September 2019

brain and lymph system, and they actu- Conclusion
ally aren’t sensitive enough to detect the
low prion levels in urine. The RT-QuIC With all this talk of CWD, it’s easy to
Test is much more sensitive. It ampli- lose track of the other incredible things
fies the presence of prions in order to Tink’s has done in its long history. After
detect them in urine.” all, Tink’s was established in 1 —al-
most half a century ago—and the com-
Dr. Henderson has established an inde- pany has delivered many groundbreak-
pendent laboratory to provide this help- ing and effective products over its many
ful test to the industry’s scent makers. years of operation.

“These amplification tests have been Take the company’s signature Tink’s
used in research labs for probably more Doe-in-Rut scent, for instance. This
than 15 years,” Dr. Henderson said. “The
same technology is also being used to time-tested formula has helped en-
detect other protein-based diseases tire generations of bowhunters tag the
like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but bucks of their dreams. Tink’s has also
the test that am doing now is the first upgraded its products with the latest ap-
test of its kind that’s available to detect plication methods, such as Bag-in-Can
CWD. There are no commercial tests for technology, where the scent is housed
CWD in urine besides this one. I am also in a bag and the can is then filled with
working on moving this testing technol- compressed air squeezing the bag. The
ogy to other aspects of CWD—like live- result is a spray of 100 percent pure lure,
animal testing. Eventually, I’m hoping rather than a diluted mixture of scent
to have a test that hunters can use, so and propellant.
they can send in a sample themselves
and get the test results back rapidly.” Tink’s has also developed effective
synthetic scents, ensuring that all hunt-
Altogether, Tink’s and its partners ers have access to the company’s re-
have proven that they are willing to markable products—even in the few
take every step possible to provide hunt- states that still don’t allow natural urine.
ers with safe and effective products.
Tink’s efforts in the fight against CWD
“The RT-Qu C Test was specifically are ultimately the result and continua-
designed to test urine for contamina- tion of the company’s long and respect-
tion, and it will verify that there are no ed legacy.
detectable levels of CWD in our prod-
ucts prior to bottling,” Phil Robinson “Urine-based scents have been around
said. “This test will provide final con- a long time, and they are an important
firmation that our products are safe to tradition and tool for hunters,” Phil Rob-
use and don’t have the risk of spread- inson said. “Banning these products will
ing CWD. Tink’s and Wildlife Research not slow down CWD, and this is sup-
Center have been doing this test on our ported by experts like Dr. Henderson,
products this year, so the products on who authored these studies in the first
the shelves right now have been tested. place. As manufacturers in this indus-
We are also going to roll this out to the try, all of us care deeply about deer. We
rest of the industry and have a full-scale all hunt, and we all want to protect our
launch in 2020. The products that have hunting traditions. Down the road, we
received this test will all be identified in are going to continue to provide hunters
a consistent manner, with an RT-QuIC with tools that make them successful in
Test logo right next to the ATA Deer Pro- the field. You can always expect Tink’s
tection logo.” to be an innovator, and you can also ex-
pect us to work with others to preserve
hunting. That’s a goal all of us share.”

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 51

MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORT

Xpedition Archery Thresher X
BY PATRICK MEITIN

I n the course of conducting my with a shorter draw length who doesn’t Torque-Free Chassis
annual business, I get to shoot pull a lot of draw weight) can get a taste
of Xpedition’s savory performance with- One of the aspects I appreciate about Xpe-
dition bows is their carefully engineered
dozens of new bows each season. out breaking the bank. The mid-priced risers. Xpedition risers are extremely well
Thresher X has the snazzy features and balanced in the hand—at rest and at full
draw—and they also provide some of the
Some of these bows make enough of an performance-enhancing technologies of lightest mass specs in the business. The
Thresher X, like other Xpedition mod-
impression on me that they subsequently the company’s key offerings (like the 2019 els, hits the scales at less than 4 pounds.
That makes these bows easy to tote dur-
accompany me into the field during anx- Mako X and Xcursion series, as exam- ing run-and-gun mountain adventures,
but unlike many of the lightest bows on
iously anticipated bowhunting seasons. ples , but it is scaled to fit smaller archers. the market, the well-balanced design
remains steady in the hand at full
Xpedition’s Denali was one of these bows. It has agile axle-to-axle specs just shy of draw. It also provides a platform that’s
free of ex and post-release vibrations.
Its performance is so impressive that I will 30 inches, a feathery 3.68-pound mass, Xpedition accomplished this by creat-
ing large riser cutouts that are supported
be toting it for a second elk season. Before 30- to 60-pound peak draw weights and by strategically placed structural Xs.
The long-riser/short-limb geometry also
the Denali, my Xpedition Xplorer SS saw a adjustments tailored for shorter draw
The Xpedition Archery Thresher X is a quiet bow.
lot of action in the field. These bows daz- lengths. And since it’s an Xpedition, it also This is thanks to the bow’s parallel limb geometry
and incorporated LimbSaver technology.
zled me with remarkably smooth draw unleashes arrow speeds that surpass the

cycles and incredible arrow speeds. They 300 fps mark.

are bowhunter’s bows that seem to shoot

themselves with the smallest amount of Smooth Speed

applied effort and skill. The Thresher X is fueled by the XS-VT

For 2019, ladies and teens (or any archer Cam, which will appear familiar to Xpe-

dition fans and dealers. This 80-percent

let-off hybrid system with a rotating

module allows shooters or dealers to

accommodate draw lengths from 23 to

28 inches, without a bow press. Simply

loosen a pair of Torx screws on each ec-

centric, disengage the module from the

positioning pin, rotate to the appropriate

setting, reengage the positioning pin and

retighten the set screws.

