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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Mic' on February 03, 2007, 09:30:00 AM

Title: New Zwickeys
Post by: Mic' on February 03, 2007, 09:30:00 AM
Currently deciding what broadheads to go with the new bow...
              * What does everyone think if ZWICKEY came out with new 2 and or 4 blade broadheads in the 150 to 175 or even 200 grain range ?    Looks like I will go with Magnus or maybe Tusker... leanin' towards Magnus 160 2 blade
            I think if ZWICKEY built em... they'd sell...   just my two cents.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Roger Norris on February 03, 2007, 09:44:00 AM
No disrespect to Zwickey, but I think Magnus builds a MUCH better head. I use the Magnus I 135 grain almost exclusively now.I shoot carbons mostly, so I glue in a steel insert and have a head wieghing 235 grains. BIG WIDE 2 blade heads are my favorite. Ray Lyon called them "those meat cleavers you shoot"   ;)
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Dave Lay on February 03, 2007, 10:02:00 AM
Roger, I kinda disagree, I think a magnus is a excellent head but personally, and its a personal thing, I perfer A zwickey delta over a magnus 1, there is what a 1/8 width diffrence? I feel a Zwickey has a better steel hardness, they are still easy to sharpen but hold a edge better than the magnus I have used. A Zwickey 4 blade you can use a full taper cedar or adapter where a Magnus you have to go with a short adapter or taper, weakening the head and not acheiving  trueness in mounting as easy. I have curled many a magnus tip and even had a hole head curl using a short adapter.But I have also curled the tip on a few zwickeys, just seems easier to curl a magnus tip. I know Magnus recently went with a chisled point which should help this. But If I shoot a delta on aluminum I use a long solid adapter and get a 175 grain head. And yes, I would like to see something in the area of a 160 or so Zwickey, I would switch to this head.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: AkDan on February 03, 2007, 10:09:00 AM
I'm a zwickey man, have been since day one.  Eskimos all the way!
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Terry Green on February 03, 2007, 10:14:00 AM
What Dave Lay said.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Old Ways on February 03, 2007, 10:17:00 AM
Zwickey has worked well for me on 3 booners. Just keep 'em sharp and they do the job. Mine are on cedars. I also have some arrows set up like Rogers that I take with on hunts in case something happens to my woods. Haven't had to use them on a deer though yet. Sure they would do fine too. Both are good.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 03, 2007, 10:18:00 AM
I'm with you Roger. Every man is gonna have his own reasons that his favorites are his favorites and you'll likely win more friends tellin them their wife is ugly than puttin down there broadheads.

I could tell you exactly why a Magnus is better than a Zwickey in terms that are fact and not personal opinion... but I won't.

I used the Zwickey Deltas as a fourblade and a two blade for years with great results. I can say the same for the big Magnus I's I shoot now.
Both great heads!

I just like my broadheads broad... and really, really sharp!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: DarkeGreen on February 03, 2007, 11:46:00 AM
I've shot both Zwickeys and Magnus. I like them both but the Zwickey is a better broadhead by far. They seem to hold up much better due to the harder steel used. After what I've put Zwickey through I can't imagin what it would take to destroy one!
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: meathead on February 03, 2007, 11:54:00 AM
I don't think you can go wrong with either head.  I shoot zwickeys and can't think of a time when they didn't perform perfectly.  They are tough and hold an edge very well.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Dustin Waters on February 03, 2007, 12:12:00 PM
The tuskers are impressive if you want to take the time to sharpen them up.  once they get sharp im telling you they are very impressive.  Some of the sharpest heads ive ever seen done up.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 03, 2007, 12:35:00 PM
Hmmm...what is the Rockwell of a Zwickey? Magnus?

Want horror stories about Zwickies... I've gottem'. Same for Magnus.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 03, 2007, 12:41:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/broadheadinspine.jpg)

For instance... here's a Zwickey Delta with a split ferrule. (Doesn't show in the photo) They were famous for splitting ferrules for a very long time.

Of course it still killed the antelope that belonged to this vertbra.

Like I said, "be careful what you say about my old lady!"  ;)    :D
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: SilverTip on February 03, 2007, 12:54:00 PM
I've used both brands for years and not found a big difference. But then I used A STOS head and never looked back. But there aint much bad to say about any of them.

                      Billy
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Terry Green on February 03, 2007, 12:59:00 PM
Since the Z's started getting brazened like the Magnus(in the same plant)...furrel splitting is a thing of the past.

