[Urriah]

I've shot mechs and fixed, right now I'm back on a fixed blade-heavy arrow kick. I'll add another vote for sharp broadheads and placement being more important than anything else. Even heads I thought were 'sharp' quickly became scary on the Lansky. Some of the worst blood trails we ever had were with G5 Montecs, but that was before we took sharpening seriously and I suspect if we'd given them a little more TLC they'd have been just as good as many others.

But my favorite right now is the QAD Exodus for a fixed. Pretty bombproof, easy to disassemble and sharpen and blows a pretty satisfying hole. I've also had good success with a couple of different Magnus heads.

 

[bmoffit]

I've shot mechs and fixed, right now I'm back on a fixed blade-heavy arrow kick. I'll add another vote for sharp broadheads and placement being more important than anything else. Even heads I thought were 'sharp' quickly became scary on the Lansky. Some of the worst blood trails we ever had were with G5 Montecs, but that was before we took sharpening seriously and I suspect if we'd given them a little more TLC they'd have been just as good as many others.

But my favorite right now is the QAD Exodus for a fixed. Pretty bombproof, easy to disassemble and sharpen and blows a pretty satisfying hole. I've also had good success with a couple of different Magnus heads.

i used to use the montec but i just can’t get them sharp. That is a skill i just cannot master. That’s what got me to the slick tricks. Use em once and toss the blades and replace. I’m thinking of giving the exodus a try

 

[Urriah]

i used to use the montec but i just can’t get them sharp. That is a skill i just cannot master. That’s what got me to the slick tricks. Use em once and toss the blades and replace. I’m thinking of giving the exodus a try

One of the factors that intrigued me with the QAD was that while the blades are replaceable, they're also super heavy duty and easy to sharpen. Figured it's the best of both worlds. The one deer I did shoot with the QAD this year blew through and buried 10" in the dirt (deer trotted 40 yards then tipped over) and you couldn't even tell the broadhead had been shot at something. That's about the best review I can give a broadhead.

I will say that I would never plan on just throwing on new replacement blades of any variety without hand sharpening them myself. Doing a paper slice or rubber band test can be really eye opening as to how sharp blades are out of the box.

 

[Rancid Crabtree]

i used to use the montec but i just can’t get them sharp. That is a skill i just cannot master. That’s what got me to the slick tricks. Use em once and toss the blades and replace. I’m thinking of giving the exodus a try

Did you use the soft and gummy stainless version (they are grey in color) or did you use the harder and better carbon steel version (they are black)?

Ive been asked to make a better sharpener for one piece fixed, 3 blade heads like montec and woodsman and NAP hellrazor and VPA So bowhunters and crossers can go from a 60 degrees blade bevel (30 degrees on each side) to 44 (22 on a side) to get a better edge. I will be releasing that sharpener this month.

 

[bmoffit]

Did you use the soft and gummy stainless version (they are grey in color) or did you use the harder and better carbon steel version (they are black)?

Ive been asked to make a better sharpener for one piece fixed, 3 blade heads like montec and woodsman and NAP hellrazor and VPA So bowhunters and crossers can go from a 60 degrees blade bevel (30 degrees on each side) to 44 (22 on a side) to get a better edge. I will be releasing that sharpener this month.

they were the old grey ones.... i put on QAD EXODUS hoping to see how they worked the last week of the season but it didn’t pan out. I have an old montec practice head. When i start shooting this summer I’ll shoot it and see how it flys. If it flys true i may be switching. And don’t get me wrong with the ST. when i hit where im aiming the deer don’t go far. Between 50-110 yards... there just doesn’t seem to be that good of blood. Now a few years ago. I got on the swacker kick Zipped a buck and it was by far the best blood trail I’ve ever had. Deer went maybe 80 yards. Next deer i hit too close to the shoulder and didn’t get any penetration. And i shoot a heavy set up with a long draw length. That buck suffered. I shot him on 10-31 and had pics of him thru winter and he didn’t look good and didn’t see him after that. That being said... i want a broadhead that allows me to shoot close to the shoulder without worry it’s not gonna bust thru and give me a decent blood trail... and ya.. i know if i don’t him them good there aint gonna be a good blood trail.. montec might be the one... if i can keep them sharp

 

[MichiFishy]

All the comments about shot placement and sharpness are spot on. Sharpness is a result of the steel used. So regardless of the brand, make sure they are using quality steel to start with, then get very familiar with the process of sharpening.

