SIK F3 Broadhead Test

This is a test of the SIK F3 broadhead, a fixed blade head with a whopping 3 3/16" cut!
I'm using a Bowtech SR6 at 72# & 27" draw length and Bishop FOC King Arrows, 460 grs and Bishop FAD Eliminator Arrows for the concrete test.
I have also picked up a new sponsor with my top recommendation for Broadhead Sharpening. staysharpguide.com or @Innovative Outdoorsman The support I get for that has helped me improve my channel. THEY MAKE EXCELLENT SHARPENERS.
In case you're not familiar with my new test protocol, here is what I'm doing now:
1. Flight Test--1 field point & 2 broadheads out my by Bowtech SR6 at 40 yds, to see how well they group together.
2. Sharpness Test: I have a new test for edge sharpness and edge retention, using the Edge on Up Sharpness Tester. I test it out of the box and then again after Penetration Test 1, to see the edge retention.
What are some common scores for other edges? Here are some examples:
A butter knife takes 2000 grams of pressure to break the co polymer wire.
A new high end cutlery edge takes approx 375 grams of pressure to break the wire.
A utility razor blade takes approx 200 grams to break the wire.
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
701-800 gr: 4
801-900 gr: 3
901-1000 gr: 2
1001-1100 gr: 1
1101+ gr: 0
3. Edge Retention: Sharpness difference after Penetration Test 1:
10 minus 1 point for every 50 grams of sharpness difference. For example, if the initial sharpness was 400 gr of pressure and the sharpness after Penetration Test 1 was 450, the head would receive a 9 for Edge Retention Score.
4. Penetration Test 1: one shot into a combined medium of 2/3" of rubber mat, 1/2" MDF and Clear Ballistics FBI Grade Gel. This is to roughly simulate the tissue of an animal--hide, bone and muscle/fat.
5. Penetration Test 2: one shot into layers of cardboard.
6. Durability Test: For fixed blade heads, I take up to 5 shots into .22 ga steel plate and then evaluate the damage to the head. This is a good test to see the overall durability of the blades, as well as their connection to the ferrule. For mechanical heads, I take up to 5 shots into 1/2" MDF and then evaluate the damage to the head.
7. Concrete Test. This is a zero penetration test, which is a good test of the overall structural integrity of a head.
NOTE: Of course I understand we don't hunt steel plates and concrete, but all of these tests simply provide DATA POINTS for you to use in determining which broadhead is best for your hunting purposes. A well placed shot with pretty much any broadhead will get the job done most of the time. But why not prepare for the worst and buy the best you can?
If one head can hold up to multiple shots in steel & concrete-and another cannot--all other things equal, wouldn't you want to use the head that can withstand the steel and concrete? And after taking hundreds of animals with my bow, I've seen some bone shots cause more damage to a broadhead than even a cinder block.
The goal for all of us is to stack the odds in our favor as much as possible, and select a broadhead that is as lethal as possible for our bow/arrow set up and for the animal we are hunting.
At the end of each of my broadhead tests, you will find a score sheet listing all the results of the testing, so you can compare heads based on what factors matter to you the most. I also have an overall LUSK GRADE that is an evaluation of how the head performed in all the tests combined.
#SIK
#Broadhead
#StaySharpGuide
Here are my Personal Discount Codes for other Broadheads that I'd like to share with you:
SEVR: LUSKFIVE
Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19
Afflictor: LUSK10
Any financial support I get from my sponsor or from the discount codes is invested into my channel.

[@TomOnTheRun]

I'm very impressed with the 40 yard accuracy. If that is legit that you shot a field point and two random F3's that has my attention. How it stuck in a cinder block blows my mind. Okay, I gotta give these a shot. The wound channel and your flight score at 10 has impressed me!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

they were very impressive, indeed.

[@TomOnTheRun]

Another followup. I just shot the Xbow version of this Fixed BH at 371fps. At 40 yards it was in the dead center black 1" low. I am sold on these Fixed BH's. I seriously did not expect that at faster speeds on a 440 grain crossbow arrow setup. Going in my quiver this fall. LAA, Thanks for bringing attention to this BH.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Good to hear Thomas. Thank you!

[@Taylor-sz8we]

I would be interested to see this again in your 2024 testing and scoring. I bet the accuracy with the crossbow would be incredible. I use this broadhead and I trust this broadhead. Like you said sometimes innovation works where others fail. I hope you consider as I’ve seen retesting of others. Love the channel and all your content so thank you!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I thought this was a really cool broadhead as well. I would be happy to test it again if I had some.

