CLASSIC BROADHEAD TEST: MUZZY 3 BLADE

This is a test of the 100 gr Muzzy 3 blade broadhead.
Here is summary of my 2023 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/the scores of this head posted in parenthesis as well.
Muzzy 3 Blade Total Score: 81.91 = 8 Golden Arrows
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 15 pts)
This is not just a test of how heads fly out of my bow, as it was in the past. With a well tuned bow, properly built arrows & good form, almost every head flies well. That's why in the past most heads got a flight score of 9 or 10. But that doesn't help those who may not have perfectly tuned bows/arrows/good form. So now I am gauging Flight Forgiveness. This is based on how the head flies for me, how well it spins, how "sensitive" the flight is to imperfections, & the exposed surface area of the blades. The max score of a Mech is 20 & the max score of a Fixed is 16.
2. Cut Size (20%, 13.52 pts)
The more tissue being cut, the more lethal the head, all else equal. The entrance cut, total cut, & width of the cut (a crucial variable for bloodletting) are all scored:
The entrance cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" then that fraction is weighted to 7% of the score. (1.78" = 4.98 pts)
The max cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" as well, then that fraction is is weighted to 7% of the score. (1.78" = 4.98 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (1.19" = 3.56 pts)
3. Blades (20%, 16.55 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 175 grams = 10/10 = 9 pts) & Edge Retention (9%, +125 gram = 7.5/10 = 6.65 pts) are measured using the Edge On Up Sharpness Tester. The pressure needed for a blade to cut thru a copolymer wire is measured in grams.
Edge Retention is the loss of sharpness after the head is shot in Penetration Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF and 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For every 50 "grams" of sharpness lost, 1 point is deducted from 10.
What are some sharpness scores for common edges?
A butter knife takes 2000 grams of pressure to break the co polymer wire.
A new high end cutlery edge: ~ 375 grams of pressure.
A utility razor blade: 200 grams.
Based on the many broadheads I have tested, here is my scoring scale:
Out of the Box Sharpness:
0-200 gr: 10
201-300 gr 9
301-400 gr: 8
401-500 gr: 7
501-600 gr: 6
601-700 gr: 5
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (4/10=.8 pts)
4. Penetration (20%, 17.34 pts)
There are 3 penetration tests:
Pen Test 1: 1/2" MDF, 2/3" rubber foam mat, Clear Ballistics FBI gel. Depth of penetration is compared to a standard of 9" & weighted to 9% of the score. (7.75" = 7.75 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score.
(59 layers=7.59 pts)
Angled Penetration Test: How effectively does the head penetrate 1/4" MDF covered by carpet at a 45 degree angle. This accounts for 2% of the score. (10/10 = 2 pts)
5. Durability (20%, 17.5 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 12% of the score. (10/10 = 12 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot thru 22 ga steel plate twice. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 5% of the score. (5/10 = 2.5 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot into concrete once. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 3% of the score. (10/10 = 3 pts)
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.
BONUS: 0
Total Muzzy 3 BladeSCORE: 79.91 pts = 8 Golden Arrows
Price: $7.50/head (6 pack)
Special Notes:
Please check out my sponsor, Stay Sharp Guide. staysharpguide... or @Innovative Outdoorsman They make excellent broadhead sharpeners. The support I receive from them has helped me improve my channel
I also have some Broadhead Discount Codes I can share:
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AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 saves 10%
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DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5 per pack.
Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%.

[@drewriggs812]

Man, Muzzys were THE broadhead of choice in my neck of the woods from the late '80's through the '90's for mule deer and elk. They performed exactly as I expected. Great video on a classic head from my youth.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@jonah-n8l]

Thunderheads in my neck of woods

[@jebstuart1323]

I have taken brown and black bear,elk,moose, deer, pigs all with the venerable Muzzy. I have tried many others with success but Muzzy is the only broadhead made I never question if it can do the job. Bought my first pack in '97 after dumping all my Wasps in the trash.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@bradlauber9097]

Install every blade half to a quarter from the base of the ferrule. Line all 3 blades equally before pressing down on all 3 blades simutainiously. The way to install these bladed you just hold the ferrule above the base a 1/4 inch so the blades stay even before pressing the blades all the way in. I never had a problem installing this way

[@snboutdoors9567]

Way to much effort for a trash head

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@bradlauber9097]

Your welcome. I was taught how to put them together in the early 90's. Been Bowhunting ever since!!

