The Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. Made a Bold First Impression
The Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. promises to deliver deadly down-range accuracy for today’s high-performance crossbows. Marketed for crossbows shooting up to 500 feet per second, these expandable broadheads boast a 1 3/4-inch cut, a machined titanium “Rip-Tip,” and patented “Hidden Blade” technology. I was eager to see if these features lived up to the hype and whether Thorn had truly delivered a broadhead worthy of modern crossbow speeds.
I was after a broadhead that could maintain accuracy at higher velocities, something that wouldn’t plane or open prematurely in flight. Accuracy and penetration were paramount, especially when targeting larger game like elk or deer.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the solid construction of the broadheads. The titanium “Rip-Tip” felt incredibly robust, and the blades were securely hidden. The overall impression was one of quality and thoughtful design.
I considered other broadheads like the Rage Hypodermic Crossbow broadheads and the SEVR Robusto 2.0. However, the Thorn HPX stood out due to its unique “Hidden Blade” technology and the promise of bone-crushing penetration from the titanium tip. My initial excitement was high, tempered with a bit of skepticism about whether the expandable design could truly hold up at the advertised speeds.
Real-World Testing: Putting Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. at my local archery range, using my Barnett HyperGhost 425 crossbow. The range offered distances out to 100 yards, allowing me to assess the broadheads’ accuracy at various ranges. The weather was dry and mild, ideal for testing.
The initial shots were impressive, with the broadheads grouping tightly with my field points out to 60 yards. At 80 and 100 yards, the groups opened up slightly, but still remained within a reasonable hunting range. There were no signs of premature blade deployment or excessive planing.
The Thorn HPX broadheads were relatively easy to install and index properly on my bolts. I appreciated the included practice clip, which allowed me to simulate the weight and balance of the broadhead without risking damage to the blades. There was a slight learning curve to understanding how to replace the sheer pins, but the process became straightforward after a couple of tries.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent practice, I’ve put dozens of shots downrange with the Thorn Archery HPX. They’ve held up remarkably well, with no noticeable decline in accuracy or performance.
The blades remained sharp, even after multiple impacts with the target. There was minor wear and tear on the titanium tip, but nothing that significantly impacted its structural integrity.
Cleaning the broadheads after use was simple – a quick wipe-down with a cloth removed any debris. Replacing the sheer pins, when necessary, was a quick and painless process.
Compared to some other expandable broadheads I’ve used in the past, the Thorn HPX has noticeably outperformed them in terms of accuracy and durability. The consistent flight and reliable blade deployment have given me confidence in their ability to perform in a real hunting situation.
Breaking Down the Features of Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk.
Specifications
- Weight: 125 grains. This is a popular weight for crossbow hunters, providing a good balance between speed and kinetic energy.
- Blade Count: 2. The two-blade design is known for its excellent penetration and ability to create a large wound channel.
- Cutting Diameter: 1 3/4 inches. This provides a significant wound channel for quicker, more humane kills.
- Tip Material: Machined Titanium “Rip-Tip”. This ensures bone-crushing penetration and durability upon impact.
- Blade Deployment: Patented “Hidden Blade” technology. This protects the blades during flight and ensures reliable deployment upon impact.
- Included: (3) broadheads, (6) sheer pins, (1) practice clip. This provides everything needed to get started, including a way to practice without dulling the actual broadhead blades.
These specifications translate into a broadhead that is designed for high-speed crossbows, offering both accuracy and lethal performance. The titanium tip and “Hidden Blade” technology are key to achieving deep penetration and a large wound channel, which are critical for ethical hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. performs exceptionally well, delivering on its promise of accuracy and penetration. The broadheads fly consistently, grouping well with field points, and the blade deployment is reliable and effective.
The strengths lie in its robust construction, accurate flight, and devastating terminal performance. The only potential weakness is the need to replace the sheer pins after each shot, although this is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall performance.
The Thorn HPX exceeds my expectations, providing a level of accuracy and penetration that inspires confidence in the field. It is a well-designed and well-executed broadhead that is perfectly suited for high-speed crossbows.
Design & Ergonomics
The Thorn Archery HPX boasts a sleek and functional design. The materials used are of high quality, and the overall construction feels solid and durable.
The broadhead is easy to handle and install on bolts, and the included practice clip is a welcome addition. The design is intuitive and user-friendly, with no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Thorn Archery HPX is built to last, with high-quality materials and a robust design. The titanium tip is particularly durable, and the blades are made from a sharp, resilient steel.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and replacement of the sheer pins. With proper care, these broadheads should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. comes with six replacement sheer pins and a practice clip. These accessories are essential for maintaining the broadhead and practicing without damaging the blades.
There are no specific customization options for the Thorn HPX, but it is compatible with standard crossbow bolts and arrow inserts. Hunters can also experiment with different fletching configurations to further optimize flight characteristics.
Pros and Cons of Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk.
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Flies consistently and groups well with field points, even at longer ranges.
- Bone-Crushing Penetration: The titanium “Rip-Tip” ensures deep penetration on even the toughest game.
- Reliable Blade Deployment: The “Hidden Blade” technology ensures consistent and effective blade deployment upon impact.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials and robust design ensure long-lasting performance.
- Large Cutting Diameter: The 1 3/4-inch cut creates a significant wound channel for quicker, more humane kills.
Cons
- Sheer Pins Require Replacement: The sheer pins need to be replaced after each shot into a target.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some other expandable broadheads on the market.
Who Should Buy Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk.?
The Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. is perfect for serious crossbow hunters who demand accuracy, penetration, and reliability. This broadhead is particularly well-suited for those using high-speed crossbows and targeting larger game such as deer, elk, and bear.
Those who are primarily target shooters or who hunt smaller game may find the Thorn HPX to be overkill. Hunters who are new to crossbows or who prefer fixed-blade broadheads may also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory for the Thorn HPX is a broadhead target designed for expandable broadheads. Also, consider purchasing additional sheer pins to have on hand.
Conclusion on Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk.
The Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. is an outstanding broadhead that delivers on its promises. Its exceptional accuracy, bone-crushing penetration, and reliable blade deployment make it a top choice for serious crossbow hunters.
The price is justified by the high-quality materials, robust construction, and superior performance. If you’re serious about crossbow hunting and demand the best, the Thorn HPX is well worth the investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Thorn Archery HPX Broadheads 2 Blade 125 gr. 3 pk. to any crossbow hunter looking for a broadhead that can handle high speeds and deliver devastating results. Take your hunting to the next level and experience the confidence that comes with using a truly exceptional broadhead.