The Rage Hyodermic No Collar Made a Bold First Impression
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar crossbow broadhead is the latest offering from Rage, aiming to deliver devastating performance with its innovative design. The promise of a wide cutting diameter and collarless blade retention immediately piqued my interest. After a decade spent evaluating and field-testing various broadheads, I was eager to see how this newcomer would perform, especially given my past experiences with both successes and failures in mechanical broadhead technology.
I was on the hunt for a broadhead that offered both reliable deployment and exceptional cutting power. Many mechanical broadheads I’ve used in the past suffered from either premature deployment in flight or inconsistent opening upon impact. My ideal choice needed to provide confidence in the field, translating to clean, ethical kills.
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar arrived in a simple blister pack, revealing the three broadheads in all their glory. My initial impression was one of sleek aggression. The machined stainless steel ferrule felt solid and the blades, while incredibly sharp, seemed robust enough to withstand significant impact. Picking one up, the weight felt balanced, suggesting good flight characteristics. Compared to the original Rage Hypodermic, the absence of the Shock Collar was immediately noticeable, promising easier blade deployment. I also considered the Swhacker Levi Morgan Series Broadhead, but the Rage‘s wider cut diameter ultimately swayed my decision. The build quality appeared superior to some cheaper options on the market, giving me a sense of confidence, though the price point made me expect this level of quality.
My initial excitement was cautiously optimistic, tempered by the reality that many broadheads look great but fail in real-world situations. Time and rigorous testing would reveal if the Rage Hyodermic No Collar lived up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rage Hyodermic No Collar to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Rage Hyodermic No Collar came at my local archery range. I was shooting my TenPoint crossbow at targets ranging from 20 to 60 yards. The weather was relatively calm, with a slight crosswind. My primary goal was to evaluate flight characteristics and blade deployment accuracy.
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar flew remarkably true, grouping closely with my field points out to 40 yards. Beyond that, I noticed a slight drop, but nothing unexpected for a broadhead with a 2-inch cutting diameter. More importantly, there was no evidence of premature blade deployment during flight. Upon impact with the target, the blades deployed cleanly and consistently, leaving impressive entry holes. I did experience one instance where a blade appeared to have contacted the target slightly as the arrow was still in flight, causing a minor deflection, although no premature deployment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent practice and simulated hunting scenarios, the Rage Hyodermic No Collar continued to impress. Durability has proven to be a strong point. Despite repeated impacts with dense foam targets, the blades remained sharp and the ferrules showed no signs of bending or cracking.
Maintenance is straightforward. The blades are easily replaceable with a small Allen wrench. The ferrule can be cleaned with a damp cloth. I have not experienced any rust, even after exposure to light rain. Compared to some of the older mechanical broadheads I’ve used, the Rage Hyodermic No Collar definitely outperformed in terms of both accuracy and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Rage Hyodermic No Collar
Specifications
- Hybrid Hypodermic Tip: This specially designed tip is engineered for superior penetration and to initiate blade deployment upon impact. It ensures consistent opening and minimizes deflection.
- Machined Stainless Steel Ferrule: The robust ferrule provides exceptional strength and durability, capable of withstanding high-impact forces. This construction material also offers excellent corrosion resistance.
- .035” Thick Blades: The razor-sharp blades are constructed from durable stainless steel, providing a wide 2-inch cutting diameter. This results in significant blood trails and faster, more ethical kills.
- 2” Cutting Diameter: The generous cutting diameter creates massive wound channels, maximizing tissue damage and blood loss. This enhances the chances of a quick and humane harvest.
- No Collar Blade Lock: This innovative system eliminates the need for a traditional Shock Collar, resulting in more reliable blade deployment. This design feature simplifies setup and ensures consistent performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar excels in its primary function: delivering a lethal blow. Its accuracy, especially at shorter ranges, is commendable. The wide cutting diameter results in massive trauma, leading to quick kills and easy tracking.
The broadhead’s strength lies in its reliability. The No Collar Blade Lock truly eliminates the common problem of blades failing to deploy. The only minor weakness is the potential for slight wind drift at longer distances, typical of broadheads with large cutting surfaces. Overall, it more than meets my expectations for a high-performance mechanical broadhead.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar is a well-designed piece of equipment. The stainless steel ferrule feels solid and the blades are perfectly aligned. The absence of a collar makes the broadhead feel less cluttered and easier to handle.
There is virtually no learning curve. Simply screw it onto your arrow and it’s ready to go. The intuitive design makes it user-friendly, even for novice crossbow hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar is built to last. Its stainless steel construction provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. With proper care and blade replacement, each broadhead can withstand multiple shots.
Maintenance is simple. Cleaning the ferrule and replacing dull blades is all that’s required. The broadhead is designed for easy disassembly and reassembly, making maintenance a breeze.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar comes as a standalone broadhead. No specific accessories are included. However, the replaceable blades are readily available and easily installed.
The broadhead is compatible with standard crossbow arrows and bolts. It can be used with lighted nocks and various arrow wraps. While there are no specific customization options, the broadhead’s performance can be optimized by using arrows with appropriate spine and weight.
Pros and Cons of Rage Hyodermic No Collar
Pros
- Reliable Blade Deployment: The No Collar Blade Lock ensures consistent and dependable blade deployment.
- Devastating Cutting Diameter: The wide, 2-inch cut creates massive wound channels for quick kills.
- Excellent Accuracy: Flies remarkably true, especially at shorter ranges.
- Durable Construction: The stainless steel ferrule and blades are built to withstand repeated impacts.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple design allows for quick blade replacement and cleaning.
Cons
- Wind Drift: Large cutting surface may be affected by strong crosswinds at longer distances.
- Price: The higher price point may be a barrier for some hunters.
Who Should Buy Rage Hyodermic No Collar?
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar is perfect for crossbow hunters seeking a reliable, accurate, and devastating broadhead. It is especially well-suited for those targeting whitetail deer, wild hogs, or other medium-sized game. Experienced hunters who demand consistent performance will appreciate its dependability.
This broadhead might not be the best choice for budget-conscious hunters or those primarily targeting small game. While incredibly effective, the price per broadhead is higher compared to some fixed-blade options.
Must-have accessories include replacement blades and a high-quality arrow puller to safely remove arrows from dense targets.
Conclusion on Rage Hyodermic No Collar
The Rage Hyodermic No Collar delivers on its promise of devastating performance and reliable blade deployment. While the price may be a factor for some, the broadhead’s accuracy, durability, and wide cutting diameter make it a worthwhile investment for serious crossbow hunters.
The price is justified by the consistently excellent performance. This broadhead offers confidence in the field, translating to quicker kills and easier tracking.
I would absolutely recommend the Rage Hyodermic No Collar to any crossbow hunter seeking a top-tier mechanical broadhead. Step up your hunting game and experience the difference for yourself!