For 2009, Tru-Fire's Switchblade mechanical broadhead is offered with the new Chisel Tip and Speed Tip. The Chisel Tip is designed specifically for bows shooting less than 310 fps (actual bow speed after setup; not advertised IBO). The Speed Tip is intended for bows shooting faster than 310 fps. The Switchblade has a diameter of less than .625 inch in flight, providing field point accuracy. Upon impact, the Switchblade's three, .032-inch stainless steel blades immediately open to an artery slicing cutting diameter of more than 1.375 inches.

Featuring no O-rings or rubber bands to hold blades secure during flight, the Switchblade has Automatic Tip Activated Blade Deployment. Requiring just 25 ounces of pressure, upon impact the three blades are deployed from the rear and immediately lock for maximum penetration. To close the blades, simply pull out on the tip. This fixed blade/mechanical hybrid offers an attractive combination of field point flight performance and fixed-blade penetration.

This innovative design also assures that pole-vaulting (caused by premature opening of blades) on quartering to or away hits isn't an issue, since the blades are a good distance from the tip. To keep sharp blades ready to hunt, Switchblade practice heads are available and recommended for sighting in.

In testing, I screwed both Switchblade practice heads and hunting heads, along with some field points, onto my hunting arrows and hit the range. After one minor vertical adjustment, they were all grouping tight at 20 and 30 yards. Switchblades are available in 100- and 125-grain models and come in packs of three. All three broadheads in each pack are guaranteed to weigh within one-grain of each other. -- Daniel Beraldo

Contact: Tru-Fire, 722 State St., North Fond du Lac, WI 54937; (920) 923-6866; www.trufire.com