Battle of the Broadheads

Rating the Top 5 Mechanical Broadheads of 2024 to See Who Has the Edge

by Richard Baimbridge

Few subjects in the bow hunting community can spark as much heated discussion as the choice of which broadheads are best for hunting. Putting aside for now the bigger question of fixed-versus-mechanical broadheads (an issue I’ll address in a separate article), today we’ll look at 5 of the best mechanical broadheads for compound bows in 2024, and discuss the pros and cons of each.

I’ll begin by saying that there are many excellent choices that aren’t included in this review – I simply chose 5 of the most popular, talked-about and interesting products on the market this year. Also, there are no paid affiliate links in this article. It’s just our unbiased feedback, honest opinions and basic information.

Also, when it comes to broadheads, a lot comes down to personal choice and preferences. You might have an old reliable favorite, or just have had more success with one or another option. And what works for someone else might not work for you – familiarity often goes a long way, as there’s often a bit of a learning curve whenever you switch broadheads. So, always give yourself plenty of time to practice on targets if you’re switching or trying out new products.

But with that in mind, here are 5 of the Best Broadheads on the Market — and what makes them so slick.

1. Sevr Titanium Hybrid 1.5

   Specs: Single-piece of titanium with 4 blades, incl a .7” wide fixed bleeder blade, offering a total cut of over 2.2 inches. 100/125 grain options.

   Pros: Pivot system allows blade to shift more to opposite side if one edge of the blade strikes a hard surface (ie, bone), maximizing damage to tissue and organs. Good price point, sold directly on their website in single packages instead of sets. Reliable – Sevrs have one of the lowest deployment-failure rates of any mechanical broadhead, making them popular among loyal fans. Optional screw-lock included in the package allows you lock the blades for practice purposes, helpful in getting a precise feel for how it will perform in the field.

   Cons: O-Ring system can accidentally deploy if you apply too much pressure when putting arrows into your quiver.

2. Bowmar BEAST

   Specs: Spacecraft-grade aluminum ferrule, patented spring-loading mechanism (no bands or collars) with German LUTZ blades. 100/125 grain with 2.3 and 2.0-inch cuts.

   Pros: BEAST is an acronym for Bone Evading Advanced Spring Technology, a patented bone-avoiding technology that uses a spring mechanism made by the same company that makes springs for Ferrari and Lamborghini, opening at speeds of over 940mph – all of which makes it one of the most expensive commercial broadheads on the market. Bowmar claims the price is justified considering it’s reusable on 3-4 animals without needing to be re-sharpened. Indeed, the blades are sharp enough to shave with, right out of the box. Comes with a pair of Kevlar finger protectors that allow you to pinch the blades closed.

   Cons: Price is the big one (2-pack + practice tip is a hefty $59.99). Durability claims have been challenged by critics who say the BEAST doesn’t live up to the hype, as some report issues with full-deployment in ballistic gel tests. But then again, gel ain’t flesh. 

4. G5 Deadmeat V2
   
   Specs: Stainless steel ferrule with 3 solid steel blades, SnapLock ball and socket collar. 100/125 grain with 1.5-inch cutting diameter. Comes in 3-pack + 1 BMP tip.
   Pros: New take on the popular T3 broadhead design with a 3-blade system very similar to Wasp’s Z-Force broadhead, Deadmeat V2 is a marked improvement over its predecessor. Close proximity of ferrule to razor sharp blades means good entrance deployment. Scores high marks for penetration and accuracy. The SnapLock retention system simplifies blade retention, making it much more user-friendly in the field.

   Cons: Blades are thin and seem to shift around easily, raising some durability questions.  

5. Rage Hypodermic Trypan NC
   
   Specs:  .039-inch stainless steel blades, 2-inch cut and titanium ferrule with needle-like hybrid tip. 100 grain

   Pros: Provides the deadly surgical penetration of a Hypodermic Trypan without the hassle of a collar or O-ring, using a patented Slip Cam rear-deploying design. The Rage Trypan broadhead boasts a gaping 2.3-inch cutting diameter, with loyal fans reporting massive blood trails – thus it’s at the top of many bowhunter lists. The NC stands for "No Collar," which refers to Rage’s unique retention system that doesn’t rely on traditional collars or bands to hold the blades in place. Ferrule Alignment Technology (FAT) collar provides a smooth transition from head to arrow shaft.

   Cons: Honestly, I can’t think of any. Rage has fixed the main issues plaguing its earlier Trypan technology in this new generation of broadheads. It’s about as close to perfect as you could hope for.