EVOLUTION HYDE Broadhead Test

This is a test of the 125 gr Hyde broadhead by Evolution Outdoors. Here is summary of my 2024 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/the scores of this head posted in parenthesis as well.
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 18 pts)
I'm using a Killer Instinct SWAT X1 crossbow, mounted to a BOG tripod, shooting a 670 gr Bishop Archery GOAT bolt (300 fps) at 30 yds. Field points consistently hit in the 10 ring & bullseye. I use the exact same bolt to shoot the broadhead. The only difference in the two shots is the broadhead's flight forgiveness vs that of the field point. A bullseye gets a score of 11/10, or a perfect score of 20 + 1 Bonus Point. The 10 ring gets a 10/10, or 20 points; a 9 ring gets a 9/10 or 18 points...& so forth, with each wider ring being 1/2" farther from the bullseye. Mechanicals are also given 1 Bonus Point for extra forgiveness.
2. Cut Size (20%, 17.06 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. (.7” += .75" = 1.45" = 4.06 points 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. (2.75” = 7 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (2" = 6 pts)
3. Blades (20%, 17.58 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 169 grams = 10/10 = 9 pts) & Edge Retention (9%, +46 grams = 9.08/10 = 8.17 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 & 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
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (5/10=1 pts)
4. Penetration (20%, 17.73 pts)
There are 2 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 10% of the score. (8.5" = 9.44 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 10% of the score.
( 58 layers= 8.29 pts)
5. Durability (20%, 19.2 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. (9/10 = 4.5 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. (9/10 = 2.7 pts).
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.
BONUS:
+.7 pts: max cut greater than baseline
+.5 pts: hybrid flight forgiveness
+.6 pts: extra thick blades (.060")
.31 pts: sharper than baseline of 200
+1 pt: modular design w/interchangeable blades/styles
TOTAL SCORE: 93.27 pts = 10 Golden Arrows
Price: $20/head
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:
Accubow: LUSK10 saves 10%
Afflictor: LUSK10 saves 10%
Accubow: LUSK10 saves 10%
Afflictor: LUSK10 saves 10%
Annihilator: LUSK10 saves 10%
Bishop Archery: LUSKFIVE saves $5 on any order
Contact-Archery.com (formerly Method & Vector): LUSK10 saves 10%
Crimson Talon: LUSK10 saves 10%
Easton Bowtruk 2: LUSK25 saves $25 and Free Shipping
Evolution Outdoors--Jekyll & Hyde heads: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order
Exact Archery: LUSK10 saves 10%
Kayuga Broadheads: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order.
Lathrop & Sons Synergy Footbeds: Lusk1000 saves $10 on any order
Ozcut Broadheads: LUSK10 saves 10%
SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.
Terra Firma: LUSK5 saves 5% on any online sales
Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 10%
Toulou: LUSK10 saves 10%
TRIFECTA: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order.
VPA: LUSK10 saves 10%
ZEUS & HERA Broadheads (New Era Archery): LUSKFIVE saves $5/pack

[@mikehottinger4212]

John - I really like your new Flight Test. Good thinking IMHO.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you. I’ve been pretty amazed at how similar the results are to the tests and scoring. I’ve done it in the past with flight. But this is a much more precise way to do it.

[@josephseagraves2052]

John, I picked up some of these because of this video and just used them on a pronghorn hunt. They fly great and left a giant hole in him, 58 yard shot and he didn't go 20 from there. Thank you for the recommendation and review!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Oh that’s great to hear. Thank you for sharing it.

[@timbow50]

Wow! Totally amazed at its sharpness and durability for a binary/ hybrid mechanical. Should be a true “ deer slayer”! Can’t imagine the blood trail.👍👍

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep. And they make a much wider cut for whitetails as well.

[@daltonbbf756]

Liking the new updated system. Keep ‘em coming John looking forward to all the 2024 reviews !!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@mickyfitzko6024]

Glad your back Mr Lusk been waiting for your videos again! nice test as always and i like the new scoring system

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you!

[@RWILLHOME]

Love the refined process ! Thank you

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@tomkennedy5957]

Fantastic new content John, thank you so much for all the great information and insights. I hope you get the opportunity soon to review the new Kayuga broadheads that will come out soon.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you. Yes, they are sending me some. And I also have a new discount code for Kayuga as well.

[@dp5430]

I’ve had these heads in a cart on my browser for quite some time. Thanks!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@donaldbowling8620]

Impressive. Great testing John. 👊🏻

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@dylanmiller5539]

Shot a 5 point bull last year with the 100 grain version put 2 massive holes in him blew threw 2 ribs big exit hole and lots of blood really like the hybrid

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

That’s great to hear. Thank you for sharing that experience. And congratulations.

