Athens Staff--Rage 2-blade or 3-blade, here is your answer -

AthensDeerSlayer · 12-05-2009, 09:50 PM

I have shot both the 3 blade and 2 blade each for a full season each. I really enjoy both. I base which one I am going to use by where I am hunting. If I am hunting in ohio,kansas,canada, or any other place that has big bodied deer I will shoot the 3 blade. I have found that it gets better penetration and has worked really well in ontario on a 300pound giant that I killed last year. However, when I hunt my home state of West Virginia or neighboring eastern kentucky,virginia,north carolina where most bucks I take that are 140+ inches and only 175lbs I will use the 2 blade. The only thing I have found with the 2 blade that is a negative is that the blades rattle cause they aren't tight fit like the 3 blade. well, I have a great solution. I was talking to my buddy the other day on the phone and we were talking about how impressed we have been with the rage's and I mentioned the rattle in the 2 blade and he gave me a perfect solution. Take a thin copper wire out of an extension cord or something like that. The wires are so thin you can break them just by squeezing, well take that wire and wrap it around the elbows at the top of the broadhead and you will have no rattle no fear of pre-opening and that is all you have to do. In my opinion the 2 blades do fly a little better,but it isn't that big of a difference to go out and switch if you like the 3 blade. I have shot both of these broadheads on light 350 grain arrows and 400 grian arrows at 60 pounds and 70 pounds and they are the best I have ever shot and I have shot more than 50 different heads.The most important thing about the rage is USE THEM!!! No matter which one you like it is a good decision, both of them have devastating wound channels and entry and exit holes. Whichever one you are more comfortable with and makes you feel better use it the results are the best I have ever seen.

Also I want to clear something up...ALL OF THIS IS IN MY OWN OPINION. IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE AND 100% CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU ARE USING THEN THE SAYING IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT APPLIES. THERE IS ALSO A LITTLE REMEDY IN MY POST THAT WILL FIX THE 2BLADE PRE-OPENING AND IT WORKS. ALSO, NOTHING ANYONE SAYS WILL CAUSE HARD FEELINGS I WANT TO KNOW EVERYONE'S OPINION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THESE BROADHEADS SO FEEL FREE TO SPEAK OPENLY NO MATTER GOOD OR BAD. ANOTHER THING I AM NOT CO-OPED OR SPONSORED BY RAGE SO THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION OR ANYTHING. SO WITH THAT SAID PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SAY WHATEVER YOU LIKE. THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION GUYS AND GALS.

Hell-Billy · 12-05-2009, 10:08 PM

If i had to choose between the 2 it would definitely be the 2 blade. I prefer a fixed blade head over a mechanical.

AthensDeerSlayer · 12-05-2009, 10:13 PM

I would have to agree with you. I love the 2 blade's wound channel. To me it just allows for more error because of the elongated wound channel instead of the round. I used to be a die hard fixed blade guy, but when I used these rage's and had entry holes I could fit pop cans in I switched, now there are times when I still use a fixed blade but it just depends on the conditions in which I am hunting but my go to broadhead is the 2blade rage.

cartman308 · 12-06-2009, 04:56 AM

This is NOT a bash post, just what I think and my opinion on Rage heads. Please don't take this the wrong way. On another site I would probably be banned for stating this opinion.

There are many hunters out there totally satisfied with the Rage heads. I've looked at their constructions, and seen them used on countless TV and DVD hunts by the "pros". I'm not impressed with them from a construction and performance standpoint.

I want a passthrough every time. Rage simply will not do that from the videos i've seen. Yeah, I know the "pros" (Drurys mostly) probably pull really light weight, but even at 50#s most fixed will pass through.

Call me a Rage hater if you want, but I won't use them. I've seen enough and read more that just turns me away from them.

Some people say you can't pass judgment until you use them. I say nonsense! I looked at evidence and made my decision.

Why would I even think of using something to kill an animal that I don't have 100% confidence in??? That statement is not a bash on anything. Just what I think EVERY hunter should use to make a decision. If your not confident in the piece of equipment, no matter what it is or how well it is reviewed(ie bow, arrow, broadhead, etc) then DO NOT USE IT!

Shawn steps down from his soapbox now.

Wheelhouse · 12-06-2009, 08:55 AM

I've shot 5 deer with 100gr Rage 2 blade. Mathews S2, 27in draw, 60lb. All pass-thru's and huge wound channel.

