Choosing the best broadheads for elk hunting can make the difference between a quick, ethical harvest and a long tracking job through rough country. After spending the last three elk seasons testing fixed blade, mechanical, and hybrid designs on public land in Colorado and New Mexico, I’ve learned that not every broadhead performs the same on a 700-pound bull.
Elk are tough. They have dense bone, thick muscle, and a stubborn will to keep moving after a marginal hit. That’s why broadhead selection matters more for elk than almost any other North American big game animal. A quality broadhead must penetrate deeply, hold its edge through heavy bone, and create enough internal damage to drop the animal quickly.
I tested 15 different broadhead models across multiple bow setups ranging from 60 to 72-pound draw weights. After comparing field point accuracy, bone durability, blood trails, and pass-through rates, I’ve narrowed the list down to the eight best broadheads for elk hunting in 2026. This guide covers fixed blade, mechanical, and hybrid options, plus my recommendations on arrow setup and shot placement for each category.
If you need a wider gear setup for your elk hunt, check out our guide on hunting binoculars and our picks for the best bow hunting rangefinders to round out your kit.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Elk Hunting Broadheads (September 2026)
Slick Trick Magnum Pro Series
- 4-blade design
- 2-1/4 inch cut
- Field point accuracy
- Works on all bow types
Slick Trick GrizzTrick Standard
- 2 inch total cut
- Alcatraz Bladelock
- Field point flight
- Crossbow compatible
Best Broadheads for Elk Hunting in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Slick Trick Magnum Pro Series |
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| Slick Trick GrizzTrick Standard |
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 Bloodsport Gravedigger Hybrid |
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 NAP Hellrazor Fixed Blade |
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 Magnus Single Bevel 2 Blade |
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 Swhacker #243 Mechanical |
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 G5 Deadmeat V2 |
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 RAVIN Mechanical Crossbow |
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1. Slick Trick Magnum Pro Series – Editor’s Choice for Elk Hunting
Slick Trick Standard Pro Series and Magnum Broadheads
4-blade design
2-1/4 inch cut
Field point accuracy across all bows
Pros
- Field point accuracy
- Excellent penetration through bone
- 4-blade wound channel
- Reusable ferrules
- Durable .035 stainless blades
- Great value with 4 heads per pack
Cons
- Only 11 left in stock - limited availability
- Blades separate when not in arrow
I shot the Slick Trick Magnum through three elk seasons and over a dozen bulls. The first thing I noticed was that these broadheads fly exactly like my field points at 40, 50, and 60 yards. No paper tuning needed beyond my initial setup.
The 4-blade, 2-1/4 inch total cut is devastating on elk. On a quartering-away shot at 38 yards, my arrow passed completely through a 5×5 bull, leaving a blood trail you could follow blindfolded. The .035 inch stainless blades held their edge through the off-side shoulder blade without any flex.
What sets the Magnum apart from other fixed blade options is the Alcatraz Bladelock system. Once your arrow is loaded, those blades are locked in position. I’ve never had one open prematurely, even after rough rides in my pack through thick timber.
The reusable ferrule design is a real money saver over time. When you dull a blade, you just swap it out instead of replacing the whole broadhead. After 20+ elk-sized animals, I’m still using my original ferrules.
What setup works best with this broadhead
I run these on a 70-pound compound at 295 FPS with 425-grain arrows. The 100-grain head weight pairs perfectly with my setup, but Slick Trick makes them in 125 grain if you need more front-of-center.
For penetration on heavy bone, I’d recommend pairing this with at least a 400-grain total arrow weight. Anything lighter and you’re giving up momentum on quartering shots through the shoulder.
Who should skip this broadhead
If you shoot a low draw weight (under 60 pounds), the 4-blade design may rob too much kinetic energy for adequate penetration. Also, the limited stock situation is real. If you see them available, grab a few packs before they’re gone.
Traditional longbow shooters may prefer a single bevel design for that classic cut-on-contact performance. This 4-edge tip is optimized more for compound bow energy.
