THORN XV 125 gr Broadhead Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- This is a test of the Thorn XV, 125 gr broadhead.
Here is summary of my 2022 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/ the scores of the Thorn XV posted in parenthesis as well.
Total Sevr 2.0 Score: 86.46 = 9 Golden Arrows
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 20 pts)
This is not just a test of how heads fly out of my bow, as it was in the past. With a well tuned bow, properly built arrows & good form, almost every head flies well. That's why in the past most heads got a flight score of 9 or 10. But that doesn't help those who may not have perfectly tuned bows/arrows/good form. So now I am gauging Flight Forgiveness. This is based on how the head flies for me, how well it spins, how "sensitive" the flight is to imperfections, & the exposed surface area of the blades. The max score of a Mech is 10 (20 on 20 pt scale) & the max score of a Fixed is 8 (16 on 20 pt scale).
2. Cut Size (20%, 18.88 pts)
The more tissue being cut, the more lethal the head, all else equal. The entrance cut, total cut, & width of the cut (a crucial variable for bloodletting) are all scored:
The entrance cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" then that fraction is weighted to 7% of the score. (2"+.3"/2.5" x 7 = 6.44 pts)
The max cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" as well, then that fraction is is weighted to 7% of the score. (2.3"/2.5" x 7 = 6.44 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (2.0"/2 x 6 = 6 pts)
3. Blades (20%, 17.18 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 225 grs=9.75/10=8.76 pts ) & Edge Retention (9%, +100 grs=8/10=7.2 pts) are measured using the Edge On Up Sharpness Tester. The pressure needed for a blade to cut thru a copolymer wire is measured in grams.
Edge Retention is the loss of sharpness after the head is shot in Penetration Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF and 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For every 50 "grams" of sharpness lost, 1 point is deducted from 10.
What are some sharpness scores for common edges?
A butter knife takes 2000 grams of pressure to break the co polymer wire.
A new high end cutlery edge: ~ 375 grams of pressure.
A utility razor blade: 200 grams.
Based on the many broadheads I have tested, here is my scoring scale:
Out of the Box Sharpness:
0-200 gr: 10
201-300 gr 9
301-400 gr: 8
401-500 gr: 7
501-600 gr: 6
601-700 gr: 5
701-800 gr: 4
801-900 gr: 3
901-1000 gr: 2
1001-1100 gr: 1
1101+ gr: 0
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (7/10=1.2 pts)
4. Penetration (20%, 13.15 pts)
There are 3 penetration tests:
Pen Test 1: 1/2" MDF, 2/3" rubber foam mat, Clear Ballistics FBI gel. Depth of penetration is compared to a standard of 9" & weighted to 9% of the score. (5.75" = 5.75 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of score.
(42 layers=5.40 pts)
Angled Penetration Test: How effectively does the head penetrate 1/4" MDF covered by carpet at a 45 degree angle. This accounts for 2% of the score. (2/2pts)
5. Durability (20%, 16.25 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 after each shot & weighted to 12% of the score. (10/10 = 12 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot thru 22 ga steel plate twice. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 5% of the score. (8/10=4.25 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot into concrete once. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 3% of the score. (0/10= 0 pts)
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.
BONUS: Heads will be rewarded bonus points for special, intangible features such as: rotation, no O rings/clips for mechs, extra thickness, hole size, other unique designs, etc.
+1 extra forgiving flight
TOTAL XV SCORE: 86.46= 9 Golden Arrows
Price of Thorn XV: $13.32/head
Grading Scale:
90-100 10 Golden Arrows
85-90 9
80-85 8
70-80 7
60-70 6
Special Notes:
Please check out my sponsor, Stay Sharp Guide. staysharpguide.com or @Innovative Outdoorsman They make excellent broadhead sharpeners. The support I receive from them has helped me improve my channel
I also have some Broadhead Discount Codes I can share:
VECTOR CUSTOM SHOP: LUSK gives Free Shipping
Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%
SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.
AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 saves 10%
Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 15%
DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5/ pack. - กีฬา
These thorn heads always seem to do better than I expect. Still not for me, but if it's what I had I would use them without hesitation. NIce job once again!
Thanks brother.
Just started following you. From one engineer to another I appreciate your methods and explanation of each test. Thank you sir for making good content for the archery community. However, I would like to see another Ozcut Hurricane broadhead test. Mainly because I'm wanting buy these but not fully convinced this the broadhead i want. I think they're the best penetrating broadhead and they have rotating effect due to it being single bevel. I'll be waiting. Lol. Meanwhile, keep making awesome videos and good luck with hunting this year.
Thanks James. I’ve asked them to send me more to test, and they said they would, but haven’t.
Hi John, great review as always. I have heard you say many times that every different broadhead has its own strengths and weaknesses. I know a lot of hunters shy away from broadheads because of blade thickness. These may be only .030 thick but man they are wide. This should be a hard blade to break. The MDF you use is a really dense medium and for this head to hold up like it did with no blade damage is impressive. It may not be everyone’s choice, just food for thought for anyone on the fence with these. Keep up the good work!!!
