Crossbow Hunters’ Dilemma: 100 GR vs 125 GR Crossbow Broadheads
Are you a crossbow hunter who wants to make sure you’re using the right broadhead for your needs? Or maybe you’re just curious about the differences between the two? Either way, you’ve come to the right place!
In this discussion, we will be comparing the 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads for crossbow hunting.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of each, as well as their specific strengths and weaknesses.
By the end, you’ll have a much better understanding of which option might be best for you and your hunting needs.
So, let’s get started!
Overview of the 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads:
100 GR and 125 GR broadheads are two of the most commonly used broadhead types for crossbows.
Both have their own unique characteristics that affect their performance and suitability for different hunting scenarios.
Characteristics of 100 GR Broadheads
Weight and size: 100 GR broadheads are lighter and smaller than their 125 GR counterparts. They weigh approximately 100 grains, and their smaller size makes them ideal for crossbows with faster arrow speeds.
Speed and accuracy: 100 GR broadheads are known for their speed and accuracy. Their light weight allows them to travel faster and maintain a straighter trajectory, making them more accurate and effective in open environments.
Energy transfer and penetration: 100 GR broadheads are designed to transfer more energy to the target, leading to deeper penetration. This makes them suitable for smaller games and less resilient targets.
Advantages and disadvantages: 100 GR broadheads are ideal for crossbow hunters who require speed and accuracy, but they may not provide enough stopping power for larger game. They are also more susceptible to wind drift, making them less effective in windy conditions.
Check: What Kind of Broadheads Should I Use For a Crossbow?
Characteristics of 125 GR Broadheads
Weight and size: 125 GR broadheads are larger and heavier than their 100 GR counterparts, weighing approximately 125 grains. Their larger size makes them ideal for crossbows with slower arrow speeds.
Speed and accuracy: 125 GR broadheads are not as fast as 100 GR broadheads, but their heavier weight helps to increase accuracy. They are ideal for crossbow hunters who require more stability and accuracy, particularly in windy conditions.
Energy transfer and penetration: 125 GR broadheads are designed to deliver maximum energy transfer and penetration to the target, making them ideal for larger games. Their heavier weight helps to provide better stopping power, ensuring a successful hunt.
Advantages and disadvantages: 125 GR broadheads are ideal for crossbow hunters who require more stopping power, but their larger size and weight can affect speed and accuracy. They may also be less effective for smaller games and less resilient targets.
Comparison of 100 GR and 125 GR Broadheads
100 GR and 125 GR broadheads are similar in that they are both designed for crossbow hunting, but they differ in their weight, size, speed, accuracy, energy transfer, and penetration capabilities.
Performance in different hunting scenarios: Both 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads have their own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different hunting scenarios.
Crossbow hunters should consider their own hunting preferences and style, crossbow specifications, environmental conditions, and game size when choosing between these two broadhead types.
Impact on arrow trajectory and penetration: The choice between 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads will have an impact on the arrow’s trajectory and penetration capabilities.
A lighter broadhead will travel faster and penetrate less deeply, while a heavier broadhead will travel slower and penetrate more deeply.
The energy from the bowstring travels through the arrow and reaches the tip, which drives the arrow forward. The heavier the tip, the greater its control over the arrow, making it easier for the back to remain aligned behind the tip, as it is lighter. The vanes do not steer the arrow, but rather they guide the back of the arrow to maintain alignment behind the tip if it starts to veer off course.
However, if the tip is too light and the back swings out, it becomes more difficult for the tip to maintain its control, potentially causing the arrow to change direction as the back becomes too heavy to easily realign behind the tip.
So, Crossbow hunters should choose the broadhead type that best fits their needs and hunting conditions.
Let’s see the difference in a table:100 Gr Vs 125 Gr Broadhead
| 100 Gr Broadhead | 125 Gr Broadhead |
|---|---|
| PROS | PROS |
| Straighter trajectory Faster fps rating Effective in Open Environments | Penetrate Deeply Generates less noise upon release Greater control over the arrow |
| CONS | CONS |
| Lower KE and momentum Less Penetration Louder release | Unsuitable for a light setup Deeper trajectory curve Slow Travel Lower effective range |
| BEST FOR | BEST FOR |
| This option is ideal for hunters who prefer lighter equipment and target smaller games. It provides an added advantage in terms of an increased range | This option is well-suited for use with crossbows and is designed to handle higher draw weights and tackle larger prey, such as elk or bears. |
Check: Can I Use Crossbow Broadheads For My Compound Bow?