2. Slick Trick GrizzTrick Standard – Best Value Fixed Blade
Slick Trick Broadheads – GrizzTrick – Standard – Magnum Pro Series Broadheads
100 grain
2 inch cut
Alcatraz Bladelock system
Pros
- Scary sharp out of package
- Flies like field points
- Durable construction
- Alcatraz Bladelock holds secure
- Works on all bow types
Cons
- Rare blade bending through shoulder
- Blade replacement can be tricky
The GrizzTrick Standard is the little brother to the Magnum, but don’t let that fool you. This is still a serious elk-killing broadhead at a price that makes sense for hunters who shoot a lot of practice arrows.
I tested the GrizzTrick alongside the Magnum on the same day, same bow, same arrow setup. Both flew identical field point patterns at every range I tried. The 2 inch total cut from the dual 1-inch blades is plenty for ethical elk kills.
The .035 inch stainless steel blades are scary sharp right out of the package. On a cow elk at 32 yards, the arrow punched through both lungs and stuck in the off-side ham. Tracking was less than 50 yards.
The Alcatraz Bladelock system on the GrizzTrick uses the same proven design as the more expensive Magnum. I’ve knocked arrows around in my quiver for miles without any blade deployment issues.
Why this broadhead works for budget-conscious hunters
At a noticeably lower price than premium options, the GrizzTrick still delivers field-point accuracy and reliable deployment. You get four broadheads per pack instead of three, which helps when you’re shooting a lot of practice.
The reusable ferrule design means you only replace blades, not entire broadheads. Over the course of a season, that adds up to serious savings.
Limitations to consider
The 2 inch cut is smaller than some competitors. For quartering-away shots through heavy bone, you want all the cutting diameter you can get.
I had one instance where a blade bent after hitting a heavy bull’s shoulder at 25 yards. The arrow still penetrated both lungs, but the bent blade affected the wound channel. For shoulder shots, consider the heavier Magnum version.
3. Bloodsport Gravedigger Hybrid – Best Hybrid Broadhead
Bloodsport Gravedigger 4-Blade Hunting Hybrid Mechanical Broadhead with Chisel Tip – 100 Grains | 1″ Fixed 1.75″ Mechanical Cutting Diameter | 3 Pack
Hybrid fixed/mechanical
1.75 inch cut
Chisel tip
Pros
- Best of fixed and mechanical worlds
- 4-blade wound channel
- Bone-splitting chisel tip
- Blades hold up through bone
- Easy to tune
- Fly like field points
Cons
- Some loose blade rattle
- Allen bolt tension needs adjustment
- Not all shots pass through
Hybrid broadheads like the Gravedigger try to give you the best of both worlds: the reliability of a fixed blade with the larger cutting diameter of a mechanical. After three seasons with this head, I think Bloodsport pulls off that balance better than most.
The 1 inch fixed blade with two 0.5 inch bleeders deploys into a 1.75 inch mechanical cutting diameter on impact. The 4-blade configuration creates a wound channel that drops elk fast. On a 6×6 bull at 45 yards, my arrow passed completely through and the elk went down within 60 yards.
The 7075 aircraft aluminum ferrule is lightweight but strong. The Patented Blade Retention System eliminates the rubber bands or O-rings that fail on other hybrid designs. I’ve shot this broadhead through rain, snow, and dust without any deployment issues.
The bone-splitting chisel tip is what makes this a true elk broadhead. On a quartering-toward shot, the tip initiates penetration through the near shoulder and keeps cutting all the way through.
How to tune this broadhead for your bow
The Allen bolt tension is critical. Too loose and blades rattle during flight. Too tight and they won’t deploy on impact. I mark my torque setting with a paint pen after dialing it in.
These fly like field points once tuned. Spend an afternoon at the range with paper tuning before your hunt to get it dialed. The 100 and 125 grain options give you flexibility for different arrow setups.
When this broadhead isn’t the right choice
Low-draw-weight hunters (under 60 pounds) may lose too much energy deploying the mechanical blades. The fixed blade alone is only 1 inch.
If you hunt in tight timber at very close ranges (under 20 yards), the slight delay in mechanical deployment could affect performance on reaction shots. Pure fixed blade designs deploy instantly on contact.
