[Trinity]

Going on my first elk hunt this October. Hunting with my mission sub 1 xr. I'm debating using a fixed or mechanical broad head. Would really appreciate learning from your experience and possibly even your Bh recommendation.

 

[WickedRidge400]

I'm planning an elk hunt in Sept. 2021. I've been researching as much as possible and watching every youtube video of hunters who REGULARLY bow hunt elk. For every mechanical head I see on video or in a picture, I see at least 7 or more that are solid heavy fixed blade heads. I've seen Montecs, G5 Striker V2's. QAD Exodus, Slick Tricks and the infamous 2 bladed Grizzly Stick or 3 Rivers German steel head which are very expensive but so far every animal on video that I've seen taken ( moose, elk, kudu) this arrow acquired very deep penetration on thick, heavy hide, heavy muscled animals.
Good luck trying a few out. My choice will be 125 grain Slick Trick Grizz Tricks when I go ( shooting a compound on the trip) for heavier FOC and deep penetration.

 

[Trinity]

Wicked Ridge 400 Thanks for your feedback. What I appreciate the most is finding out that I’m not totally crazy as I too have (and still am) searched the internet for all I can find. And, I too find that fixed blade wins the “most used” category. I wrestled with this thinking it may be folks not willing to change, to accept new technology but as you say, the videos and pics are of “taken animals.”So, I’m to the point that regardless of a persons motivation, most successful hunters are using fixed bh’s. I was encouraged to read that you had gotten to the same point.
Now the fun really begins with which one to choose? Again, you list a great selection and there are more. At the moment, I’m leaning towards G5 Striker V2's 125 gr or Excalibur’s 150 gr bolt cutters(maybe the replaceable blade model?).
I was also heavily into what arrow to shoot but based on others CBN feedback, am going to call Jerry at SAA and go with his advice.
As a new member of CBN I can attest to how valuable this resource is!

 

[tracker12]

I have taken 4 elk with a bow. First was with a G5 fixed and the last three were with a Rocket Steelhead 125. Doubt I will ever shoot anything with a fixed again unless using my Recurve. Last bull turned at the shot towards me and I hit him right behind the shoulder and it came out in front of the off hind leg. On big animals I like the smaller MECH BH vice the big 2".

 

[WickedRidge400]

Wicked Ridge 400 Thanks for your feedback. What I appreciate the most is finding out that I’m not totally crazy as I too have (and still am) searched the internet for all I can find. And, I too find that fixed blade wins the “most used” category. I wrestled with this thinking it may be folks not willing to change, to accept new technology but as you say, the videos and pics are of “taken animals.”So, I’m to the point that regardless of a persons motivation, most successful hunters are using fixed bh’s. I was encouraged to read that you had gotten to the same point.
Now the fun really begins with which one to choose? Again, you list a great selection and there are more. At the moment, I’m leaning towards G5 Striker V2's 125 gr or Excalibur’s 150 gr bolt cutters(maybe the replaceable blade model?).
I was also heavily into what arrow to shoot but based on others CBN feedback, am going to call Jerry at SAA and go with his advice.
As a new member of CBN I can attest to how valuable this resource is!

Jerry at SSA made me a half dozen spynal tapp arrows for my crossbow. He asked what bow exactly that I’m shooting. He has the specs in his head for every darn bow out there and will rattle off exactly what will shoot best out of your crossbow. I let him build me 6 for my WickedRidge400. His arrows fly so well and shoot such tight groups it scary! You must shoot at different bullseyes because they group so tightly...if not, you’ll ruin expensive arrows for no reason!
If you do choose a mechanical broadband, I suggest the TruGlo titanium 4 blade mechanical. Small, aerodynamically superb and makes a HUGE hole in and out. Good luck!

 

[Micro335]

If I ever get the opportunity to go elk hunting I will use a G5 Striker! Never let me down yet and there very accurate. I use a 125 grain head, my total arrow weight is 465 grains.

 

[WickedRidge400]

If I ever get the opportunity to go elk hunting I will use a G5 Striker! Never let me down yet and there very accurate. I use a 125 grain head, my total arrow weight is 465 grains.

I’m a slick trick guy for years. I did look at the striker...well made and reminds me of the ST’s. I imagine those strikers do a wicked job...I know my slick tricks do!

 

[KTownKiller]

But, the TGs will make a bigger hole, right, Stew? Or do ya think they're too light for elk?

I think the TGs only come in 100gr? But maybe a 25 gr colar could be added? Sorry, just think'n out loud...

 

[Trinity]

Read and saw good stuff about the Excalibur 150 gr bolt cutters but they ended up #2 for me against the G5 StrikerV2's 125 gr
The bolt cutter 150 gr was interesting. I ran the numbers and it offered a little less KE & MO, although more than required:
300 gr arrow
+BH 125 gr Bh KE. MO
Speed 335. 105.9. .632

+BH 150 gr Bh
Speed 310. 96.0. .619

 

[Lever Action]

Muzzy Trocar (used to be Rocky mountain Blitz) would be my go to for a replacement blade fixed head.

 

[WickedRidge400]

But, the TGs will make a bigger hole, right, Stew? Or do ya think they're too light for elk?

I think the TGs only come in 100gr? But maybe a 25 gr colar could be added? Sorry, just think'n out loud...

I'm old school when it comes to broadheads and bigger animals. Me personally; I would NOT shoot a mechanical for elk with a compound bow...only fixed blade heads. If your state or region allows crossbow hunting for elk, then I'd strongly consider the TruGlo Titanium 4 blade mechanical for elk and here's my opinion why:
I've shot more deer with the bow than shotgun and rifle combined. Never have I used a mechanical until yesterday and it was out of my crossbow. I believe it takes a combination of a certain amount of speed and KE to obtain the best performance from a mechanical head. I do not believe compound bows always produce that necessary combination because of lighter poundage draw weights and shorter draw lengths. If it wasn't for SEW convincing me to try the TG out of my Xbow, I never would have. Elk are big animals...way bigger than deer. the thicker hide, heavier muscle and bone offer resistance that a whitetail body doesn't. Now, Mr. Elk isn't always going to give you a 25 yard broadside shot while standing perfectly still. Quartering away at different angles changes the geometry of depth. Hitting a bit forward towards the bone changes the resistance.
Now let's talk distance. The farther the shot, the more the arrow is slowing down losing Speed thus losing KE. Archers are shooting 40-70 yard shots with the bow at elk depending on the location ( heavy cover vs open meadows) and would you trust a mechanical at that distance to open completely and pass through enough tissue on both sides to take out both lungs and exit for a better blood trail? Crossbow probably would but compound I doubt very much. Remember Murphy's Law of Mechanics " Anything mechanical can and WILL fail!" Imagine losing an elk to bad broadhead performance?
When I shoot a fixed blade, I KNOW what the blade will do. When shooting a mechanical, I'm HOPING the blade will function properly, especially as speed and energy are reduced as distance increases.
I would ONLY use a fixed blade BH on elk...I owe that to myself and the elk.
You can add a brass insert to the arrow to add weight if the head is only 100 grains. Personally, I'd choose a well made fixed blade that comes in 125 grains.

 

[WickedRidge400]

Muzzy Trocar (used to be Rocky mountain Blitz) would be my go to for a replacement blade fixed head.

Muzzy makes a great BH for sure! That head is an excellent choice IMHO!

 

[grndhntr]

I would NOT shoot at an elk with a mechanical BH. I’ve heard too many horror stories about mechanicals not doing well with penetration on elk. You might get lucky and shoot between ribs but why take a chance? I have taken 6 elk with a traditional bow and 3 with a crossbow. One was a 320” bull with full penetration. My favorite broad head is the Zwicky Eskimo. If you can get good arrow flight with a fixed head, there’s no reason to shoot mechanical., IMPO

 

[WickedRidge400]

I would NOT shoot at an elk with a mechanical BH. I’ve heard too many horror stories about mechanicals not doing well with penetration on elk. You might get lucky and shoot between ribs but why take a chance? I have taken 6 elk with a traditional bow and 3 with a crossbow. One was a 320” bull with full penetration. My favorite broad head is the Zwicky Eskimo. If you can get good arrow flight with a fixed head, there’s no reason to shoot mechanical., IMPO

Well said Sir!

 

[kbs]

Iron will broad heads.

 

[WickedRidge400]

Iron will broad heads.

I was looking at bone broadheads too.

 

[Dang It]

Are mechanical broadheads legal where you are headed too? Does the state have a minimum arrow weight? How far of a shot are you willing to take?

I've seen success and failure with most types and brands of mechanical broadheads made. (I have not seen the Tru Glo, Sevr, Deadmeat, or Zeus used on any animals) When a shot goes bad, the only thing that will save the hunt is penetration.

Over the years I've made a few observations and will share them with you.

Design your arrows to get the most penetration. Elk require an arrow with an FOC greater than 18%. The heavier the arrow, the better. Something in the 465 to 520 gr. range seems to be a good. I would suggest this being the minimum weight range.

When a broadhead bends or breaks, you don't get penetration. Look for a Titanium or Steel ferrule. When striking bone, a 2 blade will normally out penetrate a multi-blade broadhead if both are the same diameter. Smaller diameter will penetrate deeper than a large diameter.

That Striker V-2 you mentioned is a good blade. Steel Force Phat Head's with the steel ferrule are one of the toughest. Broadheads styled like German Kinetics, Iron Will, Day Six Evo and Bone are all good. Day Six Evo being the best in my opinion. Magnus makes some good heads as well. All depends on your budget.

It all boils down to what works best for your setup. Penetration is probably the most important element. But it must be delivered accurately.

Hope this helps!

 

[Trinity]

Thanks, Yes this is very helpful!
It’s been quite a learning journey since I first posted my question. The information shared on this site, like yours, has been invaluable. Attaining a “basic” understanding of KE, Momentum, Speed, Penetration has been an eye opener.
I now have a scale, arrow spinner, arrow balance edge... and having fun! I’ve come a long way in feeling good about my elk hunting arrow setup and to date have landed here:
Mission xr sub-1 bow
19” 430 gr arrow - total weight
125 gr QAD Exodus full blade Bh
19% FoS
386 FPS
143 KE
.74 slugs - momentum
(I’m using Archery Calculator site to calculate KE and Momentum).
Just received my new target, and starting to site in....

 

[TomOnTheRun]

But, the TGs will make a bigger hole, right, Stew? Or do ya think they're too light for elk?

I think the TGs only come in 100gr? But maybe a 25 gr colar could be added? Sorry, just think'n out loud...

IF that is BH choice I'd be installing some heavy arse inserts in my arrows.

Elk hunt on my bucket list in the next three years. Hopefully, sooner!

 

[Trinity]

Good point. I knew the forum input shows 465 gr as a minimum arrow weight recommendation. I admit that when I got to 19% foc and .74 slugs I figured I had the penetration figures I needed.
Adding 35 gr to get to 465 would add .02 to momentum slugs (74 to 76) and 5 to KE (143 to 148). FPS would be about 379. Don’t know what the %FOC increase would be.
Is adding 35 gr to get +2 slugs a good move? I’ve looked all over for a min. momentum slug recommendation for elk, or any animal for that matter, and have yet to find one.

IF that is BH choice I'd be installing some heavy arse inserts in my arrows.

Elk hunt on my bucket list in the next three years. Hopefully, sooner!