6 Best Mechanical Broadheads: How To Find the Right One For You!

Love them or hate them, mechanical broadheads are here to stay. Unless you are a purist in your hunting gear, I’d say there’s no harm in trying out different broadheads, fixed and mechanical. 

Mechanical broadheads have a bad rep on their reliability and I understand where that comes from. Fixed broadheads are easier to use. You won’t have to worry about early blade releases, and there aren’t any moving parts that can go wrong. 

However, I find myself drawn to hunting with mechanical broadheads for two main reasons. Firstly, the continuous improvements being made in their design and functionality are impressive. Secondly, they offer a larger cutting surface compared to their fixed counterparts, which can be a significant advantage.

We have observed that not all broadheads are created equal. So, in order to help you make the right choice if you choose to use one, I created this guide for the best mechanical broadheads out there.

Mechanical Broadheads vs Fixed Blade Broadheads

Before we look at the best mechanical broadheads, you should know what fixed and mechanical broadheads are.

• Fixed broadheads are traditional broadheads. They have a number of blades (two, three, or even four) fixed to a ferrule (the center of a broadhead where the blades are attached) or are molded from metal into a particular shape. Here are some of our favorites.
• Mechanical broadheads, on the other hand, have retractable blades. These blades are released from the ferrule when the broadhead strikes a target. 

Now, mechanical broadheads come in many designs with various blades just like the fixed ones. Some blades open forward and some are rear deploying.

There’s a lot of debate on which is the best broadhead, but that’s for another post. Today, we’ll focus on the best mechanical broadheads you can find. Keep in mind that not every broadhead is suitable for every situation. Use your best judgment to choose the ones that are right for you.

How I Chose the Best Mechanical Broadheads

When it comes to hunting, the right mechanical broadhead can make or break your shot. With over two decades of hunting experience under my belt, I’ve tested out several broadheads tailored for precision and impact. This hands-on approach has given me valuable insights into important aspects of a mechanical broadhead.

Now, I understand that what works for one hunter might not be the best fit for another. That’s why I teamed up with some of my friends who are experts in hunting to get a broader perspective. Combining their know-how with my own experience, I’ve put together this list of the best mechanical broadheads for hunting. Picking a mechanical broadhead is a personal decision, but I believe this list will guide you to the right one for you. Here’s a quick rundown of every mechanical broadhead I’ve picked. 

Gun University’s Best Mechanical Broadheads

Best Mechanical Broadheads

Best Overall G5 Deadmeat V2		One of the largest wound channels Practice head included Three heavy-duty, stainless steel blades	Buy on Amazon
Best for small to medium-sized game Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special		Spring loaded shock absorbing system No deflection on angled shots Replaceable blades	Buy on Amazon
Best Hybrid Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid		Hybrid broadhead powerful enough to deliver massive entry wounds Sharp, thick blades Trocar tip	Buy on Amazon
Best blood trail Rage Hypodermic		2-inch cutting diameter to create huge wounds which leave visible blood trails Pinpoint accuracy Superior aerodynamics	Buy on Amazon
Best budget Swhacker 2-inch cut		Anodized aircraft aluminum ferrule Hardened high-carbon steel point Two separate cutting edges	Buy on Amazon
Best for Beginners Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead		Small, cut-on-contact tip Hybrid design Durable aluminum ferrule	Buy on Amazon

Best Mechanical Broadheads Specifications

Below is a table of the specs for each broadhead. Click the name of the item to jump to that review.

Best Mechanical Broadheads

Here is our list for the best mechanical broadheads:

1. G5 Deadmeat V2
2. Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special
3. Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid
4. Rage Hypodermic
5. Swhacker 2-inch cut
6. Rage Extreme 4-Blade

Best Mechanical Broadheads – Reviews

Here are the detailed reviews of all the broadheads I’ve listed along with a side-by-side spec table on each. Each one of these broadheads has unique features which make them the best fit for their category.  

Best Mechanical Broadheads – Buyer’s Guide

A lot of hunters have strong preferences when it comes to broadheads, and it makes sense—choosing the right gear can impact everything from your accuracy to how effectively you take down game. Finding what fits you best is key, so before buying a mechanical broadhead, consider the following factors.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Mechanical Broadhead

Number of blades – If you’re used to fixed broadheads, you might prefer more blades. But with mechanical broadheads, while more blades can mean larger wounds and better blood trails, its also more moving parts that can fail. As a beginner, go for more blades. As you gain experience and accuracy, opt for two-blade broadheads for clean pass-throughs and good flight.

Blade thickness – A thicker blade can penetrate an animal more easily and is less likely to bend when passing through vital organs, making it more durable. Look for a blade thickness between 0.020 and 0.0375 inches.

Material – Most high-end mechanical broadheads are typically made from stainless steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. Besides these, you can also look for those made from high carbon or titanium alloys, as they resist corrosion well.

Cutting diameter – One of the best benefits of mechanical broadheads is their larger cutting diameter. The blades won’t affect the broadhead flight since they are retracted. So definitely look for a larger cutting diameter when you get your broadhead. 

The tip – You can choose between a cut-on contact or a chisel tip. A cut-on contact broadhead has a blade tip, while a chisel tip has a thick, hammer-like point with blades behind it. For high-poundage bows, a chisel tip is good as it can break through bone. For low-poundage bows, a cut-on-contact tip can create larger wounds.

Deployment – Your broadhead can be either rear deploying or front deploying. The blades of a front deploying broadhead are close to it and unfold like a flower upon entering the animal, causing damage. Conversely, a rear deploying broadhead blades are housed inside the broadhead and deploy upon impact. While this spec doesn’t greatly affect the hunt, some find rear deploying broadheads more reliable.

Weight in grains – Broadhead weight contributes to your arrow weight. The rule of thumb is to match lighter broadheads with lighter arrows and heavier ones with heavier arrows. Lighter arrows are faster but penetrate less than heavier ones. The most common weight is 100 grains, which is sufficient unless you’re hunting a very large game.

Conclusion

A good broadhead can help you hunt with more confidence, but finding the one that works for you can take time. So don’t be afraid to try out different models until you’ve found the right one. After all, all the reviews in the world can’t stand in for firsthand experience. 

I hope this article helps you approach broadheads with a little more perspective on what to look for. Good luck.

If you need help sorting out the right bolt for your broadhead, check out our best types of crossbow bolts article.

Best Mechanical Broadheads – FAQs

What is the most accurate mechanical broadhead?

The Rage Hypodermic NC’s hypodermic model is my choice for the most accurate broadhead. It’s very streamlined, has two wicked blades, and penetrates deeply. 

What is the deepest penetrating broadhead?

The Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special’s cut-on-contact tip is sharpened to a point and ensures maximum penetration. Another advantage is that it doesn’t deflect your angled shots. 

What is the largest cutting mechanical broadhead?

The Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead has a devastating 2.3” cutting diameter, leaving massive entry and exit wounds in its quarries.

How do mechanical blades perform on high-speed bows?
Mechanical broadheads work well with high-speed setups, offering flatter trajectories by reducing drag. For reliable performance, choose models with secure deployment mechanisms to avoid accidental blade opening.

Do pivoting blades improve pass-through chances?
Yes, pivoting blades are designed to navigate around bone, boosting penetration and making clean pass-throughs more likely—especially useful for angled or quartering shots.

How often should I check the sharpness of my broadhead blades?
It’s best to check blade sharpness before each hunt. Even minor dullness can impact penetration, so inspecting and replacing blades when necessary ensures they’re ready when you are.