Cold Steel Cheap Shot Broadheads Review

Hands-On with the Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads

The Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads are marketed as an affordable and effective option for archery enthusiasts. These broadheads promise decent penetration and bone-sawing capability in a budget-friendly package. My initial reaction was skeptical, as inexpensive archery gear often compromises quality for cost. I decided to test these out and see if the Cold Steel lived up to the claim.

I had been searching for a more affordable broadhead option for small game hunting. My current broadheads, while extremely reliable, are quite expensive. The price point of the Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads caught my eye, as did the promise of bone-sawing capability. I’m often faced with less-than-ideal shot angles in the field, and a broadhead that can power through bone would be a valuable asset.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the lightweight polymer construction. The stainless-steel blades appeared relatively sharp, but the overall build felt less robust than my higher-end broadheads. Compared to my trusted Muzzy Trocar HBX and the heavier, all-steel G5 Montec, the Cold Steel Cheap Shot felt almost toy-like. Ultimately, the price and the bone-saw feature swayed my decision, hoping to find a diamond in the rough.

My first impression was a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The low price certainly piqued my interest, but the lightweight construction gave me pause. I was excited to see how they would perform in a real-world hunting scenario, but also prepared for potential disappointment.

Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads to the Test

First Use Experience

My first testing ground was a local archery range, followed by a controlled hunt on my property targeting wild hogs. I wanted to see how these broadheads performed against a variety of targets, from foam blocks to actual game animals. The conditions ranged from a sunny afternoon to a slightly drizzly morning, offering a reasonable test of their performance in various environments. The slightly damp conditions would also test the grip on the arrow shaft.

Initially, the Cheap Shot Broadheads grouped fairly well out to 30 yards, but beyond that, the accuracy began to suffer. The lightweight design seemed to be more susceptible to wind drift than my heavier broadheads. They seemed to be less stable over longer distances, even with proper arrow tuning.

I found them relatively easy to install on my arrows. No significant adjustment period was needed. One surprise was the noticeable “whistling” sound they made in flight, likely due to the polymer body.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, I’ve developed a better understanding of the Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads‘ strengths and weaknesses. While they’ve held up reasonably well, some durability concerns have emerged. Overall, given the price point, the results have been interesting.

I’ve noticed some minor chipping on the polymer body after repeated impacts with my target. The stainless steel blades have held their edge relatively well, but require occasional sharpening. Cleaning is fairly straightforward, requiring only soap and water.

Compared to my previous experiences with premium broadheads, the Cold Steel Cheap Shot falls short in terms of overall durability and long-range accuracy. However, for close-range shots on small game or as a disposable option for situations where losing an expensive broadhead is a concern, they’re a reasonable compromise. They simply cannot be compared to premium products, but they are much cheaper.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads

Specifications

The Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads are sold in packs of three. Each broadhead weighs 125 grains. They feature a polymer body and stainless-steel blades. The Overall Length and Length are both approximately 3 inches.

These specifications suggest a design focused on affordability and lightweight construction. The 125-grain weight is a common choice for many hunting arrows, providing a good balance between speed and kinetic energy. The polymer body keeps the cost down, while the stainless-steel blades provide a reasonable level of sharpness and edge retention. A 3-inch length is a standard size.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads offer decent penetration on soft targets. The bone saw edges do offer some cutting ability, but are not as effective as dedicated bone-cutting broadheads. In terms of functionality, they are adequate for short-range hunting scenarios where pinpoint accuracy isn’t paramount.

The main strengths are their affordability and acceptable penetration at close range. The primary weakness is the reduced accuracy at longer distances due to the lightweight construction and potential for wind drift. The bone-saw claim is also somewhat overstated.

They meet expectations for a budget-friendly broadhead, but don’t exceed them. If you’re seeking top-tier performance, look elsewhere. These are built for a price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Cheap Shot Broadheads feature a simple and functional design. The polymer body keeps the weight down. While the broadheads are easy to install on arrows, they do lack the refined feel of higher-end models.

The build quality is adequate for the price, but the materials feel less robust than all-steel or titanium alternatives. The light weight might be an advantage for archers with lower draw weights, but it can also contribute to reduced stability in flight.

The design is straightforward and requires no learning curve, other than tuning the arrows.

Durability & Maintenance

The lifespan of the Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads is likely shorter than that of premium broadheads. The polymer body is more susceptible to damage from repeated impacts. The stainless-steel blades require occasional sharpening to maintain their edge.

Maintenance involves cleaning after use and occasional sharpening. Replacement of damaged broadheads is likely more cost-effective than attempting repairs.

The durability is acceptable, considering the price, but don’t expect them to last for multiple seasons of heavy use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads do not come with any included accessories. Due to their design, there are no specific customization options available. These are simple broadheads, and aren’t designed for much beyond being screwed onto an arrow shaft.

They are compatible with standard arrow shafts and can be used with lighted nocks or other common archery accessories. But no other modifications are possible.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads

Who Should Buy Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads?

The Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads are perfect for budget-conscious hunters, beginners, and those targeting small game at close range. They are a suitable choice for archers who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance. They are also good for situations where losing a broadhead isn’t as much of a concern.

Those seeking maximum accuracy, penetration, and durability should skip this product. Those who plan to hunt larger game or shoot at longer distances should invest in higher-quality broadheads.

Must-have accessories would be a good broadhead sharpener and a target designed for broadhead use.

Conclusion on Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads

The Cold Steel Cheap Shot Bone Plain Saw Broadheads offer a compelling value proposition for archers on a budget. While they don’t match the performance of premium broadheads, they provide adequate penetration and acceptable accuracy at close range.

The low price point makes them a worthwhile consideration for beginners or as a disposable option for specific hunting scenarios. The price is reasonable for what you get.

I would recommend them with reservations, emphasizing their limitations and ideal use cases. If you understand their purpose and don’t expect them to perform like a $50 broadhead, you will be satisfied. Consider trying them out and seeing if they fit your needs!