[@matthewbooth9869]

Impressed, surprised it didn't lose blades. Looks like a winner

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for the comment.

[@justinberry16]

Another video! Super stoked

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks Justin.

[@melvinsacromentoe]

I would think this would be a fairly hard wound channel to “plug” up. Very innovative

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@jaredmcnutt731]

I'm never as impressed with the broadheads as I am with those Bishop arrows. I wish I could afford those! They're incredible.

[@xrayron1]

$700 for 3 arrows? My god I just want to shoot them not send them to college.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep, they are amazing.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, they are not in most people's budgets. I couldn't afford them if I didn't have a hook up. But then again, for my purposes, to pay for as many normal arrows as would break, it would probably be that expensive or more.

[@timmytim6427]

@@xrayron1 who knew preaching was so lucrative

[@xrayron1]

@@timmytim6427 It is big business. Super churches all over the south. Anything more than $25 a bolt is too rich for me

[@bottompin796]

Awesome video as usual John! I bought a pack of these this year but was waiting until the master put them through the test before I decided to put them in the Tightspot… looks like they’re going in! Thanks John!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Nice. Let me know how they work for you.

[@kurtjohnson2209]

Like always John, you’re tests are the best! For a bit of a funky head, it did amazing!! 👍

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you Kurt.

[@frankbrowning328]

I watch all of your videos and I've seen a tremendous amount of testing. Many decent designs and some not so good. This one is REALLY Impressive to me! Love this design!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Cool to hear. Thanks Frank.

[@TomOnTheRun]

Just a follow up. I did purchase the SIK F3 broad heads and did my first 20 yard accuracy test. They are exactly the same as field point accuratcy. Next shot will be at 30 yards. I was pleasantly impressed and have complete confidence using these in the field. Also, yikes, my F3 arrow penetrated deeper into my BH target vs my field points. It was noticeable. Not sure if this is normal. Never really noticed this before. Note: they look wicked in their design. Very unique!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@quintonb9870]

The thing I'm most impressed with throughout all your testing is the arrows. Man do they take some punishment.

[@kothliim6429]

No kidding. That Fad Eliminator had taken some SERIOUS punishment.. like, hole hell.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, they are amazing. And if I were to add the longer inserts, they are every more amazing.

[@justinkelly2880]

Great review as always John

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you Justin

[@Chad.Maness]

I’ve been waiting on this one.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Very good. Thanks Chad.

[@frankgulla8782]

Great test! Pretty sick looking head, penetrated deep and took the block test like a champ, I'm impressed!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@OutdoorShellback]

The shot into the gel was the absolute shocker of all the tests for me. I felt the head looks like it's got a lot of drag, but that 8" penetration was surprising.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, that surprised me as well. I wondered if I hit another hole in the gel or MDF, but I didn't

[@SquiresOutside]

I’m liking this head for sure 👍🏼

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, it surprised me.

[@danielmcewen8043]

Now that is a pretty cool head I could see myself using that one

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@MikeyWoomer]

Very impressive head!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Right?

[@ApexPredatorOutdoors]

I'm going to have to go get the Stay Sharp guide. Having trouble keeping the blades perfect on my Aero 1 Broadheads, because I just stink at sharpening!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, they help for sure.

[@feralgrandad4429]

You know my taste in broadheads John. Old school cut on contact...... But these interested me the Arrow flight was great an the MDF/Gel result was fantastic. First new-fandled head to interest me so good job mate.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, it is an intriguing design.

[@michaelherrell5381]

Good head. Good show. Keep up the good work.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you Michael.

[@ignaciodiazderivera8711]

Esta punta SÍ me convence. Excelente vuelo y construcción muy sólida. Gran análisis!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Gracias, hermano.

[@peterchinburg7768]

Great video! Thanks for all of the content. Would you ever consider doing a angled MDF/rubber foam matt test to see how different broadheads perform for "angled/quartering" shots? I think it would be especially interesting to see how different tips effect biting into an angled barrier. Thanks again!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks Peter. I used to do an angle test, but most heads did fine with it. But since so many have requested it, I think I may add it in for 2022.

[@timothyhall963]

That is one wicked head

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Right?

[@Factz_big1s]

Definitely better than I expected. I thought the wings would tend to break off pretty easily. Impressive. Would love to see 125/150 grain💪🏻

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep. Agreed.

