I have six 100-grain Epek XC-3 broadheads at the tips of my arrows. By removing a hex screw, the outer shell of the broadhead can be rotated so the blades cannot deploy through its open slots. The outer shell can then be secured by replacing the hex screw through a second screw opening.
All is not perfect. Here are some issues:
* The Epek�s blades will not deploy when used with thick arrow shafts and the Epek website does not specify a maximum shaft diameter. When the broadhead tip hits the target, the outer shell is pushed back to deploy the blades. The outer shell slides back about a centimeter and goes over the arrow shaft. Luckily, my Easton ST Excel arrow shaft is only 9/32" in diameter and permits the outer shell to slide over it. Other archers have indicated that thicker arrows, such as the Gold Tip Ultralight 22, do not permit the Epek blades to deploy.
* The Epek tip is made of aluminum and cannot be easily sharpened. I would hate to dull this tip during practice. The instructions recommend minimizing practice with broadheads you plan to hunt with. I have 3 broadheads configured for practice. The other 3 broadheads will be saved for hunting.
Since the Epek tip appears to dull easily, I would prefer a separate hunting and practice broadhead system. Converting the Epeks between practice and hunting modes does not seem to be worth the trouble. My opinion may change if Epek retails a stainless steel tip that can be sharpened but then the weight of the broadhead may be greatly increased.
