SIMMONS MAKO 125 gr Broadhead Test

This is a test of the 125 gr Simmons Mako, four blade broadhead.
Here is summary of my 2023 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/the scores of this head posted in parenthesis as well.
Mako Total Score: 87.15 = 9 Golden Arrows
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 16 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%, 15.65 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. (2.125" = 5.95 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. (2.125" = 5.95 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (1.25" = 3.75 pts)
3. Blades (20%, 17.85 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 125 grams = 10/10 = 9 pts) & Edge Retention (9%, +75 gram = 8.5/10 = 7.65 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. (6/10= 1.2 pts)
4. Penetration (20%, 16.57 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. (7.5" = 7.5 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score.
(55 layers=7.07 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%, 19.58 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. (9.75/10 = 4.88 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: +1 extra forgiving flight
+.5 extra sharp blades
Total Mako 125 gr SCORE: 87.15 pts = 9 Golden Arrows
Price: $15.32/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:
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DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5 per pack.
Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%.
Bishop Archery: LUSKFIVE saves $5 on any order

[@chrisfitch2905]

I think this is one of the few times your scoring system did not truly reflect how good the head is. It lost t.5 points on blade sharpness retention, but even at a 200 it is still sharper than most heads out there. Don't get me wrong, your scoring system is far and away the best I have seen! It's as close to perfect as I think you can get! That said it still did loose sharpness and it is an edge retention test. I have been doing a lot of thinking about blade sharpness lately. Is it better to have a head that starts at 200 and stays at 200 through an animal, or would it be better for a head to start out at a 125 but degrade to 200? Not really sure and to be honest not sure it really would matter most of the time? I guess I spend to much time on the tractor thinking about things lol! Great Job as always

[@Guns4570]

I have to agree that would be an accurate statement regarding it being dulled to 200 haha. That is sharper that most of the heads he starts with.

[@joemisak7925]

Totally caught that too .. and agree . Can’t give a head 10 starting out as sharp as one that was shot through mdf..

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I've debated that approach quite a bit. But what I am quantifying is how quickly it can lose its edge...not the sharpness after it goes thru Penetration Test 1. The reason is that every animal is going to be different, and dull the edge differently, so edge retention is a more important thing to measure than final sharpness.

[@chrisfitch2905]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures Edge retention is super important for sure!

[@wcwcgarner2717]

1st to say thank you for the great testing you do. You set the mark. I will not but a broadhead wt out seeing it. In your tests

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@jons858]

Took a nice buck with one of these 125gr heads a couple weeks ago. 27yd broadside shot, right through a rib, double lung, through top of heart and into the dirt. 490gr arrow out of a 70lb Bowtech Solution SS.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@billmcstay194]

Strongest aluminum ferrule yet...? Maybe the most beautiful broad head, that thing is a work of art. Thank you so much for hands down one of my favorite youtube channels ever.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you!

[@robertduguay689]

Wow several great heads this year. Great work. Thanks

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Right?

[@keystonestatebowmen3128]

Wow! Very impressive to say the least! Figured it would do well but it greatly exceeded my expectations!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@jdomacon]

Wow! Very impressive! I just knew that ferrule would be the weak point. They have something figured out over there.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@thwackTX]

I've shot the 100 grain Makos into 2x4 blocks and could not get them to break or even show any edge curl even after 10+ shots. Even the bleeders stayed on and they still spun true.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Good to hear.

[@warrenneumann]

Will be picking some of these up next season. Already have mine for this season

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice

[@jonwazny6747]

I love simmons broadheads, last year was my firat year shooting the makos 100g, took 3 deer with them last season. Very strong heads. Might bump up to the 125g next year. Thanks for the reveiws

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@kysonjohnson4932]

Amazing video as always, going with the Sevr 1.5s for whitetails this year! This is a great head though!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@nadineherrell5426]

Good show and review. Michael Herrell

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@timbow50]

Another WINNER! A very impressive head. 👍👍

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@EarthyBlendPOV]

Enjoyed! Hope you have the opportunity to do a TreeShark.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I’ve done a few by Simmons but not yet that one. They’re supposed to be sending me some now.

