So I purchased a set of broadheads from a company that has been gaining steam recently. The product reviews where mixed but they have a limited lifetime warranty. So I did a basic test. I stretched a rubber band between two pegs and pushed the broad head between them. My expectation was that it would cut the rubber bands. Did even slice them on the first try. Actually I had to sharpen the head with a file a bit before it even started to slice the band? So my question is this an unfair test. Should a broadhead be able to slice a rubber band with tension on it out of the box? Yes I understand that are several variables to consider but assuming tension is adequate and such is this a fair test?
I shot trad gear for three decades and never had a head of that variety come sharp enough to consider hunting. Thus I found a style for sharpening them by hand that worked well. Since going to a compound and buying heads that are supposedly pre-sharpened, I still find that most need to be touched up a bit to meet my personal standards. I've shot Magnus Stingers on and off for several years and every one gets touched up, along with my Shuttle-T's and NAP Hellrazors. So I don't think that your finding is out of the norm, unless it is a razor-blade type head like a Slick Trick with disposable blades.
I think they should be sharp enough to cut a rubber band that way. I tried the new NAP Double Cross last year and when I put a rubber band around the head to hold them in place in my quiver, they cut the rubber band every time. As long as the broadheads are doing significant damage once fired from a bow, I wouldn't worry about it. However, if I had that info before I used them, I would sharpen them prior to using them.
I'm just happy to see folks who care enough about their gear to test it out rather than just take stuff from a package and head to the woods. Good on you, sir!
Unfortunately unless you're buying razor blade replaceable types, Slicks, the crazy money German Kinetics or the original Solids, I've needed to sharpen every other head that I have tried.
Careful about giving ol' copper boy too much credit. His head swells up and he can't get anything done except telling everyone how great he is!!!!!
I guess if you have high expectations you have to take steps to make sure your equipment meets your standards, if you rely on others you will be disappointed.
I always preform this test on all of my broad heads and I think it is a great test, I always expect my head to be sharp out of the package but sometimes they are not.
Thanks guys for the feedback. I'm trying to give this broadhead a fair shake. Compared to the price points on the Solids and Silverflames I guess I can't complain too much. Time will tell how they hold up. I did contact the company and they were very polite and seemed genuinely concern about my satisfaction of their product. So I'm gonna sharpen these up and see how they hold an edge. Thanks again.
Personally I'm not to worried if the broad heads are not razor sharp out of the package. They are all going to be shot at a target before being used for hunting so I have to sharpen them anyway. I don't want to head into the woods without knowing the broadhead arrow combination is going to fly true.
