Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter Review

Going All In on the Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter broadhead promises the best of both worlds: the simplicity and reliability of a fixed-blade broadhead with the penetration needed for traditional bows and the accuracy demanded by modern archers. Wasp Archery claims this broadhead offers superior flight and penetration through a cut-on-contact design and strategically placed bleeder blades. This combination piqued my interest, as achieving consistent arrow flight with traditional setups can be challenging.

For years, I wrestled with broadhead selection for my recurve bow, constantly seeking the sweet spot between penetration and accuracy. Finding a broadhead that performed consistently at varying distances was a constant struggle; I’ve experienced inconsistent flight and disappointing penetration on game with other designs. My hope was the Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter would eliminate these issues.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately impressed by the solid construction and the sharpness of the blades. The broadhead felt substantial without being overly heavy, promising good momentum downrange. The hardened stainless steel forward section appeared robust, clearly designed to withstand the impact forces.

Compared to some of the lighter, more streamlined broadheads I’ve used, the Trad Sharpshooter feels significantly more durable. Other broadheads either lacked the robust blade design, or the cut-on-contact sharpness I was seeking, like the Muzzy Phantom or the cheaper generic broadheads I experimented with early in my archery journey. This is what led me to select the Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The design seemed well thought out, but the proof would be in the performance downrange and on the hunt. I was excited to see if the Trad Sharpshooter could live up to its claims.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter at my local archery range, focusing on both target accuracy and penetration into a layered foam target. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal testing conditions. I shot from distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards, which are my typical hunting distances with a recurve.

The broadheads flew remarkably straight, even at the longer distances. The Trad Sharpshooter’s design seemed to mitigate much of the planing I had experienced with other fixed-blade broadheads. More impressive, was their penetration into the target.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent shooting, the Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter broadheads have proven to be remarkably durable. I have not yet taken them hunting, but their performance at the range has been encouraging. I have noticed no signs of blade dulling or structural weakening.

Maintaining the broadheads is straightforward. A quick wipe down after each shooting session keeps them clean, and the replaceable bleeder blades are a welcome feature. Compared to my previous broadheads, which required frequent sharpening, the Trad Sharpshooter seems to require less maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter

Specifications

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter broadhead boasts several key specifications designed for optimal performance:

• Weight: 150 grains, providing excellent kinetic energy and momentum for deep penetration.
• Cutting Diameter: 1 inch, offering a balance between wound channel size and penetration.
• Main Blade Thickness: .040 inches, ensuring durability and resistance to bending or breaking upon impact.
• Bleeder Blade Thickness: .027 inches, providing additional cutting power and increased blood trails.
• Blade Locking System: Cut-on-Contact Design, delivering immediate cutting action and assisting in straight arrow flight.
• Material: Hardened Stainless Steel, guaranteeing durability and resistance to corrosion.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the broadhead’s performance in terms of penetration, accuracy, and durability. The weight ensures sufficient kinetic energy, while the blade thickness and steel construction guarantee the broadhead can withstand the stresses of impact.

Performance & Functionality

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter excels in delivering consistent accuracy and reliable penetration. Its cut-on-contact design allows for immediate cutting upon impact, reducing energy loss and maximizing penetration depth. This is crucial for ethical and effective hunting.

One of the main strengths is its straight flight, even from a traditional bow known for being less forgiving than compound bows. A minor weakness might be the 1″ cutting diameter, which could be larger, however, the superior penetration compensates for this. The Trad Sharpshooter meets and even exceeds expectations in both accuracy and penetration.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter features a functional design focused on maximizing performance. The hardened stainless steel construction and the blade locking system add to the broadhead’s durability. The weight and balance feel optimal for achieving stable arrow flight.

The broadhead is easy to install and align on the arrow shaft. I believe that the design is straightforward with a minimalist profile, with no unnecessary bulk. I found that there was no learning curve and minimal adjustment needed to my bow.

Durability & Maintenance

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter is designed for longevity. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear. With proper care, these broadheads should last for many seasons of hunting.

Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning after use and occasional blade replacement are all that’s needed. The ability to replace the bleeder blades is a significant advantage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter broadheads come as a pack of three, with no other included accessories. There are no customization options available for the broadhead itself, it is a fixed-blade design. No optics or modification needed.

The Trad Sharpshooter is compatible with standard arrow shafts and inserts, making it easy to integrate into existing archery setups. You may need to adjust the arrow weight or fletching to achieve optimal arrow flight.

Pros and Cons of Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter

Who Should Buy Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter?

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter is perfect for traditional archers, recurve shooters, and anyone seeking a reliable and durable fixed-blade broadhead with exceptional penetration. It is also ideal for hunters targeting larger game, where deep penetration is crucial.

Those primarily focused on maximizing wound channel size at the expense of penetration might want to explore other options. Compound bow users who prefer mechanical broadheads might find this too simplistic.

Must-have accessories include a broadhead wrench for tightening and aligning the broadheads, and a sharpener for touching up the main blades. Make sure that your arrows are spined correctly for the added weight of the 150-grain broadhead.

Conclusion on Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter

The Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter is an excellent choice for archers seeking a durable, accurate, and deeply penetrating broadhead for traditional and modern bows. Its cut-on-contact design and robust construction make it a reliable performer in the field.

The price is justified by the quality of construction, the consistent performance, and the longevity of the broadheads. In fact, I would argue that you get a lot of value. I am already planning my next hunting trip with the Trad Sharpshooter broadheads.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Wasp Archery Trad Sharpshooter to any archer looking to enhance their hunting setup. It’s a broadhead that delivers on its promises and will help you bring home the game. So, go ahead and give it a shot – you won’t be disappointed!