[@bdubs1010]

Wish they’d make this in a single bevel. Would be like a bigger brother to the Kudu contour +. I like the kudu but it’s 1/16” smaller on the main blades and 1/4” smaller on the bleeders. This one would be sick in a single bevel!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@eriklarson84]

The kudus size goes up and the weight goes up. A 125 kudu is 1.25” wide and the 150 is 1.375” wide.

[@pennyontrack]

Crazy wound channel. Should zoom in on them a bit more so people can see. Love your channel thank you for all you do

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@vfonte218]

Great head...wouldn't hesitate to use it

[@TRUTH609]

Wow, talk about SHARP! Impressive head

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep

[@tasaman]

Now that seems like a great head for just about any shooter. Low poundage? One of the sharpest heads to hit the shelf. High speed? Flies great. I do wonder how it would do on a tough shoulder like a moose or big hog though. I think it would do great.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@Kurtdog63]

Narrow ferrule bases kind of suck if you have shafts that are wider. Friction feature. I like broadheads that are carbon steel and sharpenable without special jigs. I have several of the carbon steel Simmons, 160 to 190 grains, and a few that are glue on so you can use different weight screw in adapters and get them up to 240 grains with a 125 gr adapter. Their two blade cutting widths are super wide, some over 1 5/8s. They really don't need the extra blades.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I see.

[@rickgoing7027]

I shot my Simmons Swampsharks today and they were grouping 1-2" groups with my field points at 30 yards which is the farthest I could shoot in my yard. . I was shocked that I didn't need to make any tuning adjustments! This is from my compound shooting 192 gr solid blade head with a 1 5/8" cut at 270 fps ! Now that I tried it I just do not see the reason to use mechanicals for whitetails again.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

They are impressive.

[@cray-z7404]

Been waiting for this ! I believe it will fly well out of my 370 crossbow & penetration wise I’m sure it’s better than my Thorn Rift 2.2 broadheads that I’ve been killing deer with !

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Nice.

[@kurtglo]

how did these work for you with your crossbow??

[@timberg7377]

Wow, that was impressive

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep.

[@deanbrantley]

Wow…I’d have to say that has to be one of the best stainless heads ever in concrete

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

It's not typical stainless.

[@michaelrosa5410]

What is there not to like other than she dulled quick. But with such a high starting sharpness point, you can't complain. The hole in steel plate, sort of what I key on for wound channel evidence was top shelf. 1-3/16th outside cut, and a 7/8th bleeder cut is perfect. Could maybe have sharpened the back sides of the blades ? I assume you can add that on yourself when sharpening ? Normally these type of heads have tip roll over issues upon hard contact. Not sure if this ferrule is what is helping, but still, I think some actual field testing should show this head's worth. Flight was top shelf as was penetration. Truthfully a head worthy of a test drive

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

It didn't dull too much--was still sharper than most are out of the package. And 8.5/10 on edge retention for that kind of initial sharpness is pretty good.

[@yourmomma2995]

a head with a concave angle like that, i would just use any pull through style sharpener.

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yep. That will work.

[@dewetrobertson1752]

Love your tests, what would be your top 3 picks for Koedoe, Eland and elk??

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

For a mech, it would be a Sevr 1.5. But I'd probably go with a fixed for the Eland, especially. Lots of great fixed blade heads to choose from for that.

[@cosmogervasi4496]

This head is No Joke, u really like it ... 😎🏹🐗🦌

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Right on

[@cray-z7404]

Will you test the Thorn Rift 2.2 broadhead again with new improved test ? Please !

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

If they send me some I will...or if someone donates them. You can ask the company to send me some :)

[@155michaelx]

awesome

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@willspears1279]

Wish they made this in a 175 or 200 grain

[@kurtglo]

so you're saying if you purchase their 125 grain Mako, it's a solid head and not vented? Also, do you think this would fly okay with a crossbow?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

That’s right. That’s what makes the extra weight. I think they would fly well out of most crossbows. I personally prefer a mechanical like the Sevr Robusto crossbow. That being said, these are very forgiving and flight and penetrate extremely well.

[@ThirdLawPair]

Here's my question. In terms of putting down the animal quickly, is a 1.25" blade plus the 0.875" bleeder equivalent to a 2.125" blade without the bleeders? The rationale is that it has the same effect, but do we know that for sure?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I've found that a wider cutting head usually produces more of a blood trail than a less wide head that has 3 or 4 blades...the narrower cutting heads can make holes that get plugged easier than a wider cut. And the wider cuts often stretch even wider than their cutting diameter. But the narrower cutting heads, again, even with the same total cut typically fly better and penetrate better.