The S- T Cam found on the Thresher offers The cam system creates a rock-solid
serious speed without a challenging draw cycle. rear wall via dual rubber-cushioned limb
stops positioned along a contoured slot.

The cable guard on the Thresher X has much of the This stop system allows for a certain
inside material milled away, allowing it to e inward degree of adjustment for rear-wall feel,
to eliminate riser torque at full draw. It also holds a let-off and valley depth—all according

four-way roller guard and rubber dampener. to a shooter’s preferences. The limb-stop

system produced remarkably even arrow

speeds across the entire test-arrow spec-

trum during our shooting-machine test-

ing, including arrows with de ections

from roughly .600 to .400. Finally, despite

spitting arrows at pile-driving speeds, the

XS-VT Cam comes into anchor smoothly

and without any jarring surprises.

52 INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

Specifications Arrow Speed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Xpedition Archery Thresher X set at 53.0 pounds at 28 inches

Axle-to-Axle Length 29-INCH ARROWS/ SHAFT *FINISHED KINETIC ARROW

. inches, -. -inch 100-GRAIN TIPS GPI ARROW WT. ENERGY SPEED

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Brace Height C . ... .

. inches, -. -inchs ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C . . ... .

Mass Weight –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

. pounds TT . ... .

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Let-Off BC . ... .

percent –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

pedition rchery’s minimalist-style limb pockets are –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CT . ... .
sleek but solid. The design saves weight and improves
balance, but it also holds the split limbs precisely Available Draw Lengths –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
and securely.
to inches . -inch increments . . ... .
promotes stability and steady aiming.
Limb pockets are attached on a wide –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

two-point plane that shifts limb pivot Available Draw Weights TR . . ... .
points rearward. This mitigates the radical
riser re ex and produces the bow’s near- , , and pounds –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-inch brace height. The milled-aluminum
limb pockets use a minimalist approach –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– T . .. . .
that is ingenious and simple. There are
twin limb-base-anchoring screws to each Available Colors –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
side of the limb bolt, and they are threaded
into small figure- caps. Meanwhile, limbs olten Black, Tactical Sand and ps C . . ... .
ride on precision, plastic-lined rear cradles. reen solids or Realtree Timber
The system ensures even limb alignment –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
and security without added weight. The camou age riser, with olten Black limbs
grip is integral to the riser. It has small and string-color options available C TC . . ... .
side plates, and it is quite comfortable.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The ex cable guard completes the
torque-eliminating design. pedition has MSRP o ST . . . . . .
a way of finding simple solutions to com-
plex issues. While many companies have –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
devised mechanical systems to combat the
lateral torque exerted on the riser at full S -W . . ... .
draw, pedition found a more straightfor-
ward solution. The portion of the carbon- –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
rod material facing the sight window has
been milled away, allowing it to ex inward rrow speeds established using a Caldwell Shooting Supplies Chronograph . Denotes steel insert outsert
at full draw. uss cables ride on a friction-
free, two-way roller slide to eliminate wear FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (844) 263-3665, OR VISIT XPEDITIONARCHERY.COM.
and potential noise. t’s simple and highly
efficient. silence. The split limbs work against one
another on release to cancel the jump
Hunt Silent and vibrations of its opposing twin.

The Thresher is essentially bowhunting- Easy Sell
ready out of the box. The bow remained
quiet from the heaviest to the lightest test uying a teen a high-performance com-
arrows, with a net difference of around pound bow generally means there is
foot pounds of kinetic energy posted from another new-bow investment in the near
the heaviest to lightest. This shows future. Teens might outgrow their sneak-
that the Thresher a highly efficient ers or jeans, but pedition’s Future Stars
machine. The Thresher includes a Program ensures that they won’t outgrow
LimbSaver-equipped, adjustable string their Thresher bow. The program allows
stop. It also has LimbSaver twist-lock limb any registered original owner to upgrade
silencers and a rubber disk at the base of the Thresher ’s limbs for only 5 as they
the cable slide carbon rod. Its past-parallel grow stronger and wish to advance to
limb design also contributes to its overall additional draw weight. Women can also
choose the Lady Killer Option, with Passion
Purple limb decal accents, a bubble sticker
and purple strings.
For female and teen customers, the
Thresher represents an ideal hunting
machine. It is smooth to draw and
forgiving to shoot. It delivers arrows at
blistering speeds, and it does so quietly. ts
-inch/ 0-pound peak specs will fit many
adult male customers as well. The Thresher
provides the “kinetically challenged”
with a viable option that was engineered
to deliver the goods and ensure big-game
confidence—all at a reasonable price.