[@jcharp3]

Definitely enjoy the crossbow being used for accuracy. I can see where that little change in flight would be much more noticeable now

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@scottcampbell8011]

Great as always. I'm excited for this year's tests

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@mattkingsley3556]

Ordered 3 125 with 3 practice heads. Thanks for the persuasion Lusk Archery

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice! Thank you. And good luck.

[@drewriggs812]

Wow, that was an awesome head! I didn't think it would penetrate that deep or be that durable. Great video!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks

[@FWBNation]

Excellent approach to 2024 testing John. I like how dialed in you have this test at this point. Very scientific. And impressive BH too.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you so much.

[@larrydrake8457]

Nice review John, I am definitely looking into these!!!😊

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@Bow_Mafia]

Here we go! Man I’m pumped for a new year of testing! As always, excellent review! 🐐

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@dylanmatter1088]

Never would have guessed this head would do this well.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I was impressed.

[@progradepainting3755]

This is an incredible head. Just a great option

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@romanmallery3894]

Another great video. Thanks John. I thought of a cool idea for your channel, people would send in trophy photos of the animals they took and the broad heads they used you would pick winners and the suppliers you work with could send you some merchandise to give away for prizes. Just some thoughts love your channel.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

That is a good idea.

[@frankbrowning328]

WOW! Exceptional Performance!!! It takes a lot to impress me with a hybrid design but this one does. I'm surprised at how high the velocity was from the crossbow. The bow gets 405fps with a 390gr arrow but the arrows used are 670grains which is insanely heavy yet the bow still got 300fps.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, that crossbow is pretty impressive.

[@vfonte218]

Very sharp and well made head!!!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@eduardovazquez4310]

Used the hyde in many elk and sheep, they are the best flying most damaging broadheads. They just kill shit

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@novascotiapsearcher4497]

The only score that I would disagree with was the durability score. In my opinion, there was considerable damage that occurred to the blades. Much more than other broadheads that I have seen you test in the past that have received lower scores. Keep up the great testing, and looking forward to your next test.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, actually, the scoring was consistent with the damage to the blades. When they get nicked up to the degree, they did, they lose a point. If they are bent, then they lose another point, if the ferrule is bent, it loses another one, if they break, then even more. I do my best to compare the durability ratings for each test with previous heads to remain as consistent as I can. But it may not be perfect at times. That being said, I believe this one was consistent.

[@joshuabrewster4378]

one of my new favorites!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep!

[@timberg7377]

That was impressive

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Indeed

[@nathanscheuman4263]

This is a head I have been considering for a while. I have been running the grim reaper hybrid with great success, but these really held up well. Definitely going to have to add a couple to the quiver to test this year.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@nadineherrell5426]

Better than Sevr!!! Wow!!! Thanks for a great show and test. Michael Herrell

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, it did not score better than the Sevr 2.0. That was the one that edged it out. But they each have their unique strengths.

[@jayv7933]

this broadhead is a beast!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@lanewillhite]

I've never been a big proponent of mechanicals, however once I found this Hybrid head, I had to try it. Comparing this to other purely-mechanical broadheads simply doesn't seem fair, as this shoots (in my experiences) as well as a mechanical, but with the added benefit of the fixed blade up front. Worrying about whether your blades deploy correctly is always a fear with mechs. Again, it's never been an issue with the Hyde in my experience, but knowing you still have almost an inch of fixed cutting surface helped alleviate my concerns of that. Additionally, I shoot the Valkryie system and Brent from Valkyrie teamed up with Evolution and came out with a 200gr version of this Hyde. So knowing how well this 100gr version did in all the testing, I can only imagine how well the 200gr would score, which is what I've shot. Extra 100gr beefing up the ferrule and rigidity...it's obliterated anything I've shot with it thus far. Can't say enough good things about this bradhead and its flight characteristics. Another great video, John. Thank you

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that experience.

[@anthonykontos7931]

Bought the sevr last year didn’t get a chance to see them in action but they are still in my quiver for now. Hopefully next year they will be put in action since I’ve been taking care of a broken back since this past early fall.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@anthonykontos7931]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures you were the whole reason why I bought them to begin with. Your extensive testing and review had me super excited to try them. Hopefully this coming year will be better.

[@Philip-nx5cd]

Can You Do A Video With the Stay Sharp C Kit for the Evolutio Broadhead

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

That would be good. Have you check on Innovative Outdoorsman KZbin channel; they may have one.

