2 blade broadhead orientation

[Learner]

I have some POC arrows on order from Howard Hill Archery, which I will be using with my Big 5 longbow which is also on order with them.

I will be mounting Hill 145 gr. broadheads on these myself.

What is your preference for blade orientation on 2 blade broadheads: vertical, horizontal, or other?

I imagine that the answer for each individual will depend on the aiming system they use, to some extent.

Thank you,
Frank

[BWallace10327]

In my experience, arrows seemed to fly the best with a 2 blade oriented 6-12 o'clock if the shaft is a little weak, and 9-3 o'clock for a slightly stiff shaft.  I don't know about wood arrows, seeing as I shoot carbon, but the theory has worked for me.

[Friend]

Orientation, in my limited experience, has produced neither improvement nor degradation in quality of flight.

A verticle 2 blade BH will be more suspeptible to the effects of crosswinds.

A vericle 2 blade BH may obstruct an archer's view and focus.

[dbd870]

I don't worry about it.

[Tique]

IMO, with helical or offset fletch the arrow spins so broadhead orientation doesn't matter. Use whatever orientation you like.

[ChuckC]

Using our great glob of grey matter, it would seem that at the moment of release your arrow goes side to side during its paradoxical travels.  

It seems that it is at this point that it is at its wildest movement.   IF there was to be any steering made by the broadhead, that would be a perfect time for it to exacerbate the arrows' jump.  

A vertically positioned broadhead would look like a large fin, potentially catching wind and doing more movement, while a horizontally positioned broadhead would catch less and maybe steer less.  This all occurs before any substantive spin is imparted to the arrow by the fletching.

Of course, it seems that in actuality, it really doesn't happen like this and either way works well.  I suggest you try both ways and see what works well for your style.
ChuckC

[JakeD]

I shoot single bevel grizzlys on sitka spruce arrows and haven't noticed any kind of flight difference from arrow to arrow if the blades are at different positions. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Tim Finley]

All that matters is that you get the broadheads on straight .

[Red Beastmaster]

Back when I started I heard the explanation as ChuckC mentioned. Sounds reasonable. I mounted mine horizontal.

Now, 30 years later, I'm not so sure it makes a difference. I am so used to the sight picture of horizontal blades that any other orientation catches my eye at full draw and messes with my head.

So, to answer your question...............Horizontal, any other position is just weird.

[MnFn]

If you wanted consistency, if you were really sure of your draw length you could mount, say a Zwickey two blade vertically  so that the head just barely touches the finger on your bow hand. It would be an indicator that you drew your full drawlength.

I think I read that Byron F. does that.

[jabodnar]

I mount mine horizontal, but with a 31" draw I need all the clearance I can get.  I also have a tendency to pull a little past and settle into my anchor, then start expanding. This way I don't worry about hitting my hand.  

Never noticed the broadhead obstructing my view, but I don't gap shoot either.

[riverrat 2]

I set them horizontal. It helps me get a better aiming view for my gap needs. I cant see the broadhead when it is oriented that way is all. The arrow flys the same just as Friend stated.  rat'

[BAK]

Horizontal for less distracting sight picture and less wind planing off the shelf.

[Learner]

Originally posted by riverrat 2:
I set them horizontal. It helps me get a better aiming view for my gap needs. I cant see the broadhead when it is oriented that way is all. The arrow flys the same just as Friend stated.  rat'

Thank you.  This is exactly what I was wondering.

I believe that my aiming is developing as somewhat instinctive, but even still I am thinking that having the broadhead set horizontally may interfere less with my "subconscious" view of the arrow in my sight picture.

Best wishes,
Frank

[riverrat 2]

[crazynate]

I don't worry either. From the testing I've done it makes no difference. A tuned bow is a tuned bow

[Brock]

all that matters in my opinion is they are straight....the arrow spins in flight...and the paradox happens for a micro second....I believe any impact by broadhead position is minuscule compared to impact from your draw, release, anchor point or arrow/bow tuning.  In other words... Dont sweat it...do what you like.

[Trenton G.]

I set them so that they are horizontal when I cant the bow. This just gets that blade out of my vision which helps me focus more. Not sure if this hurts anything, but they fly like darts.

[kenneth butler]

Most all of the above has merit. I might try to tie it all together. The arrow rotates so no wind difference. If you have a slight left or right problem (spine/release) then horizontal might help.A slight up or down problem (nocking point or fletch contact) vertical might help. Well tuned shouldn't make any difference. In any case sighting/vision is the most important.      Ken

[HOGLESS2]

I don't think you will have a choice on wood arrows if they are already fletched. You have to spin them to make sure the broad head is on straight   Where ever it is straight you have to glue them up for good arrow flight   I use to put broad head on first then fletch to get the head at the angle I wanted.