Annihilator Katana broadheads review

Annihilator Katana Broadheads Review [Destroying The Competition!]

I don’t know if you’re familiar with Annihilator broadheads, but they’ve come out with some really crazy new technology that has worked very well on the 3-blade broadheads that they’ve made.

And, you can check out the tests on other Annihilator heads that I’ve done. They have a few different models and now, I’ve got another one… the Katana!

I was talking to the Annihilator crew at the 2025 Archery Trade Association show in Indianapolis. During that conversation, I saw this brand new head that they were working with and hoping they have ready by Spring 2025.

And they did!

First things first… I love the name “Katana.” It refers to a Japanese sword.

I’ve got a couple Katanas from Japan actually, as I worked in the Ministry over in Asia for a number of years, and had some friends in Tokyo.

But this Katana is a broadhead. And man, this is one wicked cool broadhead!

So, I was really eager to introduce it to you, go through some of the design features and specifications, and then put it to the test. Let’s see how it fared (buckle up!)

The Annihilator Katana Broadheads Up Close

Katana broadheaad up close

First of all, let’s start with the materials. Beginning in 2025, Annihilator began using a brand new, proprietary steel in all their heads.

Annihilator has compared their steel that’s used here in the Katana to D2 to S30V to A2 and to S7 tool steels. They showed that in every category that they quantified, (toughness, edge retention, durability, sharpness, and ease of sharpening), that it either equaled or exceeded all those other steels. So, in their mind, it’s way better than any other steel that has ever been used in a broadhead application. Pretty bold claim there. Below, we’ll see how it performed in the tests.

Katana black coating

The Katana broadhead is coated with a black nitride coating. It’s different than black oxide. It’s much better, apparently, at corrosion resistance compared to other broadheads.



Katana Dimensions and Cut Size

In terms of the dimensions, the 100-grain model has a 1-inch cut. (It also comes in 125 grain model and a 200 grain model). In the 100 grain model, the overall length is 0.76″. In the 125 grain model, it has the same base but it’s a little bit longer. And then the 200 grain model, it has got a 1.25″ base and it’s a little bit longer. It’s a beast!

Katana broadhead width
Katana 100 grain length
Katana side view

And then, instead of just having a thick ferrule to open up a hole for the arrow shaft to go through, they put in two more single bevel blades on each side. And, in doing that, they created more cutting surfaces and reduced the friction that comes with a material pressing against the flat surface of a broadhead. So, it just creates more cutting areas to cut more tissue.

And then, these are single bevel sharpened as well, but not in the same direction. They kind of just angle towards each other.

Katana broadhead scoops

These blades create three “scoops.” And, then the same thing on the other side. These are the scoops that the Annihilator became known for, and they call it their cavitation technology that not only aids in flight, like the dimples of a golf ball as it rotates, but, it also creates a pressure inside the cavity of an animal, a forward pressure and a pressure behind it that creates huge tissue displacement. That’s their claim, and they’ve got some incredible photos to show it.

Katana hole size


And then in terms of thickness, the blades are really interesting. I took some pictures to try to highlight it. In the front, the blade is 0.060″ thick.. And then towards the rear, it gets more narrow. And, that just adds more weight forward and more durability forward for that hard impact and then they saved some weight as they go back and it gets a little bit thinner there in the back.

Katana broadhead blade thickness profile

So man, just so much going on! A total cut of 1.74″ given these 6 cutting edges, one inch one way, and two that are 0.37″ the other way.

Katana broadhead dimples

Now, in terms of resharpening, these little back blades, you just resharpen with a small file and just do your best. They’re single bevel, so they shouldn’t be that hard. It’s not that crucial for them to be razor sharp. But there’s a new Stay Sharp Guide sharpener called The Answer that would work really well on this. It works really well on a lot of different broadheads, but it would do a great job sharpening these edges.



Katana Broadhead Testing

This head looked so innovative and interesting, that I was curious to see if it was just a bunch of gimmicks, or if Annihilator was really on to something special…

Flight Test  

I shot one 1 field point and then one broadhead @30 yds with a Killer Instinct SWAT X1 Crossbow 675 gr Bishop Bolt, at 300 fps

Katana broadhead flight test

Edge Test 1 Initial Sharpness Test

Penetration Test 1

I shot the Katana broadhead into Clear Ballistics FBI Gel, fronted by a 2/3″ Rubber Foam Mat and 1/2″ MDF. 

Katana mdf and ballistic gel penetration


Edge Test 2, Edge Retention Test (Sharpness after Penetration Test 1)

Penetration Test 2 (Layered Cardboard)

katana cardboard penetration test

Rotation (Clear Ballistics FBI Gel)

Katana broadhead rotation in gel

Durability Test (3 shots into 1/2″ MDF)

Katana broadhead after 3 shots through MDF

Durability Test 2 (2 shots 22 ga Steel Plate)

Katana broadhead steel plate test


Durability Test 3 (1 Shot Cinder Block)

Katana broadhead shot at cinder block


The Katana… A Record Score!

So what do you think about the Annihilator Katana broadhead?

