DISCOUNT CODE: LUSK = Free Shipping on any order
This is a test of the 125 gr, 4 blade modular VBS Broadhead, by Vector Custom Shop--both the 7/8" bleeders & 1 1/8" bleeders.
For sharpening, consider using the Stay Sharp Guide "C" Sharpener, for curved blades.
Here is summary of my 2022 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/the scores of the VBS (7/8" bleeder) posted in parentheses as well.
Total VBS 125gr w/7/8" Bleeders Score: 88.47 = 9 Golden Arrows
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 16 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 of a Fixed is 16.
2. Cut Size (20%, 15.13 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 (1.19 +.875"/2.5" x 7 = 5.78 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 (5.78 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score (1.19"/2 x 6 = 3.57 pts)
3. Blades (20%, 18.1 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 125 grs=10/10=9 pts ) & Edge Retention (9%, +50 grs=9/10=8.1 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 Pen Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF & 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For every 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 of pressure
A utility razor blade: 200 grs
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
...
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (5/10=1 pts) Use the Stay Sharp Guide "C" Sharpener.
4. Penetration (20%, 17.09 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. (7.25" = 7.25 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score (61 layers=7.84 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. (2/2pts)
5. Durability (20%, 18.65 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 12% of the score. (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. (8.5/10 = 4.25 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. (8/10 = 2.4 pts)
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.
BONUS: Heads will be rewarded bonus points for special, intangible features such as: rotation, no O rings/clips for mechs, extra thick, hole size, other unique designs, etc.
VBS 7/8" Bonus: +1 excellent flight
+1 extra sharp blades
+1 modular design
+.5 extra thick blades (.057")
Total Score 7/8"= 88.47 = 9 Golden Arrows
Total Score 1 1/8"=87.47 = 9 Golden Arrows
Price = $23/head (Use Discount Code: LUSK for free ship)
Grading Scale:
90-100 10 Golden Arrows
85-90 9
80-85 8
70-80 7
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:
SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.
Vector Custom Shop: LUSK = Free Ship
AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 = 10% off
Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 = 15% off
DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5/pack.
Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%
ZEUS & HERA (New Era Archery): LUSKFIVE saves $5/pack