[@garrettschienschang7898]

These were the only broad heads I used for a few years. When putting them together put two of the blades in about half way and use them to guide for the third blade. It’s the easiest way to do it.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@colecathcart8572]

Honestly better than I thought they would do!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, me too

[@briargoatkilla]

Muzzy - Bad to the Bone...and the Block!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@ytk4048]

Seems like I made a good choice purchasing these awesome and ver informative video straight to the point no bs good work my friend!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@cjr4497]

Nice! My dad still hunts with these, and we have many of the original made in American made heads left. I figured the ferrule would hold up. The blades have been cheapened over the years. The new ones are noticeably softer when sharpening. It takes a lot less effort to remove material than it used to.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@JohnBarr-pb4xu]

Not to mention made in China now quality Shure went down I got my hands on some old 115 4 blade huge difference also still have some from 20 years ago and these new muzzys do the job just not as bad to the bone

[@carltrano1325]

So cool to see you test the old school muzzy. It did better than I expected, which is good to see. I think I will stick with my new choice thanks to you, exact archery, 125 grain 4 blade.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@windellpenton]

The .020 blade were on purpose . The thought was for the blades to bend rather than break on hard impacts . Also to aid in penetration after a hard impact.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep...and the industry standard has become much thicker since then cause that's even better :)

[@driftlesshunter9200]

Put two blades in half way & then install the third one. I shot these for 25+ years. I switched to Slick Trick Viper Trick eventually. There was a time when most everyone I knew shot Muzzy or NAP Thunderheads. Some still do!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@OutdoorShellback]

Ok, I'm genuinely surprised! I never thought of them as terrible heads, but didn't give it that much confidence to survive THAT well. nicely done.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you.

[@ohbla101]

I picked up a 3 pack at Walmart today on clearance for $11.50. Cant beat it for that price. They will work good on a pig if nothing else.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

That’s a great deal

[@jonah-n8l]

Used to get a 6 pack for 15$

[@jakefenn9597]

John, really like and appreciate your testing of broadheads. Would love to see some longer distance on flight test, say 60-80 yards. Thanks

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you. I used to do that in my testing. I did 80, then later lowered to 70, then people kept saying that didn’t matter to them so I went to 40 then 30. I’ve stayed with 30 cause it’s longer than the most common shots of 20, and doable in my yard…vs having to drive somewhere when there is no wind. That’s the challenge with longer shots-finding a close place to shoot and having to do it when conditions are good. Human error is also a big issue on those longer shots. I’ve also found that the vast majority of heads are much more accurate than most people’s skill level and bow/arrow tune level. I can pop balloons readily at 80 yards with almost any fixed blade head. But most bows and shooters can’t do that. So I’ve tried to assess “flight forgiveness” of the heads, based on their construction, spin, and surface area. Then I also shoot them many times at 30 to get a feel of that. Then they get scores accordingly.

[@Kurtdog63]

Though the blades are thin, they are extremely sharp right out of the package and interlock around each other inside the ferrule, giving additional strength from steel inside the aluminum ferrule. If you slide the first blade in, but leave it partially sticking out, it will guide the next blade in. Even though the blades got mangled, you will notice their interlocking design kept them attached to the ferrule, unlike many other replaceable blade broadheads that would have the blades shear off. They were a great head when they came out many years ago, and were ahead of their time.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@adamredden2007]

Yeah, install is very easy once you figure out that you have to slide them in partially then slide them down.

[@donaldbowling8620]

Tried and true. It’s all I shoot. You can’t beat the price and the durability. Bad to the Bone!🤘

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, they are tried and true...but I do think they can be beat for price & flight & durability :)

[@donaldbowling8620]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures Deepower is right there with them. Even less expensive and a little better on the score if I remember correctly. I bought 3 packs off of your review. It’s what I will be trying next year. Thanks John. Have a blessed day.

[@stefanc2242]

I noticed a zinger fletchings on that arrow. I just bought some to try out, I’ve heard good things about them!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, I play around with them and like them in certain situations.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

Great video!!! What happened To the 125 grain 4 blade they Used to make. My gosh they Fllew so straight and were so Easy to tune. I have some old Ones but I hate to use them Cause when they're gone, They're gone. Great broadhead All around.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for watching & for the comment.

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

I had a pack of those back in my 50lb alpine micro (youth bow) days. I couldn't get them to fly right. Made a bunch of wizzzzz through the air. Fishtailing arrow. Funny enough though when I built a hazel self bow (about 60lbs) a few years ago , i took a couple of rough grouse and a canada goose with them. Modern carbon arrows. Something about the wood bow did quite well with the muzzy points combo. They flew much better. No birds went more than 10 feet from impact. And the muzzy was perfectly still useable after. I still prefer using my own obsidian points. Usually something small and simple for birds or squirrels. But I do still have modern equipment.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that experience.