BuckFeverLodge · 12-06-2009, 09:05 AM

cartman - I understand your point of view, and what I believe the point you are trying to make. Not everyone has the luxury (money) to test/trial products which they would like to use. So, there is a reliance on reading testing and real world application posts/videos. I agree with this point. (hence, one great benefit of broadheadtalk.com)

A question with your post that I have is, how does a person discount all of the Rage posts both on this site and others, which absolutley praise the heads, their kill abilities, durability, flight stability? Posts made from personal experiences. It's a difficult decision, sifting through the Rage lover vs. Rage non-lover posts. So much information and opinions out there, best bet is to get some and shoot them IMHO.

Your point about not using a product without 100% confident on it is SPOT ON! For the record, I tried the Rage 3 blade about 3 years ago and was not satisfied with flight consistency. So, I chose not to use them. I have never shot the 2 blade.

BORN ASSASSIN · 12-06-2009, 11:38 AM

I would take the 2 blade over the 3 all day long!!!!

varmint101 · 12-06-2009, 12:04 PM

I'm not a Rage hater, but I won't use them again. I had a 2bld. open in flight at a doe last season and it dive bombed. For that reason alone I won't use them again because if it happened once it can happen again.

If you've had good experiences that's great! My 1st and only shot at a live animal with one just left me sour.

maniac1 · 12-06-2009, 12:54 PM

To tell the truth you cant make judgement on a broadhead when all you see is ( the perfect double lung shot) you have to judge it on the bad shots and see what it does then. You can kill a deer with a field tip if it is put in the sweet spot.

tigerhunter · 12-06-2009, 03:26 PM

I favor the three blade over the two blade. I have had an odd, and bad experience with a 2 blade. All shots with the three blade have not been perfect, but I have recovered every deer within 60 yards. However, I would use the 2 blade rage again, as I feel that a deflection will likely never happen again

Jake Wilde · 12-06-2009, 04:04 PM

i like the 2 blade

giarcher · 12-06-2009, 04:46 PM

I currently use the 3 blade only. I have shot the 2 blade and although it killed the doe I shot it with, the blood trail was horrible due to no exit wound. Yes it did make one massive entrance wound but with no exit the entrance was too high and by the time the blood filled the cavity the deer was dead. It made tracking a real pain and I found the deer by walking in circles. I was using a Mathews Switchback LD, 29" @ #70s with a 400 grain arrow and hit the "sweet spot" busting one rib, taking out both lungs but no exit hole.

In comparison I have shot 4 does with equal KE and had total pass through shots with massive blood trails. I will continue with the 3 blade but will never shoot or recommend the 2" - 2 blade models for game other than turkey.

AthensDeerSlayer · 12-06-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman308

This is NOT a bash post, just what I think and my opinion on Rage heads. Please don't take this the wrong way. On another site I would probably be banned for stating this opinion.

There are many hunters out there totally satisfied with the Rage heads. I've looked at their constructions, and seen them used on countless TV and DVD hunts by the "pros". I'm not impressed with them from a construction and performance standpoint.

I want a passthrough every time. Rage simply will not do that from the videos i've seen. Yeah, I know the "pros" (Drurys mostly) probably pull really light weight, but even at 50#s most fixed will pass through.

Call me a Rage hater if you want, but I won't use them. I've seen enough and read more that just turns me away from them.

Some people say you can't pass judgment until you use them. I say nonsense! I looked at evidence and made my decision.

Why would I even think of using something to kill an animal that I don't have 100% confidence in??? That statement is not a bash on anything. Just what I think EVERY hunter should use to make a decision. If your not confident in the piece of equipment, no matter what it is or how well it is reviewed(ie bow, arrow, broadhead, etc) then DO NOT USE IT!

Shawn steps down from his soapbox now.

No hard feelings at all, I enjoyed reading this and I want to know everyone's experience and opinions no matter what they may be, so thank you for your comment.
I totally agree with you. If you aren't 100% confident then don't...That was just my opinion and I have been majorly impressed with them. I shoot a 27.5" 72lb Athens Buck Commander with a 390 grain arrow at 295fps so I never have any problems with pass throughs. When you talk about pass throughs you need to remember shot placement. I don't care if you are shooting a 500 grain arrow at 400fps if you have a bad shot that has to travel through both shoulders you won't get a full pass through everytime even with that weight and speed. I love them, but I will say I wish the blades were a little tougher other wise the construction is fine to me.

Guinness · 12-07-2009, 08:11 AM

Thanks for the tip with the wire. The only problem I have ever had with the Rage is while while walking and stalking it has opened when bumped. Your Ideal just mite fix that.

maxx532 · 12-07-2009, 09:13 AM

Have to respect the oppinions of others.. ( post #4).

The copper wire sounds interesting.. I also know folks that use the small rubber bands, used on dental braces, and put them around the waist of the broadhead, with good results

Fact is, most of us shoot what we like, because we like what we shoot.

