Going to Alaska to moose hunt with a compound bow set for 65 pounds. Would it be better to use fixed blade or mechanical broadheads?
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3 Answers
Mechanical broadheads can be nice in windier conditions because they have less profile in flight to catch the cross breeze and destroy the arrow alignment. Fixed, machined, broadheads like a G5 Montec, maintain more structural integrity as they bounce off bone and rip through an animal. I can control for decreased accuracy by passing up a shot or moving closer, but I can't control too much for hitting bone, so I opt for the most stable construction possible, the one-piece machined broadhead. On bigger game, I would opt for a heavier, beefier broadhead.
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It isn't only bone you have to worry about. My brother was using mechanical broadheads on a deer hunt where a little twig completely fouled the shot. He saw the twig but assumed that the arrow would just punch through it based on his experience with fixed broadheads. After that experience he stopped using the mechanical broadheads.– ErikCommented Aug 19, 2016 at 23:51
It doesn't really matter. The recovery rate of mechanical broadheads is a little bit higher but negligible since the rates are overall extremely good (82 % fixed vs 91 % mechanical). So, if you are used to mechanical broadheads and can afford them, I would recommend to go with them. If you aren't used to them (normally shooting with fixed broadheads), I would recommend to grab the fixed ones.
Mechanical vs. Fixed-Blade: Stratified by broadhead type (including both compound bows and crossbows), hunters using fixed-blade broadheads recovered 82 percent of their deer (874 recovered out of 1,066 hit). Hunters using mechanical broadheads recovered 91 percent of their deer (209 out of 230 hit). Note: Total numbers of deer are lower for mechanicals because they have only been approved for use on the base since 2007, although the majority of deer shot since then were shot with mechanicals. More on that shortly.
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All types of bows and broadheads are capable of producing extremely high recovery rates, but you cannot overlook the education and proficiency requirements for these hunters, and that they reported an average shot distance of less than 20 yards. The hunters on this base are clearly selective and careful about their shots, which contributed to the high recovery rates. Regardless of equipment, we all share a responsibility to practice regularly and choose the right shots. The choices you make before the arrow is released are just as important as the clinical physics of broadhead performance.
Just make sure that your tips are more than two bladed.
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1There is the fact that mechanical blades are... errr... mechanical and therefore possible to fail working propely. I've had mechanical broadheads that didn't open or opened funny (only one or two blades instead of all three) and busted the shot. Of course, it could have been me not looking after or something but it did happen.– DesorderCommented Jul 20, 2016 at 23:47
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The other question about the moose death (outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/13574/…) is very related to this topic, in my opinion. If you are using less-sturdily built broadheads and your arrow goes through the kind of torture that one did, you might not have any cutting surfaces left to continue inflicting lethal damage once the moose starts moving. I really like sturdier, heavier broadheads for this reason.– DavidCommented Aug 17, 2016 at 21:36
Both fixed and mechanical blades have advantages and things to consider when it comes to moose hunting.
Fixed blade broadheads are known for their durability and simplicity. They don't have any moving parts, which means there's less chance of mechanical failure. This reliability can be crucial when targeting large game like moose, where penetration and the ability to deliver a lethal blow are paramount. Additionally, fixed blade broadheads often have a wider cutting diameter, which can lead to better blood trails and quicker kills.
On the other hand, mechanical broadheads offer advantages in terms of flight accuracy and aerodynamics. Their blades are typically more streamlined during flight, which can result in better accuracy, especially at longer distances. This precision can be beneficial for hunters who prefer to take shots from a distance or under specific conditions where accuracy is critical.
Ultimately, the choice between fixed and mechanical broadheads for moose hunting depends on personal preference, hunting style, and the specific hunting conditions. Some hunters swear by one type over the other, while others may switch between the two based on the situation.
It's essential to test both types and see which one performs best for you in terms of accuracy, penetration, and overall effectiveness in harvesting moose. Additionally, ensuring that your equipment is properly tuned and matched to your bow setup can also significantly impact your success in the field.