I had a feeling it was going to do really well. I thought since it had a low profile, it was probably going to fly really well. I also thought that because it had a lot of of cutting surface compact, it would probably be durable and penetrate well. But, I had no idea it was going to do as well as it did!

Early in 2025, I came out with some new bonuses to help separate the really special broadheads from the pact. One of them is if the sharpness and the edge retention tests are both 200 grams of force or under then they get a 2-point bonus, because it’s very rare to have it happen.

Another bonus is if it reaches the maximum penetration of 70 layers of cardboard and 10″ in the gel, MDF, and rubber foam mat tests, it gets a 2-point bonus. That has never happened before now.

Additionally, if it gets a perfect score in durability through the MDF, the steel plate, then the concrete, there’s no deduction. It gets a perfect score and then it gets an extra 2-points. It happens every once in a while and it did with the Katana.

I did not expect one broadhead to get bonuses in all those areas. But, the Katana did. It got the bonus for the sharpness and edge retention. It got the bonus for the penetration, the best penetrating broadhead way through the layers of cardboard and through the gel and MDF and rubber foam mat combo. And it came out looking brand new! I cleaned it off and it looks brand new… incredible!

Lusk grade on Katana Broadhead 100 grain

So the Katana literally broke the mold. It scored over 100 points. But, even if you remove the 6 points of extra bonus that it got, it still got the highest score of any fixed blade head that I’ve tested by far.

So, let me tell you, this is a really impressive head.

The only knock that I would give on it is I wish it has a little bit wider cutting diameter to make a little bit wider hole. However, I think it more than makes up for that with all the cutting edges with the vacuum. I’m interested in testing the vacuum that it creates. The internal damage, the rotation, and the incredible rotation; I wasn’t expecting all that.

If you’re looking for something to penetrate deeply, or maybe you have a light setup or are hunting a big animal or even you just want to cause massive internal destruction and use a really low profile broadhead, man, this is one really worth considering.

So, what more can I say? What a fantastic broadhead!

John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures

 

man holding a hunting drone

Thermal Drones for Hunting: What You Need to Know Before You Fly

Thermal drones for hunting have been gaining traction lately—and it’s easy to see why.

With how far drone tech and thermal imaging have come, hunters in some states now have access to a tool that can seriously shift how they scout, recover, and, sometimes, even hunt game.

While some see this as a groundbreaking step forward, others argue it walks a fine ethical line.

In Arizona, where I hunt, using a thermal drone for hunting is not allowed. Yet, I think about how helpful it would be every season—especially when recovering a wounded animal.

I’ll share some thoughts on the topic based on my experience, explore current regulations, ethical considerations, and why hunters across the country would consider using a thermal drone for hunting.

Let’s break it down.

hunting drone in the woods

Why Hunters Are Using Thermal Drones

  • Game Recovery: A thermal drone for hunting is often used after the shot to locate a wounded animal. This tech can detect heat signatures even in thick cover or at night.
  • Scouting: Some hunters use drones to identify bedding areas, find possible trails, or view groups of animals from above.
  • Predator Control: In certain states, a thermal drone for hunting is allowed for invasive species or predators like coyotes and even hogs.

In my case, I could’ve used one during an August archery hunt. I took a close-range shot on an archery buck—up in a tree at just 15 yards.

The shot hit high and right, and I knew right then that finding this deer would be tough. I spent hours tracking with no luck. Had a thermal drone for hunting been legal in Arizona, that recovery might have gone very differently.


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Real-World Advantages of Thermal Drones

  • Heat Signatures: Much like their use in law enforcement (think helicopter chases with FLIR cameras), drones with thermal imaging can pick up a heat signature through thick brush or even under snow.
  • Quick Recovery: For ethical hunters, fast recovery of an animal increases the chances of salvaging the meat.
  • Low-Light Visibility: Drones help overcome low-light challenges at dawn, dusk, or during overcast days.

I remember a police chase video where a suspect hid under a child’s plastic pool. Officers on the ground didn’t see him, but thermal mounted on a helicopter picked him up instantly. The same principle applies to game recovery.

Legal Considerations: Where Are Thermal Drones Legal?

hunting drone flying over countryside

Common State-Level Restrictions:

  • Arizona: Arizona Game and Fish does not allow the use of drones (thermal or not) to hunt or recover an animal.
  • Colorado & Alaska: Similarly, drones are not permitted for hunting to preserve fair chase ethics.
  • Texas: Allows drone use for certain invasive species but requires a permit.

Always check with your local game and fish department regarding the use of drones. Regulations can shift, especially with rapid tech innovation.

To learn more about regulations, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers helpful resources on federal-level hunting laws. At the same time, the Arizona Game and Fish Department provides detailed guidelines for residents like me.

Ethical Concerns: Do Drones Undermine the Hunt?

Many hunters argue that using a thermal drone for hunting crosses an ethical line.

  • Fair Chase: Traditionalists believe hunting should remain a ground-level sport that involves tracking, scouting, and skill.
  • Overreliance on Tech: The concern is that as gear becomes more advanced, the skill element of hunting gets diluted.
  • Slippery Slope: Just as trail cameras became heavily used (and ultimately banned in Arizona), drones may follow a similar pattern.

