Fixed vs expandable

[jpen]

What do you shoot and why? I like a fixed because it almost always guarantees a pass through. But a big expandable gives a great blood trail.

[Normous]

I shoot the 170 gr NAP FOC 170 grain two blade expandable because the 3" cut utilizing .039 thick blades easily slice through ribs and leave very large entry and exit wounds and very short recoveries during the 3 seasons that I have used them.

If you type fixed vs expandable into the search bar you will be rewarded with an hour+ of reading on the subject.

[galamb]

I have been shooting expandables for years (pretty much since they hit the market).

Since I have always shot slower bows, whether vertical or horizontal, I just find the mechanicals are less effected by wind and require less tuning to ensure they hit the same point as my field points.

[vixenmaster]

I use both, i have uses fer both. I do like a well made thick bladed fixed. I also like the same in Mech. n Nap spitfires n FOC's are my choices in mech. Fixed i like bigger Slicks n Strikers n Blk Hornets by Magnus

[georgiaboy]

I also shoot both...slick standard's in fixed & spitfire's in mechanical.
Both are proven...if it a'int broke.

[nchunterkw]

Guys argue big cut mechanicals cause shorter blood trails, but data records on over 500 harvests that I have processed show there is no difference in average yards travelled after the shot for fixed vs mechanical.

I shoot fixed blade heads because they are simple in design with no moving parts to fail and in my opinion give better terminal performance. I like RamCats, Slick Trick's, and Magnus Stingers. Of those the RamCats fly the best.

[Big trout]

I'm using wasp bullet heads this year and they are accurate. Shot a buck with them and he was dead within 30 yards. I like it when they fall over within sight.

[deertrx]

Fixed preform in all conditions. I have taken 4 deer this season with my M 380 using the Slick Trick Xbow 150's and BE Zombies! All shots were pass through but one. It's a heavy head for sure but it's very lethal with a well placed shot. Total arrow weight is 435 grns and shoots well with my set up. Mech or fixed confidence is key use what preforms best out of your set. Price should never be an issue when it comes to making a clean kill on an animal. Excals are the best.
Happy hunting
deertrx
Brian

[Buszone]

I have shot deer with my Vbow both mechanical heads and fixed. I actually used the 125gr. thunderhead for 15 plus years and never had a problem except for when I had a missed placed shot I have used primarily the spitfire and reapers no issues encountered except with the reaper blades flopping open when banged around and rarely ever had a pass thru. Since going to Xbow three years ago I wanted to find a fixed BH that flew true at a minimum out to 40yds. My local bow shop talked me into trying the RamCat 2 seasons ago and I got to say they have hammered 7 deer, are they perfect no they are not. They are difficult to take in and out of the quiver and the razor tips bend rather easily. I do want to try the Black hornet this off season to see how they fly.
Bottom line for was I went from a wheeled Xbow to the recurve so I had less things that could go wrong and that is why I prefer a fixed head that flies thru.

[Drew]

Now this is just my opinion...so take it with a grain of salt.

Mechanicals...the answer to a question that never needed asking. Why add a Rube Goldberg contraption to the end of an arrow when there are so many solid fixed blade heads out there. Slick Tricks, Black Hornets, Centaur, Simmons, etc. I know some are fascinated with broadheads flying like fp's, but I don't understand that either. Is throwing a few clicks of elevation or windage that big of a deal that you would opt to accept a potential failure mode? :

And then there is the 2" cut argument...well, that argument doesn't hold much water either.








I'm always amazed when I watch the sporting channels and see a guy with a high end vertical cam bow and he gets all of 1/3 arrow penetration on a deer. And a guy using trad equipment and pulling 45-60#'s gets a pass through with a 2blade. Now granted, the Excals we use typically do not have that issue. It does relate tot the overall issue though.
Three failures to get a pass through and several sheered blades later my brother in law has finally changed to an Excal and ST's. He finally shot his new bow this wknd and couldn't believe the speed an accuracy of the M380 with ST's. He quickly learned that you do not shoot at the same target 2x.

[hunter with MS]

I have use for both I use expandable for turkey as I want to slow down the arrow I use Wasp Jakx . I use Muzzy crosskill/ crossbow trocar 125 gr for everything else . I hunt with an Exomax .

[Kegbelly]

I'll say regardless if you shoot mechs or fixed, shot placement is the key. You hit it with an axe in a bad place, it's going to run and you've got a long tracking job ahead. That said, I prefer my trusty fixed blades, they do the job and have never failed me. But I have been impressed with some of the reports I've seen here with a few mechanicals. One day I may change my mind but for now my setup aint broke so I'm not going to change it just for the sake of change.

[Heyu]

I like the peace of mind that comes with a fixed blade. And the increased penetration abilities that holds up better at your longer ranges. The cut on impact one's being favored more. And to hold onto that energy, I stay on the heavier side of things. Otherwise being to light of a setup, just to gain speed, is like shooting a pingpong ball into the wind. I want to keep that energy and accuracy. I would not use a mechanical out of lighter pound bows. That's when a heavy fixed blade will shine to make up for the slower speed. You get energy, and better accuracy. (Influenced less by wind). Sure it's going to drop faster down range, but it's going to have more retained energy! just sight in for that. And fixed blades are a better value. Can keep using them. Most can be reshaped on a good ole wet stone. I'm liking the Wac'em broadheads we've been using. 2 deer so far on the same head, complete passthrough. Easy to sharpen, fly like my slick tricks.

[ninepointer]

Now this is just my opinion...so take it with a grain of salt.

Mechanicals...the answer to a question that never needed asking. Why add a Rube Goldberg contraption to the end of an arrow when there are so many solid fixed blade heads out there.

Rube Goldberg LOL!

I've never had a reason to try mechanicals. My Slicktricks fly just like field points and my ol' Exocet 165 sends them clear through deer, diagonally.

[j.krug]

I've used both and had great success with both. Used to shoot a couple variants of the Wasps a few years back but have since switched to Rage products. I'm very pleased with them and have never had one fail me in any way. Right now the Rage Crossbows are my BH de jour.