How does one decide what weight broadheads to use?

[Bowwild]

I'm with several here. I select the broadhead I want to hunt with. Then I tune the arrow by spine selection, shaft length, and insert weight.

I select my broadhead based upon trade-offs.  It must be a broadhead I think will give  me pass-through penetration out of the bows I hunt with. Too-wide a broadhead, or too many blades may impede penetration.

For example, the broadhead I like these days is a single bevel 2-blade. I can get it in 100, 125, and 155 grains. I had good luck in 2010 with the 100 grain (and insert weight). This year I used the 125 grain to get a bit more broadhead width. I changed my arrow spine and insert weight to make it work.  

I was toying with going to the 155 grain version this coming season but have decided, because it is a bit wider, I might not like the penetration.

The field tip, is the least important consideration. You can generally find or modify with weights a field tip to replicate your broadhead arrow.  If I couldn't, I'd practice only with the broadheads.

[68_super_k]

Originally posted by Bowwild:
I'm with several here. I select the broadhead I want to hunt with. Then I tune the arrow by spine selection, shaft length, and insert weight.

I select my broadhead based upon trade-offs.  It must be a broadhead I think will give  me pass-through penetration out of the bows I hunt with. Too-wide a broadhead, or too many blades may impede penetration.

For example, the broadhead I like these days is a single bevel 2-blade. I can get it in 100, 125, and 155 grains. I had good luck in 2010 with the 100 grain (and insert weight). This year I used the 125 grain to get a bit more broadhead width. I changed my arrow spine and insert weight to make it work.  

I was toying with going to the 155 grain version this coming season but have decided, because it is a bit wider, I might not like the penetration.

The field tip, is the least important consideration. You can generally find or modify with weights a field tip to replicate your broadhead arrow.  If I couldn't, I'd practice only with the broadheads.

Very well said.  I personally also prefer a single bevel primarily because of Dr. Ashby and his massive amount of data.  Personally I run 250 grains up front and use UFOC shafts.  My set up currently is achieving great flight performance.  I personally prefer heavy over anything.  Honestly if you haven't done so already please check out Dr. Ashby's data.  It's available online in printable PDF.  I have a giant 3 ring binder with nothing but his articles.  There is great insight into FOC Broadheads, bevels,sharpness and how to get maximum penetration (even though many of the tests were done on the heavy bone threashold,there is still very valuable information to be gained.)  Great thread, I really enjoyed reading everybody's responses too!

[Shan]

Whoa! Ferndale! i've been there. right near Big Fork right?

[caihlen]

Yep.  Bigfork is actually Upper Ferndale.

[JamesKerr]

I agree to look at the Ashby reports and see all the information and data he has collected. That said most of us are not hunting water buffalo. A moderate poundage bow of around 50-55 pounds with any well designed cut on contact broadhead will kill anything on this continent.

[WoodsyDave]

It's easy to see that everyone chooses by whatever means gives them confidence in their setup, as long as the arrow flies true.

Like most of you, I pick a broadhead first that I think will give me good penetration, a wide cutting area (to clip nearby arteries, etc), and stable flight from my bow setup. However, since kenetic energy equals penetration and that's a combination of weight and speed, I try to pick a broadhead around 140-150gr because I feel that gives me the best combination of speed and weight using a 50# setup and POC arrows cut 1" from my grip at full draw. I like the speed to keep arrow trajectory flatter and weight for penetration.

It's only my opinions, but it gives me confidence in my setup and its game stopping ability.

WoodsyDave

[hvyhitter]

I tune everything to shoot 160 snuffers. 40# to 70#, longbows and recurves, never have a worry about anything I shoot.........