I call it getting edges "scary sharp". As in, the edge is so sharp, you don't even need to touch it to the hide, it just scares it open!

Obviously you are touching whatever you are cutting, but when an edge is "scary sharp", it will appear like the edge is not even making contact and will require almost zero force to cut.

I have always shot Magnus two blades. Only 1 deer out of 11 didn't have a pass through, and several went through a shoulder on entry or exit. I shoot traditional so arrows are heavy as well. I think 680 grains if I remember correctly.

 

[o_mykiss]

The sharpness is so key. I used to have deer run 75+ yards on occasion, and some even 200+. I was just assuming the broadheads were sharp from the factory. Muzzy's and Rages both.

Since I bought the stuff to sharpen broadheads and made sure even new out of the box ones were razor sharp, I've watched all 7 deer tip over in sight. Not a one went more than 50 yards

Some of them didn't even really react to being shot that much, just a jump and then some walking/twitching. Or trotted a few yards, stopped, looked around, and crashed

 

[Joe Archer]

Make sure that your bow is tuned well, put a Thunderhead on this summer, and make sure it flies with your field points. Aim for your exit with a double-lung when hunting and you will be good to go!
<----<<<

 

[RoadDog]

Watch and learn

 

[2stix-and-a-string]

I know a lot of you are mechanical fans.. i for one am not just personal experiences with them that were not good. Soooo...I’m looking to hear from some of the fixed blade guys on their experiences with fixed heads and the blood trails. I posted a different thread on an issue I’ve had with slick tricks and want to find a new fixed blade broad head for next year. all posts regarding fixed heads would be appreciated

Zwickey black diamonds.
You must learn to sharpen well and often, and you will.
Hands down, can’t be beat.

 

[dpretired]

In the last two years, I have used Slick Trick Magnum 100 gr. fixed blade broadheads to kill two deer with. On the plus side, slick tricks fly just like a field point, and they penetrate well, but I've yet to see a good blood trail even with a good pass through shot. I made what I thought was a great 45 yard shot on this buck pictured below last fall. And he only went about 80 yards after getting hit, but there was very little blood on the ground to follow, just a few spots here and there. Luckily I kept my eye on him as he ran and my friends and I found him just past the spot where I finally lost sight of him. Maybe if I had aimed a little bit lower, things would have been better blood trail wise. I'm reluctant to change because those broadheads do fly well, and I never have to worry about the cutting ability of them, but I am concerned about blood trail results that I've seen so far. Because of that, I sometimes find myself wishing for colder weather and snow.

 

[Urriah]

In the last two years, I have used Slick Trick Magnum 100 gr. fixed blade broadheads to kill two deer with. On the plus side, slick tricks fly just like a field point, and they penetrate well, but I've yet to see a good blood trail even with a good pass through shot. I made what I thought was a great 45 yard shot on this buck pictured below last fall. And he only went about 80 yards after getting hit, but there was very little blood on the ground to follow, just a few spots here and there. Luckily I kept my eye on him as he ran and my friends and I found him just past the spot where I finally lost sight of him. Maybe if I had aimed a little bit lower, things would have been better blood trail wise. I'm reluctant to change because those broadheads do fly well, and I never have to worry about the cutting ability of them, but I am concerned about blood trail results that I've seen so far. Because of that, I sometimes find myself wishing for colder weather and snow.
View attachment 633991

Very nice buck! That hit looks high to me for a good blood trail, especially if you were on the ground where you wouldn’t have a lower exit. Double lunged that deer will die before the body cavity fills enough to really start bleeding.

