thorn crown broadhead

Thorn Crown Broadheads Review | King of the Broadhead Hill?

Talk about a crazy, wicked looking, innovative broadhead!

I first saw the Thorn Crown broadheads at the Archery Trade Association (ATA) show and talking with the original designer.

When I finally got my hands on them, I couldn’t wait to put them to the test to see if they were the real deal.

It kind of looks like a mace, a medieval weapon.

thorn crown broadhead closeup
Here, you get a close-up look at the Thorn Crown. I mean this is one crazy-looking broadhead. I love innovation from Thorn. This is 125-grain model. It’s an 8-blade broadhead. And you can see all 8 blades are aligned helically and make a star pattern.

Typically, I like broadheads to have a really wide cutting diameter, rather than a concentrated cut. However, I’ve never killed anything with an 8-blade broadhead, and I’m imagining that it would make a hole that is pretty difficult to close up.

Each of the blades are stainless steel and are 0.040 inch thick. So, they are really thick blades. They are arranged with the smallest diameter first, 5/8 of an inch, then 6/8 of an inch, 7/8 of an inch, and 1-inch. So, that’s where you get the total of 3.25 inches of cut.

That’s a lot of cut!

thorn crown broadhead blades
The blades are in a helix pattern and separated by a small stainless steel ball bearing. It’s kind of a cool design. They are replaceable and the heads come with replacement blades. The ferrule is 7075 aluminum, so it’s a really stout, durable and heavy aluminum. And it has a hardened tip as well.
thorn crown broadhead tip
The Thorn Crown has a hardened tip.
Crown Broadheads by Thorn - 100/125 Grain Broadheads for Crossbow/Compound Bow (125 Grain, Crossbow)
Crown Broadheads by Thorn - 100/125 Grain Broadheads for Crossbow/Compound Bow (125 Grain, Crossbow)
$49.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/22/2024 10:37 pm GMT

>> Want to know what your arrow’s FOC is? Check out our FOC Calculator and find out!

Thorn Crown Broadheads Testing

I tested the Thorn Crown broadheads for flight, edge sharpness and edge retention, for penetration and for durability.

Let’s see how the Thorn Crown performed.

Flight test

I was able to pop a balloon at 70 yards with the Thorn Crown.

Wondering about your arrow speed? Use this calculator!

Sharpness test of the Thorn Crown

I tested the Thorn Crown for out-of-the-box sharpness. It was able to still cut paper after 5 strokes of a carbon arrow shaft.

thorn crown sharpness test
The Thorn cut paper after five strokes of the arrow.

Penetration Test

I tested the Thorn Crown for penetration by shooting it into ballistic gel, fronted by 2/3-inch foam matting and 1/2-inch MDF.

thorn crown in ballistic gel
The Thorn Crown penetrated 6 and 3/4 inches. I know it doesn’t look like that in this photo, but from over the top, I measured it cleanly. It’s 6 and 3/4 inches.
thorn crown wound channel
Check out the wound channel of this Thorn Crown. It’s the one directly to the right of it there, that big giant swath. And it’s really cool because as you move around the gel, you can see that it’s that way from every side. It’s not wide on one side like if you had a 2-blade head or something, but it really is that cut in 360 degrees. That’s pretty cool.
Where should you aim on a deer? Click to find out!

Durability Test

I shot the Thorn Crown into 1/2-inch MDF five times. Below is the result.

Thorn Crown broadhead after being shot through MDF
Here’s the Crown after being shot into the MDF five times. And as you can see, it looks virtually brand new. The blades, the ferrule, the tip, everything is just in pristine shape. And look at those holes. It makes really cool holes. Notice the eight cuts!
Thorn Archery Sheer Pins Crossbow Black 12 pk.
Thorn Archery Sheer Pins Crossbow Black 12 pk.
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts on the Thorn Crown Broadhead

So what do you think of the Thorn Crown?

Like I said, I’ve been wanting to test it because it’s just so unique.

Check the momentum and Kinetic Energy of your hunting arrows here!

A wicked cut

Cut is one of the many factors to consider when selecting a broadhead.

I typically want a wider cut out of my broadheads, because wider cuts tend to produce a better blood trail.