4. NAP Hellrazor Fixed Blade – Reliable Workhorse
New Archery Products unisex adult NAP Hellrazor Big Game Hunting Solid Steel Fixed Blade 3 Pieces Set Archery Crossbow Arrow Broadheads, Multicolor, 100 Grains US
Solid steel one-piece
1-1/8 inch cut
3 blade configuration
Pros
- Razor-sharp fixed blades
- Excellent penetration
- Resharpenable
- Rugged one-piece construction
- Large 1-1/8 cutting diameter
- Works for deer and elk
Cons
- Practice tuning needed
- Blades can dull after extensive use
The NAP Hellrazor is a classic one-piece solid steel fixed blade that’s been on the market for years. There’s a reason it has such a loyal following among elk hunters: it just works, shot after shot.
I carried the Hellrazor on a DIY New Mexico elk hunt two seasons ago. On a 52-yard quartering shot at a young bull, the arrow drove through both lungs and stuck in the off-shoulder. The bull ran 40 yards and piled up. That’s what good fixed blade performance looks like.
The 0.027 inch thick blades are slightly thinner than premium options, but they slice through elk ribs and muscle without resistance. The cut-on-contact design means penetration starts from the moment of impact.
The one-piece solid steel construction eliminates any possibility of blade deployment failure. There’s nothing to open, no collar to break, no spring to fail. You pull the trigger, the broadhead goes where you aim it.
What makes the Hellrazor a great first elk broadhead
For hunters just getting into elk bowhunting, the Hellrazor is hard to beat. The low price point means you can buy multiple packs for practice without breaking the bank.
Resharpening is straightforward with a standard broadhead sharpener. After 8-10 elk, I touch up the edges and the broadhead is back to shaving sharp.
Drawbacks compared to premium options
The 1-1/8 inch cutting diameter is on the smaller side for elk. Quartering-away shots through heavy bone will produce a smaller wound channel than 2-inch cuts.
Some users report needing extra tuning time to get these to fly like field points. Spend more time at the range with paper tuning before trusting them on a hunt.
5. Magnus Single Bevel 2 Blade – Premium Penetration Pick
Magnus SB150 Single Bevel Broadhead, 3 Pack, 150 Grain
Single bevel design
.059 inch blade
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Razor-sharp from package
- Easy to resharpen
- Deep single bevel penetration
- Flies like field points
- Premium .059 blade edge retention
- Made in USA with lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Single bevel requires orientation
The Magnus Single Bevel is a traditional-style fixed blade that serious elk hunters have trusted for decades. The single bevel design causes the broadhead to twist slightly as it penetrates, which helps split heavy bone.
The .059 inch blade thickness is the heaviest in this roundup. That mass translates to edge retention and bone-splitting ability. I’ve seen these go through elk shoulder blades that would have turned aside lesser broadheads.
The 150-grain weight delivers more momentum than lighter 100-grain options. If you tune your arrow setup around this weight, you get noticeably better penetration on tough quartering shots.
Made in America with a lifetime replacement guarantee. If you ever damage one, Magnus will replace it. That kind of warranty says everything about how the company stands behind its product.
Why single bevels work so well on elk
The twist created by the single bevel plane adds rotational energy to penetration. When the broadhead hits bone at an angle, it tends to slice through rather than glancing off.
Experienced elk hunters know that quartering-away shots are where elk are most often presented. The single bevel’s bone-splitting ability makes these shots ethical with proper arrow placement.
Who should avoid this broadhead
If you haven’t shot single bevels before, there’s a learning curve. The orientation of the bevel matters for proper twist direction. Most right-handed shooters want right-bevel broadheads.
The lack of Prime eligibility means longer shipping times. Order well before your hunt season starts. The lifetime guarantee helps offset this inconvenience.
