Important accuracy considerations and precautions for Edgetac broadheads

Achieving perfect flight with heavy broadheads takes more effort than with conventional 100-grain broadheads.

FOR MAXIMUM ACCURACY, USE THE STIFFEST ARROWS POSSIBLE

All of the following factors will result in improved flight and accuracy:

2. Stiffer is better and arrow quality matters

For crossbow shooters, as of Jan 30th, 2022, Black Eagle Zombie Slayers are the stiffest 18-, 20-, and 22-inch crossbow arrows on the market, and are approximately 25% stiffer than the Black Eagle Executioner arrows. So far, in our tests with crossbows, the Zombie Slayers are proving to be the most accurate option with both our 375 and 775 grain heads.

Archers may select a stiff arrow such as the Black Eagle Rampage 150 spines or the Grizzlystik TDT 170 spines. If you an archer and need assistance with arrow build and selection, Rob Hummel at Dynamic Archery Solutions (not affiliated with Edgetac) can assist. Rob has set up and shot Edgetac 375 and 775 grain heads accurately from his bow.

3. To enhance accuracy further, consider these measures:

Orient or “index” the broadhead to minimize planing

Planing is an issue for ANY fixed blade broadhead. The more the arrow flexes upon launch, the more planing will occur, and the less predictable the accuracy will become. Any unnecessary flex or deviation from the intended path will angle the broadhead and result in some degree of planing. The greater the surface area of the head, the more noticeable planing becomes if launch is not clean. Edgetac broadheads are large and therefore launch will have a significant impact on overall flight quality and accuracy. Because of their weight and large surface area, arrow selection is even more critical to achieve accuracy with the larger 775 grain Edgetac heads than with the more conventionally-sized 375 grain head.

Solving broadhead planing issues

One way to address planing is to consistently set the orientation of the broadhead using a rubber o-ring or washers over the stem of the broadhead (so that it is sandwiched between the broadhead and the arrow to allow a range of rotational adjustment) and orient or “index” the broadhead so that it lies flat and parallel with the string before firing or alternatively, vertically, so it stands perpendicular to the string.

Examples of products that enable “indexing” orienting the broadhead include:

If the heads fly more accurately oriented a specific direction, that indicates how the shaft is flexing. If they fly better with the blades parallel with the string (horizontal) that means there is minimal deviation vertically at launch. If flight quality decreases with the blades perpendicular with the string (vertical) that indicates unwanted horizontal movement.

Spinning inserts

Ethics Archery sells a product called a “Spinning Insert” which claims to reduce broadhead planing. It has received mixed reviews in forums. We will test it and release the results of our tests shortly, but it’s another potential option.

Aluminum arrow footers or “shock collars”

Adding aluminum footers to the arrow is a great way to stiffen the dynamic spine of the arrow, and it results in an arrow that is far more durable. Crossbow shooters can construct their own footers using aluminum pipe that has a 9mm inner diameter and a 11mm outer diameter.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001271429156.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32995584677.html

Tools like this can be used to bevel the edges of the aluminum tube:

Vertical bow shooters have the option of choosing commercially available “shock collars” and footers. Some archers tune by adjusting the footing length rather than the shaft length.

Double-shafting

For crossbow shooters, enhanced stiffness arrows can be constructed by taking standard crossbow arrows, which have an inner diameter of 7.62mm, and inserting the stiffest possible carbon archery arrow blanks, or carbon fiber tubes, with an outer diameter of about 7.5mm.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT TO TRY TO GROUP MULTIPLE BROADHEADS

Edgetac broadheads have a 1.5 and 2 inch cutting diameter respectively and the bevels cause them to rotate through the target. Shooting multiple broadheads into the same target area can result in broadheads bumping into each other within the target medium, which can damage or destroy a broadhead.