There's really not a nickles worth of differnce in the two IMO, I'd feel confident using either....I've just used the Z's for a very long time, and only chipped two points off stock heads(bought an 8th of an inch)...and never split a furrel.  I've killed 14 deer and one hog with the same Z.

Charlie's used Magnus for a very long time and had great sucess with them.  Its what he has confidence in.

Splitting hairs really....cause both are at the top of the heap...and you can find many that aren't near as good.

Next time I'm in camp with Charlie, he'll be packin Magnus, and I'll no doubt be packin Z's...cause both of us are gonna dance with the one than brung us.    ;)
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Whitetail Chaser on February 03, 2007, 01:01:00 PM
I shot zwickey deltas exclusively for 9 years, and they never let me down once.  I like both brands, and they are relatively inexpensive. You could get a 6-pack of both and see for yourself.  I know (from calculations) my blood trails got shorter when I started shooting deltas.

Brett
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Orion on February 03, 2007, 02:26:00 PM
Well said Terry.  I've shot Zwickeys for more than 30 years.  Also Magnus and STOS more recently.  They're all good heads.  I just find myself always coming back to the Zwickeys.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Brian Krebs on February 03, 2007, 03:24:00 PM
zwickeys!! I use black diamond deltas. I did the other day just barely split a ferrel; I shot at the dirt; and hit a rock frozen in tight; and the cedar arrow shaft shoved forward just a tiny bit- it also split the shaft 1/8 of an inch apart for about 2 inches and the entire split is about 7 inches. I have never had a shaft split like that before. The broadhead will be taken off and put on another arrow.
 I bought that particular head on ebay- so I don't know when it was made; its a green one; but I do have some 'blue' ones.
 How can you tell if your zwickey is the newer model?????
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: J-dog on February 03, 2007, 03:25:00 PM
If it is sharp and you put it in the right place will equal bad news for the critter. Past that broadheads are all personal preference.

I am going with silvertip though, I got my hands on a STOS and really liked em. I will shoot STOS this year.

Later

Jason
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: bayoulongbowman on February 03, 2007, 04:48:00 PM
Takin  about Broadheads is like politics and relgion , its like mixing oil and water, find what works for you and shoot the heck out of them ...after all Baskin Robbins doesnt have just vanilla and choclate...   :goldtooth:   its like when Ala. signed Little nicky as there head coach , I good friend of mind said thats was like his wife run off...mmmmm mmmmm with another man , and took his favorite bow!!!   :goldtooth:     :goldtooth:well anyway enjoy the journey with a good broadhead...LOL
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: DarkeGreen on February 04, 2007, 05:26:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
Hmmm...what is the Rockwell of a Zwickey? Magnus?
Charlie,

I've seen that picture used as a pro Magnus picture and a pro Zwickey as well. I'm not sure it matters though. As states it got the job done. Like others I've slamed Zwickeys into rocks, trees, dirt, tin cans, etc. and never had a Zwickey require anything more than a sharpening.

Anyhow...

Having been a knife guy for years my judgement on Zwickeys being temper at a harder level comes from sharpening them. No matter what meathod I use, file, Accusharp, stones, etc. the zwickeys just take longer. It's very easy to tell with the Accusharp and file. They both want to glide over the surface removing very little metal. With the Magnus the metal frees itself almost to easily.

My point in posting this is not really to debate which is best (I'm sure 90% of the time it isn't going to mater) but to fine an answer to your question above. After spinding some time searching I find several references to Magnus and Rockwell 44 on the C scale. For Zwickeys I find 50-51 on the same scale. The problem is none of the information comes from the manufactures so I can't be sure it is trusted information. Does anyone know how hard these balsed are tempered for sure? I would also like to know what steel is use too. That can be just as important or even more so on the ability of a blade to retain an edge and preventing the tip from curling uppon impanting heavy bone.

Thanks.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: cjones on February 04, 2007, 06:32:00 AM
Terry, I f ya throw Curt and I in that camp with you and Charlie, you can bet we'll be packing snuffers!  :D  Just to be different...
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: John Nail on February 04, 2007, 07:37:00 AM
I like them both, but prefer grizzly's to either.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Guru on February 04, 2007, 08:21:00 AM
That's good Chad.....lets do it!!
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Roger Norris on February 04, 2007, 08:35:00 AM
The hardness on the Zwickeys I have used (I have used them quite a bit) was never consistent. Maybe they have changed something, I don't know.

