You can use regular Rage broadheads in a crossbow. However, their blades will likely open before impact, throwing the bolt off trajectory, which hurts accuracy. Therefore, it is better to use Rage broadheads designed for crossbows, especially the high-speed ones.
Rage broadheads are great manufacturers popular among hunters who prefer using mechanical broadheads. Especially in the big game hunting season, Rage broadheads are preferable because they are famous for helping compensate for the less-than-ideal hits.
Broadheads that fly straight and strike hard and ensure a swift takedown help compensate hunters for poor shot placement, which is evident in Rage broadheads.
It is safe to say you can use regular Rage broadheads in a crossbow. If you ask other archers, some use standard Rage broadheads in their crossbows and don’t complain about using it. Hence, using them is generally acceptable in crossbows.
Despite this input, you have to consider that there is a reason why manufacturers sell and develop broadheads explicitly designed for crossbows. Sadly, there is a downside to using regular Rage broadheads instead of special ones.
You must know that the broadhead blades are not supposed to open in flight. The bolt is also prone to veering off course unpredictably. Although sometimes it can hit the target, the penetration power is less, and the wound damage is not fatal.
Imagine the lost chance of hitting your target successfully because the broadhead’s blade suddenly opened. You will likely get frustrated and start blaming the missed opportunity on the regular broadhead you decided to use.
To address this problem, manufacturers designed a broadhead specifically for crossbows. Significantly since the development of crossbows with higher speed is rapid, the risk of broadhead blades opening prematurely increases.
The higher the crossbow’s fps or speed, the higher the likelihood that a regular broadhead’s blade will open. It doesn’t only apply to Rage broadheads but to other manufacturers’ standard broadheads as well.
Therefore, it is better to use Rage crossbow broadheads instead of the regular ones. The good thing about them is that they prevent the blades from opening using advanced blade retention systems, stiffer springs, shock collars, or O rings.
However, if you still prefer using regular rage broadheads, here are the following items that will help keep its blades closed:
Rubber band
A small rubber band is enough to help fasten or secure the broadhead blades closed during the flight until impact. It should snap off easily when it penetrates the target without restricting blood trail or wound damage.
It works well with rage broadheads that have worn-out O rings.
Most hunters who attempt this tactic use tiny rubber bands for braces because it perfectly holds the broadhead blades closed and creates a tighter fit.
You can do this by sliding the small rubber band over the top of the closed broadhead blades. It should sit close to the front of the broadhead rather than to the tips of the blades.
Using this method, you can remove the O string, giving the bolt a slightly slimmer profile than it used to have.
Scotch tape
Aside from a rubber band, you can also opt to use a strip of scotch tape to secure the broadhead blades. Its width should be similar to the ferrule.
You can do this by wrapping the scotch tape around the ferrule and cutting it to size. Using scotch tape to secure the broadhead blades is preferable for target practice since it keeps them closed even after impact.
Don’t forget to replace the scotch tape after each use since it won’t be as effective after impact.
Thus, regular rage broadheads are acceptable to use in a crossbow, but it would be best to use rage crossbow broadheads to avoid the possibility of blades from opening during flight.
Contents
- Which rage broadhead is best for crossbow?
- How to choose the best broadhead for crossbows?
- Can you use regular broadheads on a crossbow?
- Are Rage broadheads good for crossbows?
- Can you use Rage Hypodermic in a crossbow?
- Which of the following broadheads offers a more consistent flight for a crossbow arrow?
- Rage hypodermic crossbow vs. regular broadhead
- Can you use Rage crossbow broadheads in a regular bow?
- Author
Which rage broadhead is best for crossbow?
Among the different Rage broadheads available in the market, its Rage Crossbow X is the best for crossbows. It has all the great design features known in Rage broadheads like durability, precision, improved shock collar technology, etc., making it a favorite among hunters.
Certainly, Rage broadheads have the quality that most crossbow users are looking for to help them strike their target successfully without the worry if the broadhead itself has issues with needed penetration. It is also famous for leading the evolution of mechanical broadheads.