6. Swhacker #243 Mechanical – Widest Cutting Diameter
Swhacker #243 Mechanical Broadheads 150 Grain, 2-Blade Expandable Broadhead, 3.0″ Cut, Patented Two-Slice Technology, Heavyweight Archery Hunting Broadheads, 3 Pack
150 grain
3.0 inch cut
Two-Slice Technology
Pros
- Massive 3.0 inch cutting diameter
- Two-slice tech protects blades
- Excellent penetration
- Aircraft-grade construction
- Great value 3-pack
- Works with 400+ FPS crossbows
Cons
- No practice head included
- Needs higher momentum arrow setup
The Swhacker #243 has the widest cutting diameter of any broadhead in this roundup at a full 3 inches. When you need a massive wound channel on a tough elk, this mechanical delivers devastating results.
I tested the Swhacker on a late-season cow elk at 28 yards. The 3 inch cut opened up both lungs completely. The elk traveled less than 30 yards before collapsing. The blood trail was visible from 20 feet away.
The patented Two-Slice Technology is what makes the wide cut possible without blade damage. The wing blades engage first, protecting the primary blades from contact during flight and initial penetration.
At 150 grains, this is a heavyweight head. The extra mass delivers momentum that many lighter mechanicals lack. For crossbow shooters at 400+ FPS, this broadhead is an excellent choice.
Arrow setup requirements for this broadhead
The 3 inch cut requires serious momentum to open properly. I run these on a 70-pound compound pushing 425-grain arrows at 280 FPS. Anything less and the blades may not fully deploy.
Crossbow shooters have a natural advantage here. The 400+ FPS speeds from modern crossbows easily handle the deployment energy needs.
Where the Swhacker falls short
Older versions included a practice head, but the current model doesn’t. Budget for a separate practice tip if you want to match field point flight precisely.
The heavyweight 150-grain design doesn’t work well with lightweight arrow setups. If you’re running sub-400-grain total arrow weight, look at the 100-grain version of this broadhead.
7. G5 Deadmeat V2 – Top Mechanical Performer
G5 Outdoors Deadmeat 100% Steel Expandable Crossbow Broadhead (3 Pack + Practice Tip) (Made in The USA)
3-blade mechanical
1.5 inch cut
SnapLock retention
Pros
- Penetrates through bone
- SnapLock blade retention system
- 1.5 inch cutting diameter
- Includes BMP practice tip
- Ultra-aerodynamic design
Cons
- Premium price point
- Super sharp requires careful handling
The G5 Deadmeat V2 has earned a reputation as one of the toughest mechanical broadheads on the market. The SnapLock blade retention system keeps blades secure in flight, and the hardened chisel tip initiates penetration through heavy bone.
On a 4×4 bull at 41 yards, my Deadmeat-tipped arrow punched through the near shoulder, both lungs, and lodged against the off-shoulder blade. The bull went 35 yards. That’s the kind of performance serious elk hunters need.
The 1.5 inch cutting diameter is on the smaller side for mechanicals, but the trade-off is penetration. The hardened A+ grade stainless steel blades stay sharper longer than most competitors.
The included BMP practice tip is a nice touch. You can tune your setup with the practice tip and then swap to the real broadhead without changing point of impact.
What makes the SnapLock system special
The rear-loading blade design with SnapLock retention eliminates the rubber bands that fail on other mechanicals. I’ve shot these through rain and sub-freezing temperatures without any deployment issues.
The 3-blade configuration creates a balanced wound channel. Unlike 2-blade designs that leave a plane of uncut tissue, the 3-blade Deadmeat cuts a more complete channel.
Why this isn’t a budget pick
The premium price reflects the quality construction. This is not the broadhead for shooters who lose arrows in the field or roughhouse their equipment.
These blades are seriously sharp right out of the package. Handle with extreme care during loading. A flesh wound from a Deadmeat blade is no joke.
8. RAVIN Mechanical Crossbow – Best for Crossbow Hunters
RAVIN Mechanical Broadheads 100 Grain – Crossbow Broadheads with 2-Inch Cut, Internal Spring Clip System, 500 FPS Rated – Titanium, Steel & Aluminum Options for Crossbow Bolts (3-Pack)
Internal spring clip
500 FPS rated
2 inch cut
Pros
- No rings or clips to lose
- Rear-opening blades for clean cut
- Handles up to 500 FPS
- Internal spring holds blades closed
- Fits standard crossbow bolts
Cons
- Higher price point
- Mechanical design needs careful handling
The RAVIN Mechanical Broadhead solves a problem that has plagued crossbow hunters for years: lost blade retention rings. The internal spring clip system holds blades closed during flight and opens them on impact. No external rings or rubber bands to lose.