There’s more likelihood that you’re going to reach that extra artery and the holes are typically harder to close up.

But, I’ve never shot an 8-blade head before now. And, I’ve got to tell you, when it went into the target, or went into the gel and I pulled it out, man, it just ripped them apart.

So this is a wicked wound channel that honestly, I want to shoot into an animal just to see what happens.

Great flight and durability

I was really impressed with its excellent flight. It was very accurate.

I chose ahead of time to test this for the durability compared to a mechanical. And the reason I did that is that it has eight blades. Each of those four individual 2-blade heads would be hitting the steel plate that I typically use for fixed-blade broadheads.

I thought, “There’s no way that’s going to hold up to the steel plate.” But given it’s such a big cut size, let’s test it as I would a mechanical. And as you saw, it did extremely well for the mechanical test.

Now, I was curious and I want to see what would happen through a steel plate so I shot it into the steel plate as well and it punched a really nice 8-blade hole through the 22-gauge steel plate. But as expected, the head itself just did not hold up to the steel plate.

thorn crown broadhead scorecard
The scorecard for the Thorn Crown Broadhead.

But honestly, that wouldn’t hold me back from using it in a hunting situation given its flight and given just the wicked wound channel and the way it held up to the MDF.

This broadhead is not a gimmick. This is something that really could do some serious damage.

So great job, Thorn! Love the innovation. Keep it up. Great job.

Other fixed-blade reviews:

John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures
a hunter holding a hunting bow

Get Started | A Guide To Bow Hunting For Beginners

There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of being in close to a deer or other wild game and releasing an arrow that finds its mark.

But, what if you’ve never felt that rush? What should you know to begin the quest of being a successful bow hunter?

In this article we will do our best to get you started in the right direction. Let’s just call this N1 Outdoors’ Bow Hunting For Beginners 101.

Check out the the diagram below to learn all the parts of a compound bow!

So, What Brings You To Bow Hunting?

Maybe you’ve always hunted with a rifle or other firearm. Maybe you’ve mastered gun hunting and simply want to try your hand at a new challenge.

Or, maybe you’re totally new to any type of hunting and just want to learn what this bow hunting thing is all about.

Whatever your situation or age, we think you’ll find that bow hunting is not only fun (you’ll want to say “Bowhunt Oh Yeah!”), but helps teach patience, discipline, attention to detail and focus. And, there is certainly a special sense of accomplishment knowing you have been able to take an animal at close range and provide meat for your family and friends.

Learn The Parts Of A Bow

parts of a compound bow bowhunting for beginners
It’s important to learn the basics of the components of your bow, so you can learn what each part does.

In the diagram above, parts of a compound bow are numbered. Read below what each part is called:

  1. Cam
  2. Limbs
  3. Limb  Bolt
  4. Riser
  5. Sight
  6. Sight Pins
  7. Arrow Rest
  8. Arrow Shelf
  9. Wrist Sling
  10. Stabilizer
  11. Cam Axle
  12. String Dampeners
  13. String
  14. Peep
  15. Cable Guard
  16. D-Loop
  17. Serving
  18. String Stop
  19. Cable

Hunting Education And Safety

If you haven’t taken your state’s hunter safety course, be sure to sign up and do that the first chance you get. This will help you learn safe hunting practices whether you are hunting with a bow or a gun.

You will also learn the hunting laws and regulations of your state, deer hunting tree stand safety, as well as learn how to identify game.

PANDARUS Compound Bow Archery for Youth and Beginner, Right Handed,19 -28 Draw Length,15-29 Lbs Draw Weight, 260 fps (Blue Right Handed)
PANDARUS Compound Bow Archery for Youth and Beginner, Right Handed,19 -28 Draw Length,15-29 Lbs Draw Weight, 260 fps (Blue Right Handed)
$99.89
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/22/2024 01:53 am GMT

Study, Study

It’s possible that if you’re interested in learning to bow hunt, that you’ve already been watching videos or TV programs about bow hunting. But, if not, there is certainly no shortage of videos about bow hunting tips. And, while videos are great visuals to learn from, don’t discount the wealth of knowledge you can glean from bow hunting blogs and articles.

