HELIX FJ4 125 gr Broadhead Test
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มี.ค. 2023
- This is a test of the 125 gr Helix FJ4 Single Bevel 4 Blade broadhead by America's Best Bowstrings.
Here is summary of my 2023 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/the scores of this head posted in parenthesis as well.
FJ4 125 gr Total Score: 83.82 = 8 Golden Arrows
1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 16 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 20 & the max score of a Fixed is 16.
2. Cut Size (20%, 15.5 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. (1.19”+.94” = 2.13” = 5.96 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. (2.113” = 5.96 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (1.19" = 3.57 pts)
3. Blades (20%, 16.9 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 350 grams = 8.5/10 = 7.65 pts) & Edge Retention (9%, +75 grams = 8.5/10 = 7.65 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
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (8/10=1.6 pts)
4. Penetration (20%, 14.67 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. (6.5" = 6.5 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score.
( 48 layers=6.17 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. (10/10 = 2 pts)
5. Durability (20%, 18.5 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 & 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. (7/10 = 3.5 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. (10/10 = 3 pts).
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.
BONUS:
+1 exceptional flight
+.75 pts thick blades (.070")
+.50 pts single bevel rotation: 50 degrees at 10.5"
TOTAL SCORE: 83.82 pts = 8 Golden Arrows
Price: $25/head
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:
TRIFECTA: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order.
SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.
ZEUS & HERA Broadheads (New Era Archery): LUSKFIVE saves $5/pack
Vector Custom Shop: LUSK gives Free Shipping
AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 saves 10%
Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 10%
DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5 per pack.
Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%. - กีฬา
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As always thanks for your testing process. The new hunters and seasoned hunters also can learn so much valuable information. I look back at the old days and I took most of my information from word of mouth, Bowhunter Magazine and from Outdoor Life product testing . If I had your information back in the day, I would have been a much more proficient hunter. That being said the internet has certainly played its part . Thanks again !
Thank you Patrick.
Great review! Switched to these from my iron wills (got tired of the rusting/tarnishing so quickly of the IWs). So far they fly incredible
Good to hear they're working well for you.
I believe these are going to be the heads I go with this year. Can’t wait to try them for myself.
They are nice
Been looking forward to this one!
Great
I’m glad you did this review. I’ve been interested in this head since the shot show. Sharpness concerns, I am told with all their heads that you need to sharpen them. Even brand new they can use a good pass with a sharpener
I think all broadheads should be sharpened before shooting a animal with it
Yeah, I don’t really care much about initial sharpness as much as edge retention-cause I can sharpen them myself before hunting.
Hey great test and I have to admit it preformed better then I thought it would being stainless and that soft on the Rockwell. Thanks again
Thanks for the comment.
Really had higher expectations for this head. I would have thought a higher number in the cardboard test. Thanks John.
It’s got quite a bit of cut and also surface area to go deeper in the cardboard. Longer fixed blade heads don’t typically go very deep.
That is one excellent broadhead!
Yep
I used helix in the past and I really liked a lot of the aspects the one thing I could never get past was the cutting edge was incredibly burred from the factory and they where very hard to sharpen trying to get rid of the burr. And all of them that I purchased where the same way.
I did notice some of that, but not much
Solid head. They could really be sharpened using the Stay Sharp. 👍🏻 Great testing John.
Yep. Thanks Donald.
I like the blade thickness & flight. Perhaps the heavier models with steel would be more durable with the ferrules. I agree that the 4 blades make it a more complete head. Nice flexibility with options & design changes on different models instead of just making a lighter, vented version.
Yep
The bleeder blades bent but did not break. I think will give them a go. Another great broadhead test
and they'd never do that on an animal anyway. pretty impressive broadhead, really.
Thank you.
Have yet to see a broadhead that doesn't fly well during your test. Good on the manufacturers for getting flight right - now, they just have to improve durability and sharpness. Thank you for the great test.
Yeah, my bow and arrows are well tuned. I still try to judge the flight by how forgiving the heads are, cause I know they won't all fly well out of most people's bows.
looks good to me. I have mixed feelings about bleeders, I don't mind them bending as I do consider them to be "extra cut in soft tissue, especially for shots that are to far back. I think I would rather have had them break completely off on a super hard impact. That said I really liked how they preformed.
Thanks Chris. Good comment.
John,two torn rotator cuff injuries no longer allows me to shoot a verticle bow.Wondering if most of your tests would show accurate shots when shot from a cross bow.I have used some fixed blade heads that aren't quite as accurate as mechanicals even though they spin test true. I like that Helix.!
What’s the problem with the arrow flight.
I would bet the bolts no matter what arrows used are going to be more accurate then a compound for modern crossbows including the compound T style or traditional bow if using a traditional crossbow.
I’ve considered getting a crossbow to use for flight. But there are some considerable differences in shafts and tuning and so forth. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try.
@@caseysmith544 Depends on the shooter..
@@caninphx You ask a question to answer one,how does that work?
John I watch most of your broadhead testing and am curious if after testing you've ever tried to remove the little screws holding the head onto the ferrule? Much like this head as well as Iron Wills. Just seeing that and being a former Rage shooter and having issues there I tend to go with one piece fixed blades.
Yeah, I don’t like messing with changing blades out in this style head either. But they can be every bit as durable as a one piece head.
Like your content a lot! Go on!
Little question... Is it fair to compare different weights?(penetration...) Do you compensate that?