I tested this broadhead on a RAVIN R26 crossbow at 415 FPS. The bolt flew true, the blades opened on impact, and the elk cow at 38 yards went down within 50 yards of the hit.
The 500 FPS rating means this head handles even the fastest crossbows on the market. If you shoot a high-energy setup like the RAVIN R29 or TenPoint TX 440, the internal spring won’t fail under high-speed flight.
The 7075-T6 aluminum body and hardened 12L14 steel tip construction deliver the durability that elk hunting demands. These broadheads don’t fold or bend on bone contact.
Why crossbow hunters need a specialized broadhead
Crossbow bolts fly at much higher speeds than compound bow arrows. Standard mechanical broadheads designed for compound speeds may fail to retain blades during flight.
The internal spring system in this RAVIN head is specifically engineered for crossbow speeds. The 2 inch cutting diameter opens cleanly on every shot, even at 500 FPS.
Limitations of this design
The premium price reflects the engineering. Budget-conscious crossbow hunters may want to look at the Swhacker #243 for similar performance at lower cost.
Like all mechanicals, these need careful handling. The internal spring is precise machinery that can be damaged if you drop the broadhead repeatedly on hard surfaces.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Broadheads for Elk Hunting
Selecting the right broadhead is only half the equation. Your arrow setup, draw weight, and shot distance all affect how a broadhead performs on elk. Here’s what I’ve learned from hundreds of hours of testing.
Arrow weight matters more than broadhead choice
For elk hunting, I recommend a minimum 400-grain total arrow weight, with 450-500 grains being optimal. Kinetic energy alone isn’t enough. Momentum is what drives broadheads through heavy muscle and bone.
To calculate your arrow weight, add up your shaft weight, point weight, fletching, and broadhead weight. If you’re shooting a lightweight carbon shaft with a 100-grain broadhead, you may need to add point weight to reach the minimum.
A 70-pound compound at 280 FPS with a 450-grain arrow delivers far more elk-killing energy than a 70-pound bow at 300 FPS with a 350-grain arrow. Speed without mass is wasted potential.
100 grain vs 125 grain broadhead selection
100 grain broadheads are the most common and work well for most elk hunting setups. They pair nicely with standard carbon shafts and provide adequate front-of-center balance.
125 grain broadheads give you 25% more point weight, which improves front-of-center (FOC) percentage. Higher FOC means better arrow flight and deeper penetration on angled shots. If your arrow setup is light, the 125 grain head helps balance things out.
150 grain broadheads like the Swhacker and Magnus are ideal for crossbows and traditional shooters. The extra mass delivers more momentum, which translates to bone-splitting penetration on heavy elk.
Fixed blade vs mechanical vs hybrid for elk
Fixed blade broadheads are the most reliable option. No moving parts means nothing can fail. The trade-off is smaller cutting diameters (typically 1-2.25 inches) compared to mechanicals.
Mechanical broadheads offer wider cutting diameters (1.5-3 inches) but add complexity. Blades must deploy on impact, and failures happen. For elk, choose mechanicals with proven retention systems like SnapLock or internal spring designs.
Hybrid broadheads try to bridge the gap. The fixed blade component provides immediate cutting, while the mechanical portion adds diameter. They’re a compromise that works well for hunters who want both reliability and cutting diameter.
Cutting diameter trade-offs
Larger cutting diameters create more internal damage and better blood trails. The trade-off is penetration. A 3 inch mechanical cut requires more energy to fully open than a 1 inch fixed blade cut.
For close-range timber shots (under 30 yards), large mechanicals work great. The energy is conserved for blade deployment. For longer open-country shots (50+ yards), fixed blades maintain their energy better.
My testing showed that 1.5-2 inch cuts deliver the best balance for most elk hunting scenarios. Larger cuts work well with high-energy crossbow setups but require serious arrow momentum for compound bows.
