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When turkey hunting, you may at one or more times hit a turkey, but you ended up losing it as it got away from you despite the hit. This happens typically when hunting with an arrow. The reason for the turkey taking flight despite being hit is the lousy quality of the broad head you are using.
You need to attach a sharp broadhead on your arrow that will cut deep into the turkey giving it no chance of running away. To make sure that this does not happen to you again, this article will look at the best broad heads for turkey hunting in 2021. We will also look at some of the factors to consider when purchasing a broadhead.
What’s a Turkey Broadhead?
This is a cutting device that is affixed on an arrow shaft when hunting. The broadhead cuts through the turkey once it is dislodged and leaves a hole that leads to the quick death of the turkey.
Types of Turkey Broadhead
There are three types of broadheads; fixed, removable, and mechanical or expandable blades, regardless of the nature of broadhead, it should be durable, sharp and match your equipment and the game you intend to hunt. Make sure you sharpen the blade after each hunting session and before you go into the field for your next hunting expedition.
The three types of broadheads fall under two categories; cut-on-contact and chisel point broadheads.
A cut-on-contact type of broadhead’s blade is located at the tip to make the arrow slow less upon impact. A cut-on-contact broadhead is suitable for hunting turkeys and other smaller animals. Still, some hunters also use them for deer hunting. The broadhead penetrates the animal quickly, giving it less running time, thus less tracking. However, this broadhead can be damaged in case it hits the target’s bone.
A chisel broadhead is fitted with a leading tip that directly diverts the blade to avoid hitting the bone of the animal or other organs that can harm the blades. Though the blades have different point profiles, their penetration is the same. This type of broadhead is suitable for hunting big game such as bear, elk, and deer as they are more durable.
Why Do You Need A Turkey Broadhead?
A turkey broadhead is vital when turkey hunting as its impact will prevent the turkey from running away. The broadhead profoundly penetrates the turkey, immobilizing it instantly. This saves you time as you won’t have to go looking for a bird that took off with an arrow lodged on its body.
A broadhead is also used to hit and penetrate your prey to the point of immobilizing it by damaging its internal organs. This makes the turkey lose blood faster, which hastens its death process.
Editor’s Top Pick | Top 5 Best Broadhead For Turkey Hunting With A Crossbow
1. Rage BowhuntingXtreme Series Mechanical Broadheads
This is the latest broadhead model from the famous manufacturer, Rage. It is an improved version of an earlier version as it has new redesigns and features. Rage is a leading brand in broadhead making, and it is recommended by people who have experience in hunting.
This broadhead has 0.035” blades weighs 100 grains. It also has a cutting diameter of 2.3” coupled with a robust design. The main blades have the speed controlling feature as they have a length of 0.75” that enables this seamlessly. Also, the broadhead has a tip that prevents it from cutting through the turkey. A shock collar is also included to make the broadhead stay intact inside the target after it has been hit.
The Rage Xtreme Turkey broadhead has been tested against dozens of other broadhead brands in the market, and it has performed better than other brands. The testing done during spring was exceptional, which supports what customers have been saying about the product. It is suitable for beginners, waverers, or experienced hunters.
- 2.3” cutting diameter
- 100 Grains
- 0.035” blade thickness
- Cut-on-contact tip to hook meat
- Two broadheads in one pack
- Sometimes does not open on impact.
2. G5 Outdoors Montec 100 Grain Carbon Steel Premium
This broadhead has a fixed tip, and it is made from 100% stainless steel. The lightweight tip better displays the supremacy of a fixed tip, and the lightweight feature enables easy transportation when hunting.
Despite being lightweight, it has adequate wind resistance that gives it an accurate and correct flight. It has a balanced spin with the perfect weight for an incredible flight pattern. The broadhead also features cut blades made of diamond that make it sharp enough to go through the target in an ideal shot quickly.
This type of head ensures accuracy for hitting the target accurately, causing more damage and leaving a visible blood trail. The package also comes with several practice blades to provide you with a better feel before going for the actual hunting adventure. The blades are made using Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology; this is a heat treatment that enhances density and strength, making the blades more aerodynamic and stronger.
Fixing the broadhead is easy as you only have to screw it into the shaft; this feature ensures durability. Also, the blades do not need to be sharpened regularly.
- Lightweight
- Blades made of diamond
- Leaves a more visible blood trail
- Needs a few repairs
- Stainless steel made
- Expensive than others in the market
3. Rage CrossbowX 2-Blade Archery Arrow Broadhead
Apart from turkey, this broadhead can pass through and take down deer, bears, and elks in an instant. It is specially designed and built for use on crossbows. It cuts through 2 inches into the target, leaving a visible blood trail. The broadhead opens up easily hence damaging and delivering a clean kill.
It also has a durable exterior to claim several kills in a single hunting session. It kills the animal humanely at death is quick when you use this broadhead. In case the blades bend upon impact, you can apply heat on it and tap on it lightly using a hammer to straighten it.
It is easy to maintain as you can use whetstone freshening on the razors. Once the animal is hit, it leaves a lengthy and extensive blood trail, which is caused by the large wound left by the broadhead. It has a precise and quick mechanism that moves the animal dead in an instant. It is among the best mechanical broadheads on the market.
