Never shot the premiums but the standard ones work great. I have died both 2 blade and 3 bade with excellent results
VPA Broadheads
I'm looking to purchase some VPA single bevel broadheads. For those that are experienced with them, what is the difference between their tool steel heads and the Premium Tool heads that are approximately $10 more? Obviously, as per the site, the premium is hardened to 58 rockwell as opposed to 54 rockwell on the 'cheaper' heads but will that make a noticeable difference? Just wondering if the premium model is worth the extra $.
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I use two different 3 blade BH's and I think VPA makes both of them. One is the Woodsman Elite that 3Rivers sells and the other is the 1 1/8" 175gr VPA. Both are 50 rockwell. They sharpen easily and hold their edge well enough to pass through deer. I think you will find the 54 rockwell to be easier to sharpen. BH's aren't like knives where you want a harder steel with a more durable edge.
OP, keep in mind....Blade hardness doesn't matter as much in a tapered design head. The taper- 2 or 2.5 to 1 puts very little pressure on the blade bevel due to mechanical advantage. Its sliding in...not chopping in like the short wide heads.
Plus, the bevel on the VPA's is more supported due to the 30 deg angle....they don't dull easily. The downside is they don't feel as sharp as the skinny razor blade heads with a very thinly supported bevel.
I shot the VPA Carbon steel heads for years before they came out with the premium and they are bulletproof. The only time I would spend the extra $$ for more temper is on dangerous game like Cape or Water Buffalo.
Plus, the bevel on the VPA's is more supported due to the 30 deg angle....they don't dull easily. The downside is they don't feel as sharp as the skinny razor blade heads with a very thinly supported bevel.
I shot the VPA Carbon steel heads for years before they came out with the premium and they are bulletproof. The only time I would spend the extra $$ for more temper is on dangerous game like Cape or Water Buffalo.
Thanks, that makes sense. I plan to get the 250 grain to get as much mechanical advantage and FOC as possible without getting "too heavy".OP, keep in mind....Blade hardness doesn't matter as much in a tapered design head. The taper- 2 or 2.5 to 1 puts very little pressure on the blade bevel due to mechanical advantage. Its sliding in...not chopping in like the short wide heads.
Plus, the bevel on the VPA's is more supported due to the 30 deg angle....they don't dull easily. The downside is they don't feel as sharp as the skinny razor blade heads with a very thinly supported bevel.
I shot the VPA Carbon steel heads for years before they came out with the premium and they are bulletproof. The only time I would spend the extra $$ for more temper is on dangerous game like Cape or Water Buffalo.
The standard heads are described as Carbon Tool Steel. I'd only be guessing as to which alloy their using as I didn't see any other details on their website. The premium heads are made with S7 tool steel. This makes a lot of sense as it's a shock resistant steel. Shock resistant steels are designed to take an impact and are used in jackhammer bits amongst other high impact applications. This is probably one of the best steels for a broadhead that I can think of.
Mechanical Advantage is the blade angle....you can get that with an 85g head...the weight has nothing to do with it.Thanks, that makes sense. I plan to get the 250 grain to get as much mechanical advantage and FOC as possible without getting "too heavy".
Why do you need more FOC?
...thats for suckers....its all about perfect arrow flight.
Mechanical Advantage is the blade angle....you can get that with an 85g head...the weight has nothing to do with it.
Why do you need more FOC?
...thats for suckers....its all about perfect arrow flight.
🤣I have to admit I'm drawn to EFOC for much the same reason as I'm drawn to cartridges like .300blk or 8.6 blk: I like oddball stuff that looks like it shouldn't work, but does. Does anyone else remember the Mateba Autorevolver? Yup, I'm a sucker for stuff like that.
You will see little to no difference between the two broad heads.
The "cheaper models are probably a 4140 type of steel, that is very good material.
I use the S7 only because I am a master toolmaker (and we use the material) and I think I can tell the difference.......
The difference between the 54 and 58 R/c is so small the deer will not know the difference, it will only making the sharpening of the softer steel slightly easier.
The 58 R/c will hold an edge slightly longer and is a little tougher.
Save a little money and get the non premium series, you will not regret it.
The "cheaper models are probably a 4140 type of steel, that is very good material.
I use the S7 only because I am a master toolmaker (and we use the material) and I think I can tell the difference.......
The difference between the 54 and 58 R/c is so small the deer will not know the difference, it will only making the sharpening of the softer steel slightly easier.
The 58 R/c will hold an edge slightly longer and is a little tougher.
Save a little money and get the non premium series, you will not regret it.
p.s. I am a big fan of high FOC and the VPA's fly through deer !!!
Thanks! very useful info.You will see little to no difference between the two broad heads.
The "cheaper models are probably a 4140 type of steel, that is very good material.
I use the S7 only because I am a master toolmaker (and we use the material) and I think I can tell the difference.......
The difference between the 54 and 58 R/c is so small the deer will not know the difference, it will only making the sharpening of the softer steel slightly easier.
The 58 R/c will hold an edge slightly longer and is a little tougher.
Save a little money and get the non premium series, you will not regret it.
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