Best Recurve Crossbow: Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2. This year’s field of crossbows shot speeds from 368 fps to 515 fps and posted prices from $600 to $4,000. We brought the crop of new crossbows to Lancaster Archery Supply’s world-class archery shop and range where we tested them for speed, accuracy, cocking, and loading, as well as shooting them from field positions. It wasn’t long ago that crossbows were shooting in the upper 300 fps range, in this test we shot two crossbows that produced speeds over 500 fps (read about the shootout between the fastest crossbows here). I’ve seen several elk taken down with the Rage Hypodermic broadhead, so I can attest to its effectiveness.Īll things considered, mechanical broadheads for elk are basically just as effective at taking down an animal as fixed broadheads, but because of the slight advantages of the fixed blade, that is my preference.This year’s Crossbow Test represents an evolutionary leap in performance. To this end, I’ve recommended four mechanical broadheads for those who prefer them over fixed blades. This could mean the difference between finding your kill or losing track of it and letting it go to waste. This makes tracking far easier, as a larger wound means a larger trail of blood on the ground. These mechanical blades create a larger cutting diameter, which can easily exceed the cuts from a fixed blade. Mechanical blades aren’t entirely bad, as I’ve seen many hunters drop elk while using them. They don’t have to open upon contact, which gives the arrow a little extra oomph when entering the animal by not wasting kinetic energy transferring to the mechanical blade. When I fumbled for a split second to fix it, the bull had already run away.Īnother reason I prefer mechanical broadheads is that their blades cut on contact. Its rubberband froze, and when I drew back, my broadhead had one blade forward and two back. I missed a shot opportunity because of my mechanical broadhead, and I was kicking myself afterward. I know this may ruffle some feathers as many hunters favor mechanical, but the truth is that less can go wrong on a fixed blade vs a mechanical blade. Most of my recommendations here will involve fixed-blade broadheads. A grain is a unit of weight in archery if you didn’t know already, and to achieve the right kinetic energy needed to penetrate an elk, you’ll likely need a 100 or 125-grain broadhead.įixed vs Mechanical Broadheads for Elk Hunting When considering what broadheads are best for elk hunting, you must consider the energy needed to push and accelerate that broadhead to the target and deep into multiple layers of hide, fat, muscle, bone, and organ.įor determining the weight of an arrow and broadhead set up, I like the combination to be around 420 grains. These bows can efficiently deliver energy like never before, but they need to work in conjunction with your arrows and, ultimately, your abilities. 
Modern compound bows and arrows can easily slice through a deer or an elk, but they have certain limitations. Will the broadheads that you use for deer also work for elk? Most likely. So it really helps if you can get a double lung shot, and using the best broadhead possible will drastically improve your chances. Bull elk regularly grow to be 800 pounds and have been known to travel a couple of miles before expiring after a less-than-desirable shot. Broadheads matter because elk are formidable beasts that aren’t exactly easy to take down with a bow.
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