Web tra ■ Take a look at the

pedition Archery Thresher in action at
insidearchery.com/xpeditionthresherx

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 53

54 INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

.30-06 Outdoors Bloodbath

Allen Company BloodRUSH

Today’s Cutting-Edge B3 Archery
Exoskeletal Broadhead
Broadheads

Of all the moving parts involved in the (in case I hit major bone) and how sharp
bowhunting process, I think broadheads the edges are (sharpness equals blood loss),
are one of the most fascinating. I might and I also want to seek potential weak
install a new bow sight or drop-away rest links. Perhaps this shows my age, as there
without really delving into what actu- was a time when any number of broad-
ally makes it tick (beyond basic set up), or head designs revealed glaring or multiple
shoot a bow without ever studying its cam failure possibilities, given the right combi-
system. But broadheads I inspect with the nation of circumstances.
eye of a quality-control engineer. I want to
know exactly how the blades are anchored Better materials, but also more thought-
ful designs and precision engineering,

Blood Therapy Broadheads OCD

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 55

Bloodsport Deadline make the latest broadhead designs real broadhead features built-in stops for
killers. The broadheads highlighted here both closed and open positions, prevent-
Cold Steel Buzz Saw showcase advanced technologies, and ing arrow damage. These broadheads are
they crafted with the very best materials crafted with hardened 00 stainless steel.
Crimson Talon G2 and manufacturing techniques currently The blades are also stainless steel, and
available. they are .032-inches thick. Learn more at
DirtNap Gear ALPHA b3archery.com.
.30-06 Outdoors
56 Blood Therapy Broadheads
The Bloodbath Mechanical Broadhead from
.30-06 Outdoors is a 100-grain hybrid de- Blood Therapy’s OCD broadhead is designed
sign. It holds cut-on-contact leading edges to exert minimal resistance while passing
that are followed by aggressive deployable through game to ensure maximum pen-
mechanical blades. The leading, cut-on- etration. This is made possible through
contact blade produces a 13/16-inch cutting the design’s rotating circular blade, which
diameter and boosts penetration. The two is engineered to rotate around bone on
serrated mechanical blades are designed to contact. This creates less resistance and
saw through bone and tendons with ease. promotes a higher percentage of pass-
They open to 2-inches, while also main- through shots. The 1-inch cutting diameter
taining a streamlined, 5/8-inch in- ight is created by a .1 -inch circumference,
profile. lades are cut from 0 stain- .059-inch-thick circular blade. Penetra-
less steel, and the ferrule is milled from tion starts with a 9/16-inch-wide, .039-inch-
high-grade aluminum. Learn more at thick cut-on-contact leading tip. The 0
30-06outdoors.com. stainless steel blades are held in a 7075
aluminum ferrule, and they are 100 per-
Allen Company cent spin tested. They are offered in 100-
and 125-grain versions. Learn more at
Allen’s BloodRUSH series broadheads are bloodtherapybroadheads.com.
designed to maximize blood ow. They
feature a 26-degree-twisted ferrule with Bloodsport Archery
multiple Hyper-trauma Blood Ports. The
twisted, aircraft-aluminum ferrule maxi- The Deadline from Bloodsport was made
mizes soft-tissue displacement, and the for crossbow enthusiasts who are wield-
Blood Ports create suction to initiate a ing today’s fastest models, and they are
designed to handle bolt speeds up to 500
uid vortex that maximizes blood ow for fps. This 100-grain mechanical includes
quicker kills and wider blood trails. A steel a rugged chisel tip, 7075-grade alumi-
cutting-edge tip starts things off on the right num ferrule and two 0 stainless steel
track. Look for them in a four-blade fixed/ blades. The cutting diameter is 2 inches,
mechanical Hybrid, three-blade Expand- and blades are secured in ight with-
able and three-blade Fixed. Learn more at out O-rings or bands. The cutting tip en-
allencompany.net. gages the target before scissoring blades
open to full cutting diameter, eliminating
B3 Archery kick-outs on angled shots. Learn more at
bloodsportarchery.com.
B3’s Exoskeletal Broadheads are incred-
ibly strong and accurate. Their curved Cold Steel
blades cut faster and penetrate longer.
Their unique design also eliminates ex- The Buzz Saw from Cold Steel provides a
ternal bands and promotes quiet ight lethal broadhead option for around $1.
and field-tip accuracy. The pre-loaded Cold Steel totes them as an affordable
blade angle is quick to deploy, and the

INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

Today’s Cutting-Edge

Broadheads

G5 Outdoors Striker V2 available in 100- and 125-grain with
standard or Deep Six threads (100-grain
only). They are also 100- and 125-grain
Crossbow versions with fatter ferrules.
Learn more at g5outdoors.com.

Grim Reaper
Broadheads

Fatal Steel

alternative to costly big-game heads or the DirtNap Gear
perfect varmint and small-game choice.
They’re designed by the same people who DirtNap Gear’s all-new ALPHA is a tough cut-
have been designing tactical and military on-contact broadhead with a solid-steel fer-
knives for more than 35 years. The Buzz rule and extra-thick, shaving-sharp blades.
Saw’s aerodynamic properties and twelve The nickel-plated 420J2 steel blades and fer-
cutting edges—topped with “grip n’ rip” ser- rule are designed to bust bone. The compact
rations—make them deadly effective. The provides field-point accuracy from today’s
Buzz Saw is made from a space-age poly- fastest vertical and horizontal bows. The 1
mer that won’t corrode. It is offered in 100- ¼-by-½-inch cutting diameter payload has 1
or 125-grain versions, purchased in a 10- or ¾ inches of total cutting edges to lay down
40-pack. Learn more at coldsteel.com. thick blood trails. DirtNap’s Modular Weight
System allows one ALPHA head to be shot
Crimson Talon as a 100- or 125-grain head. Learn more at
dirtnapgear.com.
Crimson Talon is back and better than
ever! Crimson Talon G2 broadheads offer G5 Outdoors
superior accuracy and lethal results with
their patented Spintite Airfoil Technology 5 Outdoors’ Striker fixed-blade broad-
that provides pinpoint accuracy from the head has stood the test of time and be-
fastest compound bows and crossbows. come a favorite for many serious bow-
This airfoil effect helps spin-stabilize ar- hunters. The new Striker V2 Broadhead
rows from the front for improved accu- represents the next generation Striker. Its
racy. The three rigid blade airfoils increase fixed, three-blade design has a stronger
spin rates for improved gyroscopic stabil- 100 percent stainless steel ferrule. It was
ity. The airfoils also help hunting arrows milled to incorporate a cut-on-contact tip,
screw through the target like a drywall and it holds spooky-sharp Lutz blades. The
screw, producing devastating spiral wound V2 blade-retention system now provides
channels that resist clogging. The result is a stronger hold that increases reliability
massive hemorrhaging and easy-to-follow and still provides simple blade replace-
blood trails. Penetration is initiated with a ment. The V2 produces a 1 ¼-inch cutting
cutting A2 steel trocar tip that was designed diameter, and each head is spin tested to
to split bone. The six razor-sharp blades are ensure accuracy. Each three-pack of V2
held in a high-grade aluminum ferrule. heads come with a G5 Ballistic Match Point
They are so tough that they carry a lifetime (BMP) for sight-in and practice. BMPs are
replacement warranty against failure. aerodynamically and ballistically matched
Learn more at korekut.com. to provide identical arrow impact with-
out dulling broadhead blades. They’re