[@stick__shooter]

I like the design. I recently purchased a pack of Hydes and some extra Jekyll blades and I was very disappointed with the blade edges. They were all dull and had a visible bur on the edges. Combine that with curved blades that are more difficult to sharpen and it makes it less desirable for me. I ended up returning them. I hope to see testing on the new designs from Trifecta, like their new OTT mech and vented 1.5" fixed. Keep up the good testing!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well that’s disappointing. I’ve not had that experience.

[@stick__shooter]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures Same experience with the Exact broadheads. I ordered a pack and the blade edges were absolutely horrendous! I'm curious if you get some of these heads directly from the manufacturer and they make sure to send "better" heads than us mere mortals receive off the assembly line.

[@deanbrantley]

That’s very impressive!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Indeed.

[@Ebaybow]

The Hyde is a great head. Wait for the Whitetail Fury broadhead testing!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I may do that in the future. I'm sure they're not as durable...as they're designed to make a bigger hole.

[@FruitJuice92]

Wow ,this is a tank broadhead, pretty impressive

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@AnthonyJones-p9n]

Even god had haters Mr lusk great video thanks for your reviews

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Thank you

[@toddzoro9831]

Thank you for all the testing you perform. I bought a set of these and look forward to using them on whitetails. I'm curious your thoughts of the Hyde's blade retention system. The locking pin seems ingenious but are the blades more restrictive from opening than they need to be - or at least more forcefully than you need to keep them from opening in flight? You have to pull them pretty forcefully to get them to open. The head's nevertheless showed very good penetration in your tests, so maybe I'm being overly critical.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, they are fairly snug. But an impact, I’ve never seen a problem with them opening very well.

[@vikingskuld]

Thanks great test. I Appreciate these tests and honestly I just enjoy the sht out of watching them lol

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@billbailey7965]

Love your testing John and the new process is really good. I do have one question. Do you think the concrete test is consistent if you sometimes hit the area of the block that is backed by the crossmember? I'm wondering if less blade /broadhead damage occurs when the block is hit in the non supported area.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, it’s as consistent as I can get. There are not many mediums that are absolutely consistent, but it is certainly close enough to test the structural integrity of the head. If there were not tiny chunks of rock material in it, it would be even more uniform.

[@Practice2Perfection]

I would love to see a test on the Afflictor Broadheads Mechanical hybrids. You have only tested their fixed blade versions.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Naw I’ve tested all their heads. I even have some hunts using the hybrids here on my channel.

[@squarewoodoutdoors]

Impressive for an expandable

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@briandavidson8122]

So what is your Number One Rated Broadhead Ever? Thanks for the review on this one, intrigued never thought it would perform this well

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

The highest score went to Sevr Hybrid…and Exodus for a fixed. But there are many heads that have scored very well. At the end of each year, I post a final summary video which includes an Excel spreadsheet of all the scores of all the heads I’ve tested.

[@MaineArcheryEnthusiast]

John, I really enjoy your channel! Is there any way that you could show us an angled test with this head? I really like the looks of it but it looks like deflection could be a possibility. Remove any doubt perhaps? Thank you for the discount code as well!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you. I used to do angled tests, but eventually found them fairly useless. Whether the blades rotate perpendicularly or vertically upon impact makes a huge difference in how it handles the angle. So it's not consistent enough to draw conclusions--unless I shot them many times.

[@ABQfitness]

My favorite head by far! Won’t shoot anything else

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@bcompton53]

Good test, but I think you have to be careful about saying that it was the second highest broadhead, when your testing has changed over the years. I'd find it hard to believe that any broad head that bent could be second best, when there are so many that haven't bent. BUT, great videos, I always look forward to them coming out!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, I do share that quite deliberately. In the last three years, my overall scoring has not changed to any significantly quantifiable degree. I have been very careful to do that. Even the flight testing with the crossbow this year has produced very similar scoring results as my test of previous years.

[@bcompton53]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures I'm just the critical viewer. You're still doing a great service to the archery community.

[@KombuchaPants]

Nice.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks!

[@coleasinas2570]

Wonder what the 100gr aluminum version of this would have done for durability ! Since the 125 is stainless !

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Not sure.

[@tylergoralski8728]

So this is the guy who originally made gravedigger broadheads?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, that’s him.

[@kcmills8385]

Looks like a lot of drag, and can see the fixed portion effecting the mechanicals penetration

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, that sure didn't show up as a problem in the testing.

[@XtremeBUZZ]

Not sure if I’ve missed it, but have you tried the triple point Clovis mechanical?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I did. If you ever wonder if I’ve tested ahead or not, just go to KZbin and type in Lusk plus the name of the Broadhead. If I have tested it, it will come up.

[@newzealandspotlightersasso9181]

What is it like in the Quiverlizer? Can any body comments on how they fit In?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Sorry; can’t help you there. But they take up very little space in a quiver.

