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. Here’s a quick rundown of every mechanical broadhead I’ve picked.
How I Chose the Best Fixed Blade 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 |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best for small to medium-sized game Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Hybrid Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best blood trail Rage Hypodermic | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best budget Swhacker 2-inch cut | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best for Beginners Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead | |
| 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.
| Broadhead | Number of Blades | Weight (grains) | Blade Thickness (in) | Cutting Diameter (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G5 Deadmeat V2 | 3 | 100-125 | 0.044 | 1.5 |
| Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special | 3 | 100 | 0.035 | 2.0 |
| Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid | 4 | 100 | 0.035 | 1.625 |
| Rage Hypodermic | 2 | 100 | 0.035 | 2.0 |
| Swhacker 2-inch cut | 2 | 100 | 0.032 | 2.0 |
| Rage Extreme 4-Blade | 4 | 100 | 0.030 | 2.3 |
Best Mechanical Broadheads
Here is our list for the best mechanical broadheads:
- G5 Deadmeat V2
- Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special
- Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid
- Rage Hypodermic
- Swhacker 2-inch cut
- 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 Overall G5 Deadmeat V2
G5 Deadmeat V2
3 blade mechanical broadhead with chisel tip and 1.5 inch cutting diameter.
- Sharpness B
- Penetration A+
- Flight A
- Value A+
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A
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G5 Deadmeat V2 Specs
- Number of Blades 3
- Weight (Grains) 100-125
- Blade Thickness (in) 0.044
- Cutting Diameter (in) 1.5
G5 Deadmeat V2 Review
The G5 Deadmeat V2 is one of my favorite broadheads to hunt with. It is not the best in any of the individual categories, but it is the overall best mechanical broadhead.
I really like the design of the Deadmeat V2. Its tips are chiseled and it flies well. The broadheads are also quite heavy at 220 grams. What sets it apart is the collar that locks the blades in place, so they don’t deploy too early or come apart easily.
Now, to test its deployment, I shot the broadhead through a 3/8” piece of plywood, and it performed remarkably well. All three blades were fully deployed upon impact, though one didn’t open all the way.
It also cut a wound more than 2 inches wide, providing a good blood trail. Usually, broadheads with a large cutting diameter struggle to penetrate well, but the G5 Deadmeat V2 is an exception to that.
Now, while it’s a fantastic broadhead, there are a few things to look out for. The blades are pretty durable, but after the plywood test, they became dull. So these are not great for practicing (To their credit, G5 offers a practice head with your purchase).
Also, the blade angle when fully deployed is quite steep. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but I wish it was more streamlined for better penetration.
G5 Deadmeat V2 Pros and Cons
- Easy-to-use
- Replaceable blades
- Durable design
- Low profile head reduces wind drift, increasing consistent shots
- Metal injection molding (MIM)
Best for Small to Medium Game Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special
Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special
3 blade mechanical broadhead with chisel tip and 1.375 inch cutting diameter.
- Sharpness A
- Penetration A+
- Flight A
- Value B-
Our Grade
A-
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TBD
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Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special Specs
- Number of Blades 3
- Weight (Grains) 100
- Blade Thickness (in) 0.035
- Cutting Diameter (in) 2.0
Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special Review
If you are after deer like most hunters in the US, I really don’t think you can do much better than the Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special. It’s a mechanical broadhead especially made for killing deer.
I’ve been shooting with the 100-grain model for over a year and it’s my go-to for going deer hunting. With a cutting diameter of 2 inches, they leave enormous holes through their target, and that makes tracking so much easier.
I also really like the design; the cut-on-contact tip is sharpened to a triangular point for maximum penetration, and the long ferrule holds three wicked blades.
The only problem I’ve had with them is the ferrule. Last year, I shot a whitetail with it and the aluminum ferrule broke after hitting the shoulder bone. It was a bit expensive to replace, but that’s just me nitpicking. I’d say that the Grim Reaper Razorcut SS is undoubtedly the best mechanical broadhead for small-medium sized game.