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 57

InnerLoc Grim Reaper Broadheads maximizes penetration. The added ¾-inch
Aero bleeder creates a crosscut for improved
The Grim Reaper Fatal Steel Mechanical hemorrhaging, and the sharpened rear
Series Broadhead is based on a one-piece stain- bevels improve ight. Custom engraving is
less steel ferrule, and it has an incorpo- available, and all Iron Will Broadheads in-
Iron Will Broadheads rated cut-on-contact Trocrazor II tip that clude a lifetime guaranty. Learn more at
was designed to split bone and drive deep. ironwilloutfitters.com.
K-Thump Slobbernocker The Fatal Steel operates on Grim Reaper’s
original no O-ring design, and its shock- K-Thump
KuduPoint Contour absorbing blade spring ensures no de-
The K-Thump Slobbernocker blunt was
ection on heavily angled shots. The tip designed for serious small-game hunt-
was set forward to ensure ample pen- ing and roving stump shooting. They are
etration before blades arrive to keep ar- made in the U.S. and designed to ensure
rows on track after angled hits. All told,
the Fatal Steel combines a fast-opening ight that matches field points and hunt-
mechanical design with the dependabil- ing broadheads, even at extended ranges.
ity and strength of a cutting-tip. ts steel A patented trident tip provides the aero-
body holds three shaving-sharp blades dynamics needed for 50- 0 yard accuracy
that open to 1 ¼ inches. Learn more at and also snags on grass and brush after
grimreaperbroadheads.com. a miss to eliminate burrowing and skip-
ping that can result in arrow loss. The
InnerLoc Broadheads three-pronged tip also does a number on
rabbits, squirrels and similar small game.
InnerLoc expanded the Aero Series me- They’re molded from a tough polymer ma-
chanical broadheads for 2019. The Car- terial to last many seasons. Learn more at
nage features rear-deploying, razor-sharp k-thump.com.
blades contained in an exclusive aerody-
namic wrap. The “Deadly y Design” head KuduPoint

ies like a dart because the blades are fully KuduPoint broadheads are bulletproof
contained in a paper tube during ight. and deadly cut-on-contact designs that
They easily cut out of the containment were engineered to provide maximum
wrap on impact to deliver massive hemor- penetration. They work great with low-
rhaging. Wraps are offered in multiple de- energy equipment, and they can also
signs. The 100-grain mechanical produces tackle the largest, toughest big game
a 1 ½-inch cut with three .040-inch-thick around. Contour broadheads feature
blades. Learn more at innerloc.com. concave cutting edges that air wider
as they penetrate to ensure deep-driving
Iron Will Broadheads performance. The variable-pitch, single-
bevel edges sport a 40-degree baseline.
Iron Will Broadheads are made for the This technology helps split bone with
toughest assignments. They have A a twisting action, and it in icts spiral
tool-steel blades that were subjected to wound channels through soft tissue.
a proprietary triple-temper heat treat- Its 100 percent stainless steel construc-
ment, which creates optimal hardness tion features a 416 stainless ferrule and
and extremely sharp edges. Ferrules are .050-inch-thick 420 stainless blades. A
milled from Grade 5 titanium, which is proprietary swaging process permanent-
three times stronger than aluminum. The ly bonds ferrules to blades, and all surfac-
cut-on-contact Tanto tip will not curl or es have a matte hard coat. Learn more at
break after bone impacts. The low-profile kudupoint.com.
1 1/16-inch cutting diameter main
blade minimizes wind de ection and

