Penetration observation

[yankeevol]

Was shooting my Beman MFX classic 600s last night out of a 45# Toelke Whip into brand new high density foam target (I have access to lots of upholstery supplies). The arrows were all identical with the only variation being the tip:

Arrow 1: 125 grain field point
Arrow 2: 125 grain muzzy phantom 4 blade
Arrow 3: 105 grain muzzy phantom 2 blade (4 blade without the bleeder)

After dozens of shots and swapping tips across 8 identical arrows I made two primary observations:

1. The field point consistently penetrated 6 inches less than either one of the broadheads.
2. The 4 blade and 2 blade were very close but the 4 blade consistently penetrated a bit (less than an inch) deeper than the 2 blade

I was a little surprised, but just another data point.

[cbCrow]

I did a similar test quite a few years ago but used a 2 blade and a 3 blade snuffer. My results followed yours in that the difference in penetration between the two blades was of very little consequence. The only difference between our evaluations is you used carbons while I used aluminum with the same conclusions.

[Terry Green]

Just curious....what were you 'surprised' at?

[David Mitchell]

Hmmm, that's what I would have expected.

[bigbadjon]

My observation has supported that 2 blades out penetrate 4 blades.I am also using phantoms.

[widow sax]

I did the same test but I used 1/4 inch luwan plywood in front or in back of foam to simulate a rib. I tested 2, 3 and 4 blades. My results were that the 4 blade did the worst and the 2 and 3 blade were a tie. I put the plywood on back side to make it like you missed a rib on entrance but hit one on exit the 3 blade was hands down the winner. One thing I thought was the three blade made a hole in the foam and had less friction on the shaft verses a slit made by the 2 blade. Now that being said foam does not act like tissue witch does not have the same affect on arrow drag like foam. I still use 3 blades (Woodsman Elite)for everything loveum.     Widow

[yankeevol]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
Just curious....what were you 'surprised' at?

Expected slightly more penetration from the 2 blade.

[Jeff Strubberg]

With the 2 blade being slightly lighter than the 4 blade, those are exactly the results I would have expected.

[yankeevol]

I only posted the observation because of the seemingly endless number of recommendations to use a 2 blade from lighter bows for "better penetration". My observation didn't produce any evidence to support those recommendations. Just another data point.

[Terry Green]

yankeevol .......yeah...I've even found that 3 blades, like the WW, will out penetrate some 2 blade heads on 4 different mediums.

[ChrisM]

In a layered target that uses friction on the shaft to stop the arrow a 3 or 4 blade head will cut a looser channel that a two blade will.  If this transfers to animals I have no idea.

[TxAg]

Because I'm curious, and because I also shoot a 45# Whip...would you mind sharing your arrow set up?

[yankeevol]

29" Beman MFX 600
3 5.5" right wing helical, no dip/wraps
75 grain insert
broadhead adapter rings (2 grains)
fairly thick leather strike plate (nearly 1/8")

[TxAg]

Originally posted by yankeevol:
29" Beman MFX 600
3 5.5" right wing helical, no dip/wraps
75 grain insert
broadhead adapter rings (2 grains)
fairly thick leather strike plate (nearly 1/8")

I shot the same combo (just 30.5") for a while. Worked well.

I stuck a 1.5" aluminum footingon there and those arrows were indestructible.

[JamesKerr]

On targets or soft flesh such as muscle and tendons just about any well designed cut on contact broadhead should penetrate similarly to another one. The big difference is when you hit bone. When bone is encountered a 2 blade should and almost always will penetrate better than a 3 or 4 blade broadhead. There are a few exceptions to this rule however. For instance Andy Ivy (tradtusker) has been having great results with the 3 blade VPA's on water buffalo.

[David Mitchell]

Four blades open the entry hole for more penetration--so thought Fred Bear.  That's why the Bear bleeder was made to snap off easily after opening a bigger entry hole then function as a 2 blade....but then, what did he know about killing stuff with a bow?  

[Kamm1004]

I didn't believe it when I heard it so I experimented myself. Two blade and four blade penetrate very well. I was extremely surprised to find that four blade penetrates better than three blade every time I tested it.

[Glunt]

I think shaft pinch is a big factor in foam targets.  I would expect a 4 blade to have the least pinch.

[Brock]

I think your multiblade did better because the foam was squeezing the head and shaft and the multiblade may relieve some of the shaft pressure by its cut.  when shooting into living animals the blood and fluids will act as lubricant so I do not think this is apples to apples....

I use two blades...but on occasion I will use snuffers...I dont worry too much about anything but keeping them sharp, and hitting where I am aiming.

[rastaman]

i shoot 48lbs @ 27 inches..on deer and hogs that i have shot, i have used 2 blade magnus stingers, 2 blade silverflames, 3 blade vpa terminators, and 4 blade steelforce (actually 2 with a bleeder). They all penetrate equally well, but they are all scary sharp.  A scary sharp broadhead will penetrate all the animals we hunt here as long as your arrow is tuned and you put the arrow where it is supposed to be.  i haven't tested them on other mediums though..