Crossbow Cutting Diameter: Definition

Crossbow Cutting Diameter in plain terms

Crossbow Cutting Diameter meaning: Cutting diameter is the width of the cut a broadhead makes, from blade tip to blade tip, usually given in inches.

Also called: cut diameter, total cut, broadhead cutting diameter

Cutting diameter is the widest distance across a broadhead's blades, measured from one blade tip to the opposite side. It tells you how wide a cut the head makes as it passes through.

On a fixed-blade broadhead, the cutting diameter in flight is the same as on impact. On a mechanical broadhead, the blades are folded in flight and open on impact, so the head flies with a small profile and cuts a wider path once open. Some makers also quote a total cut, which adds the widths of all the blades together and gives a larger number than cutting diameter.

Cutting diameter is one of several factors in broadhead performance, alongside sharpness, blade count, construction, bolt weight and, above all, shot placement.

Cutting diameter of broadheads I have reviewed

Why it matters

A wider cut makes a larger wound channel, which hunters value for blood trails and margin on a less-than-perfect hit. That is why mechanical heads advertise large diameters.

A wider cut also needs more energy to push through. A large mechanical head on a light, slow setup can lose penetration, so cutting diameter has to be matched to the kinetic energy your crossbow and bolt deliver.

Labels are not always comparable. Cutting diameter and total cut measure different things, so a head quoting 3.75 in total cut is not necessarily wider than one quoting a 2 in cutting diameter. Compare like with like.

How to read it on a spec sheet

• Check whether the figure is cutting diameter or total cut before comparing two heads.
• For mechanical heads, note both the in-flight diameter and the open cutting diameter.
• Read the speed rating; many mechanical heads are rated for a maximum FPS.
• Look at blade count and thickness alongside diameter.
• Check your state's rules; some set minimum cutting widths or restrict mechanical heads.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the widest head on the shelf without checking your crossbow's energy.
• Comparing total cut on one package with cutting diameter on another.
• Assuming a wider head makes up for poor shot placement.
• Skipping practice with the actual broadhead because it is the same weight as your field points.
• Shooting a mechanical head faster than its speed rating.

Choosing a cutting diameter

1. Check your state hunting rules for any minimum width or broadhead restrictions.
2. Find your setup's kinetic energy with the calculator using measured speed and bolt weight.
3. Match head weight to your bolt and the crossbow maker's requirements.
4. Choose between fixed and mechanical based on your game and your energy margin.
5. Shoot the broadhead at practice distances before hunting and confirm it groups with field points.

See it in our reviews

• Ravin R102 Broadhead — rated 4.4/5
• TenPoint Nemesis Broadhead — rated 4.6/5