Buying Guide / Broadheads
Broadhead Types Explained:
Fixed, Mechanical & Which Ravin Sells
Fixed, mechanical, or hybrid — the right type depends on your crossbow's actual speed and your target game. Here's the real tradeoff, and which ones Ravin makes.
DISCLOSURE — Dark Justice Survival is a Ravin Crossbows affiliate. Purchases made through links below may earn us a commission at no cost to you.
Broadheads split into three categories: fixed blade (blades locked in position, no deployment risk), mechanical (blades open on impact for a wider cut), and hybrid (a mix of both). The right choice depends mainly on one number — your crossbow's actual FPS with your hunting arrow loaded — and secondarily on what you're hunting.
The Three Broadhead Types
Fixed Blade
Blades don't move — no deployment failure, ever. Deeper penetration on heavy game, and no minimum speed requirement. The tradeoff: smaller cut diameter, and more sensitive to arrow spine and bow tune than mechanicals. Ravin doesn't currently sell a fixed-blade option; if reliability at any speed is your top priority, you'll be sourcing this from a third-party brand.
Mechanical
Blades open on impact, flying more like a field point until they hit. Larger cut diameter (Ravin's mechanicals cut a full 2"), but they need kinetic energy to deploy — generally 300+ FPS with your actual hunting arrow. Every current Ravin crossbow clears this by 120+ FPS.
Hybrid
Combines a fixed cutting element with rear-deploying expandable blades — aiming for penetration from the fixed portion and cut width from the expandable portion. More moving parts than either pure type. Ravin doesn't sell a hybrid option either; this is a third-party category if you want it.
Ravin Broadheads
Ti6AL4V Grade 5 titanium, 100-grain mechanical with a single-piece ferrule and internal spring clip — no lock rings or O-rings needed. Built for hunters chasing the most durable, highest-penetration mechanical Ravin offers.
$84.99 Check Price on Ravin →
416 steel construction, single-piece ferrule and internal spring clip, 2" cutting diameter on impact. Ravin's mid-tier mechanical — durable steel construction at a lower price than titanium.
$64.99 Check Price on Ravin →
Rear-deploying blades open on impact for a 2" cut, internal spring clip eliminates lock rings and O-rings. Ravin's lowest-priced mechanical broadhead.
$54.99 Check Price on Ravin →Storage
| Accessory | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Ravin Broadhead Case — magnet-locked, not foam, protects against unintentional deployment | $54.99 | View → |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Fixed | Mechanical (Ravin) | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Highest — no deployment risk | Speed-dependent | Speed-dependent |
| Cut diameter | Smaller | Largest (2" on Ravin heads) | Middle |
| Penetration | Deepest | Lower | Middle |
| Min. FPS needed | None | 300+ (every current Ravin exceeds this) | 280–300+ |
| Tuning sensitivity | Higher | Lower | Middle |
| Sold by Ravin? | No | Yes — Titanium, Steel, Aluminum | No |
Which One to Buy
Buy mechanical (Ravin) if:
You're hunting with any current Ravin crossbow — all of them exceed the 300 FPS deployment threshold. You're targeting whitetail deer at moderate, consistent distances and want the wider blood trail a 2" cut produces.
Consider fixed (third-party) if:
You're hunting elk, hog, or black bear and want maximum penetration over cut width, or you're running an older/slower crossbow under 300 FPS. Ravin doesn't sell this type, so you'll need to source from another brand and confirm it's rated for crossbow use.
Consider hybrid (third-party) if:
You want a middle path between penetration and cut width and you've confirmed manufacturer compatibility with your specific setup. Also not sold by Ravin.
Regret Traps — Avoid These
Choosing by cut diameter alone
A 2" cut that doesn't penetrate past the shoulder blade is worse than a smaller cut that exits cleanly. Prioritize penetration for heavy game.
Skipping practice with hunting heads
Field points fly differently than broadheads, and mechanicals fly closer to field points than fixed blades do. Always confirm point of impact with your actual hunting broadhead before season.
Assuming all mechanicals need the same FPS
300 FPS is a reasonable general threshold, but check the specific head's own spec sheet — requirements vary by model.
Buyer Checklist
- You know your crossbow's actual FPS with your hunting arrow loaded, not the advertised max.
- You've confirmed the broadhead is rated for crossbow use, not just compound bow.
- You know your target game and realistic shot distances.
- You've shot the actual broadheads at your hunting distance, not just field points.
- Your broadhead choice is legal in your state or region.
- You've budgeted for replacement blades.
Bottom Line
For anyone hunting with a current Ravin crossbow, the FPS question is already answered — every model in the lineup clears the mechanical deployment threshold comfortably. Start with Ravin's Steel Broadheads for the best balance of price and durability, step up to Titanium if you want the most premium build, or go Aluminum if price is the deciding factor. Fixed and hybrid remain valid choices for heavier game or slower crossbows — just know you're sourcing those outside Ravin's own lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FPS actually matter for broadhead choice?
Yes — for mechanicals, FPS is the difference between reliable deployment and a failed shot. Most mechanicals need 300+ FPS with your actual hunting arrow. Every current Ravin crossbow (420–500 FPS) clears this well.
Does Ravin sell fixed-blade broadheads?
No. Ravin's broadhead lineup is mechanical only — Titanium, Steel, and Aluminum, all with a 2" cutting diameter on impact.
Is a bigger cut always better?
No. A large cut that doesn't penetrate fully is worse than a smaller cut that exits cleanly. Prioritize penetration for heavy game; cut width matters more for deer on clean broadside shots.
Do I need to re-zero after switching from field points to broadheads?
Often yes. Mechanicals tend to fly closer to field points than fixed blades do, but always shoot your actual hunting broadheads at distance before season opens to confirm point of impact.
What's the most common broadhead mistake?
Choosing by brand or cut diameter without checking actual crossbow speed and bolt compatibility first, followed closely by not practicing with the hunting head before season.