Broadhead selection question. Weighted insert or heavy head?

[shedhunta]

My longbow is tuned with 20 grain inserts and 200 grain field points.  I alread have an assortment of 125 grain heads(montecs, hellrazors).  My question is would you guys use 100 grain brass inserts and the 125 heads, or stick with normal 20 grain inserts and 200 grain heads?  I realize it is a 5 grain difference.  I will probably end up trying both but was wondering which route you guys would take.  Thx. Shedhunta

[Bowwild]

It depends a bit. To promote good arrow flight I don't want to get too wide of a broadhead. So that's a "vote" for inserts rather than heavier head.  However, if the head isn't what I consider too wide the heavier head will likely be thicker and maybe more sturdy. That's a vote for more head and less insert.

I am shooting a 100 grain insert with a 125 grain broadhead. I could get this broadhead in heavier weight and drop the insert weight but the heavier broadhead is wider than I want for optimum penetration.

[shedhunta]

Originally posted by Bowwild:
It depends a bit. To promote good arrow flight I don't want to get too wide of a broadhead. So that's a "vote" for inserts rather than heavier head.  However, if the head isn't what I consider too wide the heavier head will likely be thicker and maybe more sturdy. That's a vote for more head and less insert.

I am shooting a 100 grain insert with a 125 grain broadhead. I could get this broadhead in heavier weight and drop the insert weight but the heavier broadhead is wider than I want for optimum penetration.

Good point about a larger broadhead.  I do gap shoot at longer ranges and a long broadhead will mess with my head.

[old_goat2]

I use the 100gr insert and 125gr broadheads, like the other guys said, I like a little smaller profile broadhead and there are a plethora of 125gr broadheads. I normally use Magnus Stingers but for turkey I can throw on 125gr bullheads and then I have a plethora of 125gr junker heads to shoot at small game in the stuff left over from my wheelie days. I think the brass inserts are a lot stronger than the aluminum and since they are longer they have a better grip in the arrow shaft versus the aluminum ones.

[awbowman]

I like 125 heads because there is such an assortment.  I also believe that the insert acts somewhat like a footing to assist in taking the impact. I'm a newbie but that's what I believe.

Either way, I prefer a brass insert over an Aluminum insert

[TxAg]

Originally posted by old_goat2:
I use the 100gr insert and 125gr broadheads, like the other guys said, I like a little smaller profile broadhead and there are a plethora of 125gr broadheads. I normally use Magnus Stingers but for turkey I can throw on 125gr bullheads and then I have a plethora of 125gr junker heads to shoot at small game in the stuff left over from my wheelie days. I think the brass inserts are a lot stronger than the aluminum and since they are longer they have a better grip in the arrow shaft versus the aluminum ones.

Bout the same thing i do.  I also foot with 1.5" of aluminum so i feel like the front end of my carbons are as bomb proof as possible.

[BowHunterGA]

I have used the heavy brass inserts alot in the past and one side effect of the brass inserts is making the carbons extremly tough!

Also, keep in mind when using the heavy/longer inserts that they work just like an external footing meaning they do change the spine of the arrow somewhat. Don't forget to take this into consideration.

Good luck!

[karrow]

i agree with awbowman. that there more of a selection in the 125 gr heads so ther for i use a 100 gr insert and glue in adpt, but the idea of a all one pc screw in broadhead is nice also. options are endless

[Skipmaster1]

The lighter head with heavier(longer) insert will make the arrow a bit stiffer than the heavier head.

[Alexander Traditional]

I'm getting good flight with the stock 15gr. insert and a 145gr. tip. I have a bunch of 125gr. heads also. I take 8x32 screws and cut off enough to weigh 20 gr. and screw them into the back of the insert. Either way I'm at 160 grains in the front. I think since the screw part is not tight inside the arrow like the insert I'm not affecting spine?

[jcar315]

Originally posted by BowHunterGA:

Also, keep in mind when using the heavy/longer inserts that they work just like an external footing meaning they do change the spine of the arrow somewhat. Don't forget to take this into consideration.

Good luck!

Well said.

I'm not an "arrow geek" and don't know all the ins and outs of Stu's calculator but do some experimenting and find something that works for you.

I've surprised myself a time or two with an arrow that I didn't think would "work" but ended up "working" great! Experiment with 1 arrow / shaft and let your own results guide you.

I love making arrows so any excuse to make more is good in my book!

[Jwilliam]

I deceided to go the heavier insert route. Mainly because I had a boat load of 150gr. broadheads. I have been highly impressed by the results.    


Bill

[shedhunta]

Thanks for all the info everyone!