Rage Crossbow X Broadhead
- Precision - Rage broadheads are known for their accuracy and their legendary wound channels
- Massive Cutting Surfaces – Rear-deploying, SlipCam design with huge leading-edge blade and razor sharp .035" thick stainless steel expandable blades; 2" cutting diameter; 100 Grain
- Technology - Improved Shock Collar Technology ensures proper blade retention while bolt is stored & in-flight and allows for broadhead to open upon impact – Aluminum Construction Ferrule Alignment Technology
Among its roster of broadheads released in the market, its Rage Crossbow X broadhead is the most popular and sought after, especially among hunters. Many suggest using this broadhead model because of its several excellent design features in Rage broadheads.
To help you understand what makes it the best Rage broadheads for crossbows, below are its features:
- It has a rear-deploying, SlipCam design with enormous leading-edge 2-blade and razor-sharp solid .035″ thick stainless steel that can open to a massive 2 inches cutting diameter.
- It is a mechanical broadhead with absolute precision.
- It is also known for its durability, power, and accuracy, enough to cut through the bones.
- Shock Collar Technology
- Aluminum Construction Ferrule Alignment Technology.
- It is available in 100-grain and 125-grain.
The main difference between Rage Crossbow X to its other broadhead counterparts is its Shock Collar Technology system which enables it to keep its rear cam deployment consistent. It ensures proper blade retention during flight and allows the blades to open upon impact.
Therefore, you won’t run into trouble with the mechanical blades opening early before impact, which is a pretty good deal because it is ideal for modern and high-speed crossbows.
Besides Rage Crossbow X, you might also want to check these other Rage models:
Rage Hypodermic 2-Blade Crossbow NC Broadhead
Another model you can consider is the Rage Hypodermic 2-Blade Crossbow NC Broadhead which also has the same accuracy and legendary wound channels. It features an aerodynamic one-piece steel ferrule designed with increased penetration and bone-crushing power.
Moreover, it has razor-sharp .035″ stainless steel blades with a 2″ cutting diameter. It’s almost the same as Rage Crossbow X. However, instead of the Shock Collar Technology, it has Hybrid Hypodermic Tip with Machined Stainless Steel Ferrule Technology promoting aerodynamic flight.
Rage NC X-Treme
Rage NC X-Treme is another great broadhead to use in your crossbow. Its difference from the previous X-Treme broadhead models is that it now has an exclusive No Collar (NC) blade retention system. With this, there is no need for a dental band, Shock Collar, or O-ring.
It features SlipCam technology for reliable blade deployment like the Rage Crossbow X. Unlike the previous two; it has a 2-blade design with .039″ thickness. You can expect the blades to deploy a 2.3″ upon impact instantly.
Rage NC X-Treme has a 1.425-inch long high-strength 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum ferrule which adds to its significant difference from the previous broadheads mentioned above.
Additionally, available in 100-grain, it offers a lethal performance that X-Treme fans love.
Rage NC X-Treme Chisel Tip Broadhead
- Redesigned Excellence: X-Treme features Nc blade retention, exclusive Slip Cam, and no need for Shock Collar or O-ring.
- Premium 2020 Design: 2-blade, 100% aircraft-grade aluminum ferrule with 2.3" instant deployment.
- Lethal Performance: 100-grain, bone-crushing chisel tip for superior results.
- Economical Purchase: Two Rage Nc X-Treme Coc broadheads included, worry-free replacement blades available.
How to choose the best broadhead for crossbows?
These are the following factors and steps to consider in choosing the best broadhead for crossbows: state crossbow regulations, broadhead type, broadhead design, broadhead weight, price, reviews, and test shoot.
Because of the fast development in archery, broadheads are not an exclusion to this; that’s why finding and choosing the best broadhead to use for your crossbow can be pretty challenging. Thus, an idea of what factors to look for in a broadhead will help narrow your search.
Below are the following factors and steps that serve as a guide to help target archers and hunters choose the best broadhead for their crossbows:
State crossbow regulations
Unfortunately, you’ll have to know your state’s crossbow regulations before moving to the subsequent factors and steps. You must understand that not all states follow the same crossbow regulations, and the state where you currently live may have a different law than the others.
Some states have a minimum broadhead cut diameter you must abide by, while others don’t mention specific sizes.
