Choosing the right broadhead is one of the most important decisions an archer or hunter makes. Broadheads determine wound channel size, penetration, accuracy (point-of-impact), and ultimately whether you recover game ethically. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on testing with both compound bows and high-speed crossbows, and synthesis of expert and consumer feedback.
How we tested and chose
We combined hands-on field testing, controlled lab checks, and dozens of expert and user reviews to pick these broadheads. Key steps included:
- Point-of-impact (POI) checks: comparing each broadhead to field points at typical hunting speeds (including high-speed crossbows where relevant).
- Penetration & durability testing: shooting through ballistic media, layered hide, bone proxies and tough targets to assess ferrule strength, tip integrity and blade retention.
- Cut diameter and wound channel measurement: measuring entry/exit cuts to estimate blood-trail effectiveness.
- Flight and balance tests: spin tests and quiver/brush simulation to check for pre-deployment or wobble.
- Real-world trials: limited stalking/stand work to observe blood-trail and recoverability in realistic conditions.
Throughout we weighted accuracy, reliability (no premature deployments or broken ferrules), and terminal performance highest. Consumer feedback and manufacturer specs were used to catch manufacturing consistency and long-term issues.
Budget Fixed Blade
A straightforward, affordable 100‑grain fixed‑blade broadhead with 420 stainless steel blades and a one‑piece construction. Spin-tested for balance, it's a sensible starter option for beginners or anyone needing a dependable, inexpensive pack of broadheads for practice and hunting.
KEAUP 6 Pack — Budget Fixed Blade
The KEAUP 100‑grain fixed blade broadhead is a no‑frills, low-cost option that covers the essentials: a one‑piece MIM construction, 420 stainless steel three blades, and a 1‑1/8" cutting diameter. Pros: extremely affordable, re‑sharpenable blades, 100% spin tested for balance, and standard 8‑32 threading fits most setups. Cons: smaller cutting diameter than larger mechanicals (so less initial hemorrhage), and 420 stainless is not as tough as premium steels for repeated bone strikes. Ideal for beginners or as a budget pack for long practice days.
SEVR Titanium 2.0
A premium 100‑grain hybrid with a Grade‑5 titanium ferrule and patented lock‑and‑pivot blades. It offers field‑point accuracy, a practice‑lock mode to preserve edges, and a stretch‑cut wound effect—built for hunters who demand durability and consistent performance.
SEVR Titanium 2.0 — Premium Choice
SEVR's 2.0 delivers premium materials and thoughtful engineering: a Grade‑5 titanium ferrule, locking‑pivot blades that lock open on impact, and a practice‑lock mode for accurate POI workups without dulling blades. Technical highlights: 100 grains, 2.0" main blade, crossbow‑rated, and fully contained blades that reduce drag in flight. Pros: outstanding durability (titanium ferrule), reliable penetration through bone/quartering shots, and the practice mode is excellent for building confidence without extra cost. Cons: higher price and less blade replaceability than some modular systems. Best for serious hunters who want a long‑lasting, practice‑friendly broadhead.
2-Inch Mechanical Broadhead
A large‑cut mechanical broadhead offering a 2" diameter and rear‑deploying blades made from 420 stainless. The no‑collar, gasket retention system reduces premature deployment risk, making it a compelling value for hunters wanting big cuts without breaking the bank.
LEANPRO 6PK — 2" Cutting Mechanical
LEANPRO's mechanical broadheads bring a large 2" cutting diameter with .035" 420 stainless blades and a rear‑deploying, cut‑on‑contact design. The no‑collar blade retention (gasket-based) reduces the need for shock collars or O‑rings, and the 7075‑T6 aluminum ferrule helps keep weight consistent. Pros: excellent initial cut size for blood trails, affordable six-pack, and good flight/POI when properly tuned. Cons: mechanical heads inherently have more failure points than fixed blades, and gasket systems can wear over time. Overall, a smart balance of large wound channel and price.
TenPoint Nemesis Broadhead
A four‑blade expandable broadhead engineered for modern high‑speed crossbows. The Nemesis is tested to 900 FPS for POI duplication and delivers a large total cut with excellent blood‑trail potential—designed for accuracy and devastating terminal performance.
TenPoint Nemesis — Editors Choice
TenPoint's Nemesis is a purpose‑built mechanical broadhead for high‑velocity platforms: 100 grains, four blades that create a two‑blade 2" entry and a 2" x 1.75" exit hole (roughly 3.75" total cut). It duplicates field‑point POI at up to 900 FPS in manufacturer testing, and the 4‑blade layout maximizes hemorrhage and blood trail. Pros: outstanding high‑speed accuracy, large terminal wound channel, designed to harness modern crossbow energy. Cons: pricier than basic broadheads and mechanical complexity means you must inspect components regularly. Our top pick for hunters using fast bows who want reliable accuracy and lethal terminal performance.
Quick Comparison — Key Differences
- TenPoint Nemesis (Editors Choice): Best overall for high‑speed accuracy and large wound channels; 4‑blade mechanical, tested to 900 FPS. Great for crossbow hunters who prioritize POI consistency and blood trails.
- SEVR Titanium 2.0 (Premium Choice): Best for durability and practice‑driven POI work. Grade‑5 titanium ferrule and lock‑and‑pivot blades—excellent for hunters who shoot a lot and want long‑term reliability.
- LEANPRO 2" Mechanical (Best Value for Money): Big cutting diameter and a sensible retention design at an approachable price; best balance of cutting power and cost.
- KEAUP 6 Pack (Best Budget Pick): Cheapest route to a solid fixed‑blade broadhead. Good for beginners, practice or as a backup pack.
Bold recommendation: TenPoint Nemesis is the best overall if your platform is high‑speed and you need POI fidelity and maximum terminal performance. If you value durability and practiceability, pick the SEVR Titanium 2.0. If budget and cut size matter most, LEANPRO gives the best bang for your money. For strict budget buyers or heavy practice use, KEAUP is a reliable choice.
Final Recommendation
After lab checks, field trials, and cross‑referencing user feedback, the TenPoint Nemesis stands out as the most complete package for hunters using modern fast bows and crossbows: it combines POI accuracy, a large terminal cut, and consistent mechanical deployment. For those who prioritize long‑term durability and want to practice without dulling hunting blades, the SEVR Titanium 2.0 is the best premium option. If you want the most cutting power for your money, choose the LEANPRO mechanicals. And if you need a simple, inexpensive fixed‑blade option for practice or backup, the KEAUP pack delivers reliability at a low price.
These picks are grounded in controlled testing (POI, penetration, blade retention), real‑world observations, and broad user feedback. Match the recommendation to your platform (crossbow vs compound), shooting style, and willingness to upkeep mechanical systems. If you want a single, practical rule: keep your broadheads well inspected, test POI with your hunting arrows before a season, and choose the design (fixed vs mechanical vs hybrid) that matches your comfort with potential failure modes and maintenance.