Crossbow Authority

Crossbow glossary

What Is Broadhead?

Broadhead: A bladed bolt tip designed for hunting, as opposed to a field point used for practice.

By Marisol Vega, Senior Outdoor Equipment Writer & Research Editor. Manufacturer figures vary; check your crossbow's manual.

Broadheads are designed to cut on impact and come in fixed-blade and mechanical (expandable) designs. They can fly differently from practice field points, so they should be checked against your setup before use.

Check the regulations that apply where you hunt: some jurisdictions set requirements for broadhead design.

Why Broadhead matters

Broadheads are the cutting tips used for hunting, and they change how a bolt flies compared with practice field points. Sighting in with field points alone is not enough if you plan to hunt with broadheads.

Design choices such as fixed blade or mechanical affect durability, flight and how they must be handled. Requirements for broadhead design also vary by jurisdiction.

How to read it on a spec sheet

  • Check grain weight, blade count and cutting diameter, and whether the head is fixed or mechanical.
  • Confirm the head threads securely and spins true on your bolts before shooting.
  • Compare local legal requirements against the broadhead’s specifications.

Common mistakes

  • Handling broadheads carelessly. The blades are extremely sharp; use the manufacturer’s recommended handling and storage.
  • Skipping a test shoot to check that broadheads group with your field points.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between fixed and mechanical broadheads?

Fixed blades stay open at all times; mechanical heads have blades that expand on impact. Each has trade-offs in durability, flight and cutting diameter.

Do broadheads shoot the same as field points?

Not always. Test with your setup and adjust if needed.

Are there broadhead legal requirements?

Some jurisdictions set minimum cutting diameter or prohibit certain designs. Check current local hunting regulations.

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Definitions are general information. Always follow your crossbow manufacturer's manual, and verify local laws with the relevant authority.