VPA 3 BLADE 125 gr Broadhead Test

This is a test of the 125 gr VPA 3 BLADE, Solid broadhead. Here is summary of my 2023 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/the scores of this head posted in parenthesis as well.

VPA 3 Blade Total Score: 80.82 = 8 Golden Arrows (rounded up)

1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 15 pts)
This is not just a test of how heads fly out of my bow, as it was in the past. With a well tuned bow, properly built arrows & good form, almost every head flies well. That's why in the past most heads got a flight score of 9 or 10. But that doesn't help those who may not have perfectly tuned bows/arrows/good form. So now I am gauging Flight Forgiveness. This is based on how the head flies for me, how well it spins, how "sensitive" the flight is to imperfections, & the exposed surface area of the blades. The max score of a Mech is 20 & the max score of a Fixed is 16.

2. Cut Size (20%, 12.85 pts)
The more tissue being cut, the more lethal the head, all else equal. The entrance cut, total cut, & width of the cut (a crucial variable for bloodletting) are all scored:
The entrance cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" then that fraction is weighted to 7% of the score. (1.69” = 4.73 pts)
The max cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" as well, then that fraction is is weighted to 7% of the score. (1.69” = 4.73 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (1.13" = 3.39 pts)

3. Blades (20%, 16.4 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 400 grams = 8/10 = 7.2 pts) & Edge Retention (9%, +100 grams = 8/10 = 87.21 pts) are measured using the Edge On Up Sharpness Tester. The pressure needed for a blade to cut thru a copolymer wire is measured in grams.
Edge Retention is the loss of sharpness after the head is shot in Penetration Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF and 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For every 50 "grams" of sharpness lost, 1 point is deducted from 10.

What are some sharpness scores for common edges?
A butter knife takes 2000 grams of pressure to break the co polymer wire.
A new high end cutlery edge: ~ 375 grams of pressure.
A utility razor blade: 200 grams.
Based on the many broadheads I have tested, here is my scoring scale:
Out of the Box Sharpness:
0-200 gr: 10
201-300 gr 9
301-400 gr: 8
401-500 gr: 7
501-600 gr: 6
601-700 gr: 5
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (10/10=2 pts)

4. Penetration (20%, 16.43 pts)
There are 3 penetration tests:
Pen Test 1: 1/2" MDF, 2/3" rubber foam mat, Clear Ballistics FBI gel. Depth of penetration is compared to a standard of 9" & weighted to 9% of the score. (7.75" = 7.75 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score.
( 55 layers=7.07 pts)
Angled Penetration Test: How effectively does the head penetrate 1/4" MDF covered by carpet at a 45 degree angle. This accounts for 2% of the score. (10/10 = 2 pts)

5. Durability (20%, 19.5 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 12% of the score. (10/10 = 11.4 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot thru 22 ga steel plate twice. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 5% of the score. (9/10 = 4.5 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot into concrete once. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 3% of the score. (10/10 = 3 pts).
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.

BONUS: 0

TOTAL SCORE: 80.82 pts = 8 Golden Arrows (rounded up)

Price: $18.92/head

Special Notes:
Please check out my sponsor, Stay Sharp Guide. https://staysharpguide.com or @Innovative Outdoorsman They make excellent broadhead sharpeners. The support I receive from them has helped me improve my channel

I also have some Broadhead Discount Codes I can share:

TRIFECTA: LUSK10 saves 10% on any order.

SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.

ZEUS & HERA Broadheads (New Era Archery): LUSKFIVE saves $5/pack

Vector Custom Shop: LUSK gives Free Shipping

AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 saves 10%

Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 10%

DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5 per pack.

Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%.