Are YOU shooting the correct broadhead weight?

In this video we are discussing broadhead weight. There has been a large buzz in the industry lately over Front of Center (FOC) and momentum. Which is a good thing. But, there are some things to consider when shooting heavier broadheads.
The first thing to consider is your arrow spine. There is some lacking education in the industry on arrow spine. Just think of the spine of the arrow being the stiffness of that arrow. So the basics are, the lower the number, the stiffer the arrow. Arrow spine is important because if you are either too light, or too stiff you will see decreased accuracy. Not only that, you could blow up your arrows and cause serious injury. So check out your arrow companies' websites and study their arrow spine charts.
The next thing to consider is what game you are pursuing. For small game or light skinned animals, you can use a lighter broadhead with no issues. Especially with the correct arrow spine and weight. For big game animals and animals with thick hides, you will want a heavier broadhead to maximize your penetration.
With the big push on Front of Center, please due your due diligence and make sure you have the correct arrow spine to shoot these heavy broadheads.

[@blonderambo]

Great video! A lot of green archers completely overlook spine and FOC! There needs to be an afflictor archery 101 handbook for people getting into bow hunting.

[@jasonmccollum6786]

I have a 29.5" draw length, 66lb draw, easton bloodline 380 micro diameter arrow, I use 100gr hypodermic nc. FPC 310. My past 4 out of 5 were clean passthrough. I get great penetration without killing my shoulder with a 70+ lbs draw weight. That's the best combo I've had after years of adjustments.

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

That sounds like a good setup Jason. We always say if it ain't broke, dont fix it! Good luck this season!

[@PointersAndHooks]

Great information to know while trying to match up your Arrows and Broadheads!!

[@cyaninja946]

This answered so many questions I had. Thank you!

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kylecrady5670]

Well said. And very informational.

[@TyrantExterminator1776]

Don't forget to add in arrow length as well a shorter arrow has a stiffer spine than a long arrow.

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Good Point! That is definitely crucial as well

[@urbanarcherynyc4341]

Awesome video! Great information! Truly appreciate you posting this.

[@BushCampingTools]

Good solid advice. Yep it's all physics at the end of the day. I subbed too.

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Thanks and welcome

[@tucker2074]

Thankyou

[@andrewfrancisiv3071]

Great info Chris.

[@whiskeybeardoutdoors6568]

Thank you

[@michaelklein3244]

28" draw, 55-60lbs weight, I have arrows cut at 27.5 I believe with a 340 spine. Hunting whitetail. Be my first setup for hunting. Was thinking 125 grain fixed with like a 25 grain hit insert and a collar? Would be around 175 up front? Figure that would be fine? Any advice? Should I go heavier up front somewhere ? Swap to a 100 grain broadhead and increase my insert? Not sure of the Ryle of thumb when it cones to insert weight abd broadhead weight. What's the difference between using a 50grain insert abd a 100 grain head than a 25grain insert and a 125 head? Or is it at that point flight capabilities abd what works best for you?

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Thanks for your question Michael! The best answer i can give you from our testing is that although there can be a slight difference in flight and penetration between using a broadhead vs insert to achieve your desired FOC, it is negligible. I like to go to my archery shop and get 1 insert that is heavy and build 1 arrow to test against one with just a heavier broadhead. Since every setup will shoot differently, it is good to play with some different setups to get it narrowed down to what works best with your individual gear. It's just like finding the right bullet for a rifle. With your parameters i would say shoot for about 500 grains total arrow weight...If you can't get there, try to get as close to 450 as you can.You dont necessarily need all that weight up front, but a high FOC will be helpful. Check your arrow manufacturers charts to be sure your desired upfront weight will be ok with your current arrow spine and draw weight. Of you have any other questions, shoot me an email at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@user-ux9lw6uv8y]

Okay so I’m shooting a 300 spine arrow with 100 grain field points. Should I be using 125 grain?

[@MattMacKo]

Debating on moving up to a 125g fixed broadhead. I've seen too many mechanicals break, not deploy, and a friend dropped a dear and found a mechanical lodged just beneath the deers spine, half deployed, and most of the meat was yucky green 🤢🤮. But yea, debating 125g fixed from my easton axis 5mm 340spine 28.5in arrows. Got any thoughts/opinions? Current using a fixed 3blade at 100g. Total weight 413.15 the increase in 25g would put me at 438.15 total

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Hi Matt! I think going with the 125 grain would be a good choice. It probably would not be wise for you add any inserts or more grains than the 125 though because you could find yourself slightly under spined with the 340 and then need to move to 300. But, i think you should be good to go with what you are suggesting with your setup, and it would be beneficial. Good luck!

[@MattMacKo]

@@afflictorbroadheads6259 I appreciate the quick reply! Thanks for the guidance

[@sethhubbard891]

Great stuff!!!

[@trxe420]

Well, I am shooting a 65# bow with an ATA of 355, 28.5" draw. I currently shoot a .340 spine with 100g broadheads, but I really want to move up to 125g. Just not sure if I need to go with a .300 spine or not. Would that be dangerous to stay with the .340 spine? Most of the calculators I have used start to suggest .300 as soon as i get up to 64lbs and 125g.

[@qouavang3646]

Ok so can I get your thoughts, I have 25 draw length, 65 lbs Draw. Shooting Easton fmj 340 with 100 grain insert and 100 grain broad head. Am I shooting too heavy? If I am what do you recommend? I'm pretty new to archery. Would you rather I go with a 400 Easton fmj with a 100 grain insert and broad head at that point?

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Shoot me an email Qoua. I need to know your arrow weight. You could be a little under spined too so lets work through it to make sure you are good to go. Thanks! Chris [e-mail]

[@tonyezolt4560]

Get rid of the FMJ. They are heavier throughout the length of the arrow. For better FOC, you want a light arrow (with the correct spine) with the added weight UP FRONT.

[@SylvainSybaris]

This is somewhat complicated, but I do have a general idea from what you said... Ok, so I have an EASTON Brand (2 piece sectional) 400 Spine arrow... These arrows are for the SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow..... The company offers these arrows on their site, but does NOT offer or suggest the type of hunting broadhead... So considering the 400 Spine with the 2 piece section, would a 150 grain be too heavy?

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

In my opinion, yes it would be a bit on the heavy side. Shoot me an email and let me know what pound your SAS is shooting at. [e-mail]

[@bigmanlilcoat]

300 spine GT XT with 100 gr BH. Thinking of an increase to either 125 or 150?

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Check your arrow manufacturer chart to make sure your spine can handle the 150. The 125 should be perfectly fine with that spine, but itbis always best to check the charts. Good luck!

[@pineapplewarriorz]

Amazing info!

[@arijany69]

What difference is between: Insert 150 grains and a broadheads 85 ?grains And: Insert 85 grains and a broadheads 150? In my experience just the size of the cut, but I can not tell any difference in the wound effect on an animal. Thanks for the info. Felices Tiros.

[@lawrencefranck9417]

Nothing, other than the length of the insert. The insert length could stiffen the arrow a small amount.

[@arijany69]

@@lawrencefranck9417 i am testing instead cutting the shaft, use a longer brass or aluminum inserts for now per every 1 inch passing the regular inserts size, I can “stiff “ the arrow half size( 340 behave like a 300). Thanks for your reply. Felices Tiros!!

[@br4nd0nh347]

What about Aluminum arrows?

[@afflictorbroadheads6259]

Great question! There is absolutely nothing wrong with aluminum arrows. I shot them for years. The advantage is modern carbon arrows dont run the risk of bending.