If you are a recurve bowhunter, or perhaps wanting to take up recurve bowhunting, a vital part of your arsenal is a good broadhead. As important it is to choose the correct bow, the best draw weight, and compatible arrows, it is also important to choose the best broadhead for your 50 lb recurve bow.
One of the primary objectives in hunting is the quickest, most humane kill you can possibly achieve. Choosing the wrong broadheads will disappoint you and possibly only result in wounded prey. The choice of broadhead comes down to a handful of critical parameters:
- Sharpness and whether it can be resharpened. When the cutting edges become dull, penetration decreases significantly. If you cannot sharpen the blades after a few shots, you may find your arrows not penetrating well enough for a quick kill.
- Stability in flight. If the broadhead does not fly true, your accuracy will suffer.
- Weight. Weight is very much a personal preference. However, generally, more weight equals more momentum and improved penetration. Keep in mind that heavier broadheads generally need a higher draw weight to maintain a good speed and trajectory.
Best Broadhead for a 50 lb Recurve Bow
With so many factors and options to consider, choosing a broadhead is difficult. In this article, we will discuss three broadheads that we consider best for an average adult male hunter. This means we’re looking at a recurve bow with a 50 lb. draw weight.
1. Smarkey Archery Broadheads
As the name suggests, the Smarkey broadheads have fixed blades. They weigh in at a standard 100 grains and are machined from one solid piece of stainless steel.
Why we like it
These are precision made broadheads machined from a single piece of stainless steel. Featuring three super sharp blades, these broadheads can bring your prey down quickly and efficiently. They’re very easy to sharpen, even if you have no blade skills.
With no moving parts, the broadheads are maintenance free, except for honing the blades every so often. They come in a foam lined box for safekeeping and to protect the razor sharp blades.
Pros
- One piece construction for structural strength and durability
- Easy to maintain razor sharp blades
- Spin tested for true flight every time
- Screw base to fit and remove quickly and easily
- Compatible with most arrow shafts and bows
Cons
- Only available in 100 grain weight
2. Wasp Archery SharpShooter Recurve Broadhead
At 150 grains, the Wasp Archery SharpShooter broadhead packs a serious punch. Featuring two main blades with a 1” diameter and two bleeder blades set slightly back, this broadhead is designed to penetrate deeply and open a wider bleed channel.
Why we like it
Some hunters believe in momentum rather than speed. A heavier broadhead hits a lot harder and does a lot more damage. The tradeoff is that it will fly a little more slowly. And drop a little more than a lighter broadhead over the same distance.
However, if you have sighted in properly with these broadheads, you will really appreciate the bone-breaking power that this heavyweight gives you. A possible downside of having so much force is that you may occasionally lose an arrow that passes right through the target.
A blade locking mechanism aligns the bleeder blades automatically with the solid steel ferrule. This ensures that every arrow flies exactly the same as the one before. The bleeder blades are detachable and the broadhead can be used with only the two main blades. This reduces the weight to a shade over 130 grains. The optional reduction in weight and surface area of this broadhead will appeal to a wider audience.
Pros
- The bleeder blades are available separately and can be used as an option.
- Main blades incorporated into the solid steel tip to reduce surface area
- Tested for field-point accuracy
- American made quality
- Great for higher draw weight
Cons
- Possibly a bit heavy for some hunters
3. JIANZD Archery Recurve Hunting Broadheads
Made from 100% stainless steel, these JIANZD Archery broadheads are perfect for hunting. Available in the standard 100 grains or slightly heavier 125 grains, they will appeal to almost any hunter.
Why we like it
A sturdy one-piece broadhead with three super-sharp blades. With a tolerance of only 1 grain, these broadheads will fly straight and true, shot after perfect shot.
While most hunters will stick with a standard 100-grain broadhead, there are those that will opt for a little more whack. The 125 grain option is perfect for those hunters that can handle a slightly higher draw weight. This is a great broadhead for a 50lb recurve bow.
This is a simple, clean design that does exactly what it’s made for. With a cutting diameter of just over an inch it punches a good-sized hole for a quicker kill. This also makes for a better blood trail and increased ease of recovery.
The broadheads are spin tested to ensure they fly as accurately as field tips. With unparalleled customer support, you have a full 30-day replacement or refund guarantee from JIANZD.
Pros
- Solid hardened stainless steel
- Precision machined to within 1 grain.
- Spin tested for accuracy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Sometimes makes a slight hissing sound when in flight
Types of Recurve Broadheads
There are several different types of broadhead design and, again, preferences vary widely from one hunter to another.
Fixed blade
This broadhead is usually made from one single piece of metal machined into the final product. It usually has between two and four blades. Aerodynamics play a role here. More surface area translates into more resistance as well as more sensitivity to wind.
Being cast or machined as a solid piece of metal, these broadheads are generally more durable.
Removable blade
They look very much the same as fixed blade broadheads. The only difference is that the blades can be removed. With some broadheads this gives you the option of shooting with two or four blades using the same broadhead.
Also, if any part of the broadhead is damaged, only that part needs to be replaced. In the long run this may be quite a cost-saving for a serious hunter.
Mechanical
These broadheads have blades that open out in flight as soon as the arrow is released. The objective is to cause a bigger wound and better bleeding. They will also snag once they penetrate the target.
The blades inflict further cuts when being extracted increasing the effectiveness of the broadhead. These broadheads may require a higher draw weight (50-pound draw weight is more than enough) to ensure that the arrow flies fast enough for the blades to deploy.
A drawback of this design is that they can deploy prematurely causing damage or injury to the hunter or his equipment. They can also fail to deploy when released and result in a failed shot or a wounded animal. Be sure to practice with mechanical broadheads especially on a 50 lb recurve.
The tips can be either Cut on Contact or Chisel Point. Cut on Contact blades start at the tip of the arrow and fan out in a pyramid-type shape. With Chisel Points, the blades start from behind a separate pointed tip that is designed to cut a path for the blades.
Buying a Broadhead for your 50 lb Recurve
Here are things you should look out for when buying a broadhead for a 50 lb recurve bow.
1. Use
This first and most important detail when purchasing a broadhead is what are you going to be using it for. Hunting broadheads are very different than target shooting or competition broadheads. Be sure that the broadheads you purchase are suitable for your needs.
The same applies for the weight and design. As I’m sure you know, there are a countless amount of different broadhead designs that are made for different uses.
2. Price
Obviously, when purchasing any gear for your bow, you need to be aware of prices. Cheap broadheads break easily (especially if you try to take them hunting). You also don’t want to overpay for broadheads. The broadheads listed above are the best bang for your buck in my opinion.
3. Draw Weight
You can use most broadheads for a 50 lb recurve. 50 pounds is a lot of force and can carry most broadheads just fine. If you are using a lighter bow you’ll need to worry about the broadhead being too heavy and possibly change the arrow’s trajectory.
In Closing
Whatever you’re hunting, whatever your preferences, if you’re drawing 50 lbs. or more, any of these broadheads will be a great addition to your bow case.
If you’re still unable to make up your mind and you have the strength to handle it, we highly recommend the 150 grain Wasp Archery SharpShooter Traditional 150 Grain Cut On Contact Broadhead.
Archery is my hobby & I usually hunt and play on weekends and after work. It’s a passion since I was very young and I love writing about it as well to continuously learn more and share the love of archery with others!
