Bowhunters no longer have to accept a one-size-fits-all broadhead. They’re now offered in such a wide variety that bowhunters now have the useful option of choosing the best broadheads for very specific needs – be that a purposeful transfer of knock-down energy, cutting massive wound channels, gaining deeper penetration or standing up to tackle-crushing abuse.

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Many of these decisions are largely subjective. Understand my suggestions are aimed squarely at average bowhunters wielding average equipment. Based on the equipment manufacturers tell me they sell in largest volumes, “average” translates into compound bows drawing between 60 and 65 pounds, with draw lengths between 28 and 29 inches. Average finished arrows weigh 350 to 450 grains.
So “average” automatically excludes youth and women archers delivering minimal energy because of short draw lengths and light draw weight. It also excludes bigger men pulling 70-plus pounds past 29 inches. These archers need to adjust tackle up and down the scale according to needs or equipment capabilities.
Someone once said, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” That’s my attitude regarding terminal tackle. If I screw up an easy shot – hit a shoulder, for instance – I want to know I can depend on my broadhead to cover my mistake.

Massive Cuts: Deer, Turkeys and Pronghorns
Not every game animal requires maximum penetration. Slight or delicate stature and smaller vital areas, or even difficult tracking conditions, call for aggressive, wide-cutting heads that add a margin for error to less-than-perfect shots. Turkeys jump to mind, but this could also include 30- to 50-pound javelina (collared peccary), 85-pound prairie pronghorn, Coues whitetails, or even slender Deep South deer inhabiting jungle-like terrain. These thin-skinned, light-boned critters essentially assure you’ll receive enough penetration to reach vitals, even from the most aggressive broadheads.