Addition Tips for Hunting with 125 Vs 100 Gr Broadheads
Heavier broadheads will drop more creating a bigger gap between your distances. A lighter Broadhead will shoot flatter making bad distance judgments more accurate because of the less drop in the arrow shooting.
Just because a Fixed Broadhead or field tip is 125 grains they almost always don’t shoot the same because of aerodynamics in the shape of the Broadhead so it is almost always necessary to practice with broadheads with fixed blades.
With expandable broadheads, they are so low profile they almost always shoot just like a field tip which is the advantage of shooting them. They do almost always expand larger than most fixed-blade broadheads giving you much more haemorrhaging!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between 100 GR and 125 GR Broadheads
A. Crossbow specifications:
Crossbow hunters should consider their crossbow’s arrow speed, draw weight, and other specifications when choosing between 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads.
A faster arrow speed may make 100 GR broadheads more suitable, while a slower arrow speed may make 125 GR broadheads more appropriate.
B. Hunting scenario:
Hunting scenarios such as open environments, windy conditions, and target size should be considered when choosing between 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads.
Open environments may make 100 GR broadheads more suitable, while windy conditions may make 125 GR broadheads more appropriate.
A larger game may require the stopping power of 125 GR broadheads, while a smaller game may benefit from the speed and accuracy of 100 GR broadheads
Read: What is a Good FPS For Crossbow Hunting?
C. Personal preferences and style:
Crossbow hunters should consider their own hunting preferences and style when choosing between 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads.
Some hunters may prefer the speed and accuracy of 100 GR broadheads, while others may prefer the stability and stopping power of 125 GR broadheads.
D. Read Reviews:
Despite reading all the product specifications, performance information, and promotional materials, you may still end up with a disappointing product.
The most effective way to determine the best option is to try them all for yourself, however, this is often not a practical or cost-effective solution for most hunters.
The alternative is to seek out reviews from trusted experts and brands to gain valuable insights
E. Compare Price with Performance:
While the option to purchase a lower-priced set of imitation broadheads from China may be tempting, it’s important to consider the implications.
They may deliver results initially, but experienced hunters understand the importance of investing in reliable equipment that consistently performs.
Your broadheads are the only component of your setup that make contact with your target and bring it down. Is it wise to compromise on quality and reliability just to save a few dollars?
Popularity Behind 125 GR Broadheads: Why the Majority Choose Them
For the majority of bow Hunters, 100-grain broadheads are not typically the optimal choice. Broadheads weighing 125 grains or more tend to outperform 100-grain broadheads in various aspects of hunting
One, it is less affected by crosswinds thus allowing the point to find its target more accurately.
Second, having the mishap of catching a small twig will ensure less diversion.
Third, no matter what outfit you choose to hunt with, adding weight to your arrow will allow your bow to operate with less noise, and vibration and will offer greater limb life.
Putting factors together, you will notice that string jumping on the large game will greatly decrease allowing you to perform a more humane shot.
Conclusion:
The choice between 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads is a personal one that should be based on a hunter’s crossbow specifications, hunting scenario, and personal preferences.
Crossbow hunters should carefully consider these factors and choose the broadhead type that best fits their needs and hunting conditions.
Crossbow hunters are recommended to try both 100 GR and 125 GR broadheads and determine which one works best for their specific needs. With experience, hunters can fine-tune their choice and find the perfect broadhead for their hunting style and conditions.
Check: What causes Accidental Deaths In Bow Hunting and How To Avoid
Regardless of whatever broadhead or arrows you use, the most critical factor is accuracy. You gotta hit where you’re aiming.
Moreover, Your choice and determination should be based on the head that provides your set-up with a consistent, smooth shot with repeatable and consistent accuracy, shot after shot because, in the end, it’s all about delivery of the arrow and head that gets the job done, not the brand or even the type for that matter. Repeatable and dependable accuracy provides you as a hunter the confidence to convert your shot when it is presented.
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Have you used either 100 GR or 125 GR broadheads before? Which one do you prefer and why? Let us know in the comments!
