Last Updated on December 27, 2022
The Best Broadheads for Elk of 2023
So, you’re checking in on the best broadheads for elk hunting, huh? Well, the stats are in, and they’re not good. The chances of getting an elk during archery season are typically around 12%. When you consider that much of that take is on private land, you start to realize that your chances at a shot opportunity when hunting elk is pretty low.
I wrote this article to help you make the most out of those shots by ensuring you have the right gear to get the job done when the opportunity arises. I created this post by compiling a list of the very best broadheads in the field today, along with some other helpful advice on picking broadheads for elk.
Why Does Your Broadhead Matter?
Why does your broadhead matter?
Broadheads matter because elk are formidable beasts that aren’t exactly easy to take down with a bow. Bull elk regularly grow to be 800 pounds and have been known to travel a couple of miles before expiring after a less-than-desirable shot. So it really helps if you can get a double lung shot, and using the best broadhead possible will drastically improve your chances.
Will the broadheads that you use for deer also work for elk? Most likely.
Modern compound bows and arrows can easily slice through a deer or an elk, but they have certain limitations. These bows can efficiently deliver energy like never before, but they need to work in conjunction with your arrows and, ultimately, your abilities.
When considering what broadheads are best for elk hunting, you must consider the energy needed to push and accelerate that broadhead to the target and deep into multiple layers of hide, fat, muscle, bone, and organ.
For determining the weight of an arrow and broadhead set up, I like the combination to be around 420 grains. A grain is a unit of weight in archery if you didn’t know already, and to achieve the right kinetic energy needed to penetrate an elk, you’ll likely need a 100 or 125-grain broadhead.
Best Fixed Blade Broadheads for Elk
Slick Trick Standard and Magnum
Material: Stainless steel
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Four
Cutting Diameter: 1-1/8″
Several hunters I’ve come across who use Slick Trick broadheads all tell me the same thing: they report reliably and fly true. I witnessed a hunter use one of these to drop an elk with a Texas heart shot that came out the front of the elk and buried into the ground. With the Slick Tricks, you can expect reliable performance for a reasonable price.
Wasp Archery Havalon HV
Material: Stainless steel
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Three
Cutting Diameter: 1-3/16″
The Wasp Havalon HV broadheads are razor, and I mean RAZOR sharp, which makes their cutting power nearly unmatched. The perfectly lined up blades match well with the bone-crushing Trocar tip. The three-packs come with two extra sets of blades, which makes this a great value buy. They’re easily one of the nicest broadheads on the market, thanks to their extremely sharp, durable, and thin Havalon blades.
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G5 Outdoors Striker X
Material: Steel
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Four
Cutting Diameter: 1-1/4″
This broadhead features four replaceable blades and intense cutting power. Its razor-sharp fins keep this no-frills broadhead flying true and will sink deep into its target upon impact. These are also quite attractive for budget-minded individuals who don’t want to skimp on quality.
Muzzy 3 Blade
Material: Aluminum body, Trocar tip
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Three
Cutting Diameter: 1-3/16″
At the intersection of price and function, you’ll find the Muzzy 3 Blade Fixed Blade Broadhead. This was the first arrow I ever used for elk, and I still carry a few in my quiver today. Their sharp, replaceable blades can easily cut into your elk and would be a great addition to your bow-hunting kit.
Tooth of the Arrow XL
Material: Steel
Grain: 125
Number of Blades: Four
Cutting Diameter: 1-3/16″
“Super tough, strong, and durable” is how Tooth of the Arrow markets their broadheads, and I’d tend to agree with their description. If you’ve ever fallen victim to a flimsy broadhead in the field, then I suggest giving these tried-and-true suckers a shot. These broadheads fly consistently every single time and make tuning easy. They’re milled from a single piece of steel, coated in black oxide, and their XL weight really packs a wallop.
G5 Montec
Material: Steel
Grain: 85, 100, 125
Number of Blades: Three
Cutting Diameter: 1-1/8″
The G5 Montec’s made the cut because they’re incredibly reliable above all else. These blades can be continuously resharpened and are also reasonably priced, making them a solid budget option for elk hunters. Users report complete pass-throughs on these broadheads regularly.
Best Mechanical Broadheads for Elk
Rage Hypodermic
Material: Stainless steel
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Two
Cutting Diameter: 2″
This is hands down my favorite mechanical broadhead. This sucker has the power to break through bone while its ultra-thin razor talons slice deep into the body or your elk. The Rage Hypodermic shoots true, and much like a field point will help you tune it in with ease.
Grim Reaper RazorCut
Material: Stainless steel
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Three or four
Cutting Diameter: 1-1/4″
Super strong and reliable opening. That’s a lot to ask for a mechanical broadhead. Grim Reaper makes a top-notch product with the RazorCut. You can expect clean pass-throughs and short blood trails if you use these broadheads. Made without bands or clips, this broadhead won’t open until it hits the target.
NAP Killzone
Material: Stainless steel
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Two
Cutting Diameter: 2-3/8″
Reliability, strength, and penetrating power — you get it all with this 2-blade mechanical broadhead. Its wicked 2” cut-on-contact blade can really open an animal up. Also, it’s made without bands, which means no mess-ups. This is one of the best broadheads for elk because it is made and designed by elk hunters.
G5 Deadmeat
Material: Stainless steel
Grain: 100, 125
Number of Blades: Three
Cutting Diameter: 1-1/2″
The 3-bladed G5 Deadmeat broadhead has snap-back blade retention, which keeps the blades locked in place until firing. I have seen this broadhead drop deer and elk. Known for its reliable and strong construction, its replicable blades make this a great value option. Much like the Rage Hypodermic broadheads, these will fly much like your field-tips.
Fixed vs Mechanical Broadheads for Elk Hunting
Most of my recommendations here will involve fixed-blade broadheads. I know this may ruffle some feathers as many hunters favor mechanical, but the truth is that less can go wrong on a fixed blade vs a mechanical blade. Fixed blades are tried and true.
I missed a shot opportunity because of my mechanical broadhead, and I was kicking myself afterward. Its rubberband froze, and when I drew back, my broadhead had one blade forward and two back. When I fumbled for a split second to fix it, the bull had already run away.
Another reason I prefer mechanical broadheads is that their blades cut on contact. They don’t have to open upon contact, which gives the arrow a little extra oomph when entering the animal by not wasting kinetic energy transferring to the mechanical blade.
Mechanical blades aren’t entirely bad, as I’ve seen many hunters drop elk while using them. These mechanical blades create a larger cutting diameter, which can easily exceed the cuts from a fixed blade. This makes tracking far easier, as a larger wound means a larger trail of blood on the ground. This could mean the difference between finding your kill or losing track of it and letting it go to waste.
To this end, I’ve recommended four mechanical broadheads for those who prefer them over fixed blades. I’ve seen several elk taken down with the Rage Hypodermic broadhead, so I can attest to its effectiveness.
All things considered, mechanical broadheads for elk are basically just as effective at taking down an animal as fixed broadheads, but because of the slight advantages of the fixed blade, that is my preference.
Which Broadhead Will You Choose for Your Upcoming Elk Hunt?
Will your broadhead be bloody or dry?
No matter which broadhead you choose from this list, you’ll be sitting pretty in the tree stand this September. As I am sure you know, Elk hunting success is all about putting the pieces together to place yourself in the best position to make the perfect shot. These broadheads are just one of the many moving parts that must come together for you to harvest an animal in the coming season.
I hope this write-up was useful to you. If you have any questions or comments about the best broadheads for elk, feel free to comment below or shoot me an email.
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