For bowhunters, nothing can ruin confidence faster than arrows that don’t fly true. You might have a rock-solid draw cycle, a finely tuned bow, and a steady anchor, but if your broadheads aren’t dialed in, you’ll be left scratching your head when field-point groups suddenly scatter. Mid-season opportunities often come fast, and there’s no time to second-guess your gear. That’s why August and early September are the perfect time for a broadhead tune-up—to make sure your arrows fly consistently, cut precisely, and deliver lethal accuracy when it matters most.
Start with Straightness: Inspect Shafts and Inserts
Before you even think about spinning on broadheads, inspect the arrows themselves. Over the summer, arrows can take a beating from backyard practice, stump shooting, or even just bouncing around in a case. Roll each shaft on a flat surface to check for warping. Also, examine inserts closely; if one is slightly crooked or loose, even the best broadhead won’t fly straight. Reseating or replacing inserts is an easy fix that can prevent a season’s worth of headaches.
Spin Test Every Broadhead
Broadheads demand precision. Even the slightest wobble can magnify into a major flight issue downrange. Screw each broadhead onto a shaft and perform a spin test by gently rotating the arrow on a flat surface or using an arrow spinner tool. If the tip wobbles, don’t force it. Instead, check for burrs on the insert threads or swap to a different shaft until the fit is flawless. Remember, consistency across all arrows is the goal—your quiver shouldn’t hold “good” and “bad” arrows.
Match Field Points to Hunting Heads
A common mistake hunters make is assuming that if their field points group well, their broadheads will do the same. But broadheads, with their larger surface area and blades, catch more air and often fly differently. The solution is simple but often overlooked: practice with the exact broadheads you’ll hunt with—or their identical practice versions if your model offers them. That way, your sight tape, anchor, and confidence all match reality.
Paper Tune for Clean Flight
If your broadheads consistently hit off-center compared to your field points, your bow itself might need a minor adjustment. Shooting through paper at close range can reveal whether your arrows are leaving the rest with a clean tear or showing signs of fishtailing or porpoising. Adjusting rest alignment, nocking point height, or even fine-tuning your draw weight can bring broadheads back in line with your field points. Take the time now, not when a mature buck steps into range.
Balance Weight and FOC
Broadhead weight directly affects arrow performance. Most hunters stick with 100 or 125 grains, but beyond just total weight, pay attention to your arrow’s front of center (FOC) balance. A slightly higher FOC often stabilizes flight and helps broadheads cut through air more efficiently. If you’re experimenting with heavier broadheads or inserts, make sure to re-sight your bow and test trajectory at hunting distances.
Sharpen or Replace Blades
A broadhead tune-up isn’t just about flight—it’s also about lethality. Even if your blades haven’t touched hide or bone, time, humidity, and storage can dull an edge. Run your thumb carefully across the blades or test on a strip of paper to check sharpness. Replace or resharpen as needed. A dull broadhead can still kill, but it won’t cut as efficiently, and that means longer tracking jobs and less ethical kills.
Test at Real Hunting Distances
Finally, practice in real conditions. Don’t just shoot broadheads at 20 yards in your backyard and call it good. Step back to 30, 40, or even 50 yards (if that’s within your ethical range) and make sure your groups hold tight. Practice from tree stands, ground blinds, and uneven terrain, because broadhead flight can be affected by form changes in those hunting scenarios.
Final Thoughts
The broadhead tune-up isn’t glamorous, but it’s the kind of preparation that separates casual bowhunters from consistent, ethical ones. By the time mid-season arrives, deer behavior shifts, hunting pressure increases, and opportunities become fewer. The last thing you want is to watch a clean shot sail wide because of something as preventable as a wobbling broadhead or a dull blade.
Dial in now, practice with purpose, and when the shot presents itself this fall, you’ll release with total confidence.