Thanks for the comment.
Good test as usual. I’m sure it will have its fans.
Thanks.
That's a pretty cool way to hold the blades. Cool head thanks John
I agree it is a pretty cool way of holding blades.
Thanks for the comment Justin.
Your videos are awesome! Thank you. What would be your top 3-5 broadhead recommendations for crossbows (fixed or mechanical). Thank you
Thank you. Hard to narrow it down, cause there are so many great choices. But I really like the Sevrs for mechs and then Exodus, Tooth of the Arrow, MD3, Iron Will and a bunch of others for fixed.
Another great broadhead test. Not a bad broadhead. I just like shooting fixed blade.
Thanks for watching.
Nobody does these tests better then you John! I guess they use the conical point for best flight characteristics? I remember savora heads had the same type of point.
Thank you. Perhaps. It certainly does fly well.
Once again John, great test. Not a mechanical fan, but this one was very stout ! Nothing can withstand a concrete block. Im sure this head would kill judt fine !
Thanks Mike. They did very well and will certainly get the job done. But the Sevr 1.5 and 2.0 both stuck in the concrete and came out very well :) But that is RARE, especially for a mech.
"nO oNE Is HuNTiNg cONcrEte blOCks!!!" is the phrase I keep hearing when someone is trying to diminish results of testing like this. Those people often can't wrap their heads around the concept of science and controlling as many variables as possible. Keep on doing what you're doing, John, it provides great insight for those of use looking to compare broadheads.
Thank you Quinton.
Nor can they wrap their heads around the concept of taking TH-cam videos with a grain of salt. Test broadheads yourself, and don't forget to use code "Lusk" for 5% off your next purchase of SEVR products.
@@JBgoesoutdoors yeah let me run out and by several thousand dollars worth of broadheads to test for myself. Oooorr I could narrow that down to just a few by watching other people test them in repeatable conditions so there are direct comparisons to be made.
I shot 2 hogs with them back in May and neither went more than 18 yards. Was very impressed! Blood trail was very impressive!
Very good. Thank you for sharing that.
Love the channel. Test the 100 gr ATAC. $30 on Amazon for 2-pack. I think you could break some records.
Thank you. I used to use the ATAC back when Dan made them. Taken quite a few animals with them and loved them. I should do a new test on them at some point.
Good job
Thank you
Great video. Thorn has great innovations for broadheads. Is the XV perform better that their RIFT?
Thank you. They're all good...but I prefer the XV.
I just got these for opening day of bow season in NC so let’s see how they work! Never used these broadheads before
Nice. They're made in NC, as I'm guessing you know.
@@LuskArcheryAdventures yeah heard they were local so I have to try them! Let’s hope all goes well lol
Another head by Thorn that you CAN'T replace the blades yourself.....gotta send 'em back for that.
If they made their expanding line to where the consumer could replace the blades they would sell a heck of a lot more of them.
wow, didnt know that, broadheads are not something you should have to send in for service...😂 also not a fan of having to use their sheer pins, id rather use always available and cheap rubber bands.
Yeah, that is a problem.
Agree!
Is there a link to the spreadsheet for your 2022 broadhead tests yet?
Not yet. I'm barely keeping up with doing all the testing. It's kind of a pain to fill in all the scores on the spreadsheet, but I'll get to it later on in the Fall.
John do you do 30 degree or 45? Most head's will do 45.
Are you talking about the angle of impact? Yes, I do 45 degrees on a hard surface. I would never take a shot on an animal at any steeper angle, so I don't bother testing at one...but a head also catches on hide a bit more readily than a board, even with the carpet layer.
I'M A FIRM BELIEVER IN THORN BROADHEADS ESSPECIALLY THE THORN RIFT 2.2 BROADHEADS... THEY ARE ACCURATE AND AMAZING AND NEVER LET ME DOWN... I'VE TAKEN FULL FRONTAL CHEST SHOT WITH PASS THREW RIGHT OUT THE REAR END ... I'VE MADE BAD SHOTZ & THE RIFT MADE UP FOR MY HUMAN ERROR... I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THORN LOADED IN MY QUIVER !!!
Good to hear
Overall not a bad performance. Durability and accuracy are right there with lots of mechanicals. Penetration and edge retention are lacking compared to others. I’d say there are better options for the same price!
Thanks for the comment.
Okay, that did surprise me. 😁
Thanks for watching :)
Concrete block applies to say a pass through and hitting a rock.
True...but more than that, the test is to see the outer limits of what a head can handle. When a head hits a heavy bone at certain angles, that can damage a head more than a straight shot on concrete...so the test of structural integrity has value even for hunting.
It’s a winner it did good on the metal .
Yeah, that impressed me.
Would these penetrate better or about the same as the og or hpx?
