8 Best Crossbow Broadheads – Take Shooting Seriously

By
George Hanson
George Hanson
Research Writer
A successful journalist and news reporter in the past, George is now focused on freelance work to be able to dedicate more time to the most important things in his life: fam read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
John Carson
John Carson
Expert Consultant
John is an avid traveler, hiker, and RVer. Moreover, it seems like he knows everything when it comes to fishing and hunting: his father started sharing all the tips and tric read more
Last updated: August 22, 2023
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Have you ever wondered why somebody is more successful in hunting than you? The answer can be quite easy. When it comes to hunting—whether for game or for sport—having a broadhead that fits not only your needs with equipment but also your preferences are important! Since there is such a wide variety of different broadheads, from the best mechanical to best crossbow broached to the best-fixed blade, we want to cover all the need-to-knows in our buying guide to help you choose the right one.

From various features like grain weight, cutting diameter, quantity, and type, we’ve considered the most important features in each of our reviews to help you choose the best products for your artillery. We know there are so many different details, like fixed blades, chisel tips, and mechanical tidbits that can make a huge difference in your shot. So, from our side-by-side comparison table to our in-detail reviews, from our buying guide to the most frequently asked questions and final verdict, we hope that this review can help you pick out the best crossbow broadheads for your shot. Without further ado, read-on, and happy buying!

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Rage CrossbowX
    "Our winning crossbow broadhead features:. Fast flying. The shock collar tech. Extreme accuracy."
  • "If you are planning to go hunting for a deer, that’s your choice:. Large blood trails. Closed while flying. Effective with field-point accuracy."
  • "This model is a combination of the best price and quality combined:. Hardened steel tip. 3-blade build. Right-helix design."
  • Best Compact Design: Swhacker SWH00243
    "This broadhead will stay closed while flying, such improving the accuracy:. Second set of edges deploys on penetration. Skinny and compact build. Practice head included."
  • Best Replaceable Blades: Excalibur Boltcutter
    "If you prefer broadheads with replaceable blades, that’s your pick:. Efficient and thorough penetration. Heavy grain weight. Durable materials."
  • "This model features stainless steel trocar tips and much more:. Bigger blades. Great for direct hit. Roll backward on impact."
  • "This 100-grain broadhead will offer:. Simple blade mechanism. Diamize sharpened blades. Micro grooved slimline ferrule."
  • Best for Beginners: NAP Spitfire XXX
    "This model will be especially good if you are new to the crossbow hunt:. US product. Big and small game alike. Great for beginners."

Top 8 Crossbow Broadheads Review 2024

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Editor’s Choice

Rage CrossbowX

Features
  • Grain weight: 100 or 125
  • Diameter: 2.3 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 2-blade

More features: rear-deploying, 0.35 in thick blade

The Rage CrossbowX is our Editor’s Pick for the best crossbow broadhead to choose from.

From its design with the mechanical broadhead to its sturdy, lasting materials, the Rage CrossbowX works with expert and beginner alike.

With the ferrule being made out of aluminum, which is rust- and corrosion-free, you can rest assured that your broadheads will be always pretty far away from being damaged. The blades, which are .035 inches thick and have a cutting diameter of 2 inches, themselves are made out of pure stainless steel, which is extremely high-quality and will never corrode.

If you’re looking for a very effective and quick cut-through, the Rage CrossbowX is exactly what you need. Since it’s made out of stainless steel, this material is preferred by hunters everywhere when it comes to cutting through.

The blades of the Rage CrossbowX are also quite sturdy when it comes to becoming loose, which is done through shock technology.

The Rage CrossbowX is also equipped with Aerodynamic Flight Facility, which makes it highly accurate and can fly with great force, cutting any type of game you’re going for!

The pointer of the Rage CrossbowX is also a plus since its subtle and assures a one-time try-through with its triangle shape and effective point. The Rage CrossbowX also has a durable screw build and comes in multiple colors.

    What are its best features?
  • Flies very fast compared to other
  • The shock collar tech means blades are never lost
  • Very accurate because of the build
  • Lightweight and bold enough
  • The blades are removable
    What could be improved?
  • Need to be careful with sharp blade
  • The color combination might be unattractive for some users
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Features
  • Grain weight: 100
  • Diameter: 1.8 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 2-blade

More features: aluminum ferrule, rear deploying

The Ten Point HEA-800.3 EVO-X Center Punch Broadhead is our Runner’s Up and best for deer when you’re specifically hunting for that type of game.