[@ThirdLawPair]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures Thank you. How would you compare the flight performance and penetration of the wide head vs the multi-blade?

[@ashadow315]

Where is the non vented one available? I only see vented on the website?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yes, that's the 100 gr. I tested that a couple years ago.

[@tsz374]

After concrete block, looks like the blade tip is broken

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I can't remember; it may have broken when I had to pull it out of the concrete.

[@jolookstothestars6358]

Hey John have you seen the Swacker broadhead testing done by Levi Morgan and staff? I know you will appreciate it. I made a comment on it see if you agree. Appreciate you!

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I haven't seen those. I'm too busy doing my own testing and being a Pastor :)

[@jolookstothestars6358]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures I totally can understand that!!

[@cray-z7404]

What is best scoring fixed outside of the blood force 1.25 by DeadXBowhunting

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Trifecta 125 gr beat the score by a hair.

[@DirtyRedDog]

When will you be doing the new tooth of the arrow single bevel?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I was just testing it, but the batch I got was messed up. A new batch is coming in a few weeks; I'll test it as soon as it comes in.

[@frankbrowning328]

An excellent broadhead however IMO this design works best as a single bevel design

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Well, kind of hard to quantify that. But thanks for the comment.

[@puregameplay7916]

Would this be good in a 40lb recurve shooting at 200fps?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Yes they would.

[@puregameplay7916]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures I grabbed the tiger sharks at 165gr for a slightly heavier arrow. With 125gr tips, my FOC is at 14% and with 165gr it's at 18% FOC.

[@kevinrindone5786]

Do you have a spreadsheet of the heads that you have tested?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I do, but not yet compiled for this year. I post it as the last vid of each year. The one from 2021 and 2022 are in those last vids of each of those years.

[@kevinrindone5786]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures I'm curious how they compare to previous"victors". Also, have you ever tried the Rage Chisel Tip 3- Blade Mechanical? They are red

[@CaseyHarner-v3l]

Is this the mako or the land shark?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

It’s the Maiko. Just like the name says. They’re 100 grain is vented and the 125 grain is solid.

[@CaseyHarner-v3l]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures My fault. I looked on their website and it only shows both vented for the 100 grain and 125 grain. Where can I send you some broad heads to try out?

[@KiwiBoer]

How difficult is it to sharpen those?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Not very. The Stay Sharp Guide C is designed to make sharpening curved blades easy & very effective. A pull thru sharpener will work as well-not as good, but still will work.

[@Mossberg590Mariner]

do i need to change my POA? i shoot 100 gr broadheads at 55# . Will there be any changes?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Simmons makes a 100 gr Mako; the 125 will probably shoot slightly lower beyond 20 yds or so out of a 55# bow.

[@rickgoing7027]

You may need to retune. Then again you may not! I screwed on my Swamp Sharks which are 1 5/8" wide and weigh a 192 grains today and they shot within 1-2" groups with my field points and required no tuning. This was after I unscrewed a 100 grain head. So I shot a 92 grain heavier head and my pins set for 100 grain heads had me shooting in the bottom 1/4 of the blue face NFAA white area at 30 yards from a 270fps arrow. My normal speed is 292 fps with the 100 grain head. I see no reason now to shoot mechanicals for whitetails. I have been using this head for my recurve at the suggestion of several very successful trad hunters and they have been flawless!

[@Mossberg590Mariner]

Thanks man! Great videos as per usual! @@LuskArcheryAdventures

[@WalterMelons]

When TOTA single bevel?

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I was just doing it, but they had a problem with the batch I'm testing. So I'm waiting for the new batch, coming in a few weeks.

[@WalterMelons]

@@LuskArcheryAdventures Wait what was the problem? The ones I received weren’t very sharp. Still had a burr on the flat sides and couldn’t cut magazine paper. Haven’t had the chance to touch them up.

[@frankspataro9714]

Its not simmons first day at this stuff lol

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

:)

[@littlewoody5539]

👍

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

Thank you

[@shylerbecenti]

Show us how you can’t hunt all over being a pastor

[@LuskArcheryAdventures]

I'm not sure I understand the question. Do you mean people let me hunt their land? Not that many, honestly.