ANNIHILATOR XL 100 GRAIN Broadhead Test

[@JoeyBaby47]

I was just looking at picking up the 125g XL, but glad to see they came out with 100g XL one.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep, both equally good.

[@JoeyBaby47]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures I did email them to find out when it will be released, and they said they are targeting June 1.

[@calibowhunter1998]

One of the absolute best fix blade heads I have use. Thanks for all the info! I've jad great success with the 100gr standard and will be shooting the xl come deer season as well. Killed a turkey with the xl so far

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep. Another winner.

[@MikeyWoomer]

One of my favorite heads! Love the annihilator broadheads!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks Mikey.

[@patrickscheel3943]

Mr Lusk- The world would be super curious for you to test the solid 3 blade broadheads with and without the bevel change from the 344 sharpener to see if it makes a large difference or not. Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@juliusjames5577]

You got that right patrick

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

That's a good thought. I have sharpened them on vids before and shown the increased sharpness gained. But honestly, sharpness has less to do with depth of penetration than people think--especially with the test mediums I use. I've compared a razor sharp head to one I dulled with a file--like butter knife dull--and it still penetrated almost as well. That being said, I do think it will make a difference in blood letting, as it cuts tissue more efficiently. I just don't have a test for that.

[@jesse5442]

These are a great all around value in the super premium mega elite broad head market. I love em!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that Jesse.

[@jameydowless4280]

I'm impressed, might have to give them a try with my recurve. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep. Let me know how that goes.

[@vfonte218]

Great video John and impressive head and results!!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks!

[@scottm2244]

Took game with them once and changed my quiver load out forever!!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Good to hear.

[@drewriggs812]

Other than out of package sharpness... Which can be touched up easily. That is a winner

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Agreed.

[@colemcgrew6138]

I love your reviews man. When I'm looking into a new broadhead I look you up first. I'll be investing in some of these for sure

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@michaelschnitzer4054]

Sharpening up the last one in the pack. Used the 344 from stay sharp and it makes them quite a bit sharper then they come and from running flat on a fine stone. I love the buffing stage and making them mirror finish

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@jonathangarzon2798]

​@@LuskArcheryAdventurescould you contact the company and ask them what effect it would have if it was single bevel?

[@ColbyHale-dr7rl]

Great work love to watch your videos

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@davideustache4119]

Cracked the block 😁

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@yerbeilisready8562]

I think of you could put a reference line in the sheet below the arrow spinner in a way that accentuates the arrow to tip it would be awesome. 👍

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

That's a good idea. Thanks.

[@suzgabverdugo933]

Shot a oryx with one of the smaller one and left a mean blood trial. I’m not switching anytime soon.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@EROCK1966]

I'm really impressed with this one John. I thought with that being cupped like that in the back would actually hindered penetration but that wasn't the case at all. Thanks John..

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep. Thanks Eric.

[@michaelrosa5410]

Exactly my thoughts too.

[@yourmomma2995]

very nice! got to love steel one piece heads.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@innovativeoutdoorsman5067]

I like it. 400 is not a good out of the box score but the head seem very durable.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Right? Needs the Stay Sharp Guide 344.

[@michaelrosa5410]

The cupped design clearly showed it makes a larger hole, which will result is easier pass thrus and more blood pouring out. I was curious of how they sound in flite if that cup causes a whizzling sound like some bleeder heads cause ? All in all, that is a very durable head. No one shoots concrete or steel,and it showed up none the worse from it with a little elbow grease resharpening. Heck of a design from what I see. I like the steel hole. I think that gives you an idea what your hole will look like. This one is very round and connects to the blades. Unique. Great job as usual John

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks brother. They've sounded fairly quiet to me, like a typical non vented head.

[@overlogins]

This things incredable!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep. I wish it had an even wider cut, but for it's size, it is really good!

