Several years ago I gave into the hype and bought some very expensive “Rage” mechanical broadheads. I used one when I had a shot at a buck with a very unusual 8-point rack. I was shooting my Myles Keller Legend compound set at 58 pounds. The shot was a little off target and hit the shoulder area. I have had fixed blade broadheads shoot completely through the scapula, so when the rage only penetrated about 4 inches I was highly disappointed. The arrow dropped to the ground as the deer bounded away. I climbed down from my perch, and put a fixed blade thunderhead on. The deer went about 150 yards and layed down. I was able to sneak very close and put the fixed blade through his rib cage and into the ground where he was hiding.
I wrote about my “bad” experience with the “Rage” and several readers disagreed with the stance I took. Art Summers over at Simply Outdoors was sold on the Rage, and prodded me not to give up on them, but give them another try.
It took a couple years to finally take his advice, but this season I figured I would try them once again. This Fall I took my fourth turkey with a bow using Rage broadheads, and on december 22nd. I arrowed a great 11 point buck with my Barnett crossbow and rage broadheads. As you can see in the picture the entrance hole is enormous. The exit hole was just as big, and this “bad boy” piled up within sight of my stand. He was stone dead in 10 seconds, and I’m not exaggerating a bit! Ok Art I’m sold! The deer I hit several years ago must have been an anomaly, as the “Rage” broadhead is now the number one selling head on the market. I guess $40.00 dollars for a package of three heads is worth it when you have the results in your freezer, or on your wall.
Mike,
I’m glad the rage finally came through for you. I haven’t had an issue with them yet, and they leave one heck of a hole.
Congrats on the deer, too.