58 INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

Today’s Cutting-Edge

Broadheads

Magnus Broadheads and scary sharp. They interlock inside the Magnus Broadheads Black Hornet
ferrule for added structural integrity. A Mohican Sneak Project One
Magnus’ Black Hornet and Black Hornet 1 1/8-inch-wide cutting diameter brings
Ser Razor are true cut-on-contact broad- them up to speed with today’s fastest bows.
heads that feature rugged .060-inch-thick This no-nonsense design was made for un-
stainless steel primary blades. Each head compromising reliability. Learn more at
is extremely dialed in. The ferrule center- musacchiabroadhead.com.
line falls within .003 thousandths of an
inch of the centerline of the ferrule for Muzzy Broadheads
straight ight from today’s fastest bows
and crossbows. Black Hornet heads come Usually not a name associated with me-
with razor-sharp straight edges or par- chanical designs, Muzzy introduced the
tially-serrated Ser Razor blades. They are 100-grain X Broadhead. The X starts penetra-
offered in 100- and 125-grain weights. All tion with a cut-on-contact main blade. Two
Magnus broadheads come with a lifetime scissoring mechanical blades are deployed
replacement guaranty. Learn more at after initial penetration, and they open to
magnusbroadheads.com. 1 ½ inches. Mechanical blades are held in
a high-grade aluminum ferrule, creating
Mohican Sneak a nasty coring wound channel on impact.
Meanwhile, a -inch in- ight profile en-
The 125-grain Project One broadhead from sures field-point accuracy. Learn more at
Mohican Sneak has a unique fixed-blade feradyne.com/muzzy-broadheads/.
design that creates wound channels that
most mechanicals would be hard pressed New Archery Products
to match. This cut-on-contact broadhead
has staggered cutting edges for a truly New Archery Products’ 1 5-grain Dark
devastating wound. The opposing-plane
blades also aid in arrow rotation and help
stabilize the arrow in ight. The one-piece
stainless steel blade is .040-inches thick
and highly resilient. Edges are sharpened
front and rear, and they are anchored in
an aircraft-grade aluminum ferrule with
stainless steel set screws. Learn more at
mohicansneak.com.

Musacchia Broadheads

Musacchia Broadheads owner John Musac-
chia has decades of broadhead-designing
knowhow as one of the original owners of
Muzzy Products. Refined N S100 three- and
four-blade models were designed with one
goal in mind: crushing bone and blasting
through game. Ferrules are milled from
stout 0 5 T aluminum and finished with
a Type II Hardcoat. The cutting trocar tip has
an improved profile, and it is milled from
stronger 416 stainless steel, which holds its
edge better after punishing bone hits. The
stainless steel blades are .025-inches thick

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 59

Musacchia Broadheads NBS100 Muzzy X Broadhead New Archery Products Dark Knight

Knight is a hybrid design that combines are also a top choice for those perusing reinforced, needle-sharp tip resists curl-
an aggressive cutting diameter with deep- tough big game. These nail-tough, cut- ing or failure after punishing bone im-
driving performance and pinpoint accu- on-contact heads are designed to drive pacts. A 1 ¼-inch cutting diameter and
racy. Its 125-grain weight boosts F.O.C. for deep, split bone and remain intact—no out-of-the-box scalpel-like edges ensure
added forgiveness and penetration po- matter what they encounter. The new- generous blood trails. Learn more at
tential, and the milled-aluminum ferrule est addition is the one-piece EVO, and it is northernbroadheads.com.
and sharp steel tip ensure reliability. The the epitome of rugged dependability. They
three-blade design—a swiveling “batwing” are CNC machined from solid steel billet. Quality Archery Designs
blade backed by two deployable Spitfire- Lighter versions prove ideal for women
style blades—provides a devastating cross- and youth customers who are targeting Quality Archery Designs’ Exodus has be-
cut 1 3/8-by-1 1/8-inch wound channel. The average game, or compound guys bow- come the broadhead of choice for many
wider single blade is set on a pivoting pin, hunting elk-sized game. Heavier models bowhunters. It offers an impressive 1
so it can swing around when it encounters are ready-made for traditional shooters
bone to remain on a straight path for deep- or, say, something like a 2,500-pound -inch cutting diameter and field-point
er penetration. The Dark Knight is com- Australian water buffalo (which they accuracy. The Exodus is also constructed
patible with vertical and horizontal bows. have been thoroughly field tested on . from 100 percent stainless steel, so it’s
Learn more at newarchery.com. Northern offers them in 100-, 125-, 150, ultra tough. Its accuracy comes from its
175- and 200-grain models. They hold ultra-short ferrule and Blade Over Shaft
Northern Broadheads patent-pending dimpled surfaces, which technology. Toughness is ensured by its
act like the dimples on golf balls to re- stainless steel construction, and it is also
Northern Broadheads are great for duce friction and promote atter trajec- equipped with a hide-cutting and bone-
bowhunters who use traditional gear tories and deeper penetration. The highly splitting Rock-Buster SST Tip. Complet-
and the kinetically challenged, and they ing the package are three .040-inch-thick
blades that are aligned with the tip’s cut-
ting edges. Blade spurs extend through a
steel washer and inside the arrow ferrule
to create an unsurpassed locking system.
QAD offers them in 85-, 100- and 125-grain
weights, with Swept- or Solid-blade pro-
files. They also come in Standard, Deep
Six or XBow models. Learn more at
qadinc.com.

Radical Archery Designs

Radical Archery Designs RAD introduced
the Rival broadhead series for 2019. These
broadheads were purpose-built for the
rigors of Western elk hunting, but they

60 INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

Today’s Cutting-Edge

Broadheads

Northern Broadheads EVO QAD Exodus Radical Archery Designs Rival

can help with other demanding jobs. The one-piece ferrule is Rocky Mountain
milled from 316 stainless steel. They include an integral cutting
tip and three full-length utes. They are tempered to be strong Rocky Mountain’s 2019 Switchblade is a reliable and aerodynam-
enough to pound through bull-elk shoulders, yet soft enough to ic four-blade hybrid design with an aircraft-grade aluminum
avoid breaking after punishing bone impacts. The .030-inch- ferrule. A 7/8-inch-wide, cut-on-contact leading edge improves
thick blades are ground in RAD’s own facility with a special pro- penetration and smashes bone. Following it are two 2-inch-
cess that ensures they start sharp and stay that way after driv- wide expanding blades that are secured with an O-ring sys-
ing through game. Blades are easily replaced and/or installed tem. The .035-inch-thick mechanical blades remain tight to the
without tools. The Rival is offered in 100- and 125-grain weights
and with High Profile ented 1 3/16-inch blades or Low Profile
Solid 1-inch blades. Each three pack includes a backup set of
blades. Learn more at radicalarchery.com.