[@matthewchurch8065]

Do you think these would work in a quiver with a single gripper, or would they ooen?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I don’t think they would open in a quiver

[@jasoncourchaine3685]

I would like if they laid the mechanical blades back more, made it a 1.5 or 1.75" cut

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, they penetrate very well as they are...and those blades can bend back on harder impacts.

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

Did you have to replace that little pin after every shot that opened the blades?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I sometimes used an O ring during the durability testing, just cause I had a bunch of those.

[@jjtokarz]

What’s the approximate fps on most the testing (durability/ edge retention)

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I'm shooting around 260 fps

[@MiguelGrrza]

I would really like to see the 100gr compared to the 125

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, maybe I'll test the 100 at some point. I think they'd be fairly similar.

[@alexvierra]

Do you have to replace that pin after every shot when Broadhead tuning?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep; you’re supposed to. Or you can just put a small O ring around the blades

[@michiganwoodsman2199]

Those skip off deer 🦌. Not all the steep agle shots my guys took but about 20 percent skipped off deer. SWATT 3.75 inch cut for crosbows over 350 fps have murdered so many bucks for us. I give my hunters a discount for using them. American made

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that. I wouldn’t think they would be as prone to do that as some other heads, just because the blades are sharpened at the end and cut and stick more than deflect. But I suppose anything can happen with extreme angle shots.

[@BeerCheese]

Wow

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

👍

[@chrissimons9431]

Anyone else's OCD going crazy looking at the screws that aren't flush with the ferrule?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Yeah, notice that as well. But it did not seem to affect anything.

[@brianmalick2946]

Does it come with a practice head?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yes, I believe they do.

[@KTMsoldier1988]

Haha i was gonna say....using a crossbow for accuracy your going to be losing veins but your pulling the field point out first!

[@faithfamilyfirearms]

He uses the same bolt for the field point and broadhead to keep it as consistent as possible.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah...using the exact same bolt just to be consistent as well.

[@SavagelandHunting]

He's gone to the dark side of archery.😂😂

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha

[@trial153]

If it’s the first head that tested under the new scoring system how can it be the second highest head ever

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Cause it’s the same scoring system, basically. The scores fit it very well with those of the last 2 years. And I’ve already tested 25 this year, but this was the first I posted.

[@yourmomma2995]

man with those big heavy crossbow logs, i think your vertical bow is probably shooting faster, doesn't make a lot of sense to shoot slow, heavy bolts for the accuracy tests. 350-400gr is where its at for crossbow bolts.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, I wanted the speed to be similar between the two bows, and it is. I tested with much lighter crossbow bolts as well, and there was a value in that. However, when I was said and done, I wanted the speeds to be very similar between my vertical bow and my crossbow. The benefit of the crossbow is that I can have it mounted and use a scope. So there is less human error. And the variables produced by flight are more similar at similar speeds.

[@michiganwoodsman2199]

To bad angle shots they bounce or skip of the deers and bear hide. Bad

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Have you had that experience? With the mechanical blades being sharpened, they should penetrate into an animal at an angle without kicking out. But almost any broadhead can skip off with enough of an angle.

[@elncalls]

Too bad Grim Reapers can’t hold up like this head.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, they each have their areas of strength.

[@Lucky-si9hy]

675 grain crossbow bolt will shoot any broadhead accurately you are slowing it down too much and the weight is overtaking the broadheads. Not realistic of what 90 % of hunters are shooting . People want to know accurate broadheads shot with normal weight arrows ...when a broadhead will fly good with a 400 grain arrow at high speeds its a good flying head .this 675 grain bolt with the swat xbow with almost zero archers paradox is not realistic and actually a fake result of your new broadhead 2024 flight test

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, that's not actually the case. I slowed it down to compound bow speeds...but am able to mount it and use a scope to keep it more accurate. I've now shot 25 different heads thru it multiple times and the results are VERY similar to what I get thru my compound bow...but more consistent due to less human error.

[@michaellynch3172]

That thing was mangled after testing. But it got the good old “discount code” score. These tests would be so much more reliable if the results were truly unbiased.

[@chrisfitch2905]

I am not sure why you think it was mangled. Yes it was beyond additional use,but it did whatmis was designed for. Its not a head for me but i think John is a straight shhoter. If i would fault anything about his tests it would be that he is always nice and finds something positive to say, even about the reallly crappy heads

[@acpuller89]

Compared to other expandables he’s tested this one is not close to mangled.

[@ALL-AMERICANA]

Have you watched any of his other mechanical broadhead tests? This one did great considering everything he put it through. Weird that you would suggest the opinion is biased.

[@drewolm]

How do figure it was “mangled “? What are you talking about?

[@chadsherer9084]

Must work for rage