With a new 100-grain weight, this 1.8 in diameter broadhead is a good fit to get an accurate and efficient shot, every time. The Ten Point HEA-800.3 EVO-X Center Punch Broadhead is also rear-deploying, which means that you can rest assured that the EVO-X Center Punch Broadhead will be effective through the shot.

The Ten Point HEA-800.3 EVO-X Center Punch Broadhead also has a collarless design which can help give you that field-point accuracy that you‘ve been looking for.

This 2-blade broadhead is designed with an aluminum ferrule, which makes it durable and long-lasting. It also has other desirable features, like its ultra-strong precision point, making it optimal for being on-the-field. The scalpel-sharp blades also are designed to remain closed during flight, which helps create a large wound channel upon impact and leave huge blood trails that can help track the target.

If you’re looking for strength, the Ten Point HEA-800.3 EVO-X Center Punch Broadhead stays strong with a simple design, accurate broadhead for tenpoint crossbows, and bone-crushing penetration.

    What are its best features?
  • Leaves large blood trails even without pass-through
  • Remains closed while flying through the air
  • Effective with field-point accuracy
    What could be improved?
  • Complaints about penetration not being effective
  • Complaints about BH not opening when you are working with broadhead
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Features
  • Grain weight: 100
  • Diameter: 1.2 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 3-blade

More features: 0.035″ right-helix design, hardened steel tip

The Muzzy Trocar Crossbow Broadhead is a great pick that has reputation on its side. Using the precision and power of removable blades, you don’t have to worry about sharpening them as you hunt throughout the season.

The sharp broadheads hold its main strength in its design. With a 0.035-inch right-helix design, this unique build is great for hunting game both big and small.

The Muzzy Trocar Crossbow Broadhead also features a hardened steel tip, which helps reinforce penetration—as well as the 1.2-inch diameter size.

Finally, with a grain weight of 100, it’s also a skillful build that matches most of the other broadheads on this guide today. So, if you think you‘re getting a steal of a buy with a budget, you’re right! You get high quality for a great price with the Muzzy Trocar Crossbow Broadhead.

The package also makes it quite easy to keep it sharp, coming included with a kit to help with the process and several replacement blades. This three-blade structure is simple to replace but can be quite sharp—so we would definitely recommend you to be careful as you put them together! Even the most expert of hunters can get hurt.

If you’re looking for high-quality material and products, you can get all that for a decent price with the Muzzy Trocar Crossbow Broadhead.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Has a three-blade build and lightweight in design
  • Unique right-helix design for both small and big game
    What could be better?
  • The thin steel that makes up the blades might need to be replaced quite often
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4
Best Compact Design

Swhacker SWH00243

Features
  • Grain weight: 150
  • Diameter: 3 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 2- blade

More features: practice head included, aluminum ferrule

The Swhacker SWH00243 is designed with the first set of edges being used for cutting the hide and ribs while the second set deploys on penetration—staying closed through the entire trip en-route and in-flight.

If you’re a hunter looking for a compact broadhead design, the Swhacker SWH00243 has a very skinny build and hides an expandable broadhead which deploys once the broadhead hits its target.

Just like a field point, the Swhacker SWH00243 uses “wing blades” to open the main blades for reliable deployment. The two 0.032-inch Blades are made out of reliable anodized aluminum ferrule which also is paired with a hardened high-carbon steel point.

The black and silver colors are great for camouflage, as well, which can be preferred with several hunters across the board. The 3-inch cutting diameter is also quite a cut and uniquely large for broadheads in its class.

The Swhacker SWH00243 also comes with a practice head that can help with training, which is put to great use, especially if you‘re a beginner.

    What are its best features?
  • Second set of edges deploys on penetration
  • The blades stay closed throughout the whole in-flight travel
  • Skinny and compact build for accuracy
  • Practice head included with purchase
    What could be improved?
  • Might not be good for smaller game
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Best Replaceable Blades

Excalibur Boltcutter

Features
  • Grain weight: 150
  • Diameter: 1.1 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 3-blade

More features: stainless steel tip

Looking for a lethal broadhead? The Excalibur Boltcutter can be the tool you‘re looking for.

Although the blood trail isn‘t as large as other broadheads in its class which might make tracking quite difficult, it still has its advantages.

The Excalibur Boltcutter is a great pick if you need precision while hunting from a 30-yard distance (who’s not looking for that?). Maintenance is also quite simple with the Excalibur Boltcutter, since you’ll have easy access to replacing the blades with the included extra blades.

Sharpening the blades, on the other hand, might prove to be quite difficult, but can be bypassed by continuous replacement after each kill.

