NOTE: Stay Sharp Guide just released a new sharpener just for TOTA heads. Here is the link: l. l.php?u=https%...
Here's a summary of my 2022 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/ scores of these 2 heads posted in parenthesis.
TOTA 100 gr Solid Score: 88.8=9 Golden Arrows
TOTA 125 gr Solid Score: 88.3=9 Golden Arrows
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 100S/125S = 16 pts)
This is not just a test of how heads fly out of my bow, as it was in the past. W/ 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'm 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%, 100S/125S = 14.2 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"; that fraction is weighted to 7% of score. (100S/125 S = 5.6 pts)
The max cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5", then that fraction is weighted to 7% of score. (100S/125S = 5.6 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0"; that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (100S/125S = 3 pts)
3. Sharpness (20%, 100S/125S =17.6 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 100S/125S: 200g=10/10=9pts ) & Edge Retention (9%, 100S/125S: 300g=8/10=7.2pts) 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 Pen Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF and 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For each 50 "grams" of sharpness lost, 1 pt 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 grs.
A utility razor blade: 200 grs.
Based on the many broadheads I have tested, here is my scoring scale:
Out of 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. (100S/125S: 7/10=1.4 pts)
4. Penetration (20%, 100S=19 pts, 125S= 18.5 pts)
There are 3 penetration tests:
Pen Test 1: 1/2" MDF, 2/3" rubber foam mat, Clear Ballistics FBI gel. Depth is compared to a standard of 9" & weighted to 9% of score. (100S: 8"= 8 pts; 125S=7.6"=7.6 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of score.
(100S: 72 layers=9pts; 125S: 69 layers=8.9pts)
Angled Penetration Test: How effectively does the head penetrate 1/4" MDF covered by carpet @ 45 deg angle. This is 2% of score. (100S/125S: 2/2pts)
5. Durability (20%, 100S/125S: 20 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 12% of the score. (100S/125S: 10/10=12 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. (100S/125S: 10/10=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. (100S/125S: 10/10=3 pts)
Steel plate & concrete are not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.
BONUS: Heads will be rewarded bonus pts for special, intangible features such as: rotation, no O rings/clips for mechs, extra thickness, hole size, etc.
100S/125S: +1 flight, +1 square holes; Total Bonus: +2pt
In addition the Overall Numerical Score each head will also receive a LUSK GRADE in 0-10 Golden Arrows as follows:
90-10 =10 Golden Arrows
85-90 = 9 Golden Arrows
80-85 = 8 Golden Arrows
70-80 = 7 Golden Arrows
60-70 = 6 Golden Arrows
50-60 = 5 Golden Arrows
Please check out my sponsor, Stay Sharp Guide. staysharpguide.com 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:
SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.
AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 saves 10%
Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 15%
DEAD X BOWHUNTING: LUSKFIVE saves $5 per pack of Big Game Broadheads.
Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%