Rage Broadheads

Rage’s Hypodermic NC was designed to provide a more trouble-
free experience. The finger-like blade tabs create a Slip Cam ful-
crum to ensure quick and reliable opening on contact, and it
does so without Shock Collars. The Hypodermic NC weighs 100
grains and cuts 2 inches wide on deployment. It has a hybrid
tip, one-piece steel ferrule, and its two stainless steel blades are
.035-inches thick to ensure reliability and deep penetration on
any game. Learn more at feradyne.com/rage-broadheads.

RamCat Broadheads

Ramcat’s Cage Ripper Expandable roadhead is a 100-grain me-
chanical that beat several major brands in a 2019 penetration test
conducted by Kansas State University. The Cage Ripper operates in
three phases. n ight, the quiet and precise blades are held secure-
ly by oil-resistant iton rings. After impact, the piston-driven de-
ployment system with a spring mechanism opens the two blades
at exactly the right time. Finally, full deployment is guaranteed by
the Posi-Lock Plunger System that locks blades open to its maxi-
mum 2-inch cutting diameter. Patented Concave-Scoop Technol-
ogy then delivers deep penetration. The head is constructed from
hardened stainless steel for extreme ruggedness. Learn more at
ramcatbroadheads.com.

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 61

Rage Hypodermic NC RamCat Broadheads Cage Ripper Rocky Mountain Switchblade

ferrule in ight, but pop open instant- Slick Trick Broadheads .0 0-inch-thick blades have a samurai-style
ly on impact. est of all, the Switch- curve that continually presents new cut-
blade is affordable, with an MSRP of only Slick Trick’s RaptorTrick is a 100-grain me- ting edges during penetration. They are also
chanical with a sleek in- ight profile for leather stropped before packing to create
. for a three-pack. Learn more at true field-point accuracy, but it opens to spooky-sharp edges. The ero-Tapered Fer-
feradyne.com/rocky-mountain. inches on impact. The head is 100 percent rule is also solid steel, and it was stream-
stainless steel to ensure fixed-blade rug- lined for straight ight and deep penetra-
SIK Broadheads gedness in a mechanical design. t wields tion. They are sold in 100-, 1 5- and 1 5-grain
two .0 5-inch-thick blades whetted to nas- models with bone-busting -inch blades or
S —under the Escalade Sports/ ear Ar- ty-sharp edges, and its four-edged tip was bloodletting -inch bleeders. One-hundred-
chery umbrella—introduced an interest- designed to split encountered bone. Learn grain heads are 1 1/8-inch wide, and 1 5- and
ing array of unique broadhead models at more at slicktrick.net. 1 5-grain versions are 1 /8-inch wide. Learn
the 01 ATA Trade Show. One example is more at solid-broadheads.com.
the S - lade Expandable roadhead. t Solid Broadheads
features FliteLoc Technology, which guar- Steel Force Broadheads
antees that blades stay closed in ight and The name Solid says it all. Solid Leg-
deploy every time on impact. A cutting end Series broadheads were designed for Steel Force, long known as the cut-on-con-
stainless steel tip and Offset lade Design the toughest game on Earth, or for those tact penetration king, introduced the Amer-
produces a -inch “ ” entry wound. The two seeking maximum penetration from any ican Muscle Head to offer wider cuts and
.0 5-inch-thick blades present . 5 inch- equipment type. They have S 0 steel more discernable blood trails. The American
es of cutting surface. The 100-grain head blades, which are normally found on high- Muscle Head is a cut-on-contact broadhead
is also field-point accurate. Learn more at quality knives. These blades are incred- that creates a massive 1 / -by- / -inch cut.
sikbroadheads.com. ibly strong and hold an edge longer. The The wound channel is made more devastat-
ing by a unique mixture of single and double
edge bevels that work together to produce
multiple cutting channels. The three ag-
gressive and clog-resistant serrations were
designed for only one thing to in ict mas-
sive bone and tissue damage. This straight-

ying broadhead weighs 100 grains, and
it features a reliable .0 5-inch-thick, 0
stainless steel main blade and interlocking
bleeders. Learn more at steelforce.com.