On the other hand, some states even ban the use of mechanical broadheads, so you need to find out what sizes and prohibited broadhead types your state requires you to follow.
Therefore, knowing your state’s crossbow regulation will save you from wasting money and safe from any legal troubles from simply not being aware of the laws.
Broadhead type
There are two main types of broadhead: fixed and mechanical. Some crossbow users prefer mechanical, while some prefer the fixed one. In case you don’t have a personal preference yet, here are the following pros and cons of each broadhead type to help you decide:
A. Fixed broadhead
- Reliable and durable
- Easy to sharpen and clean
- Easy to practice with
- Blades fixed in place during both flight and impact.
- It gives off the feeling that there’s a lesser chance that things can go wrong during the flight.
- It is available in three blades if you don’t like the difficulties caused by four blades.
- Smaller cut diameter
- Likely susceptible to wind deflection
- Four blades fixed broadhead causes a reduction in aerodynamics. As a result, it tends to veer off course or plane when shot from a crossbow.
- It is not ideal for high-performance crossbows because shooting it at a faster speed worsens the inaccuracy.
Because of the fixed blades, you won’t have to worry about prematurely opening, causing the bolt to veer off course.
To minimize the possibility of the bolt veering off course when using a fixed broadhead, you can opt to tune it to achieve a higher accuracy level. You can opt for other adjusting styles except paper tuning.
B. Mechanical broadhead
- Wider cutting diameter
- The line of flight is more consistent.
- More accurate at longer distances
- Available in two types: rear-deploying and front-deploying.
- Blades might open during flight.
- More challenging to learn and maintain
- Front-deploying ones are not ideal for high-performance crossbows due to possible accuracy issues.
- Front-deploying has a blade retention system to hold the blades in place at launch and mid-flight: O rings, springs, or collars.
- Front-deploying mechanical broadheads offer greater cutting diameter than fixed broadheads, resulting in more significant wound damage.
- The rear-deploying mechanical broadhead’s advantage over others is its 2-blades, making it the most aerodynamic and accurate type for all hunting crossbows.
- The rear-deploying design does not require it to have springs or collars to keep the blades closed at launch and mid-flight.
- The rear-deploying mechanical broadhead is the best choice for high-performance crossbows.
If you compare the two types of mechanical broadheads, the rear-deploying ones have better pros and are the best choice for crossbows.
PSE Archery 01318KA Coalition Frontier
- Crossbow Kit: Crossbow package features a fast, compact, and ergonomic crossbow with an adjustable stock and pass-through foregrip
- High Speed: Powerful draw weight of 185 pounds delivers a shot of up to 380 feet-per-second for high-speed, precise shooting
- Better Accuracy: Included 4 x 32 illuminated reticle scope for accurate shooting; Adjustable stock lets you customize the bow for your comfort
- Specs: 370 to 380 feet-per-second shot; 14.5-inch power stroke; 185-pound draw weight; 127 foot-pounds kinetic energy; 21.5-inch axle-to-axle length
Broadhead design
As mentioned, not all broadheads are ideal to use in crossbows. Therefore, you might want to consider the broadheads designed for crossbows to ensure that you won’t have a problem shooting fast crossbows.
Broadhead weight
Never compromise the broadhead weight. For example, using a heavy broadhead in a lightweight bolt will lead to a sooner down trajectory, leading to shooting inaccuracy.
Therefore, you must stick with the appropriate broadhead weight for your bolt. It would also help to consult with your trusted local archery shop or manufacturer to guide you better in knowing the proper broadhead weight.
Price
You may think you are better off with a cheap, no-brand broadhead. However, you have to remember that your bolt’s broadhead is the part that penetrates the target and contributes significantly to bringing them down.
Thus, a broadhead that ensures excellent penetration performance with an advanced system will serve you, in the long run, every time you go hunting, especially for the big game.
Reviews
You can also read reviews and feedback from fellow archers to help you envision how good the said broadhead is before buying it. Amazon and websites from the brand you trust are excellent sources you can read for reviews about certain broadheads.
