide. A test or editorial pick describes that source’s methods and field, not a guaranteed result with a different bow, arrow or shot. Read its broadhead test and recommendations.

Browse fixed and mechanical heads

Use these current catalog sections to compare models after narrowing the choice by rules, arrow fit and intended hunt. Listings and availability can change, so confirm the exact model and instructions before checkout.

Stock counts and prices reflect the catalog data used when this page was built. They can change. Check each product listing for current details.

Check crossbow and bolt requirements

For a crossbow, check its manual for the approved bolt and broadhead combination and any bolt-mass or speed limits. Confirm that the broadhead is specifically compatible with that crossbow and follow the head maker’s practice and retention instructions. See the crossbow guide for the model-specific check.

Fixed heads over 125 grains

Heavier heads change total point weight and the arrow’s front-end setup. Check the bow maker’s arrow-mass specifications, the shaft maker’s spine chart and the head maker’s instructions before changing weights. The listed grain weight alone does not establish suitability for elk or another large species.

Small-game and judo points

Use a point designed for the intended target and species. Confirm current local rules and choose a safe backstop. A catalog label does not establish suitable shot placement.

Check current hunting rules

Read current regulations from the wildlife agency for the state where you plan to hunt. Check the species, area, season and equipment rules. The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies directory links to state and territorial agencies.