[@hoosierdaddy3705]

I was very surprised on how well it held together. My first impression was this thing was going to come completely apart having no blades left on it at all. Complex design and well done. These tests are so destructive anything that survives is got to be well built.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, I wondered that same thing.

[@Akeela.4]

I dont know if it's just me. But when you were showing us the broadhead the little wing butts didn't look like they were single bevel. Maybe just the lighting and camera angle?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Probably just the angle, cause they are double beveled as well.

[@TheAssOfBalaam]

nice head

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@greekmaster1001]

Very impressive.....I wonder how much noise they make and they should.make this in a expandable version which I originally thought it was

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Interesting. They're not quiet in flight...but neither are my helical blazers.

[@davidleist7587]

Great job as usual. I wouldn’t use them.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks David.

[@njdeputter]

I’ve been surprised by the underperformance of heavier broadheads in some recent reviews. In one of the reviews you suggest that this may be due to the stickiness of the ballistic jelly acting on the larger surface area of the heavier broadheads. Have you considered lubricating the broadheads with animal oil (or other) prior to the ballistic jelly penetration test? Might be worth some time to see if this will give more representative penetration data.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

There are a few factors in that. I've mentioned them a few times in the various videos. One is that gel is very dense and does not pull away from a cut, like tissue does. Thus it creates more surface friction, or stickiness. I added a second penetration test of layered cardboard for that very reason. Cardboard is a bit different, but still is not lubricated. Hide is also not lubricated, nor is bone, but tissue is. Also, the thicker and longer a head is, the greater the surface area, so the more surface friction there is, in certain mediums, which impedes penetration more. That's why shorter heads typically penetrate more effectively than larger heads, at least in these mediums. Again, animals do have dry areas that create surface friction as well...but they also have more lubricated areas. So surface friction is not to be underestimated as a penetration limiting issue. I have tried lubricating the heads, with oil and with baby powder. The problem is that most of it comes off on the initial layers of MDF and Rubber Mat. More of it comes off in the first inch of the gel. And it adds more "stuff" to my gel, which makes it less clear for re-use. And that gel is not cheap. While gel is not a perfect medium, it is very consistent and also allows for a visible wound channel. I add the MDF and Rubber Mat to make the entire penetration test a bit more realistic than gel alone.

[@seanc77339]

I use sik

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@ebayollis]

Have you ever tested Aerodynamic Solutions Atom Razorwire Broadhead

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I've not tested those. Though I spoke with the designer for over an hour yesterday.

[@robertdeis132]

Only downer I see is that it's only made in 100 grains.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, companies often start there and add in other weights if it is demanded enough.

[@frankspataro9714]

Did better than I thought but it will never make the hole or blood trail a flapper will lol

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, not as wide of a hole...but it will cut a lot of tissue, that's for sure.

[@pensnut08]

If they come out with 125s or 150s I would give them go. That wound channel looks likes it would not close up.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

yeah, I wish they were heavier as well. And better steel blades would make them really really good.

[@kmhendrickson]

The penetration looked great in the gel, but not very good in the cardboard. Interesting…

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, that was interesting to me as well. That's why I do two different mediums like that. With such a big cut, I wasn't surprised about the cardboard penetration--but was impressed with the gel.

[@daverushia6569]

"3 & 3/16" total cut ... What ?. I don't see how that adds up.Thats more than I think I have ever heard.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

It's a lot, for sure. The Toxic & Pharmakon have more--cause the wide tip and those blade butts all are on separate cutting planes.

[@eniolobosolitariosobrevive3689]

👍✌👏👏

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks

[@EROCK1966]

They should be named slick cause that's what they are. Kinda like these just might make my shafts next year

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. They are that indeed.

[@Too_Many_Kittens]

"innovative and not good..." = Slang Blade. I've always been intrigued by these heads love the design and wouldn't mind giving them a try after putting them on the stay sharp guide, 275 is a little dull for me.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, but anything can be sharpened more. And at high speed, small differences in sharpness don't make huge differences--almost zero difference in penetration.

[@Too_Many_Kittens]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures you really turned me on to the stay sharp guide and now I'm addicted to shape blades. 😂

[@trackhoehunter2544]

Looks like pure witchcraft to me! 😂😂😂

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Haha. Good comment.

[@cdp50359]

Lost your nock on that last shot. Lot of energy right there

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, that happens about 1/3 times or so :)

[@goofyfoot2001]

First! Ok ninth, still

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

haha.

[@billmcstay194]

Predator head…. Coyotes. That should be a new niche.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yeah, they would do well on those.