[@oscarlopez219]

I love your testing videos. I wish you had something more defined on the flight judgement. What does solid mean? Maybe you could add a fan for crosswind testing? More than one shot at multiple distances also... Either way nobody does testing like you and your tests are the ones I trust most! Keep it up!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks. It's always revealed in the Flight Forgiveness Score that I post in the video description. The comments I make: Solid, Decent, Excellent, etc are just quick comments, but the score is the real assessment. The video description also explains how I evaluate the flight forgiveness.

[@wvpatriot1301]

Used them many times. I can put blades on in the dark. Like anything else it takes practice.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@aaronhall765]

Im still rocking the 4 blade 130 grains from the 80's 😂😂. Just bought some more vintage off of ebay 🎉🎉❤

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@GarrettLaPolt]

I switched to a shwabbish hitch because my prusik was slipping, and I’ve had 0 issues with the shwabish hitch. I’m also a hefty large fella so that also is working against me lol. I did think about getting an ascender but I couldn’t find enough about the safety rating to feel confident in something mechanical like that. I have a lot more confidence in the knots

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:) Might be thinking of a different video

[@GarrettLaPolt]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures oh shit! I think my video switched as I was commenting lol! I don’t even remember what video I was watching, something about saddle hunting. I love your content too though lol!

[@jaslau22]

I started archery hunting with those heads back in the late 80’s. They were one of the first replaceable blade broadheads and designed by archery hall of fame John Musacchia. I killed many animals with them but unfortunately John’s Daughter Michelle sold the company to FeraDyne Outddors and the quality control went down the toilet and I no longer shoot them. That’s why you were having a hard time getting those blades in. That was never a problem before they sold out. Shame!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@joeditz48]

It would be awesome if all the data and scores you have were put into a spreadsheet so we can see the ones you've done in the past amd compare how they stack up!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I do that in the last vid of each year. You can see the spread sheet from 2022 in the description of the last video of that year

[@drewolm]

I remember buying a six pack of these 15 years ago. I was only able to get 3 to spin true with a lot of screwing around between tips and ferrules.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, they’re a pain to work with like that.

[@michaelbrown2678]

That's the first broadhead I've seen that had a slight wobble before and no wobble after the concrete. 🤷🏻‍♂️😂🥃🇺🇸

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@redrhinooutdoors]

What is your top 5 recommendations on fixed heads.. Thanks great channel 👏

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

There are way too many to narrow down like that...all depends on your bow/arrow set up and shot distance and animal being shot. But at the end of each year, my final video includes a spread sheet with the rankings of all the heads I've tested that year. You can see that for 2021 and 2022. I will be posting the 2023 one at the end of this year.

[@redrhinooutdoors]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures ok.. Thank you

[@scottyoung6119]

Have taken a lot of 🦌 over last 45 years with them mostly with a recuve

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@SemiReTired]

I disagree on the assembly. Never had any issue with that. And having shot over 30 deer with muzzy 100 grain 3 blade i can testify to their durability. Love em.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Good to hear. Thanks for sharing that.

[@SemiReTired]

Thanks for the video. Its good info

[@ammoiscurrency5706]

I ask and Lusk delivers!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Right on :)

[@mikefromoh2925]

Got a couple left. Went to the shorter profile MX3 when it came out. Debating next if it will be the Muzzy Trocar, the Exodus or Slick trick magnums?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

All 3 of those are good heads. I like the ST Magnum or Exodus the most.

[@tracychilds3546]

I think that's the reason a lot of companies use really cheap and thin metal for there blades they don't have to worry how sharp it is take a piece of paper you can hit it all day and not get cut but you hit it with a swiping motion and it will lay you open

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for that comment.

[@frankbrowning328]

Yes, there are better heads available today but this head has taken more game than most, is made pretty well, is reasonably priced and has tons of devoted users. You could do substantially worse than this old classic. I'd still like to see them double the thickness of the blades

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@lukejensen3486]

Super easy to put together after you do a few. First one is difficult, but after you do a few it only takes a few seconds.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Okay...

[@PersonalBestOutdoors]

Yup. Classic for sure. I might even lovingly call them antiquated. They have got to be responsible for the deaths of millions of large game animals by now. I still have about 6 or 7 of them in my broadhead case.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@greekmaster1001]

If they make solid and a bit thicker blades with that ferrule I think they will excellent

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

They would be better...but there are other improvements that have been made in other similar heads.

[@coreymelancon7664]

I had a clean pass through at 60 yards on a buck cut a rib bone into at the same time

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@dustanlochner3013]

Muzzy add back in the day showed them shooting the 125 grain through a empty 55 gallon drum. I shot that head for 10 years.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@kothliim6429]

Killed my first two turkey with a 100gr Muzzy 3-blade. They definitely get the job done.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice!

