Expandable & Mechanical Broadheads

An expandable broadhead keeps its blades closed during flight and deploys them when it hits the target. Because the profile is compact in the air, mechanical heads usually fly closer to field points than fixed blades do. Once open, most cut about 1.5" to 2.5", compared with roughly 1" to 1.5" for a typical fixed blade.

There are two main deployment styles:

• Rear-deploying: the blades slide backward and outward on impact. Many use a collar, clip, or band to keep the blades closed in flight.
• Over-the-top (front-deploying): the blades open from the front as the tip makes contact.

Expandable vs. Fixed Blade Broadheads

Expandable (Mechanical) Broadheads

Expandable broadheads typically offer flight characteristics closer to field points, making them more forgiving when tuning your bow. Their blades open on impact to create a larger cutting diameter, often around 1.5–2.5 inches. Because some energy is used to deploy the blades, they are generally best suited to fast, well-powered setups and hunters who prioritize a larger wound channel and precise shot placement.

Fixed Blade Broadheads

Fixed-blade broadheads have a smaller cutting diameter, commonly around 1–1.5 inches, but they retain more energy for penetration because there are no blades that need to deploy on impact. They generally perform best with a well-tuned bow and can be a suitable choice for lower-poundage setups, heavy-boned game, or hunters who prioritize penetration.

Get Broadhead Help at Our Springfield, MO Pro Shop

Not sure which mechanical broadhead suits your draw weight or arrow setup? Our team at James River Archery in Springfield, Missouri, can help match a broadhead to your bow and check your tuning.