TARG Broadhead Classification Standard

Technical Archery Research Group (TARG)

TARG Broadhead Classification Standard

TARG-BHCS-001

Developed By

Eric Newman (PNL Testers)

Prepared For:

Technical Archery Research Group (TARG)

Revision

Rev 1.0

Date

May 2026

1. Scope

This standard establishes a classification system for archery broadheads used in hunting, testing, and research applications. The purpose of this standard is to create a consistent method for identifying broadhead designs and grouping them into repeatable categories for testing and comparison.

This standard is intended for use by:

  • Researchers
  • Manufacturers
  • Broadhead testers
  • Archery organizations
  • Consumers
  • Independent laboratories

This standard does not evaluate performance, lethality, penetration, durability, or flight characteristics.

2. Purpose and Significance

Broadheads are manufactured in many different configurations using varying blade designs, deployment methods, and ferrule constructions. Without a standardized classification system, comparison testing and data reporting can become inconsistent.

The purpose of this standard is to:

  • Standardize broadhead terminology
  • Establish repeatable product categories
  • Improve testing consistency
  • Provide a foundation for future standards
  • Improve communication between manufacturers and researchers

3. Definitions

3.1 Broadhead

A cutting projectile point designed for use with arrows in hunting or testing applications.

3.2 Ferrule

The central body structure of the broadhead that supports blades and connects to the arrow shaft.

3.3 Fixed Blade Broadhead

A broadhead in which the blades remain stationary during flight and impact.

3.4 Mechanical Broadhead

A broadhead utilizing movable blades that deploy during or immediately prior to impact.

3.5 Hybrid Broadhead

A broadhead utilizing both fixed and mechanical blade systems.

3.6 Blade Count

The total number of cutting blades present on the broadhead.

3.7 Cut-On-Contact Tip

A broadhead tip configuration where the blade edge begins cutting immediately upon contact.

3.8 Chisel Tip

A reinforced tip configuration where the tip itself does not contain a sharpened cutting edge.

4. Broadhead Classification System

4.1 Fixed Blade Broadheads

Fixed blade broadheads are broadheads in which all primary blades remain rigid and stationary during flight and impact.

4.1.1 One-Piece Fixed Blade

Broadheads machined or formed from a single piece of material.

Common Characteristics

  • Single-piece construction
  • No replaceable blades
  • High structural rigidity
  • Simplified design

Common Subcategories

  • Single bevel
  • Double bevel
  • Cut-on-contact
  • Tanto tip
  • Needle tip
  • Chisel tip

4.1.2 Replaceable Blade Fixed Broadhead

Fixed blade broadheads utilizing replaceable blades attached to a ferrule.

Common Characteristics

  • Replaceable cutting blades
  • Multi-component construction
  • Serviceable blade system

Common Subcategories

  • Ventilated blade
  • Solid blade
  • Single bevel
  • Double bevel
  • Cut-on-contact
  • Chisel tip

4.1.3 Hybrid Fixed Blade Broadhead

Fixed blade broadheads utilizing additional secondary blade systems or mixed blade configurations.

Common Characteristics

  • Fixed primary blades
  • Supplemental cutting systems
  • Combination blade arrangements

Common Subcategories

  • Fixed main blade with bleeder blades
  • Fixed blade with expandable bleeders
  • Multi-stage cutting systems

4.2 Mechanical Broadheads

Mechanical broadheads are broadheads utilizing movable blades that deploy during or immediately prior to impact.

4.2.1 Rear Deploying Mechanical Broadhead

Mechanical broadheads in which the blades pivot rearward during deployment.

Common Characteristics

  • Rearward blade deployment
  • Pivoting blade system
  • Compact in-flight profile

Common Subcategories

  • Over-the-top
  • Internal pivot
  • Slip cam
  • Pivoting blade

4.2.2 Front Deploying Mechanical Broadhead

Mechanical broadheads in which the blades deploy from a forward pivoting direction.

Common Characteristics

  • Forward sweeping deployment
  • Front hinge geometry
  • Reverse deployment motion

Common Subcategories

  • Front hinge
  • Reverse deploy
  • Forward sweep

4.2.3 Hybrid Mechanical Broadhead

Mechanical broadheads utilizing both fixed and mechanical blade systems.

Common Characteristics

  • Fixed stabilizing blades
  • Expandable secondary blades
  • Multi-stage cutting system

Common Subcategories

  • Fixed bleeder with expandable main blade
  • Fixed main blade with expandable bleeders
  • Multi-stage deployment

4.3 Specialty Broadheads

Broadheads designed for specialized purposes outside standard hunting applications.

Common Categories

  • Small game broadheads
  • Guillotine broadheads
  • Practice broadheads
  • Experimental broadheads
  • Prototype broadheads

5. Secondary Classification Attributes

The following attributes may be used in addition to the primary classification categories.

5.1 Blade Geometry

  • Single bevel
  • Double bevel
  • Concave
  • Convex
  • Tanto
  • Hybrid geometry

5.2 Tip Style

  • Cut-on-contact
  • Chisel tip
  • Tanto tip
  • Needle tip
  • Hybrid tip

5.3 Blade Count

  • Two blade
  • Three blade
  • Four blade
  • Multi-blade

5.4 Ferrule Material

  • Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Titanium
  • Composite

5.5 Deployment Method

  • Rear deploy
  • Front deploy
  • Over-the-top
  • Slip cam
  • Internal pivot

5.6 Blade Retention Method

  • O-ring retained
  • Collar retained
  • Clip retained
  • Friction retained
  • Magnetic retained

6. Example Classification Format

The following example format may be used for testing reports and technical documentation.

Primary Category Subcategory Attributes
Fixed Blade Replaceable Blade Double bevel, 3 blade, vented, chisel tip
Mechanical Rear Deploying Over-the-top, collar retained, 2 blade
Hybrid Fixed + Mechanical Fixed bleeder, rear deploy

7. Notes

This standard is intended to provide a broadhead identification and classification framework only.

This standard does not establish:

  • Performance requirements
  • Penetration standards
  • Flight standards
  • Durability requirements
  • Sharpness requirements
  • Safety requirements

Future TARG standards may address additional testing methodologies and performance metrics.

8. Future Standards Consideration

Future standards under Technical Archery Research Group (TARG) may include:

  • Broadhead sharpness testing
  • Broadhead durability testing
  • Ferrule strength testing
  • Blade retention testing
  • Penetration testing
  • Aerodynamic testing
  • Broadhead alignment and concentricity
  • Broadhead dimensional standards

9. Revision History

Revision Description Date
Rev 1.0 Initial release May 2026

 

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