I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since I first wrote about a controversial technology that was taking the bowhunting industry by storm. Yes, I am talking about mechanical broadheads. A quarter-century is a long time, but it seems like only yesterday when archers were arguing the benefits — and performance — of the most important part of their setup: the broadhead.

Since the first indigenous people shot rocks at deer, bison, elk and moose, sharpness was always the key to stick-and-string hunting success. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is how insanely efficient today’s manufacturing processes are, and the fact that manufacturers can now make scapel-sharp broadheads that slice huge holes through game animals.

SEVR Broadheads has perfected that craft, in my opinion, as evidenced in the four lethal heads they offer bowhunters (consumer direct).

The SEVR head design isn’t all that complicated, or that much different than others on the market. The big differences include quality materials, quality control (especially on the blades), and a few design features that allow this head to outperform others that might seem to be “good enough” at first blush.

We can save some of the details on this head for later posts, but today I’d like to focus on the Stretch-Cut® feature on the SEVR 2.0, 1.7, 1.5 and Robusto broadheads. If you look at the entry and exit wounds, say, on deer shot with these heads, you will invariably notice clean cuts that are typically far wider than the measurements indicated on the broadhead packaging. For example, the SEVR 2.0 gets its name for a 2.0-inch cut. After shooting dozens of deer with this head (and the former 2.1 original head), I can tell you that I have never achieved a 2-inch cut from any of those heads … because they have always been MUCH wider than that.

I typically prefer a slight quartering-away angle on shots at whitetails, and this has resulted in Stretch Cuts of up to 4 inches. I swear I had one case that bordered a 5-inch entry wound, but I can find the photo on my iPhone to back up that recollection. I will say this: Of all the deer I’ve shot with these heads, the bloodtrails are typically of the “walk and point” variety. Seldom do I have to get on my hands and knees and look for specks.

The Stretch Cut feature happens when the blades slide back along the ferrule (a departure and definite upgrade from those flip-back mechanicals). What happens here is the blades begin cutting immediately upon impact with hair, hide, etc., and in the process stretch the hide wider as the broadhead is passing through the animal. The result is a wider wound channel. That leads to more tissue damage and faster blood loss.

If you are not familiar with SEVR Broadheads, I would highly recommend going to our YouTube channel and viewing the videos we have there of these heads in action. The really nice thing about them is they are sold consumer direct. You can buy a dozen, six, or just one. That allows you to try one to see if you like it first; or you can mix and match the different styles depending on what type of game you’re pursuing (deer, turkey, bear, etc).