Greetings from Austria!
I don't compensate for that. The viewer can make that call. I notice no difference in penetration between 100 and 125. It's not until there's at least 50 grs difference that it becomes slightly noticeable.
John, just curious but what is your typical hunting arrow weight for whitetail and do you transition to anything heavier for elk, or larger game? Appreciate the content as always - especially when it’s a two blade, single bevel with bleeders!
My normal set up is 440-460 grs. But I’ve used up to 780 grs for Cape Buffalo. The normal weight is fine for anything in N America-moose, elk, bear, deer, etc.
@@LuskArcheryAdventures I think a higher is Good if hunting the Hybrid Pizzly Bear in Alaska or hunting the Bison, not that I have hunted Bison or Pizzly bear.
PS did you get the info I sent you about the link for the cheap generic Chinese heads I have yet to see an actual brand like? I know they are probably made for larger small game/varmint hunting. I sent both a 100 grain and 125 grain but was asking for a weight on the heads weight of all/most as I feel they messed up on weight more then anything with some 100 grain more like 110 or 95 grain heads 125 grain being 115 or 135 grain heads +/-- 10 grains.
@@caseysmith544 pls send me that info. I’ve not gotten it. Text it to me at 303-818-7896
Actually a good solid head. The bleeders problem is probably a non- issue as far as killing an animal. Ribs aren’t quite the same as MDF board. Thinking these heads would work great even on a 200# boar. Especially coming off your 72# bow. 👍👍 IMO, all arrows and broadheads are considered 100% expendable anyway. Considering all the money spent on everything related to bow hunting, arrows etc are at the bottom.
Yep. Agreed
Can you do how to video for sharpening this head?
I should do that at some point. Helix sells a sharpener. But I’d just use my Stay Sharp guide Diamond plates and stroke each edge.
Any plans on doing the new Bear Razorheads?
I've reached out to them to ask for some, and they didn't ever reply. If someone donates a pack, I'll do it.
7075-T is the aluminum used in 95% of aluminum arrow shafts, with only a few generic Chinese heads made of Pure Aluminum.
Yep
Planning on doing the near Bear Razor Head anytime soon?
I'd like to. I reached out to them about it, but have not heard back yet.
Curious if these can be shot in a crossbow with 405 fps... I don't see any thing about use in a crossbow...any help would be appreciated..thanx
I've not tried them with a crossbow, but I'm sure they can work.
Wonder what the FOC is on that arrow with a 125?
20%
I like everything about these except the price.
Yeah, they’re not cheap.
Can I send you a crossbow to test with heads you haven’t tried yet?
Thanks for the thought. I'm not really set up to take on crossbows yet. I'm so busy with my new church, I kind of barely hanging on. But when I'm ready for a new venture, crossbows will be right up there on my list.
@@LuskArcheryAdventureshope all clears up for you sir, let me know I’ll send u my 505
58 bucks a head sounds like a lot of money.. but they will last a long time if you don't lose them. I bet you can get them pretty sharp too
They’re just $25/head. I had put the price of a kanaka head there by accident. Corrected now.
Nice try at a run towards the Kudu plus but it still falls short
Thanks for watching
I've bent Kudu heads on far less impact than that one took... Still a great head, but they don't last as good as they should for the hype. I hope these last longer.
@@michaellevy4377 how did that happen. Kudu has a harder steel blade a steel Ferrell and is at a harder rc.
@@scottm2244 took a shot on a doe 2 years ago, went through and landed in the field behind... When I picked it up, the main blade had a bend in it (roughly 1/4" curve). Everything was still sharp, no dings or dents either... Couldn't find any rocks or anything in the grass, so I really don't know what it could have hit aside from hard/packed dirt.
@@michaellevy4377 huh weird things happened lol
Please add the noise of the Broadheads to your testing I hate buying Broadheads and they are loud as all get out
I've considered doing that, but there is no way I can do it. Everywhere I can shoot outside, there is varying ambient noise that will throw off the results; just too inconsistent. If I do it indoors, I need the distance to be far enough that the sound of the shot and the sound of the impact are not registered. I just don't have anywhere I can do it to get accurate comparative data.
And I don't worry about arrow flight noise at all. I'm super concerned about shot noise, cause the animal can pin point the source. But a flying object is totally different--could be a bird or bug buzzing by for all that animal knows. Just my opinion.
I also use Helical Blazers, which are pretty loud anyway.
This head performs but it is a bear to sharpen all six sides by hand. Using a machine, it may not be a big deal.
Yeah, it just takes some time and focus. I view that as part of the fun of preparing
Sharpen it and it would be up there
Yeah, not hard to do yourself.
Sure would hate to find one of those bleeders while dressing an animal with a finger or hand!
they'd never peel off in an animal. unless maybe you took a head-on shot and hit it in it's big medallion necklace it was wearing.
Right?
Everyone else's 30 yards look like 15 yards on camera while Lusks 30 yards look like 80 yards 😂
Haha. It does look far. I started zooming in on later videos.
Just guessing here, you shave with a straight razor, don’t cha 😂
:)
Great durability but their price point is ridiculous at $69.99 per head.....not replacing my Exodus and Iron Wills anytime soon. Great review as always by the THEE GURU of broadhead testing!
They’re actually $25/head. I had accidentally listed the price of a different head. I corrected it now.
At $75 a pack, doesn't leave much money left for man thongs and man bunn ties