Killer Instinct Boss 405 Pro Package
- Quick And Deadly: Tough and agile mechanism helps you hit small, quick game as well as larger, tougher animals
- Adjustable Design: 6-position adjustable butt-stock comfortably fits a variety of users while the aluminum barrel stock is designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Power And Speed In 1: Fires at a rate up to 405 feet-per-second and generates up to 134 foot-pounds on a hit, blending accuracy and striking power
- Stealthy: Built-in Dead Silent limb and string suppressors reduce noise and prevent prey from noticing you as you track them
They will most likely tell you which broadheads perform well and which ones are a terrible investment.
Test shoot
Once you’ve received the broadhead you bought, it’s time to test it at an archery range or on a DIY backyard archery range at home. Before the competition or hunting game, it is best to test shoot it first to know if you got the right broadhead for your crossbow.
Install the broadhead to the bolt and try shooting at a distance of at least 20 yards for better assessment. Shoot it several times, then check if it achieved good penetration, proper line of flight, and consistent grouping.
If you are unsure and are a newbie in selecting the right broadhead, the above factors and steps can help you identify the best broadhead for crossbows.
Rage broadheads are great ones to consider using for any bow, including crossbows. Nevertheless, it would be best to use a broadhead designed for crossbows to avoid flight and blade issues affecting your shooting accuracy and save you from further costs.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
- Ultra-compact compound crossbow with complete hunting accessory package.
- Lightweight and manageable profile for hunters of all sizes
- Shoots 375 feet per second
- Efficient: Crossbow is equipped with Step-Through Riser (STR) technology that reduces the length of the crossbow and has an overall weight of just 6.6 lbs.
- Safety Features: Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, Finger Safety reminders, TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology
Can you use regular broadheads on a crossbow?
Yes, it is possible to use regular (fixed-blade or mechanical) broadheads on a crossbow. Many crossbows are designed to accommodate standard broadheads, and manufacturers often provide guidelines on the types of broadheads that are compatible with their crossbow models. However, it’s important to consider a few factors:
Crossbow Specifications: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for broadhead compatibility with your specific crossbow model. Some crossbows may have specific requirements or limitations.
Arrow Speed: Crossbows typically have higher arrow speeds than traditional bows. Ensure that the broadheads you choose are rated for the speed at which your crossbow shoots arrows. This information is usually provided by the broadhead manufacturer.
Accuracy Testing: Before hunting, it’s advisable to test your chosen broadheads for accuracy. Ensure they fly true and group well with your crossbow setup. Some crossbow hunters prefer fixed-blade broadheads for their reliability and simplicity, while others opt for mechanical broadheads for their aerodynamics.
Always follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by both the crossbow and broadhead manufacturers to ensure safe and effective use.
4-Edge Broadheads (Crossbow)
- Four Razor-Sharp Blades: Maximize cutting surface area for increased lethality and better wound channels.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials ensure longevity and performance in demanding crossbow hunting conditions.
- Easy Installation: User-friendly design allows quick and hassle-free installation for efficient use in the field.
- Versatile Design: Suitable for various game, providing field-point accuracy and a balance between penetration and wound size.
Are Rage broadheads good for crossbows?
Rage broadheads are popular and widely used for crossbows. Rage is a well-known brand in the archery community, and their mechanical broadheads, in particular, are designed to provide reliable performance with high accuracy and effective cutting ability.
Can you use Rage Hypodermic in a crossbow?
Will Rage Hypodermic work in crossbows? Why, Yes, they are designed for crossbow use, and many crossbow hunters find them effective. The Rage Hypodermic series, including models like the Rage Hypodermic NC (No Collar) and Rage Hypodermic Crossbow, is specifically engineered to perform well with crossbows.
However, as with any broadhead, it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications to ensure compatibility with your specific crossbow model. Pay attention to factors such as arrow speed, draw weight, and any other guidelines provided by both the crossbow and the Rage Hypodermic broadhead.
Before heading into the field, conduct thorough testing and tuning to ensure that the Rage Hypodermic broadheads fly accurately and consistently with your crossbow setup. This step is important for optimizing performance and increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
Crossbow Bolts (Niche Store)
- Exceptional Craftsmanship: Precision-engineered with meticulous attention to detail for superior performance.