The Magnus heads I have used are always EXACTLY the same.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: alligatordond on February 04, 2007, 09:06:00 AM
I used a Zwickey Delta to cut my daughter's umbilical cord 11 years ago. Went right thru, no tip curl or anything. I guess you can say I like Zwickey's.

It's funny how events make us change what works. A guy kills 20 deer with a 2 blade and then has a poor blood trail so he switches to a 3 blade. The guy then kills 20 deer with the 3 blade but has 1 that didn't penetrate well so it's back to 2 blade. We are a fickle bunch.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Mic' on February 04, 2007, 09:14:00 AM
but... if ZWICKEY made a heavier broadhead

Would they sell ?
         What size inserts do you use on ZWICKEY ?
I am trying to end up with a 200 grain 2 blade head...  
          thanks
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Ron LaClair on February 04, 2007, 09:17:00 AM
I've always liked a big broadhead. In the 50's I used the "Goshawk" (remember those) a big broad 2 blade head. Then for years I used the Pearson "Deadhead" another big 2 blade. I used Zwicky Deltas with the bleeders for awhile and I tried the Magnus also. I've had good results with all of the above heads.

when I started shooting carbon arrows I used Steel Force and Razorcaps. I had a problen with some of the SteelForce being brittle but they've got that problem ironed out now.

Another head that I used in the past was the "Ace" broadhead and again I used the biggest 2 blade with good results. I'm going back to wood arrows this year and am going to be using the "Ace Super Express" in 200grs. I took another good look at them at the Expo in Kalamazoo and I really like them. I've been using the Ace Hex head blunt on small game for several years now and it's the best IMO.  http://www.bowsite2.com/aceshopping/index.asp?SID=2
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Jeff U on February 04, 2007, 11:22:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ron LaClair:
... I'm going back to wood arrows this year and ...
Why switching from carbons?
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on February 04, 2007, 02:17:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Roger Norris:
The hardness on the Zwickeys I have used (I have used them quite a bit) was never consistent. Maybe they have changed something, I don't know.

The Magnus heads I have used are always EXACTLY the same.
That's the funny thing about discussing broadheads; different people can use the same equipment and have completely opposite results. I stopped shooting heads made by Magnus years ago because without fail there'd always be at least one spot on a head where even a new file wouldn't bite. Magnus II, Snuffers, Woodsmans...I always had that same problem. Maybe they've fixed it? I don't know. It's been a few years since I've bought any of their heads.

But I can't say I've ever had a problem with inconsistent temper or difficulty sharpening on anything I've tried from Ace, Grizzy, Zephyr or Zwickey.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Roger Norris on February 04, 2007, 02:59:00 PM
I think a lot of it is perception...I WANT Magnus to be a great head, because I have about 50 or 60 of them in my box ;0)

I do like Mike Sohms though, he posts on the internet quite a bit ( at least he used to) and I always liked the way he conducted himsself.

No question Zwickey builds a good head, or they wouldn't be around.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Ron LaClair on February 04, 2007, 03:16:00 PM
Quote
Why switching from carbons?
Jeff, I'm not saying that I'll quit shooting carbons totally but Cedar arrows and I go back a long ways, I've still got the wood arrow that  killed my first deer almost 50 years ago.

The last few years I've kind of abandoned them when those sleek slick new carbons turned my head.  I think it's time I got back to the old tried and true woodies. After all a good matched set of wood arrows will shot every bit as well as either carbon or aluminum, and nothing says traditional like a wood arrow. Carbons are tough, I'll give them that but like someone said "they have no soul"

Actually I've already started shooting wood arrows again. In the DVD Masters Of The Bare Bow, both my regular arrows and the Flu-Flu's that I shot aerials with were Cedar made by Paul Jalon of Elite Arrows.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: BUFF on February 04, 2007, 03:33:00 PM
Am I the only one shooting Zephyers?
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Joseph on February 04, 2007, 07:06:00 PM
I shoot Zephyrs also, really good heads   :thumbsup:  Joseph
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: alligatordond on February 04, 2007, 07:33:00 PM
Jason, Funny you mention the hard spots. After my last post I went out to sharpen some new STOS heads this afternoon and had one that my new flat bastard file would not cut, but only on one side. Never had that occur before on any head.