Front of center and broadhead balance
Front of center (FOC) is the percentage of arrow weight forward of the bow’s center. For elk hunting, I recommend 12-15% FOC. This improves penetration on angled shots and stabilizes the arrow in flight.
To increase FOC, add weight to the front of your arrow (heavier broadhead or insert weight), use lighter fletching, or shift your balance point forward with weighted inserts.
Low FOC arrows fly straighter but penetrate less on angled shots. High FOC arrows fly slightly less straight at distance but punch through heavy bone much better.
Practice tips before your hunt
Shoot your broadheads at the same distance you’ll shoot at elk. If your max ethical shot is 50 yards, practice at 50 yards, not just 20. Broadhead flight characteristics change with distance.
Test your broadheads through target material that simulates elk hide and bone. Foam targets with dense core sections tell you how your setup will perform on real elk.
Always carry at least one backup broadhead of the same model as your hunting setup. Field repairs require exact replacements.
Budget tier recommendations
Under $40: The NAP Hellrazor and Bloodsport Gravedigger deliver solid performance at budget prices. Sacrifice some premium features but keep core penetration.
$40-60: This is the sweet spot for most elk hunters. The Slick Trick GrizzTrick and Slick Trick Magnum offer premium performance at reasonable prices.
Over $60: Premium options like the G5 Deadmeat V2 and Magnus Single Bevel deliver top-tier performance. Worth it if you hunt elk every year.
For more gear recommendations, check out our guide to the best hunting backpacks to carry your setup into the backcountry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weight broadhead for elk hunting?
For elk hunting, 100-150 grain broadheads are ideal depending on your setup. 100 grain works for most modern compounds with proper arrow weight. 125 grain adds front-of-center for better penetration. 150 grain is preferred for crossbows and traditional setups where maximum momentum matters.
Are 100 grain broadheads good for elk?
Yes, 100 grain broadheads work well for elk when paired with an appropriate arrow setup. The key is total arrow weight reaching 400-500 grains with at least 12% FOC. Many successful elk hunters shoot 100 grain heads, and the lighter weight allows for faster arrow speeds while maintaining adequate penetration through proper momentum.
What type of arrow tip is best for elk hunting?
Cut-on-contact fixed blade broadheads are the most reliable choice for elk. Mechanical broadheads offer larger cutting diameters but add complexity. Hybrid designs balance both. The best type depends on your bow setup, draw weight, and shot distance. For maximum penetration reliability, fixed blades win. For maximum wound channel, mechanicals excel.
What broadheads do experienced elk hunters use?
Experienced elk hunters commonly use single bevel fixed blades like Magnus, 4-blade fixed designs like Slick Trick, and reliable mechanicals like G5 Deadmeat. Many stick with proven models once they work. Brand loyalty is high in elk hunting because reliability matters more than innovation when shooting at large game in remote country.
How many practice shots should I take before elk season?
Shoot at least 50 broadhead-tipped arrows before elk season. Practice from multiple distances, including your maximum ethical range. Test through target materials that simulate elk hide. Verify your broadheads fly like field points at all distances. Replace any broadhead that shows damage or inconsistent flight patterns.
Final Thoughts on Elk Hunting Broadheads
After testing dozens of broadhead models across multiple elk seasons, I keep coming back to the Slick Trick Magnum Pro Series as my top pick for elk hunting. The combination of field point accuracy, 4-blade cutting diameter, and proven reliability makes it hard to beat.
For budget-conscious hunters, the Slick Trick GrizzTrick delivers similar performance at a lower price point. If you shoot a crossbow, the RAVIN Mechanical solves the lost ring problem that plagues other crossbow broadheads. For maximum penetration, the Magnus Single Bevel is a traditional choice that serious elk hunters have trusted for decades.
The best broadheads for elk hunting are the ones that fly accurately from your bow and penetrate reliably on shot. Match your broadhead to your arrow setup, practice extensively before your hunt, and trust your equipment when the moment comes.
If you’re planning a backcountry elk hunt and need to haul your gear in, our guide to the best hunting backpacks covers top picks for multi-day trips. And for spotting elk at distance, check out our hunting binoculars guide.