The Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 Made a Bold First Impression
Expandable broadheads have always been a point of contention in the hunting community, plagued by concerns of premature deployment and unreliable penetration. When the Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 landed on my doorstep, I approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism, tempered by the hope that this one might finally live up to the hype. After all, I’ve seen firsthand how a poorly chosen broadhead can mean the difference between a clean kill and a wounded animal.
I was in the market for a broadhead that offered field-point accuracy without sacrificing the devastating wound channel that expandable broadheads promise. The Swhacker‘s “wing blade” design intrigued me, promising controlled blade deployment and improved penetration. This feature seemed like a smarter approach than some of the flimsier designs I’d seen.
Unboxing the Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2, I immediately noticed the solid construction. The anodized aluminum ferrule felt robust, and the hardened high-carbon steel point gave me confidence in its ability to bust through bone. It felt more substantial than the Rage broadheads I had experimented with in the past, and less gimmicky than some Grim Reaper models I had considered. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, with a hint of excitement.
Real-World Testing: Putting Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at the local archery range, a controlled environment where I could focus solely on accuracy and deployment. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, offering reasonable testing conditions. I shot several arrows at varying distances, from 20 to 50 yards, and was immediately impressed with the Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2‘s flight characteristics.
They genuinely flew like field points. There was no noticeable deviation or wobble, something I often experienced with other expandable broadheads. On impact with the target, I observed consistent blade deployment, resulting in a clean, two-inch entry wound. One minor issue appeared after about a dozen shots: one of the wing blades showed slight bending.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next several weeks, I continued to practice with the Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2, exposing it to more challenging conditions. This included shooting in light rain and on a particularly dusty range day. The broadheads held up surprisingly well.
I did notice some minor surface rust on the high-carbon steel point after the rainy session, requiring a quick cleaning and light oiling. More importantly, the blade deployment remained consistent, and the broadheads maintained their accuracy. Compared to my past experiences with other expandable broadheads that often became dull or bent after a few shots, the Swhacker seemed significantly more durable.
Breaking Down the Features of Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2
Specifications
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Weight: 100 grains. This is a standard weight for many archers, providing a good balance between speed and kinetic energy.
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Cutting Diameter: 2 inches. This is a substantial cutting diameter for an expandable broadhead, promising a large wound channel for increased blood loss and quicker kills.
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Blade Thickness: .032 inches. This blade thickness offers a balance between sharpness and durability. Thinner blades would be sharper, but more prone to bending, while thicker blades would be more durable but potentially less effective at cutting.
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Ferrule Material: Anodized aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and strong, while the anodized finish provides corrosion resistance.
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Point Material: Hardened high-carbon steel. This type of steel is known for its hardness and ability to hold an edge, making it suitable for penetrating tough hide and bone.
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Blade Deployment: “Wing blades” designed to open the main blades on impact. This system aims to ensure reliable deployment by using the initial impact to trigger the main blades.
These specifications highlight Swhacker‘s focus on achieving a balance between accuracy, penetration, and wound channel size. The choice of materials suggests a commitment to both durability and performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 performs admirably, especially in terms of accuracy and penetration. The wing blade design works as intended. It ensures the main blades deploy consistently, creating a large wound channel.
The broadhead’s strength lies in its ability to fly like a field point, minimizing the need for significant sight adjustments. The .032″ blades, however, might be slightly more susceptible to damage when encountering heavy bone. Overall, the Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 meets and mostly exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 features a streamlined design, contributing to its excellent flight characteristics. Its anodized aluminum ferrule not only looks good but also adds to the overall build quality. The weight feels well-balanced.
The design is relatively simple, making it easy to understand how the broadhead functions and how to replace the blades if necessary. There’s no real learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 appears to be reasonably durable, though the .032″ blades are a potential weak point if bone is encountered. With proper care, these broadheads should last for several seasons of hunting. Cleaning and oiling the high-carbon steel point after exposure to moisture is essential to prevent rust.
Replacing the blades is a straightforward process, ensuring that the broadhead can be easily maintained in the field. This ease of maintenance is a significant advantage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the broadheads themselves. Replacement blades are readily available for purchase, allowing you to extend the life of the broadheads.
There are no specific customization options offered directly by Swhacker. However, due to its standard threading, it should be compatible with most arrow shafts and inserts on the market.
Pros and Cons of Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2
Pros
- Flies like a field point for excellent accuracy.
- Large 2″ cutting diameter creates a devastating wound channel.
- Reliable blade deployment thanks to the “wing blade” design.
- Solid construction with durable materials.
- Easy to maintain and replace blades.
Cons
- .032″ blades may be susceptible to damage when encountering heavy bone.
- High-carbon steel point requires regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Who Should Buy Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2?
The Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 is perfect for hunters who prioritize accuracy and a large wound channel. It’s a good choice for those hunting deer, antelope, and other medium-sized game. Archers who value consistent blade deployment will also appreciate the wing blade design.
Hunters targeting larger game like elk or moose, or those frequently encountering heavy bone, might want to consider a broadhead with thicker blades. A must-have accessory is a small container of gun oil for keeping the high-carbon steel point rust-free.
Conclusion on Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2
The Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 offers a compelling combination of accuracy, penetration, and cutting diameter. At $31.49, the price is justified given the performance and build quality. I would personally recommend the Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 to any hunter looking for a reliable and accurate expandable broadhead.
Its ability to fly like a field point, coupled with its devastating wound channel, makes it a top contender in its class. However, be prepared to maintain the blades and consider bone hits. If you’re ready to put meat in the freezer, give the Swhacker 100 Grain 2″ 2 a try!