12-05-2009, 09:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
AthensDeerSlayer 75gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wayne County,West Virginia Posts: 23	Athens Staff--Rage 2-blade or 3-blade, here is your answer I have shot both the 3 blade and 2 blade each for a full season each. I really enjoy both. I base which one I am going to use by where I am hunting. If I am hunting in ohio,kansas,canada, or any other place that has big bodied deer I will shoot the 3 blade. I have found that it gets better penetration and has worked really well in ontario on a 300pound giant that I killed last year. However, when I hunt my home state of West Virginia or neighboring eastern kentucky,virginia,north carolina where most bucks I take that are 140+ inches and only 175lbs I will use the 2 blade. The only thing I have found with the 2 blade that is a negative is that the blades rattle cause they aren't tight fit like the 3 blade. well, I have a great solution. I was talking to my buddy the other day on the phone and we were talking about how impressed we have been with the rage's and I mentioned the rattle in the 2 blade and he gave me a perfect solution. Take a thin copper wire out of an extension cord or something like that. The wires are so thin you can break them just by squeezing, well take that wire and wrap it around the elbows at the top of the broadhead and you will have no rattle no fear of pre-opening and that is all you have to do. In my opinion the 2 blades do fly a little better,but it isn't that big of a difference to go out and switch if you like the 3 blade. I have shot both of these broadheads on light 350 grain arrows and 400 grian arrows at 60 pounds and 70 pounds and they are the best I have ever shot and I have shot more than 50 different heads.The most important thing about the rage is USE THEM!!! No matter which one you like it is a good decision, both of them have devastating wound channels and entry and exit holes. Whichever one you are more comfortable with and makes you feel better use it the results are the best I have ever seen. Also I want to clear something up...ALL OF THIS IS IN MY OWN OPINION. IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE AND 100% CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU ARE USING THEN THE SAYING IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT APPLIES. THERE IS ALSO A LITTLE REMEDY IN MY POST THAT WILL FIX THE 2BLADE PRE-OPENING AND IT WORKS. ALSO, NOTHING ANYONE SAYS WILL CAUSE HARD FEELINGS I WANT TO KNOW EVERYONE'S OPINION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THESE BROADHEADS SO FEEL FREE TO SPEAK OPENLY NO MATTER GOOD OR BAD. ANOTHER THING I AM NOT CO-OPED OR SPONSORED BY RAGE SO THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION OR ANYTHING. SO WITH THAT SAID PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SAY WHATEVER YOU LIKE. THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION GUYS AND GALS. Last edited by AthensDeerSlayer; 01-01-2010 at 06:28 PM.

12-05-2009, 10:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hell-Billy 85gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ghettoville, Indiana Posts: 36	If i had to choose between the 2 it would definitely be the 2 blade. I prefer a fixed blade head over a mechanical. __________________ Athens Archery Prostaff Vaportrail Prostaff Bass & Bucks Pro Shop (Wabash,IN) 100% White Trash & Redneck As Heck!!!

12-05-2009, 10:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
AthensDeerSlayer 75gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wayne County,West Virginia Posts: 23	Same here on the 2 blade I would have to agree with you. I love the 2 blade's wound channel. To me it just allows for more error because of the elongated wound channel instead of the round. I used to be a die hard fixed blade guy, but when I used these rage's and had entry holes I could fit pop cans in I switched, now there are times when I still use a fixed blade but it just depends on the conditions in which I am hunting but my go to broadhead is the 2blade rage. __________________ Athens Staff Shooter T.R.U. Ball Staff Shooter Bohning Staff Shooter Ridgrunner Custom Bowslings Prostaff Buck Addicts Field staff Broadheadshed.com Field staff Goldtip staff shooter Outback Archery Staff shooter

12-06-2009, 04:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
cartman308 Broadhead Mod Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fraziers Bottom, WV Posts: 1,201	This is NOT a bash post, just what I think and my opinion on Rage heads. Please don't take this the wrong way. On another site I would probably be banned for stating this opinion. There are many hunters out there totally satisfied with the Rage heads. I've looked at their constructions, and seen them used on countless TV and DVD hunts by the "pros". I'm not impressed with them from a construction and performance standpoint. I want a passthrough every time. Rage simply will not do that from the videos i've seen. Yeah, I know the "pros" (Drurys mostly) probably pull really light weight, but even at 50#s most fixed will pass through. Call me a Rage hater if you want, but I won't use them. I've seen enough and read more that just turns me away from them. Some people say you can't pass judgment until you use them. I say nonsense! I looked at evidence and made my decision. Why would I even think of using something to kill an animal that I don't have 100% confidence in??? That statement is not a bash on anything. Just what I think EVERY hunter should use to make a decision. If your not confident in the piece of equipment, no matter what it is or how well it is reviewed(ie bow, arrow, broadhead, etc) then DO NOT USE IT! Shawn steps down from his soapbox now. __________________ Broadheadtalk Moderator Athens Factory Staff Shooter