[@trxe420]

They do look cool, have to admit it. My brother in law shots these (125g) at 64# with a 27" draw and 340 spine gold tips. I thought to myself, is that enough spine for these things? but he can group them out to his hunting range. He just had a situation a few days ago where a doe moved on him right as the let the arrow fly and it ended up punching right through both shoulders. I got to see the result and I was impressed because it really isn't set up for bone smashing (you would think), but it did it's job fantastic even in an unfortunate circumstance.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@tythomps]

Those scoops displace more material through the steel, because the steel bends and stays. Flesh doesn't act like steel though. Total cut in flesh will be the same whether the scoops are there or not. Flesh will just flex around the scoops. Great head, but I don't buy into the scoop claim for wound channel size, except in hard brittle bone. And I definitely agree scoops can definitely aid in flight too.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, I hear ya...and I agree in part, but have found that when a wider hole is opened up, the shaft does pass thru more readily, especially in bone, but also hide & flesh. Even though the flesh closes in around it, there is less friction while it does so, cause the hole is bigger and the shaft is zipping thru so quickly.

[@tythomps]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures yeah that makes sense for the short time that the shaft is moving for the bigger hole to pave the way, per say. Kinda like a tapered Ashby shaft would. Thanks for the reply!

[@wcwcgarner2717]

That is one tuff broadhead. I mite give it a try.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@samsanfratello7549]

I used the original 100 grain annihilator and killed a large doe, had a huge hole in her. I used a crossbow.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Very nice.

[@GBBLGBL]

OOTB sharpness is a total buzz kill...same thing I have seen with the TOTA solids I received...those are now on the back row of making my quiver. I refuse to pay that and then have to sharpen them out of the box. Might as well shoot the Exodus or even the Deepower 1.5" I just got! 164 sharpness out of the box on my tests...that's nuts for $1.60 per head!! Why can't these one piece heads just be at least 250 out of the box?!?!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

They should be. May have been a bad batch. But super easy to sharpen.

[@yourmomma2995]

where did you find them for $1.60 a head? thats only $19.20 a dozen.

[@GBBLGBL]

@@yourmomma2995 Amazon $19.99 dozen

[@frankbrowning328]

Impressive durability and hole shape. Unless you really want a larger diameter cut, or a heavier weight its vary hard to fault this one

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Good summary.

[@warrenneumann]

Might have to make a switch!!!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Definitely worth a look.

[@lyloak]

The Sevr 1.5 or this annihilator xl 100 grain for more cutting and damage on deer? The Sevr being a 1.5" 2 blade vs the 3 (1 1/16) blades with the scoop of the annihilator?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I prefer the wider hole of the Sevr, personally.

[@Tugboat1110]

I think you should do the exodus again with the nee test!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I already did. It's posting in several weeks.

[@TheSpeyfisher]

Seems outstanding except the sharpness test? Perhaps resharpening is in order. Flies beautiful. I saw some other video where it shows this head how well it would bleed out a animal! It was number one! It's a head to look at for sure!!!! Thanks John

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, not difficult to sharpen.

[@stevenmichel-cdhs1673]

Just wondering if you have thought to try the single bevel 100 gn design?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, I have. They’re supposed to be sending me some to test. And the new model as well. They seem to think the single bevel would perform about the same as the double bevel. But I would be interested in testing it anyway.

[@stevenmichel-cdhs1673]

That would be great. I am new to archery and bowhunting and love the test and your opinion on the products. Right now I have a toss up between the Annihilator single bevel or the Croc and both seem to have their pros and cons. @@LuskArcheryAdventures

[@briananderson3671]

The comments about out of the box sharpness are funny. The whole point of buying a premium head like this is that it’s going to last forever and is resharpenable. I don’t care if it comes out of the box like a butter knife, I’m going to use the Stay Sharp on them either way. These things are deadly, and unless I lose it, I’ll be resharpening them and using the same heads for years.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, I agree. But you'd be surprised--most people care the most about out of the box sharpness :) I can see it being important for those who don't want to mess around with sharpening.

[@iamtheshaker]

Hi John, I'm trying to decide between the Annihilator XL 150 and the Cutthroat 3-Blade 150 (or possibly the Cutthroat 3-Blade 200). Do you have a recommendation? Or any notable strengths and weaknesses when compared directly? Currently hunting deer and hopefully my first elk.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you. I prefer the cut size of the Cutthroat 3 blades.