 

[pgpn123]

i used to use the montec but i just can’t get them sharp. That is a skill i just cannot master. That’s what got me to the slick tricks. Use em once and toss the blades and replace. I’m thinking of giving the exodus a try

Shot Hellrazor this year, so easy to sharpen. Bought some 400 and 1000 grit paper. Lay flat and did 2 blades at a time, then turn and repeat until all edges are done. Sharpest I've ever had them by far.

Ive been asked to make a better sharpener for one piece fixed, 3 blade heads like montec and woodsman and NAP hellrazor and VPA So bowhunters and crossers can go from a 60 degrees blade bevel (30 degrees on each side) to 44 (22 on a side) to get a better edge. I will be releasing that sharpener this month.

Interested in seeing this sharpener when it's ready.

 

[don]

After using SlickTricks since they came out I am going to put my trust in these this year along with their sharpener. Cut on contact 4 blade head milled out of one solid piece of steel and made in the USA. I'll be using the 1 3/6" version.
Tooth of the Arrow Broadheads, Fully Machined 4-Blade Fixed Broadheads

Tooth of the Arrow Guarantee
If you use Tooth of the Arrow Broadheads and do not experience better flight, more penetration, and quicker recoveries, let us know, and we will refund your order. That is the Tooth of the Arrow guarantee.

 

[dpretired]

After using SlickTricks since they came out I am going to put my trust in these this year along with their sharpener. Cut on contact 4 blade head milled out of one solid piece of steel and made in the USA. I'll be using the 1 3/6" version.
Tooth of the Arrow Broadheads, Fully Machined 4-Blade Fixed Broadheads

Tooth of the Arrow Guarantee
If you use Tooth of the Arrow Broadheads and do not experience better flight, more penetration, and quicker recoveries, let us know, and we will refund your order. That is the Tooth of the Arrow guarantee.

Have you actually done any target shooting with those new broadheads yet to see if they fly as true as the Slick Tricks? If so, I'd like to hear how that went. Also, how much did you pay for them and how many are in a package? I might like to try them out myself.

 

[454casull]

Not a recommendation just a comment/observation. Todays BH both mechanical and fixed are so effective that the animal expires before a solid blood trail can be created. The deer in the photo was hit in the "high" end of the kill zone. Great shot but IMO the deer died before it filled up. My first buck this year was hit in similar spot but I was 20' up so the exit was low through the elbow of the offside leg. Should have been a Manson right? Nope good drops as the deer ran but I lost track a couple times. I heard him crash and knew it was down but blood all but stopped 10-15 yards from where I found him, still an easy recovery. Lungs and heart were hit and hit well. The exit through the leg did not allow for a gushing blood trail, 1 3/8" Grim Reaper. The BH did its job as did the hunter, got pics to prove it, heart and lung pics. We just have to understand there is no magic bullet and that every situation is different. Do not go into a blood trail with set expectations. Oh the arrow was soaked too. If you have confidence in your BH/equipment stick with it. We are always looking for a bigger better deal and many times we end up shooting ourselves in the foot!

 

[Joe Archer]

In the last two years, I have used Slick Trick Magnum 100 gr. fixed blade broadheads to kill two deer with. On the plus side, slick tricks fly just like a field point, and they penetrate well, but I've yet to see a good blood trail even with a good pass through shot. I made what I thought was a great 45 yard shot on this buck pictured below last fall. And he only went about 80 yards after getting hit, but there was very little blood on the ground to follow, just a few spots here and there. Luckily I kept my eye on him as he ran and my friends and I found him just past the spot where I finally lost sight of him. Maybe if I had aimed a little bit lower, things would have been better blood trail wise. I'm reluctant to change because those broadheads do fly well, and I never have to worry about the cutting ability of them, but I am concerned about blood trail results that I've seen so far. Because of that, I sometimes find myself wishing for colder weather and snow.
View attachment 633991