Strickland’s Archery

Strickland’s Helix broadheads are a

cut-on-contact, fixed-blade design that

62 INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

Today’s Cutting-Edge

Broadheads

SIK Broadheads SK2 Slick Trick
RaptorTrick

relinquishes proven accuracy, unequaled release of the Levi Morgan Signature
penetration and extreme blood loss Series broadheads, which were designed
from all types of equipment. The ight in coordination with the 1 -time Shooter
characteristics are equally enjoyed by of the Year and host of owlife T . The all-
traditional, compound and crossbow new series is offered in three individual
shooters. The single- bevel design and designs. Leading the series is the Signa-
sharpened rear edges promote ight ro- ture Series 1. This 100-grain expand-
tation that continues after impact. They able broadhead features a new ferrule
are offered in three cutting widths and design that was engineered with rein-
in weights from 100 to 5 grains. Strick- forcement ribs for 0 percent greater ri-
land’s two spanking-new milling ma- gidity. The 1 features uniquely arched
chines and all-new tooling for all model stainless-steel main blades, which help
sizes have eliminated backorders and re- reduce blade resistance after opening
sulted in more consistency. Helix heads internally. This allows arrows to main-
are hunt-ready on arrival. Learn more at tain momentum for better pass-through
stricklandsarchery.com. performance. The 1 measures 1-inch
in ight, and it provides a -inch cutting
SWAT Broadheads diameter after deployment. The 1 fea-
tures new blade-lock technology, allow-
On impact, SWAT’s -MA roadhead ing the blades to be locked in the closed
cuts a -inch entry wound. After the position for practice. Learn more at
broadhead passes the rib cage and en- swhacker.com.
ters the vitals, secondary blades open to
create an additional 1. 5-inch internal TenPoint Crossbow Technologies
cut. lades are .0 -inches thick, and
the -MA can accommodate speeds over TenPoint Crossbow Technologies unveiled
500 fps while maintaining field-point the E O- CenterPunch Premium road-
accuracy. The SWAT -MA is avail- head at the 01 ATA Trade Show. This
able with 5-grain weights, so users can super-stout 100-grain, rear-deploying
choose between a 100- and 1 5-grain mechanical broadhead features a simple
broadhead. Ferrules are constructed with collarless design that delivers field point
strong 0 5-T aluminum, and blades are accuracy and a devastating 1 /8-inch cut-
made with stainless steel. Learn more at ting diameter. t is built on a 0 5 T alu-
swatbroadheads.com. minum ferrule, and it has an ultra-strong
precision point with scalpel-sharp 0A
Swhacker Broadheads stainless steel blades. TenPoint says they
tested 0 industry-leading broadheads for
Swhacker roadheads announced the

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 63

Solid Broadheads Legend Series Swhacker Broadheads TenPoint EVO-X
Levi Morgan Signature Series #261

Steel Force American Muscle Head long-range accuracy, strength, durability technology splits air during ight for in-
Strickland’s Archery Helix and performance—and the CenterPunch creased accuracy, and it drives deep after
SWAT Broadheads Vector was the decisive winner in all categories. impact. The blade-over-shaft design fur-
Learn more at tenpointcrossbows.com. ther accentuates field-tip accuracy, and
the integrated containment ring ensures
Thorn Broadheads reliability after punishing hits. They are
offered in 100- and 125-grain versions.
The RIFT from Thorn is an aggressive me- Both accept the same blades and create a
chanical design that opens to 2.2 inches. 1 ¼-inch cutting diameter. Learn more at
It was designed in response to today’s trophytaker.com.
faster compound bows and crossbows,
and it is rated for arrow/bolt speeds of TRUGLO
up to 500 fps. The titanium Rip-Tip pro-
motes deeper penetration with its bone- TRUGLO’s diverse TitaniumX broadheads
splitting strength. The 7075 aluminum have quickly become favorites among
ferrule is much stronger than typical 6065 bowhunters. They were created in a
aluminum ferrules. Thorn offers 100- and team effort between TRUGLO engineers
125-grain models. The company’s hidden and former Rocky Mountain Broadheads
blade technology ensures true field-point owner and respected broadhead de-
accuracy, and the 440 stainless blades signer Bruce Barrie. The lineup includes
are secured in ight with reliable sheer 100-grain mechanical and fixed-blade
pins. The company’s Practice Clips al- broadheads tweaked for both compound
low for target practice without deploy- bows and crossbows. TitaniumX Broad-
ing and dulling blades. Learn more at heads have Grade-5 titanium ferrules
thornbroadheads.com. that were CNC-machined to precision
tolerances, and each is spin tested be-
Trophy Taker fore packaging. TRU-CUT one-piece tita-
nium tips cut on contact and split bone.
Trophy Taker broadheads have developed a All models feature replaceable TRU-THRU
reputation for incredible accuracy, tough- .031-inch-thick stainless steel blades
ness and deep penetration. The Quad Steel honed to hair-splitting sharpness. Me-
fixed-blade broadhead—a devastating chanical models include two- and four-
four-blade design—continues that tradi- blade models, and their torque-balancing
tion of hard-hitting, reliable performance. blades create massive wound channels.
The precision ferrule is CNC milled from Fixed-blade models include three- and
hardened 416 stainless steel. A cutting four-blade designs made to drive deep.
tip with the company’s Air-Channeled

64 INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

Today’s Cutting-Edge

Broadheads

Thorn Trophy Taker Quad Steel TRUGLO TitaniumX
Broadheads
RIFT

Crossbow-specific models four-blade me- super-sharp blade technology and deep- Veteran Innovative Products
chanical and four-blade fixed include driving fixed-blade design, but the compa- 175-Grain Veteran
larger bolt-matching ferrule diameters. ny backed it with wide-cutting mechanical
TRU-THRU replacement blades and a blades. Wac’Em’s stainless-steel Penetra- Wac’Em
broadhead wrench are included with ev- tor Tip starts penetration off right, and Hybrid
ery package. Learn more at truglo.com. the solid-steel ferrule stands up to severe
abuse. The Hybrid opens to 1 5/ inches, and WASP HAVALON HV
Veteran Innovative Products the Hybrid Crossbow opens to 1 inches.