Grim Reaper Razorcut SS Whitetail Special Pros and Cons
- Designed to leave a blood trail
- Flared tip
- Practice head included
- Less durable
Best Hybrid Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid
Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid
4 blade mechanical and fixed blade hybrid broadhead with chisel tip and 1.625 inch cutting diameter.
- Sharpness B
- Penetration A
- Flight B
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
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TBD
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Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid Specs
- Number of Blades 4
- Weight (Grains) 100
- Blade Thickness (in) 0.035
- Cutting Diameter (in) 1.625
Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid Review
For those of you who have trust issues with the mechanical broadhead’s dependability, my recommendation is to go for a Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid, which I’ve chosen as the best hybrid mechanical broadhead. The broadhead combines both types of stainless steel blades: two mechanical ones with a 1.5” cutting diameter and two fixed blades with a 1” cutting diameter.
Muzzy has a lot of ‘true believers’ and I can definitely see why. The Trocar HB gives you the reliability of a fixed broadhead along with the penetration and accuracy of a mechanical one.
When you shoot the broadhead at an animal, it first causes damage with the fixed blades and the chisel tip. Then, the mechanical blades open on impact to make a massive wound on the animal.
The chisel tip is really great for crushing bone even on bigger game like elk or moose. But one thing you need to look out for is how easily the blades deflect on this one.
Now some might argue with me that the broadhead’s design is needlessly complicated. They are not exactly wrong and replacing blades is a pain, but that’s true of every hybrid broadhead. Another issue is that it’s only available in 100 grains.
But considering it’s a stable and reliable mechanical broadhead that also flies really well and ensures good penetration, I really can’t complain that much.
Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid Pros and Cons
- Four-bladed structure increases chances of hitting a vital organ
- Hybrid mechanical design
- Trocar tip
- Four blades could affect accuracy
Best Blood Trail Rage Hypodermic NC
Rage Hypodermic NC
2 blade mechanical broadhead with hypodermic chisel tip and 2 inch cutting diameter.
- Sharpness A+
- Penetration A
- Flight A
- Value B-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 1 Reviews
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Rage Hypodermic NC Specs
- Number of Blades 2
- Weight (Grains) 100
- Blade Thickness (in) 0.035
- Cutting Diameter (in) 2.0
Rage Hypodermic NC Review
I’ve always liked Rage broadheads, especially their Hypodermic model. It’s different from their earlier models like the Standard and Chisel Tip, but I believe it’s a good choice. The design is sleek, which allows for smoother flight and better penetration, making it the best blood trail mechanical broadhead in my experience.
Even though it doesn’t have a chisel tip, the Rage Hypodermic NC’s sharp point can easily crush bone. Combined with its reinforced blades that open on impact, it gives you a lot of penetrating power.
Last season, I bagged a deer using the Rage Hypodermic NC. The shot was clean, leaving a clear blood trail. The deer had barely gone 30 yards before it dropped.
The Rage Hypodermic, with its 2 blades, passes through targets very cleanly. This is because it faces less resistance compared to a three blade broadhead. It can cut through muscle sinew effectively, preventing the wound from closing up.
But the flip side of having only two blades is, you need to be more precise when shooting. It’s a good fit for experienced hunters, but beginners might want to gain some experience first, especially since it’s not cheap to replace.
Another great thing about it is that it’s not as complicated as the Muzzy Trocar HB Hybrid. You can easily take it apart and put it back together again.
The only drawback is that the Hypodermic comes only in 100 grains. It works well with a powerful crossbow, but might not be suitable for traditional bows.
Rage Hypodermic NC Pros and Cons
- Destructive blades
- Large cutting diameter
- Penetrative tip
- Requires accuracy
Best Budget Swhacker 2-Inch Cut
Swhacker 2-Inch Cut
2 blade mechanical broadhead with chisel tip and 2 inch cutting diameter.
