Rage Crossbow X 2-Blade Broadhead Review
- 2" cut from rear-deploying SlipCam blades, sized for crossbow bolts
- Improved Shock Collar holds blades shut in storage and in flight
- F.A.T. ferrule alignment aimed at cleaner, straighter bolt flight
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Rage's crossbow-specific SlipCam head pairs a 2-inch cut with collar retention and an aligned ferrule for cleaner bolt flight. Here's what the specs say.
Quick verdict
If you hunt with a crossbow and want a big mechanical cut, the Crossbow X is the Rage head built for the job. Its 2-inch SlipCam cut, improved Shock Collar and F.A.T. ferrule alignment all target what matters on a fast bolt: blades that stay shut in flight, then open wide on impact. Replacement blades are extra, so budget for them.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Full 2" cutting diameter from rear-deploying SlipCam blades
- .035" stainless steel expandable blades behind a large leading-edge blade
- Improved Shock Collar keeps blades closed while the bolt is stored and in flight
- Ferrule Alignment Technology (F.A.T.) is designed for more aerodynamic bolt flight
- 100 grain standard, with a 125 grain version for setups that want more weight up front
- Made in the USA, with replacement blades (R53005) for rebuilding heads
What could be better
- Replacement blades and spare collars are sold separately
- A 2" mechanical cut gives up some penetration compared with a compact fixed blade
- Crossbow-specific design, so it isn't the head for a compound or recurve
- Mechanical heads are restricted for some hunts and in some states
Key features, explained
Built around the crossbow bolt
Crossbows typically launch bolts faster and with more energy than vertical bows launch arrows, and that launch is hard on mechanical heads. Blades that creep open in flight wreck accuracy. The Crossbow X is Rage's answer for that platform, and every feature on its spec sheet is framed around the bolt, from blade retention while the bolt sits in the quiver to how the ferrule lines up for flight. Treat it as a crossbow head first, not a vertical-bow head with a new label.
SlipCam blades and a 2-inch cut
SlipCam is the rear-deploying mechanism Rage launched in 2006. On the Crossbow X, a large leading-edge blade sits up front, and two .035"-thick stainless steel wings ride closed against the aluminum body. On contact, the wings cam rearward and spread to a 2-inch cutting diameter. That is a wide hole for a 2-blade head. Wound channels are the brand's calling card, and this head is designed to deliver them from a crossbow.
Improved Shock Collar retention
Retention is the make-or-break detail on a crossbow mechanical. The Crossbow X uses Rage's improved Shock Collar, which the manufacturer says holds the blades in place while the bolt is stored and in flight, then lets the head open on impact. A collar is a simpler system than the rubber bands some mechanicals rely on. Rage sells collars in tubes, so keep a few spares with your heads and fit a fresh one before reusing any head.
F.A.T. alignment and aluminum build
Rage lists Ferrule Alignment Technology, or F.A.T., as the feature that makes bolt flight more aerodynamic. As the name suggests, it focuses on keeping the head lined up with the shaft, since a head that sits off-axis can steer a bolt. The body is aluminum, finished in bronze with stainless blades. Even with alignment built in, spin-test each head on your bolts and check point of impact against your field points before the season.
Weights, pack and rebuild parts
This is the 100-grain 3-pack, part 53000. Rage also makes the Crossbow X in 125 grain, which may suit a bolt that calls for more weight up front; check your crossbow maker's recommended bolt weight before choosing. Replacement blades carry part number R53005 and aren't included, but they let you refresh a head that survives a pass-through instead of retiring it. The head is made in the USA, and the listed manufacturer is Feradyne Outdoors.
Rage Crossbow X 2-Blade specs
| Brand | Rage (Feradyne Outdoors) |
|---|---|
| Part number | 53000 |
| Type | 2-blade mechanical crossbow head, rear-deploying (SlipCam) |
| Cutting diameter | 2 inches |
| Blades | .035" stainless steel expandable, plus leading-edge blade |
| Blade retention | Improved Shock Collar |
| Ferrule | Aluminum, with Ferrule Alignment Technology (F.A.T.) |
| Weight | 100 grain (125 grain version available) |
| Color | Bronze / stainless steel |
| Pack size | 3 broadheads |
| Replacement blades | R53005 (sold separately) |
| Made in | USA |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty |
| Prices change often. See the live price: Check Price | |
Who should buy it?
Great for
- Crossbow hunters who want a 2" mechanical cut on deer-size game
- Setups where a compact, blades-closed profile helps heads group with field points
- Hunters who'd rather rebuild a head with new blades than buy a new pack
Skip it if
- You shoot a vertical bow; this head is set up for crossbow bolts
- Your state or hunt doesn't allow mechanical broadheads
- You want a head that never needs collars or replacement parts
Frequently asked questions
What is the cutting diameter of the Rage Crossbow X?
2 inches with the blades open. The expandable blades are .035"-thick stainless steel, working behind a large leading-edge blade.
Can you shoot the Rage Crossbow X from a compound bow?
It is designed and sold as a crossbow head, with retention and alignment features aimed at bolts. For a compound or traditional bow, Rage's standard 2-blade heads are the more natural fit.
What replacement blades fit the Rage Crossbow X?
Rage lists part R53005 as the replacement blade for this head. Blades aren't included in the 3-pack, so order them separately if you plan to rebuild heads.
Does the Crossbow X come in 125 grain?
Yes. This is the 100-grain version, and Rage offers the same head in 125 grain. Match the weight to your crossbow maker's bolt recommendations.
What is F.A.T. on the Rage Crossbow X?
Ferrule Alignment Technology. Rage says it gives a more aerodynamic bolt flight, and as the name suggests, it centers on keeping the head aligned with the shaft.
Is the Crossbow X legal in every state?
Not necessarily. Most US states allow mechanical heads, but rules vary by state, species and season. Read your current regulations before you hunt with it.
Final verdict
For crossbow hunters who want a wide mechanical cut, the Crossbow X checks the right boxes on paper: a 2-inch SlipCam cut, .035" stainless blades, an improved Shock Collar for retention on the bolt and F.A.T. for alignment. It is made in the USA and can be rebuilt with R53005 blades. Plan for spare blades and collars, confirm your point of impact, and it is an easy head to recommend.
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