Mechanical Broadhead Review
Ravin Steel Review
A purpose-built, well-priced 2-inch mechanical engineered for 400+ fps Ravin crossbows.
How it scored
Scored on our fixed 5-part system — built from the consensus of field reports, video tests and hunter feedback. Each axis is an independent 0–10 score. How we score ↗
What we liked
- Purpose-built for 400+ fps Ravin crossbows
- Groups with field points even above 400 fps
- Spring-locked closed flight for a slim profile
- Stainless resists deformation through bone and hide
- Large 2-inch wound channels
Where it falls short
- Heavy reliance on retailer and brand sources
- Standard rear-deploy penetration caveats on heavy bone
- Little independent failure-rate data
- Built for crossbows, not vertical bows
Flight & accuracy
The Ravin Steel is engineered specifically for the high speeds of Ravin crossbows, and the spring-locked closed-flight design keeps the blades slim so the head groups with field points even above 400 fps. For a 2-inch mechanical, that is impressive accuracy at extreme velocity.
Because it is purpose-built for one platform, there is no guesswork about whether it will stabilize on a fast Ravin bow. That tight integration with the crossbow is the head's main accuracy selling point, though it also means it is not intended for vertical bows.
Penetration
Penetration is adequate but carries the usual caveats of a wide 2-inch rear-deploy head. The large cut consumes energy on impact, so while the high speed of a Ravin bow delivers plenty of kinetic energy on soft-tissue hits, heavy bone remains the limiting factor.
On broadside deer the speed and energy of a 400+ fps setup generally produce good penetration and pass-throughs. Steep angles and shoulder hits are where the wide cut's energy cost shows, as with any 2-inch expandable.
Durability & edge retention
Stainless construction throughout helps the Steel resist deformation as it passes through hide and bone, and within the crossbow community it is regarded as holding up well. The all-stainless build is a point in its favor against the high impact forces a fast crossbow generates.
The honest caveat is evidence: there is little independent failure-rate data, and much of what exists comes from retailer and brand sources rather than third-party field testing. Real-world durability appears solid, but the supporting data is thinner than for long-established heads.
Blood trail
The 2-inch cut opens large wound channels and produces good blood trails on broadside hits, which is the expected payoff of a wide mechanical driven at high speed. When the head exits, the dual holes bleed well.
As with other wide rear-deploy heads, the best trails depend on getting a pass-through, which the energy of a fast Ravin bow generally provides on soft-tissue shots. Marginal-angle hits carry the same exit-hole uncertainty as any big-cut expandable.
Value & who it's for
At around $40 a three-pack, the Ravin Steel is well-priced for a purpose-built head, and the crossbow community values it as a sensible match for high-speed Ravin bows. The integration and price are its strongest arguments.
It is for the Ravin crossbow owner who wants a head engineered for their platform and a big wound channel. Vertical-bow shooters should look elsewhere, and buyers should weigh the head's positive but retailer-heavy reputation against the lack of independent failure-rate data before relying on it for tough shots.
Specifications
| Brand | Ravin |
|---|---|
| Type | Mechanical |
| Cutting diameter | 2.0" |
| Blades | 2 deploying |
| Grain options | 100gr |
| Blade / steel | Stainless steel |
| Ferrule | Stainless steel |
| Pack | 3-pack |
| Approx. price | ~$40 / 3-pack |
| Best for | Whitetail, Crossbow |
Specs and pricing are approximate and change frequently — confirm with the retailer before buying.
FAQ
Is the Ravin Steel only for Ravin crossbows?
It's purpose-built for 400+ fps Ravin crossbows and is the natural match for that platform. It's not designed for vertical bows.
Does the Ravin Steel fly accurately at high speed?
Yes. Its spring-locked closed-flight design keeps the blades slim, and it's reported to group with field points even above 400 fps.
How reliable is the Ravin Steel?
Feedback within the crossbow community is positive and the stainless build resists deformation, but there's little independent failure-rate data, with much of the evidence coming from retailer and brand sources.
Sources
Sentiment for this review was aggregated from independent tests, hunting forums and retailer reviews, including:
