As an archer, selecting the right arrow point can make a significant difference in your shooting accuracy and hunting success. Two of the most commonly used arrow points are broadheads and field points, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Field points are typically used for target practice, while broadheads are designed for hunting. Broadheads come in different types and configurations, such as fixed blade and mechanical, and are crucial for achieving a clean and humane kill.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of each arrowhead type (Broadheads field points) and help you make an informed decision on when to use them. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
When to Use Field Points?
When it comes to archery, selecting the right arrow point can make all the difference in your performance. If you’re looking to improve your skills in target shooting and archery competitions, then field points are the ideal choice.
Field points are arrowheads designed specifically for target practice and shooting competitions. Their narrow design provides true flight, making them ideal for tuning bows, target practice, and archery competitions. Field points are typically made of steel, and their design allows for easy penetration into target materials such as foam or cardboard.
Moreover, field points come in various sizes and weights to match the bow draw weight and arrow shaft length of the archer. Field points are also relatively cheap and easy to replace, which makes them a cost-effective option for target shooting.
However, it’s important to note that field points should never be used for hunting, as they lack the necessary cutting power to take down game animals effectively.
Pros of Field Points:
- Field points are typically cheaper than broadheads, which makes them a cost-effective option.
- Field points are easy to replace, which makes them an excellent option for practicing and testing different arrow configurations.
- Field points are designed to provide accurate indications of where the arrow hits, which is essential for improving your archery skills.
Cons of Field Points:
- Field points are not designed for hunting and do not have the same penetrating power as broadheads.
- Field points have a smaller wound channel, which can lead to slower and less humane kills.
- Field points and broadheads have different flight characteristics, which means you’ll need to tune your bow differently for each type of arrow point.
When to use Broadheads?
When it comes to hunting, using the right arrowhead can make all the difference. Broadheads are specifically designed for hunting and are much larger and heavier than field points.
They have razor-sharp blades that can cut through animal hide and flesh, causing significant damage and ultimately leading to a quick and humane kill. So when should you use broadheads?
Broadheads should be used for hunting, particularly for larger game animals such as deer, elk, and moose. Unlike field points, broadheads are designed to cause maximum damage upon impact, ensuring that the animal is taken down quickly and humanely.
This is particularly important when hunting large game as it reduces the risk of the animal running away wounded and suffering.
Pros of Broadheads:
- Broadheads are designed specifically for hunting and have the penetrating power required to take down the game.
- Broadheads have a larger wound channel, which can lead to quicker and more humane kills.
- Broadheads come in different configurations, such as fixed blade and mechanical, which can provide a range of options for different hunting scenarios.
Cons of Broadheads:
- Broadheads are typically more expensive than field points, which can make them a costly option for frequent hunting.
- Broadheads require tuning to ensure they fly accurately and consistently, which can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.
- Broadheads and field points have different flight characteristics, which can impact the accuracy of the arrow if the bow is not tuned correctly.
Broadheads: Types
Broadheads come in two main types: fixed blade and mechanical.
Fixed-blade broadheads have a fixed set of blades that do not move, while mechanical broadheads have blades that expand when they hit the target.
Both types of broadheads are effective for hunting, but each has its own set of pros and cons.
Fixed Blade Broadheads:
Fixed-blade broadheads are the most popular type used for deer hunting. They are simple to use and provide a reliable and accurate shot.
Fixed blade broadheads come in two or three-blade configurations, and the number of blades affects the size of the wound channel.
Three-blade broadheads provide a larger wound channel, which can lead to quicker and more humane kills. However, fixed-blade broadheads may require more tuning to ensure accurate flight, especially when used with high-speed bows.
Mechanical Broadheads for Deers:
Mechanical broadheads are a more recent development in arrow technology. They have blades that expand upon impact, which increases their cutting diameter and wound channel.
Mechanical broadheads are often preferred by hunters who want a large wound channel but do not want to sacrifice accuracy.
However, mechanical broadheads are generally more expensive than fixed-blade broadheads and can be more challenging to tune due to their moving parts.
Broadheads for Crossbows:
Crossbows have different requirements for broadheads due to their higher draw weight and shorter arrows. Crossbow broadheads are typically shorter and heavier than standard broadheads and come in both fixed blade and mechanical configurations.
Crossbow broadheads also have specific features, such as a reduced drag coefficient and improved accuracy, which make them ideal for crossbow hunting.
Broadheads for Turkey:
Turkey hunting requires a different set of considerations when it comes to broadheads. While some broadheads that are used for deer hunting may also work for turkey hunting, it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for this game.
The weight of the broadhead is a crucial factor to consider when choosing one for turkey hunting. Turkey broadheads usually range from 100 to 200 grains, which is much lighter than those used for deer hunting. This is because turkeys have a smaller body size, and the aim is to kill them with a single shot.
Arrow Weight:
Another important consideration is the arrow weight. The best arrows for turkey hunting are normally between 400 and 500 grains. Adding more weight can give the broadhead more penetration, which is useful when hunting larger games such as deer. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a heavier arrow may also affect the flight trajectory and speed.
One popular type of broadhead for turkey hunting is the mechanical or expandable broadhead. The second option as we discuss is the fixed-blade broadhead, which has blades that remain stationary.
These broadheads are typically more durable and can be more accurate than mechanical broadheads. However, they may not have as large a cutting diameter and may require a more precise shot placement to achieve a clean kill.
Flight Differences:
When it comes to flight differences between broadheads and field points, it’s important to consider the shape and design of each. Broadheads, with their wider blades, generate more friction and have a greater surface area, causing them to slow down quicker in flight.
This can be especially problematic in windy conditions, where the arrow’s surface area can cause it to drift off course. On the other hand, field points are more aerodynamic due to their tapered and narrow shape, resulting in less resistance and drag while in flight.
This makes field points much more reliable when shooting over longer distances. However, with proper tuning and practice, a well-tuned bow and appropriate arrows can significantly reduce accuracy differences between broadheads and field points.
Tuning Matters:
Tuning your bow is crucial when it comes to shooting accurately with broadheads. It’s important to make sure that your bow is properly set up and that the broadheads you’re using are perfectly aligned with your arrows. The following steps can help you tune your bow for broadheads:
Acquire Practice Broadheads
Before you start tuning your bow, it’s a good idea to purchase practice broadheads. These are designed to simulate the flight of real broadheads, so you can test your setup without damaging your expensive hunting heads.
Evaluate Flight of Broadheads and Field Points
Shoot your arrows with both field points and practice broadheads to see how they fly.
If you notice a significant difference in their flight patterns, then you’ll need to adjust your bow or arrows.
Adjusting the Flight of Your Broadheads
There are a few different ways to correct broadhead flight. You can adjust your arrow spine, add weight to your arrow, adjust your bow’s draw weight or length, or adjust your bow’s rest or nocking point.
Keep making small adjustments until your practice broadheads fly consistently with your field points.
Remember that tuning your bow can take some time and patience, but it’s worth it to ensure that your arrows fly straight and hit your target.
Broadheads Vs. Field Points (An Overview)
| Field Points | Broadheads | |
| Usage | Target practice | Hunting |
| Design | Narrow design | Larger and heavier with razor-sharp blades |
| Types | – | Fixed blade and mechanical |
| Pros | Cheap and easy to replace; true flight | Cause maximum damage; quick and humane kills |
| Cons | Lack cutting power for hunting | More expensive; may require more tuning |
| Fixed blade may require more tuning; larger size | ||
| Arrow | Made of steel | Made of steel; heavier |
| Weight | Various sizes | Specific weights for different types of hunting |
| Flight | True flight | Slower in windy conditions |
FAQ Broadheads vs Field Points
Do broadheads shoot the same as field points?
No, broadheads and field points don’t always shoot the same due to their different designs.
Field points are designed to be aerodynamic and create the minimal drag, whereas broadheads are designed to create a wound channel on impact. Therefore, broadheads may fly differently than field points.
How do you match broadheads to field points?
To match broadheads to field points, you need to make sure they have the same weight and shape.
This ensures that both types of arrows have the same trajectory and hit the target with the same amount of force. It’s important to test the accuracy of the broadheads before using them in hunting situations.
Should broadheads fly like field points?
Ideally, broadheads should fly like field points to ensure accuracy and consistency. However, due to their design, broadheads may not always fly exactly like field points.
Therefore, it’s important to test the accuracy of your arrows and broadheads before hunting to make sure they are hitting the target where you want them to.
Do broadheads shoot lower than field points?
It’s possible for broadheads to shoot lower than field points due to their design, which creates more drag and can cause the arrow to drop faster.
However, this can vary depending on the type of arrow, bow, and other factors.