eteran nnovative Products’ P eteran oth include 1 1/ -inch fixed blades that
roadhead is a 100-grain mechanical with are .0 0-inches thick, and the mechanical
multiple patents. t combines the best at- blades are .0 -inches thick. Each three-
tributes of both mechanical and fixed-blade pack comes with a free Red/ reen Strob-
designs. After years of proven field perfor- ing Nockturnal F T Nock. Learn more at
mance, P received demands for a heavier feradyne.com/wacem.
version. Enter the new 1 5-grain eteran.
t utilizes the highest-quality 0C surgical WASP Archery
steel, which is hardened to 5 - 0 Rockwell.
This new eteran is great for those pursuing roadhead innovator WASP Archery and
larger game or shooting high-performance cutlery firebrand Havalon nives joined
crossbows, and it’s also an option for boost- forces to bring bowhunters the new WASP
ing F.O.C. and momentum. Each package of HA ALON H fixed-blade broadhead. This
100- and 1 5-grain eteran heads also now three-blade, 100-grain head starts pen-
includes a weight- and aerodynamically- etration with WASP’s battle-proven Stain-
matched practice point for sight-in and less Smart Tip SST —a stainless steel
fine-tuning. The eteran is sold in 100-grain trocar design that drives deep and splits
three packs or 1 5-grain two-packs. Learn bone. t is pressed into place under hun-
more at veteranip.com. dreds of pounds of pressure, so the tip
and blade edges are perfectly aligned. The
Wac’Em Archery ferrule is milled from aerospace-grade
aluminum, and the surgically sharp
For 01 , Wac’Em introduced its new gen- .0 5-inch-thick blades create a 1- /1 -inch
eration of expandable-blade broadheads. cutting diameter. H blades are eas-
The Wac’Em Hybrid features SlipCam Tech- ily replaced, and each pack comes with
nology, and the Hybrid Crossbow features three fully assembled broadheads and
scissoring, gator-style deployment. The Hy- six replacement blades. Learn more at
brid and Hybrid Crossbow employ Wac’Em’s wasparchery.com.

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 65

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 5Q

Five Questions with Wildlife Research Center

The urine-based scent industry has been a key figure in the investigation and fight against CWD testing protocol that utilizes RT-QuIC
technology, which was specifically designed
CWD. We spoke with Sam Burgeson, president of Wildlife Research Center, to learn more for testing deer urine for CWD contamina-
tion. This allows manufacturers of deer and
about the company’s eye-opening findings and incredible efforts to provide safe products. elk scents to test and certify that no CWD is
detected in the urine used in their products.
D o urine-based scents pose a risk of in place—simply put—these products are
spreading CWD? ■ No. According not a risk. So, why are some states banning these
to the experts on CWD and urine, products? ■ While the risk of urine-based
the lead authors of the most commonly What steps do scent companies take to scents spreading CWD is virtually zero,
referenced studies referred to on this mat- protect the urine they use? ■ Urine used there is a lot of false and misleading infor-
ter, “The risk of urine-based scents is vir- by scent manufactures like Wildlife Re- mation driving policy and regulations re-
tually zero.” Many studies have attempted search Center is collected at facilities that garding urine-based scents and CWD. Un-
to transmit CWD with urine, and none are highly regulated and continuously fortunately for hunters, some states have
have been successful in deer. Later studies monitored for CWD. Furthermore, scent acted on this bad information and actually
in Colorado took urine from CWD-infected manufacturers like Wildlife Research Cen- banned the use of urine-based scents. We
deer, concentrated it 10-fold, and injected it ter proactively participate in the Archery try to work with state agencies to provide
directly into the brains of mice that were Trade Association Deer Protection Program, them all of the information and resources
genetically altered to be six times more in order to elevate their practices to an even they need to make good decisions. Those
susceptible to the disease than deer. One higher level. This program requires in- who have worked with us have not banned
of the nine mice became infected. Are we creased monitoring, inspections and facil- the products, or they have at least pursued
to believe that urine is a risk for spread- ity requirements that go well beyond what better alternatives like allowing products
ing the disease when hunters are putting is required by the United States Department from manufacturers that participate in
a small amount, from facilities that are of Agriculture. They go above and beyond to the ATA Deer Protection Program. Unfortu-
enrolled in a program to safeguard their further ensure that their urine products are nately, a few have not properly researched
deer from risk of contamination, on a safe. With the extremely low risk approach, this issue or reached out to our industry.
scent wick or squirting it on the ground— monitoring of the facilities and additional They have made rash decisions on this is-
when only one mouse became infected by requirements of the ATA Deer Protection sue that do nothing to stop CWD, but only
injecting infected and concentrated urine Program, it’s like these urine-based scents hurt hunters in their state by taking away
into its brain? Hunters are not injecting are triple insulated from CWD. an important tradition and hunting tool.
deer with urine and the urine is com-
ing from healthy animals, not sick ones. Can urine-based products be tested for What can hunters and retailers do to
When you consider how these products CWD? ■ Yes. Wildlife Research Center and stop them from being banned? ■ Speak
are used, how the urine is collected, and Tink’s partnered together to fund a study up! Hunters have to stand up for their
the safeguards and biosecurity measures with CWD Evolution, LLC. This has led to a right to use urine-based scents, or else
what comes next? Take action. Show up
at public meetings and tell states not to
ban urine-based scents. Contact your rep-
resentative. Make sure wildlife agencies
know that the use of urine-based scents
is a safe, important and an effective tool
in the tradition of hunting. Support the
scent companies that are fighting for
your tradition of deer hunting and the use
of urine-based scents. Support the scent
companies that are fighting against CWD.
Look for urine-based scents with the ATA
Deer Protection Program seal on the pack-
aging. There’s no good reason to stop the
tradition of using urine-based scents, and
they should continue to add more enjoy-
ment and excitement to your hunt.

WebXtra ■ Learn more about

Wildlife Research Center’s fight against
CWD at insidearchery.com/Wildlife5Q

66 INSIDE ARCHERY SEPTEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 67