When getting started in archery, it’s a good idea to talk to your local bow shop for recommendations on what type of archery equipment and supplies you should begin with.

You may also find it interesting to learn about the history of archery as well. It may help you appreciate the skill you are about to begin learning.

Go Local

Your local bow shop is a great resource for anyone wanting to begin their bow hunting journey.

You don’t have to look long on social media to know that there are more than a few companies pushing their archery equipment and supplies. Of course, they all look good and sometimes it’s difficult to know what exactly you need.

Shop N1 Bow Hunting Tshirts

See the differences between mule deer and whitetail deer

Broadheads And Arrows And Bows, Oh My!

As a bow hunting beginner, you may be overwhelmed with the choices of bow hunting equipment that is currently on the market. Your local bow shop can help you find your way through the sea of bow hunting advertisements to equipment that’s right for you.

For example, what is your draw length? What should the poundage be on your bow? And, of course, there are so many choices when it comes to broadheads, light or heavy arrows, arrow rests, sights, releases, bow strings, fletches and targets. And, of course, these things can be affected by what species of game you will be pursuing.

The bottom line is that your local bow shop should provide you with a wealth of information when it comes to figuring out your equipment needs. And, of course, it’s always great to support local business, right?

G5 Outdoors Montec Broadhead (Pack of 3), Pink, 100 Grain
G5 Outdoors Montec Broadhead (Pack of 3), Pink, 100 Grain
$39.86
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/22/2024 12:12 am GMT
Learn how to easily nock tune your arrows

Inspect Your Archery Equipment

Once you have decided on and purchased your bow hunting equipment and supplies, it’s time to do some target practice! But, before you sling an arrow, you need to inspect your equipment. Be sure you don’t have any cracks in your bow limbs, fraying of your bow string, or nicks or cuts in you bow cams . Also, be sure you have waxed your bow string recently.

Target Time

You may have a local range or archery shop to shoot at, but you may also choose to buy your own target for practice at home.

If you choose to shoot at home, always be sure you set up your target in a safe location where there is no chance of an arrow shooting toward any individual. This includes never shooting towards houses, streets, sidewalks or any other location where people may be standing or passing by.

It’s also a good idea to place a backstop of some kind behind your target. This will help to block an errant arrows that miss the target. Be sure your backstop is much larger than your target.

Nature’s rarity… Learn about piebald deer!

Be sure to always put a back stop behind your target when shooting.

S4 Field Logic Black Hole 22 - 4 Sided Archery Target,yellow
S4 Field Logic Black Hole 22 - 4 Sided Archery Target,yellow
$89.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/22/2024 12:23 am GMT
Check out these awesome archery and bowhunting shirts!

Practice, Practice and Practice!

Once you have set up a safe target location and inspected your equipment, you are ready to begin practicing!

Be sure you don’t nock an arrow until you’re ready to shoot. When you nock your arrow, be sure to point it toward the ground while nocking.

In short, never point the arrow at anything you are not prepared to draw on and shoot. Also, if possible try to be shooting toward your target at a downward angle.

Learn about many different types of deer here!

Once you have gotten familiar with the operation of your new bow hunting equipment by shooting at a target, you can start to prepare for various bow hunting scenarios.

While shooting at a stationary target is certainly something to master, deer and other game animals don’t always still and broadside, allowing you to take a perfect shot. So, you should practice shooting your bow from various positions, including inclines, declines and sitting positions.

You should also practice shooting in a way that mirrors the various angles that your game may be standing. For example, a shot on an animal that is quartering away from you will require you to shoot further back, so that the arrow passes through the vitals, so that you can take an ethical shot that results in as clean a kill as possible.

Do you know what FOC stands for in archery? Read THIS!

Don’t Forget Your Hunting License

You may already be a hunter that is learning to bow hunt. But, if this will be your first hunting trip, be sure before you get your hunting license before your first trip.

You can contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources to purchase a license. Some local outdoors shops also sell hunting and fishing licenses. You can also go online to purchase a license for the state you live in.

Hunting and fishing hats for outdoors lovers HERE!