Did you get a passthrough on that buck? 45 is a fairly long shot.
You often get very little blood until an animal slows down. A fast running deer that may bound 10 yards at a time commonly leave only trace blood initially. The take-home message in your post is to ALWAYS pick a landmark as your last point of visual reference, and a landmark for the last place that you hear the deer! I mark one of these with my compass because perspective can change from the ground.
If you have trouble getting on a blood trail, you will likely find blood at one of these reference points.
<----<<<

 

[dpretired]

Did you get a passthrough on that buck? 45 is a fairly long shot.
You often get very little blood until an animal slows down. A fast running deer that may bound 10 yards at a time commonly leave only trace blood initially. The take-home message in your post is to ALWAYS pick a landmark as your last point of visual reference, and a landmark for the last place that you hear the deer! I mark one of these with my compass because perspective can change from the ground.
If you have trouble getting on a blood trail, you will likely find blood at one of these reference points.
<----<<<

That was a thick bodied deer and it was almost a complete pass through. Most of the arrow shaft was actually still inside the deer and was barely sticking out both sides of him when we found him. At some point, he had broken off the broadhead and about an inch or so of arrow shaft probably from rubbing against some tough bark as soon as he entered the trees. In hindsight I'd guess that he didn't go much further than 30 yards or so from where I last got a glimpse of him. And you're probably right as far as why there was such a scarcity of blood found on his initial getaway trail because he did take off at full throttle after the hit and kept it up for another 70 yards before he suddenly stopped to look around him. Then he just ducked into some real heavy ground cover, apparently to lay down, and that's where we found him a half hour later, deader than a door nail.

The year before when I killed a smaller female deer at 25 yards from my tree stand with one of those Slick Tricks, the arrow not only passed completely through the ribs like a bullet, but it also stuck in the hard clay right up to the vanes on the other side. It was like it hadn't even slowed down while going through that animal. That deer didn't run more than 20-25 yards before stopping to take a long lookaround, and then it just laid down in the high weeds, never to get back up again. I waited about 15 minutes before I climbed down to go over to investigate the last sighting of it. But, once again, hardly no blood found on the short getaway trail, just a few dots on the weeds here and there. Luckily for me, both deer shot with those Slick Tricks hadn't gone very far before keeling over.

 

[Rancid Crabtree]

Interested in seeing this sharpener when it's ready.

 

[don]

Some of the shortest recoveries I had were when I was using the smallest three blade fixed head I have ever used, the replaceable blade model Sonic 100gr 7/8" wide made by American Broadhead Company located in Milan, MI at the time. I was having tuning issues with the Mathews and that little broadhead flew like the proverbial dart for me.

I killed two bucks with that little broadhead, both walked off at the shot with essentially no reaction, then dropped dead within 60 yards. It was as if they didn't know they had been hit, they just heard some sound, flinched, and after a few seconds casually walked away.
I only used them the one season and it was back to wider fixed blades or mechanicals, and also panicked death runs resulting into longer blood trails.

Chew on this for awhile, is bigger and/or wider always better when it comes to blood trails ?

Does the initial impact from a wider fixed blade or a wide cut mechanical result into longer blood trails because the deer panicked when it felt the broadheads impact ?

All things considered would a blood trail be easier to follow if the deer was walking, vs running ?

From my experiences and judged by the reaction I have seen is that an accurately placed, extremely sharp broadhead, (emphasis on both) in a smaller version might just lead to more recoveries and better blood trails, gut shots and and extremely poor hits excluded.
Proper waiting before taking up the trail is no doubt the most important decision one can make at that time, regardless of the size of the broadhead used, even mechanicals.

Don't push them and they won't go far if mortally/critically injured.