Broadheads are the business end of your hunting arrow, and selecting the right broadhead is critical for ethical, effective harvests. At Glenwood Springs Outdoors, we stock an extensive selection of fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads from the industry's most trusted manufacturers, designed for everything from whitetail deer to elk and other big game.
Fixed-Blade Broadheads - Proven Reliability
Fixed-blade broadheads feature permanently deployed blades that never fail to open, making them the choice of traditional bowhunters and those pursuing tough game. Fixed-blade designs offer unmatched reliability with no moving parts to malfunction, superior penetration on heavy-boned animals like elk, excellent blood trails from large cutting diameters, and proven performance in all conditions. We stock fixed-blade broadheads in 2-blade, 3-blade, and 4-blade configurations, with cutting diameters ranging from 1 inch to over 2 inches. Popular models include cut-on-contact designs for maximum penetration and chisel-point heads for bone-breaking performance.
Mechanical Broadheads - Maximum Accuracy
Mechanical (expandable) broadheads fly like field points during flight, then deploy razor-sharp blades upon impact. This design provides field-point accuracy even at extended ranges, larger cutting diameters (often 2+ inches) for devastating wound channels, reduced wind drift compared to fixed-blades, and excellent performance on deer-sized game. Modern mechanical broadheads feature reliable deployment systems including rear-deploying designs that open from the back, front-deploying models with blades that sweep forward, and over-the-top designs with blades that deploy upward and downward. We carry mechanical broadheads from leading brands known for consistent, reliable blade deployment.
Hybrid Broadheads
Hybrid broadheads combine features of both fixed and mechanical designs, typically featuring a small fixed blade for immediate cutting plus mechanical blades that deploy on impact. These designs offer a compromise between the reliability of fixed-blades and the large cutting diameter of mechanicals, making them versatile choices for various game species.
Broadhead Selection by Game Species
Different game animals require different broadhead characteristics. For whitetail deer and similar-sized game, mechanical broadheads with 1.5-2 inch cutting diameters provide excellent results. For elk, moose, and other large game, many hunters prefer heavy fixed-blade broadheads (125-150 grains) with cut-on-contact tips for maximum penetration. For hogs and bears with thick hide and heavy bone structure, sturdy fixed-blade designs with strong ferrules are recommended. Our staff can help you select broadheads appropriate for your target species and hunting conditions.
Broadhead Weight and Arrow Tuning
Broadhead weight affects arrow flight and penetration. Common weights include 100-grain broadheads as the standard for most hunting situations, 125-grain heads for added penetration on large game, and 150-grain and heavier options for maximum momentum and bone-breaking power. It's critical to practice with the same broadhead weight you'll hunt with, as changing point weight affects arrow flight. We recommend shooting broadheads at targets to verify they fly true and make any necessary bow tuning adjustments.
Sharpness and Maintenance
Broadhead sharpness is non-negotiable for ethical hunting. We stock replacement blades for most mechanical broadheads, sharpening stones and systems for maintaining fixed-blade edges, and practice heads that match your hunting broadheads' weight and flight characteristics. Many hunters use practice heads for target shooting to preserve their razor-sharp hunting broadheads for the field.