Don't know why I keep messing with the different heads, just searching for perfection I guess.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Seeking Trad Deer on February 04, 2007, 08:09:00 PM
I think playing around with different arrows and heads is my favorite or one of my favorite parts of off season time lately.  Don't want to think how much money I have spent on different shafting and broadheads the last couple years.  I shoot thousands of broadheads and pick the one that shoots or should I say I shoot the best off a particular bow.  For whatever reason that always seems to be a two blade head of either the Grizzly or the Magnus I.  I had some Grizzly heads but didn't have em sharpened so I hunted with the Magnus this year and was very pleased.  When I hit a pressure treated 4x4 it stuck deep into the wood and I had to crack the head tip off to get it out.  I can't imagine you would need more than that strength for hunting anything.  Never tried the Z's...yet :-).
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: John3 on February 04, 2007, 08:16:00 PM
I've had mixed results with Magnus broadheads. Nothing but perfect performance with Zwickey. I also am not "married" to any broadhead, I just want one that works, stays sharp and is deadly. Eskimos are the best i've ever used.

John III
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: owlbait on February 04, 2007, 08:31:00 PM
Been shooting the Ace Super Express for two years. Shot zwickey, Magnus, Snuffers, Steelforce, etc for many years. I like how Ace heads sharpen, hold the edge, are wide and heavy, and fly great on various shafts. Especially my cedar that needs the heavy weight to weaken the spine.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: sbschindler on February 04, 2007, 09:00:00 PM
do you use the tru angle file system to sharpen your zwickies.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: alligatordond on February 04, 2007, 10:32:00 PM
Howler, I think the tru angle works great on Zwickeys and Magnus.Once you set the bevel on a new head it only takes about 10 strokes to a side to restore a dull head to razor sharp. For some reason it cuts too much into the ferrul on the STOS. I changed my tru angle files to Flat bastard files from the mill bastard supplied. Quicker cut.

I've got to go back to the Grizzly sharpen threads so I can start playing with them. I guess I'm like Mr Seeking Trad Deer, always playing with the broadheads and arrows.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Grizz 53 on March 09, 2007, 12:14:00 PM
Dave, Ever hunter Hollow Bend Game refuge. I hunted it years ago... saw a lot of deer.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Ray Lyon on March 09, 2007, 12:39:00 PM
I'm in the same boat as many here. I've used a lot of heads in the past. I was a long-time Zwickey Delta 2 blade user and killed a couple of bears a lot of deer with it. I've also killed critters with Magnus 125 grain 2 blades and Grizzly 125 and 160 grain heads. Lately I've been using Razorcap 200 grain heads on carbon arrows, but I do have some Magnus 125 grain 2 blades mounted on some cedar shafts.

I've never had any trouble with my Zwickey, Magnus or Grizzly heads. I recommend them all as excellent choices.

I still think those Magnus I 2 blades are like meat cleavers though.   ;)
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: JBiorn on March 09, 2007, 01:18:00 PM
alligatordond------you used a Z Delta to cut your daughters umbilical cord? LOL, I don't care what you say----thats Redneck right there! LOL Thats so awesome.

 Jeff
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: aromakr on March 09, 2007, 04:33:00 PM
I mount alot of broadheads and I can tell you one difference for sure. Zwickeys quality control is much better than Magnus. I've had oval ferrules in magnus but never in a Zwickey.
Bob
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: bayoulongbowman on March 09, 2007, 05:49:00 PM
Good golly oh molly...talkin BH's can get hot, personally I just started shooting Zwickeys and love em....sometimes its like talkin what team #1...now having said that there are 4 bH's I have ...Modocs 3:1 ration BH...WW or Snuffers...and Zwickeys, that fly great and easy to tune for me.  :bigsmyl:    :wavey:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Littlejake on March 09, 2007, 07:42:00 PM
What I always tell guy's is when your broadheads have been around as long as Zwickey's have,then you can come talk to me.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Tree man on March 09, 2007, 09:59:00 PM
I have used and like Zwickeys, Magnus, Ribtek, Phantoms, and Snuffers. I like Grizzlys but find sharpening them to be a minor pain in the posterior. My biggest deer fell to a Delma MAII(not a head I recommend due to ferrule splits but it worked fine on that deer.) I'm going Javie hunting in a couple of weeks. My heads? Eclipse. Is the teflon coating essential? Nah. Will it help? Maybe. I want to try 'em. if they work well I'll tout 'em simply because I like Blake Fischer and wish him success.
Title: Re: New Zwickeys
Post by: Pat B. on March 09, 2007, 11:56:00 PM
I used the Eclipe 145's last year to take quite number of critters. Great head as far as I'm concerned. I used Zwickeys for a long time before and have had great luck with them.

I think I'll stay with the Eclipse for now, very nicely made head.