Going to get it out of the way now NOT TO BEAT A DEAD HORSE OR ANYTHING, but I was reading a study conducted on an Air Force base on deer harvest rates specifically fixed vs mechanical broadheads. The study said that over a decade long study hunters that used mechanical broadheads shot at 161 deer and recovered 143 of them. While hunters using fixed blade heads shot at 1,001 deer and recovered 821. These results really surprised me and I got to thinking that this might have something to do with the compound and crossbows the mechanical side was probably using. While the fixed blade side probably had some traditional equipment shots thrown in there and older slower bows. Otherwise it could have something to do with mechanicals having a bigger cutting surface than a fixed blade, I'm not sure what are y'alls opoinions? Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
The mech recovery rate was 89 percent. While the fixed blade recovery rate was 82 percent Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I think that was done here in Maryland. The guy that did it was a member here and posted his results one time. If you search on here I'm sure you could find it. Can't remember the guys fourm name though.
What decade was this test conducted - the 90's? The ratio of guys flinging mechanical heads to fixed heads is way out of whack here.
Sorry 1989 to 2012 so yea if they would have shot the same amount of arrows results might be different. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
840 shots more with fixed blades than mechanicals. I would say that this is an apples oranges comparison.
I would think in today's age the recovery rate would be about the same. I'm sure for a period of time when mechanicals were getting the bugs worked out they lagged fixed blades in recovery. Fixed blades offer consistency while mechanicals, when they work, which most of them do well these days, are devastating. I think it's all about your complete setup and of course shot placement. Everything must come together Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
The data tells you nothing ... lies, damn lies and statistics. While 89% to 82% looks good there (like others have pointed out) are no other indicators into what may have accounted in the math. My personal recovery rate in archery fixed head is 98%. But I have never shot a mechanical head at game. Shot placement and tracking skill along with a bit of luck has more with recovery rate than type of head.
In my opinion, the best choice is the one you're most comfortable with. If you aren't 100% on board with a changing types, don't do it. Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
I've shot a lot of deer with a bow and I've found that if you place that broadhead through the vitals. It's a dead deer and it doesn't matter if it's a $20 top brand or a $3 bargain brand. Shot placement will ALWAYS determine you success. Sent from my MotoG3 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
Totally agree. The shots YOU take most will determine the type of head you prefer...Mine tend to be steep angled, less than 10 yards & mechanical heads don't like that shot.
I have used Spitfires and spitfire maxxs for about 10 yrs now. I've had no issues with well-placed shots from 8 yds steep to about 40 yds. However, I'll be attempting to use fixed this year for Colorado elk, hoping to extend the range a bit without the reduction in pass through possibility. Another hunter was dicussing this topic with the tech that was setting my new bow Up. The tech's response was the bigger the animal, the smaller the head should be. Which makes since. Bigger target, easier to hit something vital. In addition, with the smaller head, penetration will be better if all other variables remain the same. Also without the mechanical having to be opened, all of that energy is used for penetration. I will, however be sticking with the spitfire for deer, it hasn't failed me yet.
Yes because knowing the head used gives us the data that really causes most harvests: hunter skill and arrow build. Both are much bigger factors than the head specifically.........smh
Not to be so old that I "can't learn new tricks" but I do shoot what I am comfortable with and what I know that when I do my part it will do it's part. Definitely from the fixed blade school here except for turkeys and then mechanicals are the way to go.
