Quote from: JohnV on December 24, 2025, 09:08:02 AMThe Ashby Study that so many talk about is so misunderstood.  The majority of the study is focused on maximizing penetration and breaking bone...not blood trails. Single bevel broadheads come in widths that range from the narrow 1" width that so many seem to despise to over 1.5", just like you find differences in double bevel widths.  We don't need to be scientists to figure out that a wide broadhead cuts more tissue than a narrow one or that a multi blade heads likely have more surface cutting area than a two blade and therefore opens a bigger wound channel for blood to exit, provided the depth of penetration is equal.  Single bevels, tanto tips, heavy arrow weights, high FOC are about maximizing penetration, not improving bloodtrails.  Dr. Ashby appears in many videos that can be found on Youtube where he discusses his studies, limitations of the study, and misconceptions that so many have.  It makes for interesting listening.

I will comment separately on my results and opinions on blood trails and effectiveness of two and three Bladen single pebble heads. I have to agree with the above that the Ashby studies were more about penetration and are truly misunderstood.  Years ago I had a friend who had some kids that he wanted to take bow hunting. They were using light weight Bear little Bear bow's around 25-30 pounds (I'm NOT advocating or endorsing, just illustrating).  I set him up with Easton Axis Jr. Arrows that had 2 blade Grizzly single bevel heads, steel inserts (225 grain total up front).  The kids got good flight with this setup and shot four white tails with two hole penetration on each. Shots were 13 yards or less from 10 foot platform. This was all about getting the most efficient arrow for penetration purposes and not about killing performance of the particular broadhead that this discussion is about.  The principal ideas of the Ashby studies were definitely focused on penetration.

Thanks everyone for your input!

After a couple discussions with people who've had damage in both soft case in luggage / hard sided duffle (that failed), and people who's bags haven't shown up until the end of the hunt, I decided to go with a Pelican 1700 for my main bow, and then I'll just grab a cheap backup recurve to stuff in my luggage as well. Both the Pelican and the duffle will have a dozen arrows.

I know the pelican won't get destroyed as I'm on 50+ flights a year with one, and that way even if a bag doesn't show, hopefully the other does.

Is he still around?  His website no longer works.

That's a great area. Best of luck down there... looks like you may have some fun weather coming up too. Drop me an address and I'll crash the party 

  "I think it was Howard Hill that started the 3:1 ratio concept. It certainly works for penetration, but the holes are too small"
   
Sums it up for me

I have got thinner stuff off Ebay before

I have a disc sander with a block at an angle. A flatter angle to get more glue surface. If I can remember I will get some pics tomorrow

Lookin' good Ray!

Shick

I thought I edited that post up there after shooting some judos with the tracker,,, nah the arrows flew mint... I used the orange string and it didnt effect my arrows which were 470gr dark timbers with 5' fletch. 

one of my all time favorite bows,,,for a bow that has no carbon in the limbs just red em and it smokes many of my other recurves that are 3 times the price and known for being fast,,the bow is stable and accurate and once you understood the grip wanted to be choked which many people didn't eve give a chance the bow became a killing machine,  go watch those early chris sparks videos,, I won over 40 trophys with that recurve its retired and hangs proud on the #1 bow hook at home..

as for Ron Pittsley i shot along side him  at denton hill he had a bow that was completely finished in a zebra camo pattern...   I said jokingly C'mon Ron lets settle this right now then i watched him put 5 arrows into a strutting toms head that was 55yds up the hill at the huge practice field they had in coudersport,,,, I was stunned and said Ron you designed an amazing bow.