[@iamtheshaker]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures thanks! I’ve now found and am leaning towards the VPA 1.25” 3 blades for the extra cutting diameter. Have you tried them?

[@floridadad2817]

Picked up a dozen of these today in the 125 grain. Thank you for your videos on them. I'm looking for a case to transport them in now. Is there anything in particular you'd recommend or is a standard case good? Hate to have them rattling around.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I like to use a larger pill jar stuffed with cotton balls...super snug and lightweight. I use that on all my backcountry hunts with any broadhead.

[@floridadad2817]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures Thank you.

[@jameslangford9311]

I just received 2 packs of the 100XL. How sharp are these supposed to be? Shaving hair sharp. Mine will not cut skin when I run them across my finger. This can’t be right??

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

A 60 degree bevel like that may not "feel" very sharp. But they will cut tissue very effectively. You can lay them flat on a diamond plate and sharpen them up that way...or get the Stay Sharp Guide 344 and get them much sharper.

[@JonnyHs]

I’m at a loss for these broadheads. I bought them after watching a number of reviews on them. (Including this one). I took them to the woods on Saturday. Then brought them home and then out on Sunday morning. When I went to go use the head, all three had rusted. Have you had problems with them rusting?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

They aren't stainless steel, so they do rust. Any high carbon steel heads do. The black portion is coated, but the edges are not. You'd do well to keep a light layer of scent free oil on them...you can even use vegetable oil.

[@JonnyHs]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures I’m not sure what others have dealt with in the past. But I’ve never had a single broadhead show any sign of rust. Let alone less than 12 hours after being afield. Now I’m sitting here with my steel wool trying to rub the surface rust off. And then oil them. Not something I’d like to continue doing. I think your tests are great. I think the design of the head is great. It flies very well for me. But I don’t want to have to clean rust off every time I go to the woods.

[@WiscoBowHNTR]

Thanks for your comment! This is a big deal to me. There’s no way I want to oil these heads frequently to keep rust off. Let alone forget to oil them and then remember when I’m hunting that I forgot and they are rusted hahaha. No thanks.

[@michaelbushey2787]

I use the exodus but I'm thinking about getting a set of these. Seem to be very durable.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

They are really durable...but quite a bit smaller cut than the Exodus.

[@timcrane9043]

Just purchased a pack of the 150XL based upon this review and others. Product is well machined and spins true, but all three broadheads were dull straight out of the package. Not a chance for shaving hair. Wouldn’t pick up on fingernail. Had to use a sawing motion to cut through a rubber band. Weight of the broadhead and partial arrow shaft alone didn’t even mark the rubber band. Will see how these sharpen up, but very disappointing for a higher than box store priced product. Hopefully this is just me receiving product that slipped past quality control.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well that's unfortunate. They are very easy to sharpen with that 60 degree bevel. But also, due to that bevel, they will only get "so sharp." If you use the Stay Sharp Guide 344, you can change the bevel to 44 degrees and get them much sharper.

[@oldgrumpyhunter]

Please tell us that you filmed this one's flight test a while ago. I hope you don't still have snow on the ground in May in Iowa.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Yeah, it was earlier this Spring. We did get some decent storms in April. When I get a batch of heads, I go out to the range...then I do other tests in batches as well. Then I edit them all and schedule one to post each week, which means there are videos scheduled months in advance.

[@carlredbird3054]

like to use sharpton glass stone, 4 micron, 1 micron, .5 micron. This will put a shave ready edge on anything

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep...but it still will be a 60 degree bevel (30 each way). If you use the Stay Sharp 344 Sharpener, then it becomes a 44 degree bevel (22 each way) making it much sharper.

[@acemeister5647]

I think I have to look into a stiffer/slower arrow. I bought a couple fixed blades but can’t get them to fly very good. G5 solid Montec and tooth of the arrow solid

[@HuntsT]

What's your setup? Bow, poundage, arrow spine, fletching, release type, estimated arrow speed..etc anything else you find important

[@HuntsT]

Also have to spin tested the arrow with the broadheads on?