Without having to break the bank, the Excalibur Boltcutter is an affordable option that still offers valuable precision and accuracy. You’ll also enjoy the compatibility with a great variety of high-speed hunting crossbows.

You’ll able to track the animal in a range of 25-40 yards, which means that the kill should be as humane as possible, which should always be the goal when you‘re hunting, right? The weight is also heavy in the air and in your hands, which makes it efficient and accurate.

    Why is it special?
  • Efficient and thorough penetration of the target
  • The heaviness offers straight and accurate flight
  • Designed with durable materials for maintenance
  • Blades can be easily replaced
    What are the flaws?
  • The cutting diameter can be a bit wider
  • Almost no blood trail, might make it hard to track game
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Features
  • Grain weight: 100
  • Diameter: 1.75 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 3-blade

More features: stainless steel trocar tips, 0.27-inch blades

If you’re looking for a mechanical broadhead that can get the job done, the Wasp Crossbow Broadhead Jak X is going to be a great choice!

No matter if you‘re an expert hunter or first starting out, this design and build can be a great choice for anyone looking for a direct hit.

The Wasp Crossbow Broadhead Jak X not only has a tested and proven, front-deploying design, but it can corner both small game like turkey and hogs but can also be used for bigger game like deer and larger.

When it comes to the design, the brand WASP kept things simple. Not only does it use a three-blade design, but the stainless steel trocar tips are quite specific and accurate on the shot. The build is also simple and straightforward, with a neoprene o-ring to retain the blades in flight. This build also makes the broadhead roll backward on impact.

Using high-quality materials, like .036” stainless steel blades, the Wasp Crossbow Broadhead Jak X keeps things pristine across the board.

The strong gauge helps give you the power you’re looking for while hunting to be able to cut deep wound channels and leave a trail to help with tracking. The build is so strong that you can get a pass through shot with these heads—you can even get multiple animals with the same head.

    Why is it special?
  • Stainless steel tips are quite strong
  • Bigger blades for pull-through shots
  • Great for both big and small game
    What are the flaws?
  • Might be a bit powerful for beginners
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Features
  • Grain weight: 100
  • Diameter: 1.5 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 3- blade

More features: diamize sharpened blades, micro grooved slimline ferrule

With a slim design of 1.5 inches of diameter, the 100 grain New Archery Products NAP Spitfire Crossbow Mechanical Broadhead is a spot-on pick for someone looking for an effective broadhead to get the job done while still being light on the hands.

The design is backed by a brand that has hosted one of the most popular mechanical broadheads ever made—which means it has history, reputation, and hands-on experience on its side.

The New Archery Products NAP Spitfire Crossbow Mechanical Broadhead is a great choice if you’re hunting deer and need the design of a simple blade mechanism with the power of a sharp blade.

The way the Spitfire works is that each blade is sandwiched between a retention clip and the slot in the ferrule. Both of these parts use their holes, which pivot through a smaller screw. With the force of impact, the front edge is pushed into the blade and can expose the cutting edges.

The only negative thing is that you have to remember to replace the retention clips and screws after 5 impacts.

However, its point, ferrule, and aerodynamic shape help this broadhead fly and group well when on the hunt. The blades also stay closed while in-flight.

The tip also has small grooves on all three sides, which helps with the accuracy of the shot.

    What are its best features?
  • Has small grooves on the sides of the tip
  • Lightweight but powerful
  • Perfect for hunting deer
    What could be improved?
  • Have to remember to replace the retention clips and screws after 5 impacts.
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Best for Beginners

NAP Spitfire XXX

Features
  • Grain weight: 100
  • Diameter: 2 in
  • Quantity: 3
  • Type: 3-blade

More features: 0.3-inch blades

If you’re looking to make a statement out on the field, the NAP Spitfire XXX is a bold choice that won’t set you back in your bank account.

With its time-tested and proven design, the NAP Spitfire XXX is going to leave you with a 2-inch, effective cutting diameter.

From its rock-solid, durable design, the three, .3-inch razor-sharp blades help you keep pinpoint accurate shots—whether you’re going after the smallest or biggest game.

With 100 grain weight, this broadhead is a heavy-feeling but light broadhead that can cut through game effectively. Its rugged design is the perfect build for a hunter looking for both big or small game.

With a 100 percent made American design, you can support the USA with the purchase of the NAP Spitfire XXX and all of its products.

