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Fixed Blade Broadheads vs. Mechanical Broadheads: Which Do I Choose?

July 19, 2024

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Video one difference between a mechanical and a fixed broadhead is

Whether you’re an experienced archery hunter or just getting into the sport, we all find ourselves wondering what type of hunting tip we should use from time to time. I typically reconsider which head to use every few years because I like to switch things up here and there.

This year, I’ve decided to try a fixed blade broadhead—the Slick Trick ViperTrick to be exact. Normally, I use my mechanical set up, a Nap Spitfire. Don’t get me wrong. I really like the spitfires. They fly well and do terminal damage to the game I pursue.

Yet, I like to see what other tips will do and how they perform. I guess you could say I like putting things to the test.

So, what makes one broadhead better than another? The answer is, “It depends.” Every hunting situation is different, and each state or region has different laws around archery hunting. For example, Idaho doesn’t allow the use of mechanical broadheads. In this case, this legal restriction means fixed blade broadheads are the only option you have when hunting in that state.

What are some reasons to choose mechanical broadheads?

When it’s legal to do so, people opt for mechanical broadheads due to a variety of factors.

1. Mechanical broadheads require no extra tuning of the bow. They shoot the same as field points in most cases. This trait is possible since their heads have a small surface area thanks to the retracting and folding of the blades. On the other hand, some fixed broadheads require extra tuning so that they fly straight. They also are more apt to make noise while passing through the air since their blades are exposed.

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2. Mechanical broadheads have a larger cutting diameter. Since the blades are retracted, you can put bigger blades on the mechanical heads without sacrificing accuracy. Some heads even go up to a 2 3/8-inch cutting diameter, a substantial size. Conversely, fixed blade heads need to have a smaller cutting diameter to fly straight, especially at the high speeds made possible by today’s bows.

3. Mechanical broadheads are safer when packed. Again, since the blades are retracted, the sharp end is not exposed while in the quiver or storage.

4. Most mechanicals (not counting the Walmart specials) fly exceptionally well. They are very accurate at longer ranges. Again, no extra bow tuning is required. While some fixed blades fly well at long ranges, you’re less likely to get this performance without a little tuning.

What are some reasons to choose fixed blade broadheads?

Fixed blade broadheads have been around for what seems like forever. Their design has improved year after year and continues to effectively kill game. You could say that fixed blades are the “godfather” of arrow tips.

1. Fixed blade broadheads usually have thicker blades. These blades are stronger and less prone to breaking off in the animal. This design also provides better protection against cuts when you’re field dressing the game. It’s not fun slicing your finger on a blade while gutting your animal.

2. Fixed blade broadheads offer better penetration, even at lower poundage. This advantage is especially true for larger animals such as elk and moose. Fixed blades are beasts when it comes to penetration. For smaller animals such as deer and antelope, both fixed and mechanical styles work just fine.

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3. Fixed blade broadheads continue to cut for longer. This point has been explained well by Carson Koury of Final Draw. If the fixed blade broadhead gets lodged into the shoulder of a deer as the deer runs, the blades will continue to cut and cause damage to the animal. Mechanicals, on the other hand, fold up and cease cutting if the arrow doesn’t fully pass through.

4. Fixed blade broadheads rarely fail. The only time fixed blades will not kill an animal is if the shooter makes a bad shot. Mechanicals are more prone to failure since they’re designed with several moving parts. For instance, I’ve had mechanical blades fail to open. Additionally, fixed blades will not deflect on angles shots, something mechanicals have been known to do.

A Few Broadheads to Consider

I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorite broadheads. You may want to give some of them a try this year.

Mechanical

1.Grim Reaper Whitetail Special: These are my favorite mechanicals, hands down. They fly straight, even over 80-yard distances. They have a large, 2-inch cutting diameter, and they don’t deflect on angle shots.

2. Nap Spitfire Maxx Trophy Tip: My choice for second runner up. These are great heads, and I’ve used them for the last few years. In my experience, they fly well out to 50 yards and are likely to go even beyond that distance. Their cutting diameter is 1 3/4 inches, and they’re rock solid.

Fixed

1. Slick Trick ViperTrick: This style is my favorite fixed blade so far. They’re extremely sharp, have thick blades, and fly true without much tuning. They also come four to a pack, which is a great bonus.