I’m sorry, not sure what the og or hpx are. But you can compare the penetration to any of the heads I’ve tested from the vids or the score sheets in the vid description.
@@LuskArcheryAdventures i think he talk about the other braodheads that Thorn offer
Cool head. Figured it was gonna explode on the concrete but we don't hunt concrete block.
Yep...just a test to see the outer limits of what a head can handle.
Curious as to why the chose an anodized aluminum conical tip instead and a hardened steel chisel tip. My guess is cost
that, and they don't NEED to stand up to metal and concrete. if one is using them for hunting, live game, they are more than strong enough to get the job done. remember, most the shots in these tests are 'extreme' durability. a head doesn't need to pass with flying colours to be a great deer-killin' broadhead.
@@zzz7zzz9 conical aluminum doesn’t help at all with penetration on flesh much less bone.
@@chasinfish8279 bone isn't meant to be penetrated, and i don't aim for it either. Some guys seem to like to blast through shoulderblades. I release when i have the best chance at the vitals, and pass when i don't. I don't even take less-than-ideal shots with a rifle, i sure as heck ain't taking them with a twig-and-stick.
@@zzz7zzz9 so what happens when you do it bone. I don’t aim for bone either but it does happen
@@chasinfish8279 i haven't, so i don't know.
The concrete test claims another victim. Nevertheless a very impressive broadhead.
Yep :)
Don't waste your money i tried thorns this year and theyve under performed the heads ive shot the last 15 years. I was shooting rage forever as i just said and eventually ended up shooting trypans the last 5 years and had killed around 40 deer with them. This year i needed rebuild kits for all my trypan heads and couldnt find any anywhere and the only trypans i could find at all were the trypan no collars which were 50 bucks for two heads which i refuse to pay its ridiculously high. Especially when i have around a dozen of the regular trypan heads that just need rebuilt so i bought 3 packs of thethorn special editions and tried them out. I will say they fly better than the rage heads but thats where the upside ends. Like i was saying i shot two deer with them and both turned into horrendous tracking jobs. Both shots were behind the shoulder at a little over twentyyards with one bein broadside and the other bein slightly quartering away. I shoot 70 pounds out of a pse premonition and had bad penetration on the quartering away shot and on the broadside shot it looked as if the blades filled with hair on impact and didnt cut properly causing a poor wound channel. It caused me some what of a dilemma for im tired of these companies gouging us hunters every chance they get such as rage is doin with not continueing to offer what works on the same levels they had been so as to try to force you into buying their new products which are super exspensive and really in the end not worth 25 bucks a piece. Who can afford to shoot 4-5 deer a year with 25 dollar a piece broadheads? Everything is exspensive enough as it is without getting gouged on every single piece of equipment you need. I think its time to go back to old two bladed steel heads that are reusable .
Thanks for sharing that experience. You may want to check out Sevr for a mech as well.
Did not think the penetration was very good. Also the blades did not hold an edge very well. The big winner for it is it's accuracy.
Yep.
If they threaded the hole where the shear pin goes in on this model and their other models that have the rip tip then you can put a set screw in there to hold the blades closed and use that head to practice with. Then all you would have to do is remove the set screw and put a shear pin in and go hunting.
Yep. Thanks for sharing that. But they fly so well, I really don’t think it’s needed.
@@LuskArcheryAdventures in my opinion it is most definitely needed.
Any broadhead should be able to have the consumer replace the blades instead of having to send it to the maker and in the case for this XV a set screw to hold the blades in place for practice is way better than using a shear pin for practice thus having it deploy dulling your blades.
They make a practice head now for the xv
I was very surprised on the durability. That said I'm still not a fan of the tip. The penetration and edge retention could have been better and they stole the whole shear pin design from Swhacker lol
This isn’t like the Swhacker at all
Thanks for the comment. I don't know of any rubber type shear pin design on any Swhackers--all of them I know of use an O Ring. Can you clarify that?
I think afflictor had a shear pin?
@@LuskArcheryAdventures The 125gr levi morgan shwackers that I have in my quiver have the same type of rubber shear pin. You can put a regular screw in for target shooting and take the screw out and put the rubber shear pin in to hunt with the same head.
@@louiegranado2335 I didn't say they were like swhackers. I said they used the same design with the rubber shear pin. Except the swhackers you can replace the rubber shear pin with a set screw and use the same head to practice with.
Nope. I’ll pass. Great testing John.
Thanks Donald
Guess if it passes through and hits a rock it doesn’t matter seeing how mechanicals are just throw away heads anyways
exactly. i consider all my heads to be one-and-done heads. i mean, if i can change the blades or sharpen them back up, that's great, but i don't buy a head thinking i'll have it with me forever.
Personally, I don't prefer heads to be one and done. I want them to give a full cut and keep their integrity and edge as much as possible all the way thru an animal. If they hit a rock after that, that's a different problem.
First one to watch the video
Thank you!