The NAP Spitfire XXX is also a great choice if you’re looking to stick with what you know as a beginner. For an entry-level broadhead, this is a great pick, however, can be used by experts, as well. The versatility of this broadhead is what makes it such a unique pick—especially when most users cling to a certain type of tool once they get started.

    What are its best features?
  • American made and manufactured
  • Great for big and small game alike
  • Can be used by both beginners or experts
    What could be improved?
  • Might be a little too lightweight for some hunters

Things to Consider

We know that you take shooting very seriously—so you should have the luxury of taking your equipment seriously, too. To be able to truly evaluate the best crossbow broadhead for your artillery, we’ve created this buying guide with all the important features that you’ll need to know to help you choose the best option!

Why hunters should choose broadheads for crossbow

8 Best Crossbow Broadheads - Take Shooting Seriously

When choosing a broadhead for a crossbow, you need to be aware of the various finer details that can help you choose the right one for a crossbow.

You should choose a broadhead while hunting with a crossbow because it can complement your crossbow in its own right and can help you immediately engage with your target—giving you the opportunity to deliver that focused, killing blow.

How to shoot crossbow with broadheads

If you’ve decided to give the partnership between regular broadheads and crossbows a try, you’ll need to know that first of all—it should work just fine!

However, it’s important that you know that arrow speed might be a lot different because crossbows are generally much faster than a compound bow.

The size of your broadhead, especially with different blade types can also make a pretty big difference.

If you need help sorting out the perfect combination or partnership between crossbows and broadheads, this video can help:

Price range

You should always be able to stay within your price range. Whether you’re going for our Best Value/Budget Pick, the Muzzy Trocar Crossbow Broadhead or a lower-cost option, you, fortunately, don’t have to sacrifice quality for a low price.

We hope our various options on this guide have given you a wide range of selection when it comes to picking out the perfect broadhead.

Features to consider while buying the best crossbow broadheads

When selecting a type of crossbow, you need to be very distinguishing and distinct when it comes to picking out the most important features. For example, the various features, like blade type and diameter, can make a huge difference in accuracy and can be deciding factors on whether or not you make your shot.

This section will help inform you of the various features available to each broadhead and what you should choose for your ideal hunt.

Blade type

The type of blade can also make a huge difference when it comes to getting a crossbow broadhead that works for you.

In this article, we’ve given you options from the 2-blade to the 3-blade. This small detail can be a huge difference between the type of hit you want to convert.

For example, the 2-blade, like the one featured on the Rage CrossbowX is good for penetration and getting that 1-shot kill. However, if you need to leave a blood trail or larger entry or exit holes, the 3-blade, like the Muzzy Trocar Crossbow Broadhead will suit you better while hunting.

Brand reliability

Of course, the product’s brand name can dictate a whole lot about the quality of the material and build.

Especially if you’re considering a unit that needs to be precise and functioning well to be able to hit your target, you’ll need to consider the reputation behind the brand.

Consider tips

Choosing the right tip for your broadhead can also make it either difficult or easier to penetrate your target. The wrong tip can seriously affect your flight pattern, blood trail, and proper penetration.

Although the tip considered will change depending on personal preference, it’s important to know the options out there to be able to choose the right one that works for you.

The styles and tips will fall under three categories—fixed, mechanical, and replaceable.

To be able to pick out the right option, you need to first consider the distance of your shooting range, the speed of your shot, and your actual target.

Choosing a fixed blade can be beneficial in bowhunting as a sturdier option. The one-piece design is great for penetration but needs to be sharpened on a regular basis to stay productive.
The mechanical blade works quite well with flight and cutting larger diameters, and the Wasp Crossbow Broadhead Jak X proves it to be true. However, they have multiple moving parts which can lead to difficult situations in the air.
Lastly, the replaceable blade can obviously be changed out regularly, as you can see it by the Excalibur Boltcutter, which eliminates the need for sharpening. They are great in-flight but can be a flop when it comes to durability. They can also be a bit louder while in-flight, which can cause your target to hear.

Sharpness

Depending on whether you want to penetrate your target fully or you want to leave a blood trail, the sharpness of the broadhead can dictate how you hunt.

Although it’s not as essentially important as other features, the tip and sharpness of the broadhead will need looking into when you’re going to be hunting small game.

The sharpness can help attain maximum penetration—through chisel or razor—to be able to pass through the target.

However, if you’re going to be hunting bigger game, you’ll want a blunter tip broadhead.

Diameter and length

The diameter and length of the broadhead can dictate if it will be compatible enough with your crossbow. Before you buy, check with your crossbow manufacturer recommendations on what the ideal size is based on the bow and the game you’re hunting.