12-06-2009, 09:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
BuckFeverLodge Broadhead Admin Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SW Michigan Posts: 1,398	cartman - I understand your point of view, and what I believe the point you are trying to make. Not everyone has the luxury (money) to test/trial products which they would like to use. So, there is a reliance on reading testing and real world application posts/videos. I agree with this point. (hence, one great benefit of broadheadtalk.com) A question with your post that I have is, how does a person discount all of the Rage posts both on this site and others, which absolutley praise the heads, their kill abilities, durability, flight stability? Posts made from personal experiences. It's a difficult decision, sifting through the Rage lover vs. Rage non-lover posts. So much information and opinions out there, best bet is to get some and shoot them IMHO. Your point about not using a product without 100% confident on it is SPOT ON! For the record, I tried the Rage 3 blade about 3 years ago and was not satisfied with flight consistency. So, I chose not to use them. I have never shot the 2 blade. __________________ ATHENS FACTORY STAFF SHOOTER, Red Feather Archery Field Staff, Eco3 Outdoors Pro Staff, U-slide Bow Holder Pro Staff, LTL Acorn Outdoors Pro Staff "Anybody can kill one with a gun" Steve Casselman "It's going to be a very bad year for a lot of unsuspecting critters!" Matt Futtere - Arrowdynamic Solutions

12-06-2009, 08:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
Wheelhouse Trial Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 12	I've shot 5 deer with 100gr Rage 2 blade. Mathews S2, 27in draw, 60lb. All pass-thru's and huge wound channel.

12-06-2009, 11:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
BORN ASSASSIN 85gr Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 33	I would take the 2 blade over the 3 all day long!!!! __________________ Athens Employee Athens ProStaff Firenock ProStaff Athens Bow Builder Athens TECH Buck Addicts ProStaff

12-06-2009, 12:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
varmint101 130gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Freetown, IN Posts: 456	I'm not a Rage hater, but I won't use them again. I had a 2bld. open in flight at a doe last season and it dive bombed. For that reason alone I won't use them again because if it happened once it can happen again. If you've had good experiences that's great! My 1st and only shot at a live animal with one just left me sour.

12-06-2009, 12:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
maniac1 100gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 221	To tell the truth you cant make judgement on a broadhead when all you see is ( the perfect double lung shot) you have to judge it on the bad shots and see what it does then. You can kill a deer with a field tip if it is put in the sweet spot. __________________ Team Midwest Maniacs Athens Archery & BroadHead Shed

12-06-2009, 03:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
tigerhunter 125gr Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Monetta, SC Posts: 349	I favor the three blade over the two blade. I have had an odd, and bad experience with a 2 blade. All shots with the three blade have not been perfect, but I have recovered every deer within 60 yards. However, I would use the 2 blade rage again, as I feel that a deflection will likely never happen again

12-06-2009, 04:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
Jake Wilde 75gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 22	i like the 2 blade __________________ Athens Archery Field Staff Athens Accomplice 32 Camo

12-06-2009, 04:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
giarcher 85gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 42	I currently use the 3 blade only. I have shot the 2 blade and although it killed the doe I shot it with, the blood trail was horrible due to no exit wound. Yes it did make one massive entrance wound but with no exit the entrance was too high and by the time the blood filled the cavity the deer was dead. It made tracking a real pain and I found the deer by walking in circles. I was using a Mathews Switchback LD, 29" @ #70s with a 400 grain arrow and hit the "sweet spot" busting one rib, taking out both lungs but no exit hole. In comparison I have shot 4 does with equal KE and had total pass through shots with massive blood trails. I will continue with the 3 blade but will never shoot or recommend the 2" - 2 blade models for game other than turkey.

12-07-2009, 08:11 AM	#14 (permalink)
Guinness Trial Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 3	Thanks for the tip with the wire. The only problem I have ever had with the Rage is while while walking and stalking it has opened when bumped. Your Ideal just mite fix that. __________________ Athens Archery Field Staff

12-07-2009, 09:13 AM	#15 (permalink)
maxx532 100gr Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 164	Have to respect the oppinions of others.. ( post #4). The copper wire sounds interesting.. I also know folks that use the small rubber bands, used on dental braces, and put them around the waist of the broadhead, with good results Fact is, most of us shoot what we like, because we like what we shoot. __________________ Athens Field Staff

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