Time To Hunt

coues deer buck

As you get ready to take your new bow hunting skills to the field or the woods, continue learning as much as you can from experienced bow hunters. Be teachable. Your learning curve will be much less steep if you listen well and put into practice what you’ve learned.

Just as when you practiced target shooting, check your bow hunting equipment thoroughly, including your broadheads, before taking into the field.

You may feel that learning the basics of shooting your bow will surely lead to instant success. We certainly wish you bow hunting success.

Learn about traditional archery bows by clicking here

However, there is much to learn when trying to take an animal with a bow at close range. For example, you must pay close attention to wind direction as well as learn when to use certain entry and exit routes to access your deer stand.

And remember, even after your hunts, be sure to continue educating yourself on hunting tips with relevant blogs and videos. And, also be sure you know the distinct characteristics of the type of deer and other game you are hunting.

Hopefully this bow hunting for beginners article has provided you with the information you need to get started on this new adventure! We wish you success and hope you have an arrow that’s Just Pass’N Through!

The Best Deer Hunting Treestands for your next hunt

Deer season is coming and you’re ready to hunt.

You’ve done your homework on all the local laws, and you’re ready to go bag some venison.

Your rifle is cleaned up and ready to go. You’ve mounted and zeroed your scope of choice onto your hunting rifle.

You’ve spent time at the range mastering your shooting technique. And, you’ve carefully chosen the right ammunition. Maybe you even went all-out and got one of those fancy rangefinding scopes).

But, there’s one more piece of equipment you might want to invest in: a deer stand.

Now, there are a lot of options to choose from out there, and the choices can seem overwhelming. But that’s why I put this guide together.

I’ve spent the time and money to find out the best treestands for deer hunting in 2021 so that you can be sure and get the best bang for your buck. Ready to learn more? Keep reading!

Why Use a Deer Stand?

Basically, a tree stand is a portable way to get yourself up above ground level for hunting.

Unlike a hunting blind, a tree stand can be taken down and moved to another location, and doesn’t require that you build a permanent structure. With a tree stand, all you need is a sturdy tree to gain a huge advantage over your prey.

Being above the ground not only makes you harder for deer to see, but it also helps keep your scent away from skittish noses.

And, it’s safer. Not only is your orange safety gear easier for other hunters to spot in the field, but shooting from an elevated position means that your rounds will travel downward into the ground, and not towards any houses or roads.

Learn all about deer antlers from growth to shedding

Types of Deer Hunting Treestands

There are four main types of deer stands on the market: climbing, hang on, tree saddle and ladder.

Climbing deer stands use a blade that bits into the tree to literally “climb” the tree to the desired height while you sit in the sand and work a foot bar. Climbing stands are extremely portable and easy to use, since they don’t require any sort of ladder, stairs, or climbing stick to use.

Hang on stands use a ratcheting strap to hold a small standing platform onto a tree. Hang on stands tend to be the lightest, but require additional equipment to set up and get in and out of.

So, what is “urban deer hunting?”

Ladder treestands use metal ladder sections that attach onto each other. Once you’ve built the ladder to the desired height, you can attach the stand to the top once you’re ready. These are designed to be more permanent, so they are usually much heavier and more difficult to set up than the other types.

Now let’s take a look at the best options for each of the three types, plus a fourth “special” stand.

Get info on the best caliber for deer hunting

Summit Viper SD | Best Climbing Tree Stand

There are some good options in the climbing stand category. Lone Wolf Custom Gear, for example, has been manufacturing light and innovative climbing stands for years.

But there’s one that has stood the test of time. The Viper SD stand from Summit, has been their most popular stand for over 17 years, and it’s easy to see why.

The Viper only weighs 21 lbs but can support up to 300 lbs of weight, so even bigger hunters can feel both safe and comfortable up in the trees.

The best thing about the Viper SD is the QuickDraw attachment cable, which is way easier to use than the pins or bolts that most other treestands rely on. Plus, the seat is very nicely padded for those long hunts.

Best of all is the patented DeadMetal technology. Basically, Summit uses an expanding foam to prevent any metal-on-metal noises or creaking, which helps keep you quiet while lining up that perfect shot.

summit viper treestand

The Summit Viper sports a comfortable seat and has quieting foam, which helps conceal unwanted noises.

