Loading intel...
Loading intel...
Broadheads are less forgiving than field points. The exposed blades act like steering fins, amplifying any inconsistency in your bow setup. A bow that shoots field points accurately may throw broadheads wildly off target. Proper tuning ensures ethical, accurate hunting shots.
Follow these steps for perfect broadhead flight.
Before tuning broadheads, ensure your bow is properly sighted with field points. Your bow should shoot tight groups at 20-40 yards. If field points aren't grouping well, address basic bow setup first.
Shoot a field-tipped arrow through paper from 6 feet. You want a clean, bullet-hole tear. Vertical tears indicate nock point issues; horizontal tears indicate rest alignment. Fix any major tears before proceeding.
Incorrect arrow spine is the #1 cause of broadhead flight issues. Broadheads are less forgiving than field points—weak or stiff spine will amplify problems. Use a spine calculator to verify your arrows match your setup.
At 20 yards, shoot a broadhead-tipped arrow and a field point arrow at the same target. Note where the broadhead hits relative to the field point. This tells you which direction to adjust.
Move your rest in the direction of the broadhead miss. If broadheads hit LEFT of field points, move rest LEFT. If broadheads hit HIGH, move rest UP. Make small adjustments (1/32" at a time).
After adjustments, re-sight your bow with field points, then verify broadheads still match. Repeat the process until broadheads and field points hit the same point of impact at 20-40 yards.
For precision, use walk-back tuning: place a vertical line on your target, sight for 20 yards, then shoot at 30, 40, 50 yards without adjusting your sight. Arrows should hit along the vertical line. Drift indicates rest misalignment.
Quick reference for diagnosing and fixing broadhead flight issues.
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Broadheads hit LEFT of field points | Rest too far right OR arrow spine too stiff | Move rest left OR try heavier points to weaken spine |
| Broadheads hit RIGHT of field points | Rest too far left OR arrow spine too weak | Move rest right OR try lighter points to stiffen spine |
| Broadheads hit HIGH | Nock point too low OR rest too low | Raise nock point OR raise rest |
| Broadheads hit LOW | Nock point too high OR rest too high | Lower nock point OR lower rest |
| Erratic broadhead flight | Incorrect spine, damaged arrows, or loose components | Check arrow spine, inspect arrows for damage, verify broadhead tightness |
General guidelines—always verify with manufacturer's chart for your specific arrow.
| Draw Weight | Arrow Length | Approximate Spine |
|---|---|---|
| 40-50 lbs | 27" | 500 |
| 40-50 lbs | 29" | 400 |
| 50-60 lbs | 27" | 400 |
| 50-60 lbs | 29" | 340 |
| 60-70 lbs | 27" | 340 |
| 60-70 lbs | 29" | 300 |
| 70-80 lbs | 27" | 300 |
| 70-80 lbs | 29" | 250 |
* Point weight also affects dynamic spine. Heavier points weaken spine; lighter points stiffen it.
Fixed blades are less forgiving and expose tuning issues. They require precise bow setup but offer reliable penetration.
Mechanical broadheads fly like field points due to their streamlined profile. They're forgiving but have moving parts.
To broadhead tune a bow: 1) Start with a properly paper-tuned setup, 2) Verify correct arrow spine, 3) Shoot broadheads alongside field points at 20 yards, 4) Note where broadheads impact relative to field points, 5) Move your rest in the direction of the broadhead miss (left if hitting left, etc.), 6) Make small 1/32" adjustments and re-test until broadheads and field points hit the same spot.
Broadheads have larger surface area than field points, making them more affected by inconsistencies in bow tuning, arrow spine, and shooter form. The blades act like fins, steering the arrow. Any tuning issue that was hidden with forgiving field points gets amplified with broadheads.
Yes, a properly tuned bow should shoot broadheads and field points to the same point of impact. If they don't, it indicates a tuning issue that needs to be addressed. This is especially important for fixed blade broadheads.
Mechanical broadheads are more forgiving and often fly like field points without extensive tuning. However, you should still verify they hit with your field points. If your bow is reasonably well-tuned, mechanicals typically don't require additional adjustments.
Erratic broadhead flight is usually caused by: incorrect arrow spine (too stiff or too weak), damaged or bent arrows, loose broadheads, improper rest alignment, or poor arrow/bow compatibility. Start by checking arrow condition and broadhead tightness.