Accuracy

8 Best Crossbow Broadheads - Take Shooting Seriously

The accuracy of the broadhead can also say a lot about the success in your hunt. Of course, while shooting, you’ll want to have the most accurate shot as possible.

Read into the reliability of the brand as well as the customer reviews of each product before you buy to ensure the accuracy in your shot with your new broadhead.

Guarantees

Although not divulged here on our guide today, if you’re going to be buying the broadhead directly from the manufacturer, make sure that you look into the warranty associated with the product.

This can dictate the quality of the product itself and how successful your hunt will be!

Weight

The weights of the broadheads here range from 100-150 grain weight, which can make deciding a bit easier—since the range isn’t that large!

If you still find it hard to decide, here are a few factors that can help dictate the target grain weight you should be looking for:

  1. The usage: Depending on whether you’re planning on hunting bigger or smaller game can dictate the ideal weight of the broadhead. A heavier broadhead is obviously recommended for bigger game, as for example the Swhacker SWH00243, while a lighter one is better for smaller game.
  2. The bolt: Depending on your crossbow, you’ll want to key into the length and weight distribution of it. This can affect how your bow will fly. If you have a lighter broadhead, you might have a faster shot but a less accurate one.
  3. The crossbow itself: Before you buy, you should check out the minimum requirements of your particular crossbow model. If the broadhead is too heavy or too light, this can affect the shot accuracy and efficiency.

Quality

The quality of the broadhead will also make a difference. You can research more on the quality of each individual broadhead based on the brand name, its reputation, and if it’s being sold used or new.

You can also check out the individual past customer reviews of how the broadhead was accepted while in-hunt.

Crossbow broadheads maintenance tips

Especially if you’re in the middle of the hunting offseason, you’ll need to know how to maintain your crossbow broadhead to keep it in perfect working condition.

To help you maintain the broadhead, here are a few maintenance tips:

You need to ensure the lethality of your broadhead, which means that you need to check for damage regularly.

If it’s damaged in any way—even if it’s a small nick—the broadhead blade can be affected and can hurt your chances of getting your shot off. You need to replace the blades that aren’t straight.

Another important feature you should look into is the sharpness of the broadhead.

Fortunately, keeping that broadhead sharp isn’t such a hard task to accomplish but it can dictate the lethality of your arrow out in the field. Although investing in removable blades can eliminate the sharpening process, sharpening any broadhead is quite easy to do. You simply need access to a high-quality whetstone or flat diamond stone.

Before you buy, make sure you inform yourself about the answers to these most frequently asked questions:

FAQ

How to sharpen crossbow broadheads?

As we just recently mentioned, you can sharpen the broadhead yourself with a high-quality whetstone or flat diamond stone.

Is it legal to use broadheads to hunt?

Depending on the area where you want to hunt, you’ll want to look into the rules and regulations of that particular field to see if you’re allowed to use broadheads. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use broadheads everywhere—so we would definitely advise you to check-in and see before you buy the broadhead and are not allowed to use it!

To check a particular area, go here: https://www.mdwfp.com/law-enforcement/hunting-rules-regs/ Trusted Source MDWFP - Hunting Rules & Regs Law Enforcement www.mdwfp.com .

What are the best crossbow broadheads for a beginner?

If you’re just starting out, we would recommend getting a fixed blade since it’s generally much more accurate than the others, easier to maintain, and easier to shoot! Having a great first experience can help enforce the passion you need to keep moving forward and better your hunting skills!

How to store crossbow broadheads?

There are actually specific cases built to store your broadheads, named smartly as “broadhead cases”. Investing in one of these can help maintain and keep your broadheads sharp and safe.

Our verdict

If you’ve decided to skip over our entire guide, our verdict can help bring you our top favorite picks on our guide. Whether price is not a concern or if you’re on a budget, here are our top three broadhead picks:

The Rage CrossbowX is our Editor’s Choice if you’re looking for the best of the best, and be sure to never to lose the blades due tot he shock collar.

The Ten Point HEA-800.3 EVO-X Center Punch Broadhead is our Runner’s Up and Best for Deer if you don’t mind getting second best but still want a pretty great product.

The Muzzy Trocar Crossbow Broadhead is our Best Value or Budget Pick if you’re looking to spend as little money as possible but still have a great product for both small and dig game.

We hope this article has helped you choose the best crossbow broadheads for your next hunting session!

References

1.
MDWFP - Hunting Rules & Regs
Law Enforcement
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Rage CrossbowX - Editor’s Choice
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