Mule deer vs. Whitetail: How are they different?
Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand, Mossy Oak
Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand, Mossy Oak
$297.67
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/22/2024 12:33 am GMT
Learn the specifics of building your own hunting arrows!

Lone Wolf Assault II | Best Hang On Tree Stand

This baby is both lightweight and extra-quiet.

The Lone Wolf Assault II only weighs 11 lbs, but it’s rated for 350 lbs, and it’s even got a built-in bow holder for all you bow hunters out there.

The skeletonized platform is small enough to place up in a tight cluster of trees, but still wide enough to allow for standing shots, and the padded seat is comfortable.

Plus, it doesn’t creak or pop when you’re getting into position. If you’re in the market for a lightweight, quiet hang on stand, then the Lone Wolf Assault II is the stand for you.

lone wolf assault 2 hang on treestand

The Lone Wolf assault II weighs only 11 lbs!

Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand
Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Stay warm in a tent when it’s cold [9 hacks]

Trophyline Ambush Lite | Best Tree Saddle Kit

If you’re looking for a hunting system that you can wear on your back and set up in minutes, look no further than the Trophy Line Ambush Lite.

This kit includes everything you need to get up off the ground, plus a few accessory pouches to store your gear while you “hang out” waiting for your prey. And, the seat is more comfortable than you would expect from something so lightweight.

The best thing about it, though, is that it’s designed specifically for mobility.

The whole thing packs away into the included cinch bag or fits easily into your day bag, which means you can easily set it up where you want it, and then move and redeploy it in another location if you want to.

trophy line ambush lite deer stand

The Trophyline Ambush Lite packs up nice and tight and can be set up in minutes.

Plagued by archery target panic? Read THIS!

X-Stand “The Duke” | Best Ladder Tree Stand

The Duke earns it’s royal name by providing the shooter with a host of added features over more portable treestands.

Sure, it weighs 79 pounds, but it’s still easy enough for one person to set up by themselves, and it’ll go as high as 20 feet.

CWD and EHD in deer: Know the difference?

With that kind of height, you definitely want to make sure your stand is sturdy, and that’s where The Duke’s Jaw Safety System comes in. It uses serrated steel jaws to clamp hard to the trunk of the tree, so you know it’s not going anywhere.

The X-Stand Duke ladder stand is the most comfortable deer stand I have ever used. It’s got a flip-out footrest that not only adds to comfort, but acts as a nice stabilizer for shooting. Plus, there’s a padded shooting rail, multiple accessory hooks, and even cupholders!

the duke ladder treestand

The Duke ladder stand is the most comfortable ladder stand I’ve ever sat in.

X-Stand Treestands The Duke 20' Single-Person Ladderstand Hunting Tree Stand, Black
X-Stand Treestands The Duke 20' Single-Person Ladderstand Hunting Tree Stand, Black
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Ever seen a piebald deer? (Amazing photos!)

X-Stand “The Comrade” | Best 2-Man Tree Stand

Thanks to The Comrade, stand hunting doesn’t have to be a solitary experience.

This baby packs a spacious, curved shooting platform, 2 padded seats, and a center storage console to allow for two hunters to take to the trees together.

It features a full safety harness for both shooters, as well as X-Stands patented Jaw Safety System.

The X-Stand Comrade is a heavy, 2-man ladder stand, weighing in at 125 pounds, but I can’t think of a better way to go hunting with a buddy.

x-stand treestand

The X-Stand Comrade is a great option for hunting with a friend.

You can make your own Euro mount: Find out how!
X-Stand TreestandsTreestand
X-Stand TreestandsTreestand
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Deer can make some crazy sounds. Listen HERE!

Final Thoughts On The Best Tree Stands For Deer Hunting

Whether you’re trophy hunting or just hunting to put some tasty venison in the freezer, this quick review will hopefully give you the information you need to decide which stand will be right for your next trip to the deer woods.

Hopefully, you’ll have a big set of antlers walk by your deer stand.

Good luck!

view while sighting in riflescope view
Richard Douglas, founder and editor of Scopes Field
Ever thought of giving catfish noodling a shot?