The above highlighted is the reason why the Rages and other mechanicals have issues. Not properly tuned and low draw weights=DANGER They are easier to tune b/c of the way they are designed. Just because an arrow is hitting a bullseye doesn't mean it is properly configured to maximize penetration.
Keep using them with that set-up and you will be disappointed. It's not IF, but WHEN. Any shot on a large adult deer that encounters any amount of bone from that set-up is likely to not produce a pass-thru. Not to pick on you, but you are exactly the hunter that Rage is marketing to. Someone that is just looking for a quick and easy way to get decent flight from a braodhead and may not have the experience to know how to tune, etc. The problem is, so many of the less experienced hunters are using them from poorly tuned and underpowered bows not realizing their error. It is resulting in a lot of hunters blaming the broadhead for poor performance or thinking that it is not opening. Not just Rage, but all large expandables should only be used by archers that have a very clear understanding of what equipment specs are required. I really think those types of heads should come with a WARNING label.
You would have to figure out total arrow weight etc, and compute the KE. It takes more KE than Rage would have you believe. Some recommend 60+ KE. It takes A LOT to push over 2" of blade through a deer, especially if you are bumping into some bone along the way. Good luck.
I love how we are giving broad head advice on bow setups that aren't properly tuned... How about we properly tune the bow (or have it done for us) before shooting ANY broadhead? The day people stop blaming mechanical heads for poorly tuned bows is the day hunting forums become boring I suppose though. Both broadheads have their place. It just amuses me when we as hunters pretend a whitetail deer has a mooses body...they dont, and 90% of mechanical bhs out there will have ZERO issue w any size whitetail deer...granted a bow is properly tuned of sufficient poundage.... Personally I wouldn't reccomend fixed OR mechanical for a poorly tuned bow, I'd reccomend tuning it. I see it everyday locally and it irritates me to no end.
First, stop patronizing me Second, what does "tuning your bow" mean? Third, I bought the bow new so it's already "tuned" Forth, mechanical broadheads fly "just like field points." Fifth, LMAO.
1. People should have to pass an IQ test to vote. 2. People should have to pass an IQ test to shoot mechanicals. They work, but are limited to specific specs and none of the companies want to talk about that. They just want everyone to believe that they are "expanding their kill zone." It's irresponsible at best. I dont blame the broadheads as much as I do the people shooting them that dont have a clue. And the companies that promote it. It would scare you to know how many guys are using large expandables and dont even know what KE is or how to calculate it. Or, how to tune a bow for that matter.
Agreed. Already changed my setup after doing more homework and realizing my errors. Agree there too - I was. Their heads flew straight and I didn't really think about the KE I had at the time. Guess I was lucky. I agree with the warning label part (but then companies wouldn't sell as many right? ) but real-world KE required to effectively kill an animal is relative. It would take more KE to take down a larger northern / Canada whitetail than it would a smaller "eastern" deer (like the kind I always see ), yet it seems we all lump deer together as "whitetail deer". If I was shooting a +200lb buck, I'd definitely want more than 60 or 65 ft-lbs. But for these littler ones in my neck of the woods (100-150lbs) i feel perfectly confident with my 55-60 ft-lbs.
Good for you! You have done your homework and will have a MUCH better result. Now, preach it!!! You are right about the size of deer or any game for that matter. Good for you for becoming a responsible archer and best of luck to you this season. Why do I feel like we should all gather down at the river and sing Hyms? He is born again!!
I'm pretty confident with my shooting and my setup and that it has enough power to shoot any broadhead mechanical or fixed through a deer
There is always that chance of hitting a large bone but hopefully that doesn't happen but if it does I hope it blows through that too. No one wants to wound an animal and not recover it
The broadheads don't say but the bow has 84.65 foot pounds of ke from the factory and I haven't changed much to affect that. I'm shooting a diamond outlaw and that info came from their website so I assume it's correct.
Okay what draw length do you have? whats the draw weight? and how much do your arrows weigh? this will help give a idea on how much KE your putting out.
Should be about 68 ft-lbs at 288fps if you have a 27" draw length with 28.5" arrows at 8.2gpi; ~70lbs draw weight; and i'm assuming regular 100gr heads, blazer vanes and standard insert & nock. Sounds good to me! Also, I used this calc to figure all that out: http://www.backcountrybowhunting.com/articles/calc/