- Cutting-Edge Materials: Utilizes top-tier carbon composite for unparalleled strength, durability, and accuracy.
- Versatile Usage: Ideal for both seasoned archers and professional hunters seeking the pinnacle of bolt performance.
- Luxurious Finish: Aesthetically pleasing design coupled with a premium finish for a truly upscale bolt experience.
Which of the following broadheads offers a more consistent flight for a crossbow arrow?
In general, mechanical broadheads offer a more consistent flight for a crossbow arrow compared to fixed-blade broadheads. This is due to the following reasons:
Aerodynamics: Mechanical broadheads have closed blades during flight, which creates less drag and improves arrow stability. This is especially beneficial for crossbows, which shoot arrows at high velocities.
Blade deployment: Fixed-blade broadheads have their blades exposed during flight, which can create additional drag and affect arrow stability. Additionally, any minor misalignment of the blades can cause the arrow to wobble in flight, further impacting accuracy.
Center of gravity: Mechanical broadheads generally have a lower center of gravity than fixed-blade broadheads. This helps the arrow fly straighter and truer, improving accuracy.
However, it’s important to note that there are some exceptions:
High-quality fixed-blade broadheads: Some manufacturers design fixed-blade broadheads with features that improve their aerodynamics, such as streamlined profiles and swept-back blades. These broadheads can offer flight consistency comparable to mechanical broadheads.
Crossbow Bolts
- Showcasing vibrant plastic vanes and attention-grabbing nocks, these arrows cater to a diverse range of users.
- Tailored for beginners, archers, amateurs, and enthusiasts alike, these arrows elevate both hunting and practice sessions.
- Imbued with high-quality carbon, these arrows ensure unwavering accuracy, a straight trajectory, and effortless target strikes.
- The durable carbon shafts and precision-engineered components (vane, nock, and field points) guarantee sustained excellence.
Here’s a summary of the key points:
Mechanical broadheads
- Generally offer more consistent flight.
- Better aerodynamics due to closed blades.
- Lower center of gravity improves stability.
- May be more forgiving of minor misalignment.
Fixed-blade broadheads
- Can offer comparable flight consistency when using high-quality models with aerodynamic features.
- More prone to flight issues due to exposed blades and higher center of gravity.
- Requires more precise tuning.
Ultimately, the best broadhead for your crossbow depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like target species, shooting distance, budget, and tuning skills when making your decision.
Rage hypodermic crossbow vs. regular broadhead
Both the Rage Hypodermic Crossbow and regular broadheads offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for crossbow hunters. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- Power, precision, and excitement
- Silence your prey with the whisper-quiet crossbow
- With the power of a crossbow, you can take down any game
Rage Hypodermic Crossbow Broadhead
- Improved accuracy: Closed-blade design reduces drag during flight, leading to potentially more consistent arrow flight.
- Massive wound channels: Deployable razor-sharp blades for quicker kills.
- Reliable blade deployment: Consistent blade deployment upon impact, even at high crossbow velocities.
- Forgiving: Less sensitive to minor broadhead misalignment due to closed blades.
- Higher cost: Generally more expensive than regular broadheads.
- Potential for blade failure: Although rare, mechanical broadheads can experience blade deployment issues or malfunction.
- More delicate: Requires careful handling and maintenance due to the intricate mechanism.
Regular Crossbow Broadhead
- Lower cost: Generally more affordable than Rage Hypodermic Crossbow.
- Simple and reliable: No moving parts means less chance of malfunctions.
- Superior penetration: Fixed blades offer deeper penetration, making them ideal for larger game or heavy-bodied animals.
- Wide variety of options: Available in various blade sizes, weights, and materials to suit specific hunting needs.
- Less forgiving: Requires precise tuning due to open blades, which can affect accuracy if not properly aligned.
- Larger cutting diameter: Creates more drag and can affect arrow speed, potentially impacting accuracy at longer distances.
- Smaller wound channels: May not create as extensive wound channels as mechanical broadheads.
Crossbow Niche Stores
- Power, precision, and excitement
- Silence your prey with the whisper-quiet crossbow
- With the power of a crossbow, you can take down any game
Can you use Rage crossbow broadheads in a regular bow?