[@acemeister5647]

@@HuntsT I shoot a realmx at 70lbs 29 1/2 inch draw with a 340 gold tip air strike with 100 grain points. I just switched my bow over to comfort

[@HuntsT]

@@acemeister5647 what weight insert?

[@IIDASHII]

Check which way your arrows spin naturally off the bow with a marked, bare shaft. I could not figure out why my arrows wouldn't fly straight with fixed blades, and it turned out my arrows were fletched with a right helical while my bow's natural spin is left. I fletched the exact same setup with a left helical and now I'm shooting darts. Not sure if that's your problem, but it's one thing to watch out for. I'd definitely consider adding a little extra weight to your insert as well, and you may not need stiffer shafts. I'm running 340 spine, 4-fletch, with 125gr fixed blade and a 50gr weight on the insert (about 185gr total up front) off a 65lb, 29.5" draw, Mathews VXR, and they are flying perfectly. Given that you are shooting 70, maybe try 50 grains added behind the 100gr head? or even just 25gr. The Gold tip screw in inserts are awesome for tuning.

[@donaldbowling8620]

Perfect head, perfect testing. I gotta ask about that snow though. When was this shot?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Right? I got these earlier this year and that was a late snow.

[@dekutslive]

Might have to try this one Ty for the video 🥤🥱🍿

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for the comment

[@masterski03]

Trying to find a 3 blade fixed head for my son this fall. He will be going with a compound instead of using the crossbow. He will be shooting around 42-45 pounds. Any recommendations would be helpful. Also his draw length will be around 22 inches shooting a 325 gr arrow . Thanks ! Keep up the great work!

[@ThatJamesGuy88]

Look for heads that do well in the penetration portion of John’s tests. The original Annihilator, QAD Exodus, Muzzy Trocar, there’s so many good options it’s hard to go wrong. You may want to consider building the arrow heavier, and keeping his shots well inside of 20 yards. Good luck this year.

[@masterski03]

@@ThatJamesGuy88 thanks for the info ! Those are actually some of the heads I was considering. We will be hunting out of a buddy stand that he has taken 2 deer with a crossbow. It usually sets us up with 15 yard shots. Thanks again for the help !

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice. As was mentioned, the heavier his arrow the better, with that short of a draw length and poundage, you will want max penetration. The Tooth of the Arrow 1" is one of the best penetrating heads there is. Check out my vids of it. And I have a discount code you can use as well: LUSK19 will save 15%. Other good options are Magnus Stingers, Original Annihilator, and Exodus.

[@zzz7zzz9]

it hitting the concrete likely sharpened it some. pretty sad how dull it was out-of-the-box. that's gotta be one of the dullest you've tested.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, it was strange. Repeated it multiple times. But easy to sharpen.

[@stick__shooter]

When will you do a Broadhead Battle between the original Annihilator and TOTA 1" solid?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I don't have that planned cause they're too different in size & design. But you can compare the scores of both of them in the tests I have done on each of them.

[@rickgoing7027]

Am I to understand that this head out penetrated the Iron will on the cardboard by 11 sheets and had the same penetration in ballistic gel? Please confirm if that’s true or something is different in the testing.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

It was weird, but true. That's why I do a couple diff't mediums. In cardboard, when a head has a larger surface area, it creates drag and thus penetrates less. Now the 100 gr Iron Will is shorter than the 125...and it penetrated extremely well. That vid is coming soon.

[@rickgoing7027]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures so do you think it would be a good head for a recurve? Based upon your test results I would think it would be but since I have never even seen these heads in person I am looking at your experience with them especially since they are not inexpensive.

[@erxkeel]

Looks very durable.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

No doubt.

[@cottojn]

Weight grain annihilator should I use 100, 125 or 150 on my crossbow that shoot 440 fps?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

It depends on which flies best for you. I'd try the 150 with a crossbow.

[@justinjones2882]

Great head, look up previous tests that show the stay sharp system. I've been very impressed with this head on a mule deer last yr, but lost a bull on a frontal shot. I think the small diameter hurt, close to same shot w a sevr 2.0 a few weeks after and it piled up in 20yds. Great head though.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, the cut size doesn't give a lot of room for error. Congrats on the Bull.