See also 3 things you must know to chase carp on the fly. Carp have been rising up on the list of desired freshwater fish to experience on the fly.Some will even go so far as to compare this freshwater monster to the notorious bonefish, earning the carp the nickname of the golden bone.Many factors will greatly determine your success rate when fly fishing for carp. To name a few: location, mood, posture of the fish, and time of year.For example, if it’s winter you’re not going to throw a 3” crawfish pattern at huddled carp. Why you ask? Crawfish are dormant in the winter due to being cold blooded. If you throw that rusty orange pattern at a carp in the winter he’s going to know something's up because it’s not normal for him to see that in the winter months. He will be gone just as fast as he appeared.If you've been wanting to try your hand at chasing these golden ghosts of the shallows, here are 3 tips you must know to get in the action with these easily spooked creatures. 1. Being able to read the carp and know how to act accordingly.Dane Schmucker caught the big fish of the weekend at the Midwest Golden Bones Fly Tournament near Chicago, IL. The 2018 event is coming up July 27-28 and is sponsored in part by Flymen Fishing Co.The number one mistake that beginning carp anglers make is casting to non-receptive carp.Here's how to read carp in some common fishing situations. Carp splashing on topwater.If you happen to spot this, you might as well put down your fly rod and head on your way.These carp won’t pay attention to even the tastiest-looking pattern in the world; they have one thing on their mind, and that’s reproduction.However, the upside to this process is the awesome post-spawn bite! Fast-moving pods.Once again, don’t waste your time – these carp are either spooked or heading on a mission, not even a bag of pellet carp food will stop these beasts. Keep searching for more fish to cast to. Slow-cruising pods/singles.Get a fly right in front of their faces and below them.Why? Carp like to cruise while searching the bottom for a quick and easy snack. This means their eyes will be focused below them right where your fly should be! Heads down and tails to the sky with a mud cloud around them.This is the most important one of all!Slow down, take your time, and cast to this feeding mud monkey, then hang on because you’re about to have a gnarly fight on your hands! Sunning carp.These carp are the ones kicked back enjoying the warmth of the sun. Toss a small unweighted fly to them and hope for the best. 2. Choosing the right fly weight and pattern (I can’t stress this one enough!).Fly patterns and weight are often overlooked when carp fishing. Most people think anyold pattern that looks appetizing will work.Wrong!Carp have feeding patterns and certain food sources they like better than others. Carp are very boring when it comes to fly patterns. 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To do this, drag your fly away from the carp and let it sink, mimicking a fleeing crawfish or nymph. This is usually used for slow-cruising carp and sometimes for the feeding carp.Follow these tips to increase your number of hookups and catches when fishing for this elusive fish.As always, best fishing to you all! Want more articles like this? Subscribe to the Flymen mailing list at the bottom of the page!About Jakob Barlow:Jakob Barlow is the head guide/owner of High Grass Guides in Western North Carolina. He has been fly fishing since he was 6 years old. From the pumpkin seed sunfish to the big bull trout to the tarpon of the salt flats, he has experience in it all. He's been guiding locally for 10 years and then decided to take it to the next level so he opened High Grass Guides with two of his buddies, hoping to make it into a living. “I've experienced nothing that consumes my mind like fly fishing, it’s all I think of all day every day.” Jakob is well seasoned with most freshwater species around his area with some saltwater species as well. Jakob has a passion for getting new anglers involved with his obsession of fly fishing. "I live to see that big smile on my client's face when hooking the fish of a lifetime.” You can follow him on Instagram @the_jakob_barlow or check out his website at www.highgrassguides.com. Written by Jakob Barlow Filed under carp, fly fishing, fly fishing tips, freshwater Tweet Comments on this post (12) Jun 29, 2022 Thank you for your insight!— Greg Bright Jun 09, 2022 I live in Lake Havasu AZ, a great fishery and one of the most under rated carp fisheries in the states. Huge carp here, up to 50 lbs. NOBODY fly fishes carp here so I’m giving it a try. Found a nice shallow beach where early morning carp feed, from 3 to 15 lbs. Great article and tips, all makes sense.— james Dec 03, 2020 Have chased carp for several years. berleyed with white bread and fished with bread flies, great fun good results. 70 – 120 per day. A pest species that is fun to fish for. All removed from the waterway. a win for the angler and the waterways— Ben Hicks Dec 03, 2020 I got 13carp and 3 cat fish on a 6wt fly rod and reel 6lbs test with a 6wt floating line and 6lbs line 8lbs all up to 25 lbs cats were 3 lbs to 8lbs on carp best have 200 yards of backing @ least 3 bigger ones almost spun 100 yards out I used a really slow sinking method for my carp fly’s I am so hooked on fly fishing carp— Alvin vaughn Dec 03, 2020 Hooked on carp on the fly— Harold Fenhaus Dec 03, 2020 About fly fishing for carp.— Don Smith Dec 03, 2020 Nice Blog ! Try fly fish Colorado here : www.shoprma.com/fly_fishing_classes.htm— Shoprma Dec 03, 2020 Here in the desert of Central Washington, carp offer opportunities to chase big, hard fighting fish during the heat of summer. Very good information!— Patrick Burdick Dec 03, 2020 Hit the 17 year cicada hatch. Carp on the top. Best fish was 29+ lbs. Talk about fun!— Andy Braznell Dec 03, 2020 @Wayne Walts, no they’re not as fast as a bone but: if you hook a big one they just go, slow but they go and it’s like you hooked a garden tractor!— Keith Antell Dec 03, 2020 They are not bonefish nor will they ever swim like a bonefish. Bonefish can swim over 30mph. That being said they are fun to catch, when I can’t go bonefishing— Wayne Walts Dec 03, 2020 Great information on Carp fishing and have been having a blast tying up and creating pattern targeted for crap.— Rick Takahashi Leave a comment Name Email Message

2. G5 Stricker: This is a nice head as well, and I have no complaints with it. The blades are sharp (though not as thick as the Slick Trick’s) but they’re still adequate, flying straight with minimal tuning.

3. G5 Montec: I’ve listed these ones only because they fly so well. These blades fly better than any fixed blade I’ve ever shot. They require zero tuning, just like the mechanicals I’ve used. However, I haven’t continued to use the G5 Montec style because they just don’t seem to be sharp enough. I want extremely sharp heads so that I’m sure the game I shoot dies quickly. I wouldn’t consider using the G5 Montec myself anymore because they just don’t seem ethical to me.

Which type of broadhead will you shoot?

As I’ve noted above, both mechanical and fixed blades are great choices for hunters. Keep in mind there are many decent styles of both mechanical and fixed blade broadheads out there, but there are also some bad ones, too. Which one you choose boils down to personal preference and the areas where you hunt. Best of luck this year, and happy hunting!

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