[@dylansheets8392]

Are you going to be doing any deer hunting in Texas this season???

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I wish I could, but I don't have a decent place to go yet.

[@andysturgill7245]

You should do muzzy shank vs schwacker

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks

[@jasonsparks4601]

Impressed with the zero penetration but the blades break the deal for me!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, they are a bit weaker than many.

[@charlesbeaver5665]

Bent blades still cut broken blades do nothing

[@jasonrussell7869]

I've never had any issues installing the blades

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Good to hear.

[@caseysmith544]

The other blades, they make are a very similar head just thicker Stainless steel for the blade and are more open, the one with the letters and version to the name that look so similar to these classics that are the version 1 of the same thing.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

yep

[@buckfever4721]

Still a great head!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@miket8018]

How many hours does it for your process? From the time the broadhead is being opened to the video edit being complete?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

The average head takes about 7 hours per video--including editing and posting and replying to comments :)

[@Agridefense]

Pretty neat video. I'll stick with my 200gr Tuffhead and 300gr Bishops.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice!

[@southfloridanick]

The Muzzy is the Honda Accord of the broadhead world. No frills but it works well 99% of the time…. But valet will never park it up front as it just doesn’t look sexy.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@seann.7630]

I've taken a lot of deer with these. The only reason I switched to something else was I wanted to be able to re-sharpen my own blades and I wanted more accuracy at distance. I still keep a pack of these in my case. If push comes to shove and I dont have anything else to hunt with I know these will do the job

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@mccarthymccarthy237]

Used them for years I’m old I pull 52 pounds pulp you double lLong them they get the job done

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@RngrfromtheMtns]

I killed a lot of midwestern deer with Muzzy...kind of hard to complain for the cost. Like you said there are better out there and a few aren't much more expensive.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@tsz374]

My favorite untill present days the MX3. Muzzy is the Broadhead.❤

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@joeanthony2312]

I just assembled 12of them in less than 10 minutes, i dont find them hard to put together

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, once I got it down, it was fine. But I had never assembled them before and fitting. The blades together is definitely more complicated than most three blade replaceable blade Broadheads.

[@joeanthony2312]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures if you use the practice blades that come in the six pack to help open em up a little bit makes it a lot faster.

[@eddievannewkirk4458]

Get em on clearance at Walmart for $10 can’t beat the value

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@dragonsmugla]

Noted, replace blades after shooting through steel...

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:) I've had some shots on animals tear up blades more than steel plate.

[@leonardcavaretta905]

The 4 blade model is even better and more durable.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Okay.

[@6saturdaysaweek]

I don’t think there is a better head with replaceable blades. What’s better, that couldn’t easily be redefined as different. Blades were sharp, flew true, and with stood the concrete. What really makes a broad head better than that? Muzzys and thunderheads are proven winners with a long history of being solid and dependable, a lot of these new designs are just clones of other products.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Really? I think there are quite a few that are significantly better. Blades that are thicker and ferrules that are shorter do even better in flight, penetration and durability--like the Exodus for example. You can't even tell it's been shot after going thru a steel plate twice.

[@6saturdaysaweek]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures most broadheads are all variation of a similar design. May have some small features that are different, but design isn’t that different. Like everything else in archery, when you add or subtract one strength you generally loose out somewhere else. I generally don’t describe a bow or BH as better, just have different strengths.

[@zakarybarclay999]

If only they made a 150 grain version with double the blade thickness

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah...there are other heads that do that.

[@deanbrantley]

Killed many a deer with those. I remember sometimes the blades would be all mangled up after a pass thru.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@yourmomma2995]

i can do you one better for blade thinness. back in the late 70's/early 80's the first pack of broadheads i ever purchased mail order with my allowance money was satellite heads with carbon steel blades that were a whopping .010 thick....lol. but man were they sharp, i still have a scar on my thumb and fingers from assembling one 40+ years ago. no joke.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@Redhawk-l1r]

I'd bet those aren't as good as they use to feradyne bought them out and uses the cheapest material out there look at NAP broadheads once they sold went down hill fast

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah...that can happen.

[@michaelrosa5410]

Over built head except the blades

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@transgenderedmuhammad8817]

Make sure you zoom in on the target for the flight forgiveness test

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, I've done that for the last several months. But I filmed this one much earlier this year, before I started doing that. Thank you

[@pisswhistle5306]

I've been shooting these and the 4 blade 100 grain for years. Always had great flight and great penetration. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Okay...Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@dgriffith19]

What's wrong with your mouth? Are you gritting your teeth? Your jaw moves side to side

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Man, I have no idea :) Close up cameras reveal all kinds of weird stuff.