[@maxhunter953]

Which one is quieter compare to QAD? Someone says that QAD is much quieter. May I ask your experience?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I’m not really sure cause I don’t worry about arrow flight noise at all.

[@mickyfitzko6024]

i started shooting the xl 125 last year and done a video of me killing the deer including the pass through holes and the lung and heart damage and man was i impressed...i have a youtube video on it showing everything . the guy i gave the deer to asked me if i shot it with a gun!...that tells u everything there!...i love them!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Good to hear.

[@20gagshntr]

I know this is annold video but you still have the discount code on your latest video and according to annihilator, that code is old tried using the code to purchase on the site and said invalid so I emailed them and they said it was an old code

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Sorry about that. They said their inventor is so low right now, they will allow the code once their inventory gets higher.

[@jowhi9296]

What collars are used on your arrows sir?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

They’re a hardened steel insert and collar made by Bishop Archery.

[@davidadams4789]

Is this the dullest head out of the box you have tested?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, no...there are some really dull ones!

[@howardchapman800]

Start looking into crossbows and Broadhead test for them please

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have considered it...and still am. But it's hard to keep up with what I'm doing now...and my full time job as a Pastor :)

[@mj30wilson]

Would be curious if damage gets greater with bow speed as in a crossbow.

[@bonzman17]

God loves crossbows

[@michaeljasper9473]

Do you prefer these or the TOTA?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I prefer the TOTA...makes a bigger hole. But the Annihilator is very good as well.

[@N8Stein]

Any tips for time management? I just see you reply to like every single freaking comment xD

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. I try to squeeze in a few every now and then when I take a break from work :)

[@jmyhre7340]

We lost a bull elk with head. Only thing could figure out was the head deflected off a rib and never entered chest cavity. Was a slightly angled shot. Placement was just behind crease of shoulder. Followed minute blood trail for 4 days before losing trail. If animal is perfectly broadside okay, but short squatty design lends itself to deflection issues on angled shots.

[@yourmomma2995]

well you cant blame an all steel one piece head for anything. got to suck it up sometimes. if this head didn't take him down, none would have.

[@jmyhre7340]

@@yourmomma2995 I'll stick with my assertion! Short squatty heads are more susceptible to deflection. There is a reason Ashby Foundation recommends a long profile head. Now, take this basic design, give it a longer profile more in line with say Valkerie type heads, and you could have a winner. Would have to be 150+ grains though.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for the comment. Sorry for the loss of the elk. That's unfortunate. With so many dynamics at play in a hunting situation, all kinds of crazy things can happen. Hard to fault the head from that limited sampling. Honestly, I've seen longer 2 blade heads deflect off of bone more than any other style...but again, limited sampling. The Ashby Foundation has done some great research; I have much respect for them and love a lot of what they promote. However, I also respectfully disagree with some of their conclusions. I've found the benefits of a 3:1 ratio head to be more limiting than they have stated...and often actually a hindrance to penetration. Future testing may cause me to change my views, but as of now, my conclusions are based on testing hundreds of different styles and geometries of broadheads.

[@jmyhre7340]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures I had a 4 blade 125 wackem broadhead deflect off rib on spike elk at 7 yards. Was a follow up shot. Placement looked perfect but bull just stood there. Actually took phone out and took picture of lighted nock exactly where it needed to be. I assumed it had buried into far shoulder blade and bull was dead on his feet. Wasn't until he tipped over for good that I found second arrow had never entered chest cavity. Had deflected along ribs and buried under shoulder blade. I'm currently using Valkyrie 175 shortcut. Still very leary of any kind of angled shot.

[@blazekr4671]

You pay that much for a broadhead but still need to sharpen them out of the box🥴 I’ll stick with the Qad exodus

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that perspective.

[@nickricholetti754]

annialator or QAD exodus !?!?!?!?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

They’re both great heads but I prefer the cut size of the Exodus.

[@r1sabotage]

it's ugly but it sure is durable...

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. I think it looks pretty cool.