- Sharpness B
- Penetration B
- Flight B
- Value A+
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
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Swhacker 2-Inch Cut Specs
- Number of Blades 2
- Weight (Grains) 100
- Blade Thickness (in) 0.032
- Cutting Diameter (in) 2.0
Swhacker 2-Inch Cut Review
If you are on the hunt for the best budget mechanical, my recommendation is to go with the Swhacker 2-Inch Cut. It’s a sleek broadhead that doesn’t sacrifice much performance for the price. The Swhacker 2-Inch Cut comes in a 3 pack for about $30 and offers great value.
The design is very clever. It has ‘wing blades’ along with the main blades, which don’t retract into the ferrule. When you fire, the chisel tip and ‘wing blades’ stick your bolt in the animal. As the broadhead hits, the main blades open, inflicting a lot of damage.
The main blades are large with a 2’’ cutting diameter, leading to a large wound and a clear blood trail. If the main blades don’t deploy, the winged blades can still cause damage, but the blood trail might not be as good.
You can also easily reuse the broadhead several times and the blades are not very hard to replace. They also have the tendency to get stuck in the animal and so far, I’ve never had a pass through shot with them.
Overall, for the price, you are getting a very good value with Swhacker 2-Inch Cut. It’s aerodynamic, reliable, and has good penetration capabilities.
Swhacker 2-Inch Cut Pros and Cons
- High carbon-steel head
- Includes practice head
- Two separate cutting edges
- May not leave a heavy blood trail
Best for Beginners Rage Extreme 4-Blade
Rage Extreme 4-Blade
4 blade mechanical and fixed blade hybrid broadhead with blade tip and 2.3 inch cutting diameter.
- Sharpness A
- Penetration B
- Flight A
- Value B-
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead Specs
- Length (in) 34.25
- Draw Weight (lbs) 30
- Speed (FPS) 6.2
- Weight (lbs) 140
Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead Review
Rage makes the list again. It really is one of my go to brands for great broadheads. If you are starting out, their Extreme 4-Blade is an excellent choice. It’s another hybrid model that has a huge cutting diameter of 2.3” and it’s specifically designed to leave gaping entry and exit wounds in your quarry.
With such a wide diameter, you don’t really need to be very accurate to get a good blood trail or hit the vitals. It’s perfect for beginners. But to use it properly, you are going to need a shock collar that stops your blades from deploying too early. Rage includes an extra one with your purchase, but they can get worn pretty quickly.
Another thing is that it’s only sold in 2 packs and they are not exactly the cheapest in the market.
But if you are starting out, I definitely recommend going for the Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead. It’s not complicated to use, is very forgiving of inaccuracy, and can help you get in the groove with your crossbow.
Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead Pros and Cons
- Hybrid design for fast killing of big game
- Tough aluminum ferrule
- Wide opening cut
- The blade may get deflected or redirected off its trajectory open entry
- Difficult to change blades
Buyers Guide for Mechanical Broadheads
Buying a good broadhead can be tricky if you are not familiar with them. Here’s what I look for when I buy a mechanical broadhead.
How does a mechanical broadhead work?
Mechanical broadheads have a lot of moving parts. The blades are actually held in the ferrule. This is to help with aerodynamics, since slim and narrow objects fly better. But once it comes in contact with the animal, the impact forces the blades open.
So the idea is that mechanical broadheads can maintain accuracy because of their streamlined shape and still deal a lot of damage.
What to look for when picking a mechanical broadhead?
A lot of hunters have very strong preferences in their broadheads–and for good reason! Hunting gear is all about finding the right fit for you. However, before buying a mechanical broadhead, look at the following features.
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.
Mechanical Broadhead FAQs
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.
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.
The Swhacker 2-Inch Cut is very efficient and also is the best value you will get for the money. You can easily get a three pack for under $50.
The number one mechanical broadhead would be the G5 Deadmeat V2. It’s easy to use, very durable, and creates massive entry and exit wounds. It’s a good fit for almost any hunter.
The Rage Extreme 4-Blade Broadhead has a devastating 2.3” cutting diameter, leaving massive entry and exit wounds in its quarries.
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About Dave Chesson
Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use.
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