While technically possible, using Rage crossbow broadheads in a regular bow is not recommended. Here’s why:
- Inaccurate shots: The broadhead might not fly true, resulting in missed targets or unethical shots.
- Broadhead failure: The blades might not deploy properly, leading to poor penetration and potentially wounding an animal without killing it quickly.
- Bow damage: The shock collars or the broadhead itself could damage the bow if they are not designed for the lower draw weight of a regular bow.
- Archer injury: In rare cases, a malfunctioning broadhead could cause injury to the archer.
While some hunters might report success using Rage crossbow broadheads in regular bows, it’s important to understand the potential risks and limitations involved. It’s always safer and more ethical to use broadheads specifically designed for the type of bow you are using.
Difference between Rage crossbow and compound bow broadheads
While similar in appearance, Rage broadheads designed for crossbows and compound bows have key differences to ensure optimal performance for each platform. Here’s a breakdown:
Rage Crossbow Broadheads:
Design:
- Heavy-duty construction: Built to withstand the high impact forces of crossbows, often featuring thicker blades and reinforced ferrule.
- Stronger blade retention system: Utilizes shock collars or other mechanisms to prevent premature blade deployment during the high acceleration of a crossbow shot.
- Closed-blade design during flight: Improves aerodynamics for more consistent arrow flight and accuracy.
- Larger cutting diameter: Typically have larger blades than compound bow heads for maximum wound channels.
Crossbow Specialty Stores
- Power, precision, and excitement
- Silence your prey with the whisper-quiet crossbow
- With the power of a crossbow, you can take down any game
Performance:
- Reliable blade deployment: Designed to deploy consistently even at high velocities.
- Excellent penetration: Ideal for larger game animals due to the robust construction and heavy blades.
- Massive wound channels: Large cutting diameter creates extensive blood trails for easier tracking.
Rage Compound Bow Broadheads:
Design:
- Lighter construction: Optimized for the lower kinetic energy of compound bows, often featuring thinner blades and lighter ferrule.
- Lighter blade retention system: May rely on O-rings or other less robust mechanisms due to the lower impact forces.
- Open-blade design during flight: Requires more precise tuning for optimal accuracy.
- Smaller cutting diameter: Offers good performance without excessive drag, ideal for various target sizes.
Performance:
- Accurate flight: Open-blade design provides excellent aerodynamics for consistent arrow trajectory.
- Good penetration: Effective for most game animals due to the sharp blades and moderate weight.
- Large enough wound channels: Effective for ethical kills without excessive tissue damage.
Remember, choosing the right broadhead is essential for ethical and successful hunting. Always prioritize safety and use broadheads specifically designed for your bow type and target species.
- Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow STR Without Crank Device: Ultra-compact compound and lightweight crossbow has a manageable profile that hunters of all sizes can handle and shoots 375 feet per second
- Efficient: Crossbow is equipped with Step-Through Riser (STR) technology that reduces the length of the crossbow and has an overall weight of just 6.6 lbs., creating an easily controllable profile that hunters of all skills and sizes can manage
- Safety Features: Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, Finger Safety reminders
- Crossbow Kit: Crossbow package features a fast, compact, and ergonomic crossbow with an adjustable stock and pass-through foregrip
- High Speed: Powerful draw weight of 185 pounds delivers a shot of up to 380 feet-per-second for high-speed, precise shooting
- Better Accuracy: Included 4 x 32 illuminated reticle scope for accurate shooting; Adjustable stock lets you customize the bow for your comfort
- Specs: 370 to 380 feet-per-second shot; 14.5-inch power stroke; 185-pound draw weight; 127 foot-pounds kinetic energy; 21.5-inch axle-to-axle length
- Quick And Deadly: Tough and agile mechanism helps you hit small, quick game as well as larger, tougher animals
- Adjustable Design: 6-position adjustable butt-stock comfortably fits a variety of users while the aluminum barrel stock is designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Power And Speed In 1: Fires at a rate up to 405 feet-per-second and generates up to 134 foot-pounds on a hit, blending accuracy and striking power
- Stealthy: Built-in Dead Silent limb and string suppressors reduce noise and prevent prey from noticing you as you track them
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