- Shock collar technology
- Has three units
- Comes in either 100 Grains or 250 Grains
- SlipCam design
- Precise and accurate
- The blades sometimes bend on impact.
4. Swhacker Set of 3-100 Grain 2 Inch Cut broadheads
This broadhead is not among the most attractive or the latest in the market, but it is as lethal as they come. Experienced hunters have used it for hunting the biggest game in North America, making it a child’s play when it comes to turkey hunting. It comes in a set of 3 broadheads with 0.032” thick blades that are razor sharp and made of stainless steel. The broadhead also has two blades that are expandable with 100 grains.
Though it has a smaller cutting diameter than the Rage series, it still reaches the 2” mark. The blade enters deeply into the animal, leaving a length and visible blood trail.
The blades remain in good condition even after multiple shots, which is a feature not available in other brands of broadheads as most of them require blade replacement after several shots. They need minimal sharpening before the next hunting adventure.
The blades do not need replacing as they withstand multiple shots saving you on time and money. Most of the users have attested to this robust feature of the broadhead. However, some hunters say that the broadhead is a little loud, but the problem can be solved with band tuning.
- Comes in a set of 3 broadheads
- 2-blade broadhead
- 100 grains
- 0.032” thick blade
- Made of stainless steel
- Razor-sharp
- A little loud
5. Bullhead 3 Blade Arrow Broadhead (Pack of 3)
This broadhead has a large cutting area specially designed for neck and headshots. This feature makes the broadhead perfect for turkey hunting. It has a distinctive blade design that delivers a clean and ethical kill.
The blades are made of stainless steel that makes them razor-sharp with a 0.48” thickness. It also has a screw-in ferrule made from quality aluminum to ensure reliability and durability.
This broadhead comes in a pack of three units; it also comes with a DVD that has instructions on how to use the broadhead. It is easy to install and replace blades as it has a simple design.
This broadhead also comes in two types of grains; 100 grains and 125 grains with a cutting diameter of 2-3/4” and 3-3/4” respectively. The blades can be replaced and sharpened any time; you do not need plastic or straw shields when you need a smooth flight.
- 0.048” blades made of stainless steel
- Replaceable blades
- Comes with replacement blades
- No plastic or straw shields needed.
- Cuts wider
- Works best with long arrows
How to Choose the Best Broadhead For Turkey Hunting With A Crossbow
When choosing a broadhead for turkey hunting, there are some attributes you need to look for to enable you to find the best broadhead. Here are some of the things you need to consider when choosing the best broadhead for turkey hunting.
I. Type
The type of broadhead is a vital consideration to make; you can either choose a fixed or mechanical blade design. You can consider mechanical broadheads as they are easier to use, and they have a cutting diameter that’s larger than that of fixed blades. The cut-on-contact or chisel tip can also be a consideration where the chisel tip is more durable.
II. Weight
The weight of the broadhead depends on the type of bow you will be using. If using a crossbow, go for a heavier broadhead, and when using a traditional bow, choose a light broadhead. The size of the animal you intend to hunt can also determine the weight of the broadhead; if it is big, go for the heavier one.
III. Number of Blades
A turkey hunting broadhead with a mechanical blade design has two large blades that leave the turkey with a large wound. Some have three modules, although they are rare in the market, two blades work well provided the cutting diameter is capable of finishing the job.
IV. Cutting Diameter
The bigger the cutting diameter, the more damage it will create. Width of 1 ¾ inch is ideal as it delivers the required impact as it produces sufficient blood loss. Fixed blades design has a smaller cutting diameter than mechanical ones, and they can be used in turkey hunting.
V. Durability
Always consider a broadhead that is made from a durable material such as stainless steel or diamond. This will enable you to use the broadheads for a couple of hunting seasons. The quality material leaves them looking like new after practice before the actual hunting takes place. The broadheads reviewed above are all made from quality and durable materials.
Frequently asked questions(FAQ)
What is the best crossbow broadhead for turkeys?
Bullhead 3 Blade Arrow Broadhead, Swhacker Set of 3-100 Grain 2 Inch Cut broadheads, Rage CrossbowX 2-Blade Archery Arrow Broadhead, and Rage BowhuntingXtreme Series Mechanical Broadheads are some of the broadheads you can use on a crossbow.
Can you use deer broadheads for turkey?
A deer broadhead is not suitable for turkey as it inflicts a lot of unnecessary damage to the turkey.
Where is the best place to shoot a turkey?
When using a firearm, aim for the neck and head but if using a bow aim for the lungs and the heart.
What is the best broadhead for a compound bow?
The G5 Outdoors Montec 100 Grain Carbon Steel Premium broadhead is one of the best to use with a compound bow.
Are crossbows and compound bow broadheads the same?
Yes. Both types of bows can use the same broadheads as the cutting ability, and energy delivery is the same.
Final Verdict
The type of broadhead you use for turkey hunting on your crossbow or arrow is essential as it will determine whether or not you will bag your turkey. Get a broadhead that will immobilize the turkey instantly, leaving it no room to take flight, and in the event it does, it will not go far.
A good broadhead should leave a lengthy blood trail to enable the hunter to easily tract the injured turkey. Also, go for a broadhead made from durable material that will give you service for several hunting seasons without having to replace it. It should also be easy to sharpen before and after each practice or hunting session