Simmons or Stos for elk?

[NBK]

Realizing that we are all partial and biased (I'm counting on that...) I'd like to hear your opinions or preference for these heads for this years elk hunt.  I understand that placement is key, but just for kicks what would you all recommend?  I'm shooting a r/d longbow, 58#'s at my draw of 28 3/4", 600gr. arrows.  I'm torn between the 160gr. stos, or the 165gr. simmons safari.  I love my 160gr. snuffers on whitetails, but I'm going to a two blade for elk.  All opinions welcome.

[Soilarch]

I'm always thinking about sharpening...always, and the treesharks are going to be a bugger to sharpen unless you use a croc-stick contraption.  

No experience with either though.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Razor sharp first and foremost.  Simmons have a tendency to turn if they hit bone.  This will rob penetration depth from your shot.  See Byron Fergusons book for proof on this one.  He notes it as a positive thing for deer.  Elk ribs are heavy, loosing penetration is a bad thing with large animals. I would stick with the STOS.

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Have a look at the pictures on the STOS website. They've taken heaps of big game.

[YORNOC]

I'm a STOS guy. Took two bison with them and a cow elk. Very strong head.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I think you flip a coin heads or tails both should do a outstanding job on elk, and like everyone has said sharp broadhead is the key.

[IdahoCurt]

I have used Stos and it worked fine for Elk.The most important thing is shot placement with a sharp head.

[Night Wing]

My vote is for the STOS. Easier to sharpen than a Simmons.

[Pat B.]

There's only one answer here, STOS..

[hvyhitter]

Personally I would stick with the snuffers. They work. Dumptruck loads of elk have been killed with them over the years. I have more confidence in a big bloody hole in an animal than a narrow one.

[Zradix]

Which can YOU get sharper?
Pick that one.
Most likely the stos

[mesquite]

STOS!!!

[NBK]

Stos it is.  Thanks guys.  (May have to pick up a treeshark though just to try on our Wisconsin whitetails!)

[FXJr]

I have had good luck with the STOS on hogs. Not been elk hunting, yet!!
Frank X.

[RC]

Never killed an Elk but with your draw length and poundage I would shoot the Simmons. I`ve killed a lot of deer and hogs with them and they make for a very good blood trail .Nothing wrong with stos but I can`t comment on something I`ve not used.RC

[Flingblade]

I just ordered Simmons new Tiger Sharks.  I've not tried Simmons heads before but the concave design was something promoted by Howard Hill.  The pics they have of entrance and exit wounds show these heads do an awesome job and cut a larger hole than the width of the head.  STOS heads look good as well but I use carbon arrows and prefer screw in heads.  I also ordered their Steelmaster sharpener.

[Landshark160]

Originally posted by Ragnarok Forge:
Simmons have a tendency to turn if they hit bone.  This will rob penetration depth from your shot.  See Byron Fergusons book for proof on this one.  He notes it as a positive thing for deer.  Elk ribs are heavy, loosing penetration is a bad thing with large animals.  

Simmons heads have taken pretty much everything that walks on four legs, including elephant and cape buffalo.  I wouldn't worry too much about their performance on a little ol' elk.

[Friend]

Don't believe the elk care for either one.

[durp]

after many years of elk hunting and killing many and seeing many killed i see NO reason to change what your shoting...your setup would be MORE than enough for elk...

the average bull is only 19 inches wide at the widest point of the ribs...where you should be shooting them is only 10-12 inches.

i hunt with a few pounds less than u do and have put woodsman through the off side scapula to where the point was pushing the hide out...

got pic's too.

[overbo]

I too like the Snuffer.They will put ALOT of blood on the ground which can be very critical when sticken a animal that will travel several 100 yrds before expiring.