First Impressions of Innerloc Carnage Broadheads
The Innerloc Carnage Broadheads promise devastating terminal performance in a fast, rear-deploying package. Marketed towards bowhunters seeking a broadhead that mimics the flight of a field point, the Carnage broadhead aims to simplify the sighting-in process and inspire confidence. The Innerloc name has always carried a certain weight with me, associated with innovative designs and reliable performance, so I was eager to see if the Carnage lived up to that reputation.
For years, I’ve struggled with broadhead flight inconsistency, chasing my tail trying to get my fixed blades to group with my field points. This led me down the path of mechanical broadheads, but I’ve always been wary of deployment failures or flimsy construction. The allure of the Innerloc Carnage Broadheads was the promise of field point accuracy and a robust design.
Unboxing the broadheads, my initial impression was favorable. The silver finish looks clean and professional, and the included Aero-Wraps appear well-made. The weight felt true to the advertised 100 grains, a critical factor for maintaining consistent arrow flight. Compared to some other rear-deploy mechanical broadheads I’ve used, the Innerloc Carnage Broadheads seemed more streamlined and less bulky. My initial excitement was definitely piqued, tempered only by the inherent skepticism I reserve for any product promising a magic bullet solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Innerloc Carnage Broadheads to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Innerloc Carnage Broadheads took place at my local archery range, both indoors and outdoors. I shot them from my Mathews Halon 32, set at 70 lbs draw weight and a 29-inch draw length. I wanted to evaluate both accuracy and penetration into a standard foam target block.
In both indoor and outdoor conditions, the Innerloc Carnage Broadheads grouped remarkably well with my field points out to 40 yards. This initial performance was genuinely impressive, minimizing the need for significant sight adjustments. However, I did experience one instance where one blade failed to fully deploy upon impact with the target block.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range session, I continued to shoot the Innerloc Carnage Broadheads over several weeks, logging hundreds of shots. The overall performance remained consistent, with tight groupings and predictable flight. The blades themselves remained sharp and showed no signs of bending or chipping, even after repeated impacts with the target.
However, the blade deployment issue persisted occasionally, occurring perhaps 2-3 times out of every hundred shots. This is a concern that needs to be addressed. Cleaning the broadheads after each shooting session was straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down with a cloth. Compared to my previous experiences with other mechanical broadheads, the Innerloc Carnage Broadheads definitely offered superior accuracy and penetration, but the occasional deployment failures raise concerns about overall reliability in a hunting scenario.
Breaking Down the Features of Innerloc Carnage Broadheads
Specifications
The Innerloc Carnage Broadheads boast a few key specifications that are worth highlighting.
- Weight: 100 grains – This is a standard weight for broadheads, ensuring compatibility with most arrow setups.
- Blade Thickness: 0.040 inches – These blades are on the thinner side, prioritizing cutting diameter over outright durability.
- Cutting Diameter: 1.5 inches – This generous cutting diameter promises impressive wound channels for faster kills.
- Aero-Wraps: These wraps are designed to mimic the flight of a field point.
These specifications are crucial to the performance of the broadhead. The 100-grain weight ensures proper front-of-center balance on the arrow. The thinner blades allow for a larger cutting diameter.
Performance & Functionality
The Innerloc Carnage Broadheads excel in accuracy and penetration, but the intermittent deployment failures are a significant drawback.
When the blades deploy correctly, the broadheads create devastating wound channels. However, the occasional deployment failures impact confidence in a hunting situation. The promise of field point accuracy is largely fulfilled, simplifying the sighting-in process.
Design & Ergonomics
The Innerloc Carnage Broadheads feature a sleek, aerodynamic design and are easy to install on arrow shafts.
The rear-deploy mechanism is simple, but it requires careful inspection before each shot to ensure proper blade seating. The broadheads feel well-balanced and durable, contributing to consistent arrow flight.
Durability & Maintenance
The Innerloc Carnage Broadheads are reasonably durable.
The blades hold their edge well, but the thinner blade stock might be prone to damage upon impacting bone. Cleaning and maintaining the broadheads is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and solvents.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Innerloc Carnage Broadheads come with 16 Aero-Wraps, which is a welcome addition for extending the life of the product.
There are no specific customization options available directly from Innerloc, but the broadheads are compatible with standard arrow shafts and inserts. While the lack of customization is a downside, the design is simple and effective.
Pros and Cons of Innerloc Carnage Broadheads
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Groups very closely with field points, minimizing sight adjustment.
- Large Cutting Diameter: The 1.5-inch cutting diameter creates devastating wound channels for faster kills.
- Streamlined Design: The aerodynamic profile minimizes drag and enhances arrow flight stability.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward to install on arrow shafts.
- Good Penetration: When deployed correctly, the broadheads penetrate deeply into target materials.
Cons
- Deployment Issues: Occasional blade deployment failures compromise reliability.
- Blade Thickness: The 0.040-inch blades might be prone to damage upon bone impact.
Who Should Buy Innerloc Carnage Broadheads?
Perfect for: Bowhunters who prioritize accuracy and are comfortable meticulously inspecting their broadheads before each shot. Hunters seeking large cutting diameters for quicker, more humane kills will find these appealing, if they can get over the potential for deployment issues.
Who should skip this product? Bowhunters who demand unwavering reliability in their broadheads and cannot tolerate the possibility of a deployment failure.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality broadhead wrench for secure tightening and a sharpening stone for maintaining blade edges.
Conclusion on Innerloc Carnage Broadheads
The Innerloc Carnage Broadheads offer a compelling blend of accuracy and cutting power, but the occasional deployment issues are a significant caveat.
The price of $65.99 is justified if you value pinpoint accuracy and a large cutting diameter, but the reliability concerns cannot be ignored. While I appreciate the innovative design and impressive flight characteristics, I would hesitate to recommend these broadheads without a strong caveat about the potential for deployment failures. If Innerloc can address this issue, the Carnage Broadheads could become a top contender in the mechanical broadhead market. For now, proceed with caution and thorough pre-shot inspection.