I’ll be honest—when Arizona banned trail cameras, I wasn’t too upset. On one trip, we hiked deep into a canyon to find a water hole we thought was too remote for others. We found five trail cameras already set up. It felt like a technological arms race, not a hunt.



When Would I Use a Thermal Drone?

I wouldn’t use a thermal drone for hunting during the actual pursuit of an animal. I prefer to keep things challenging and traditional—spot and stalk, tracking signs, and glassing—because that’s what I love most about hunting. However, I might consider one strictly for recovery if it were legal.

I’d also consider using a thermal drone in a survival situation. It could help locate animals and water sources or enhance home security on large rural properties. But, for now, I’m content doing things the traditional way.

What I Would Look for in a Thermal Drone

Key features if you’re considering purchasing a thermal drone for hunting and only after checking your local regulations:

  • High Thermal Resolution: Better target identification.
  • Flight Time: 30 minutes or more is ideal – with a spare battery pack and mobile charger.
  • Range: Look for at least 1.5 to 2 miles.
  • Durability: Weatherproof and field-ready.
  • Ease of Use: Simple interface and reliability in the field.

Companies like DJI Enterprise and Autel Robotics are leading the way in drone and thermal imaging technologies.

Hunting With Drones: Is the Future Already Here?

The topic of using a thermal drone for hunting is controversial and evolving.

While I don’t currently use one due to legal restrictions in Arizona, I understand why others do.

These tools can be a massive advantage for ethical recovery and wildlife management. However, they must be used responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.

What are your thoughts on thermal drones for hunting?

tom guzman author

Tom Guzman is the founder of Trophy Pursuit ( https://trophypursuit.net/ ), a blog focused on hunting, backcountry preparedness, and outdoor gear. With a background as a Marketing Director and expertise in SEO, he combines field experience with digital strategy to deliver practical, well-researched content for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

 

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Quiver-Worthy? | Muzzy Trocar Ti 100 Broadheads Review

You can’t have too many broadhead tests. So, I’ve got another broadhead that I tested that I want to share with you… it’s a classic head with a twist. It’s the Muzzy Trocar TI 100 grain.

The Muzzy Trocar Ti 100 Grain Broadhead Up Close

muzzy trocar ti 100 profile view
muzzy trocar ti 100 ferrule


muzzy trocar ti chisel tip
Muzzy trocar ti threaded retention collar
muzzy trocar ti blade thickness
Muzzy Trocar Ti offset blades

Another neat thing is that you have a choice of whether you want the blades to rotate left or right by changing the offset. Now, you want to make sure, just like with a single bevel head, (though this is a double bevel head), that the blade offset matches your fletching. So, for example, if you have a right helical or right offset fletching, then you’d want to be sure you put the blades in the right rotation position. And, vice-versa if you have a left helical or left offset fletching.

For resharpening, I would use the Stay Sharp Guide Replaceable Blade Kit. That works really well with broadheads like this.

I was really eager to put this head to the test and see how it performed. So, let’s see how it fared in the various tests…


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Flight Forgiveness Test  

For the flight forgiveness test, I shot one field point and then one broadhead, at 30 yards, out of a Killer Instinct SWAT X1 Crossbow, with a 675 grain Bishop Bolt, at 300 feet per second.

Muzzy Trocar Ti flight test

Edge Test #1: Initial Sharpness Test

In this test, I checked how many grams of force it took to to cut copolymer wire.

Muzzy Trocar Ti initial sharpness test

Penetration Test #1: Ballistic Gel and MDF

In this first penetration test, I , shot the head into ballistic gel, fronted by 2/3″ Rubber Foam Mat and 1/2″ 1/2″ MDF.

Muzzy Trocar Ballistic gel mdf test 1

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Edge Test #2: Edge Retention

In this test, I checked the sharpness of the blades after penetration test #1.

Muzzy Trocar Ti sharpness test 2

Penetration Test #2: Layered Cardboard

Muzzy Trocar Ti cardboard penetration test

Durability Test #1: 3 shots Into 1/2″ MDF

Muzzy Trocar Ti after mdf test

Durability Test #2: Two Shots Into 22 Gauge Steel Plate

Muzzy Trocar steel plate test

Retention Test: Clear Ballistics FBI Gel

muzzy trocar ti ballistic gel penetration

Durability Test #3: One Shot At Cinder Block

Muzzy trocar ti after cinder block test

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Final Thoughts On Muzzy Trocar Ti Broadhead

So what do you think about the Muzzy Trocar Ti in 100 grains?

Man, there’s a lot of great strengths to this broadhead. It performed well in a lot of different areas, including cut size, blades, and the ability to change the rotation of the blades. Additionally, I love that rotation of the offset blades, the ferrule, and chiseled tip.

But man, I’m concerned about that retention system. When all the blades came out, that was a shocker to me.

Muzzy Trocar Ti Lusk Score

Maybe I got a bad batch or something, but that’s just something to keep in mind before you use them. I know shooting them in the steel plate, that’s a pretty big shock, but still, most fixed blade heads breeze through that like butter.

I hope you enjoyed this review. Be sure to check out all the other broadhead reviews.  

John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures