This is a test of the 100 gr BEAST 2" Mechanical broadhead by Bowmar. Here is summary of my 2023 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/the scores of this head posted in parenthesis as well.
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 20 pts)
This is not just a test of how heads fly out of my bow, as it was in the past. With a well tuned bow, properly built arrows & good form, almost every head flies well. That's why in the past most heads got a flight score of 9 or 10. But that doesn't help those who may not have perfectly tuned bows/arrows/good form. So now I am gauging Flight Forgiveness. This is based on how the head flies for me, how well it spins, how "sensitive" the flight is to imperfections, & the exposed surface area of the blades. The max score of a Mech is 20 & the max score of a Fixed is 16.
2. Cut Size (20%, 17.72 pts)
The more tissue being cut, the more lethal the head, all else equal. The entrance cut, total cut, & width of the cut (a crucial variable for bloodletting) are all scored:
The entrance cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" then that fraction is weighted to 7% of the score. (1.75" + .2" = 1.95" = 5.46 pts)
The max cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" as well, then that fraction is is weighted to 7% of the score. (2.2" = 6.16 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (2" = 6 pts)
3. Blades (20%, 19.2 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%: 125 grams = 10/10 = 9 pts) & Edge Retention (9%, +0 grams = 10/10 = 9 pts) are measured using the Edge On Up Sharpness Tester. The pressure needed for a blade to cut thru a copolymer wire is measured in grams.
Edge Retention is the loss of sharpness after the head is shot in Penetration Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF and 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For every 50 "grams" of sharpness lost, 1 point is deducted from 10.
What are some sharpness scores for common edges?
A butter knife takes 2000 grams of pressure to break the co polymer wire.
A new high end cutlery edge: ~ 375 grams of pressure.
A utility razor blade: 200 grams.
Based on the many broadheads I have tested, here is my scoring scale:
Out of the Box Sharpness:
0-200 gr: 10
201-300 gr 9
301-400 gr: 8
401-500 gr: 7
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (7/10=1.2 pts)
4. Penetration (20%, 16.05 pts)
There are 3 penetration tests:
Pen Test 1: 1/2" MDF, 2/3" rubber foam mat, Clear Ballistics FBI gel. Depth of penetration is compared to a standard of 9" & weighted to 9% of the score. (7.75" = 7.75 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score.
(52 layers=6.69 pts)
Angled Penetration Test: How effectively does the head penetrate 1/4" MDF covered by carpet at a 45 degree angle. This accounts for 2% of the score. (10/10 = 2 pts)
5. Durability (20%, 16.5 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 12% of the score. (9.5/10 = 11.4 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot thru 22 ga steel plate twice. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 5% of the score. (9/10 = 4.5 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot into concrete once. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 3% of the score. (2/10 = .6 pts)
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.
BONUS:
+1 No O Rings/Clips; +1 Extra sharp blades/edge retention
+1 Stored/Released Energy in Spring; -1 Extra penetration in Pen Test 1 due to blades not staying open
TOTAL SCORE: 91.86 pts = 10 Golden Arrows
Price: $27.50/head
Special Notes:
Please check out my sponsor, Stay Sharp Guide. staysharpguide... or @Innovative Outdoorsman They make excellent broadhead sharpeners. The support I receive from them has helped me improve my channel
I also have some Broadhead Discount Codes I can share:
Accubow: LUSK10 saves 10%
Afflictor: LUSK10 saves 10%
Annihilator: LUSK10 saves 10%
Bishop Archery: LUSKFIVE saves $5 on any order
Contact-Archery.com (formerly Method & Vector): LUSK10 saves 10%
Crimson Talon: LUSK10 saves 10%
Easton Bowtruk 2: LUSK25 saves $25 and Free Shipping
Evolution Outdoors--Jekyll & Hyde heads: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order
Exact Archery: LUSK10 saves 10%
Kayuga Broadheads: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order.
Lathrop & Sons Synergy Footbeds: Lusk1000 saves $10 on any order
Ozcut Broadheads: LUSK10 saves 10%
SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.
Terra Firma: LUSK10 saves 10% on any online sales
Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 10%
TRIFECTA: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order.
VPA: LUSK10 saves 10%
ZEUS & HERA Broadheads (New Era Archery): LUSKFIVE saves $5/pack