Single Bevel Heads?

[beauleyse]

I read more on this site than I post,because I honestly enjoy reading more than writing. I've traditionally bow hunted for nearly 10 years now and I've grown quite fond of the sport. I like this site for the knowledge and stories both good and bad shared. Now that said, stories are what what I am looking for I have read the Ashby report and I see merit in his theories and tests. My question to those out there do you see that much of a difference in single bevel heads... I.e. Penetration? Blood trails? Bone Breaking? I've used 3 blade broad heads to kill many animals with but I have had few complete pass through as opposed to my two blade double bevel heads... I know arrow weight and tuning play a role and such, but from some one who has never used a single bevel head, is it that much better than a double bevel?  

I've purchased a new bow and I'm beefing up my arrows a little... as a man hunting mean pigs and deer in south Georgia is the single bevel concept that much better for me or is more an African game kind of idea... Please any information is welcomed both good and bad...It is better to learn from the misfortune of others than your own, as my Grandfather use to say... Thanks again Beau

[Ragnarok Forge]

I think the real advantage to single bevel heads come into play for large game.  Large pigs qualify here.   I also think it helps if your shooting lighter bows or short draw lengths.   I use single bevel heads exclusively since I hunt elk with 55 lb longbows.   My wife and daughter hunt elk with 40 lb bows and EFOC arrows with single bevel heads as well.  Penetration is critical with their light bows on large game.   If you shoot 60 lbs or more with a moderate or long draw I think any razor sharp head will do the job on all  North American game.

[Joe Subler]

Ragnarok,  how was your penetration on elk with your 55# bow and single bevel heads?

Joe

[StanM]

Hi Beau,

You can get a single bevel head in a three blade.  Check out our website if you are interested.  I think there are valid advantages to them.  Having said that, there are a lot of animals that have been taken with two, three and four blades in a double bevel.  Most important is to stick with a quality constructed head that YOU can get sharp and that will give you confidence.  There are a lot of great heads on the market.  Good time to be a bowhunter!

Stan

[SlowBowinMO]

I like single bevels, well actually prefer them, as for me they get sharper than anything else.  Bloodtrails have been good too...

I consider hogs a much better test of your tackle than deer, with their tough, often mud caked hides and heavy bones there's nothing wrong with wanting a single bevel head.  Most everything works well if it's sharp and in the right spot, but I can't conceive of any scenario that "If only I hadn't used the single bevel" would apply.

[SuperK]

If I were only hunting whitetail deer I would stick with the 3 blade broadheads that you have been using. IMHO they put more blood on the ground than any 2 blade.  If you have the chance at a large porker, a single bevel isn't going to hurt(assuming you can get them as sharp).  I would advise you to incorporate ALL of Dr. Ashby's recommendations or you probably won't see that great of an advantage.  Several years ago I found that out first hand.

[JamesKerr]

I use a 3 blade broadhead with a very effecient longbow and I wouldn't hesitate to shoot any game animal in north america with my set-up. The only way I will ever shoot 2 blades again is if I were to shoot a cape buffalo, elephant, etc.

[Horne Shooter]

I guess it depends on your track record with each.  I have limited experience with 3 blade heads.  It was not good.  I used to use STOS 2 blade and liked them very much but I switched to Abowyer single bevel a few years ago and have had great success in terms of penetration.  I like to think that the blood trails are actually better than a 3 blade because I have 4 blades cutting a hole...two on the front and two on the back.  With a 3 blade (in my experience) I had more shots with an entry wound only.  I know lots of guys who like the 3 blade, I just don't have nearly the confidence in them.  The ABOWYERs are expensive but I usually shoot through the animal and then refletch the arrow, put the edge back on and they are ready to go again.