Well, I am going to disagree somewhat about the collars, although it is true that under some conditions the collars will slow penetration. Let's look at when that happens. If the field point is significantly smaller than the diameter of the collar, there will be a ledge behind the point that will simulate a flat plate surface as the collar passes through the target behind the smaller diameter field point. This will be even more prominent on a bag target where that same ledge will hit and break the threads of the bag. So in a target situation, you will get less penetration than if there is no ledge behind the field point. That is no big deal with foam targets, because the object of the target is to stop the arrow, not allow a complete pass-through.
Using a broadhead in a hunting situation is different. The effective diameter of a broadhead is much larger than that of a field point. As the broadhead slices through, it opens up the wound channel far more than a field point would, even in bone if the bone is fully penetrated (which is necessary to reach the vitals). Also, if the ferrule of the broadhead has a diameter large enough, then the collar does not create a ledge to slow penetration. An example of such a broadhead is the Tuffhead, which I have shot on the pointy end of my Hammerhead arrows. Those arrows out of my 70# Super Shrew Safari longbow penetrated all the way to the opposite side of Asiatic buffalo and scrub bull when shot through the heavy rib bones (no small feat). I don't think I could have obtained a lot better penetration with any other arrows, although one of the skinny shaft arrows, like an Easton Axis or FMJ, might have done somewhat better.
The front portion of the Hammerheads can and will fail on really hard impacts, as I have observed on multiple occasions. I have never had a collared Hammerhead fail on even the most extreme impact, and I've had mine hit many hard objects at close range from my bows, traveling at up to 170 fps at impact. I would rather have a nearly indestructible arrow than get a few inches of extra penetration that I don't even need. If all you are shooting are relatively soft bodied animals like deer, then forget the collars. I don't use them on my deer arrows either. But if you're going to be shooting hard-boned animals, then I think the collars are a good idea. They're also great for stump-shooting arrows.
So, if killing targets and deer is what you do, you don't need collars. If you are hunting the big stuff, think positively about the collars and just make sure you use an appropriate broadhead and have you arrows properly weighted and matched to your bow. For sure, don't hunt big, dangerous game with collared AD Hammerheads tipped with field points!! :D One of the great things about the AD shafts is how spine tolerant they are with their nice tapers.
Allan
Topic: AD Hammerhead collars. (Read 229 times)
