Fixed Blade Broadhead Review
Magnus Black Hornet Review
A beefed-up, serrated take on the legendary Stinger that flies like a field point and rips lungs.
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
- Near field-point accuracy out past 70 yards
- Excellent penetration (~9" in gel testing)
- Serrated edges tear lung tissue better than a straight edge
- Magnus lifetime replacement guarantee
- Available in clean two-blade or four-blade configurations
Where it falls short
- Aluminum ferrule can bend on heavy bone or rock
- Benefits from a quick touch-up sharpen for best blood trails
- Smaller 1 3/16" cut than many mechanicals
Flight & accuracy
The Black Hornet inherits the Stinger's reputation for forgiving flight. With a compact 1 3/16" cutting diameter and a low-profile serrated blade, it tracks like a field point well past 70 yards, even out of faster setups. Testers consistently report it grouping with their practice points with no tuning gymnastics required.
Because the blade profile is so modest, the head exposes very little surface to crosswind and bow torque. That makes it one of the easier fixed heads to shoot confidently at distance, which matters for hunters who want a no-band, no-moving-parts broadhead they can trust on a long shot.
Penetration
Penetration is where the Black Hornet earns its "killing machines regardless of angle" reputation. The narrow diameter concentrates kinetic energy at the tip, and gel testing has shown roughly 9 inches of penetration. Combined with the cut-on-contact serrated edge, it drives through hide and ribs without stalling.
The serrations don't hurt penetration the way a wide mechanical can; the head still behaves like a slim fixed blade going in. That gives bowhunters running moderate poundage a reliable pass-through option on whitetail-sized game from steep treestand angles.
Durability & edge retention
The stainless serrated blades hold a working edge well and the serration pattern stays aggressive even after contact with bone. The main durability caveat is the aluminum ferrule, which can bend if you hit a heavy shoulder, a backstop, or a rock on a pass-through.
Magnus backs the head with a lifetime guarantee, so a bent or broken head gets replaced no questions asked. That guarantee is a real part of the value equation and softens the aluminum-ferrule concern for most hunters.
Blood trail
The serrated Ser-Razor edge is the headline feature for blood. The teeth tear rather than slice cleanly, and field reports note that serrations "rip up lungs better than a straight edge," producing very good, easy-to-follow trails despite the modest cut width.
For the best results, many users give the blades a quick touch-up on a stone before the season. Factory-sharp is good, but a hair-popping edge maximizes the hemorrhaging the serrations are designed to create.
Value & who it's for
At around $40 for three with a lifetime guarantee, the Black Hornet is a strong value in the premium fixed-blade space. It's aimed at the hunter who loves the Stinger but wants a tougher, more aggressive head, or anyone who wants a serrated cut-on-contact option that flies effortlessly.
It's an ideal whitetail and medium-game choice for moderate-to-fast setups. Hunters chasing heavy-boned game who worry about the aluminum ferrule may prefer a solid-steel head, but for the vast majority of bowhunters this is a do-everything fixed blade.
Specifications
| Brand | Magnus |
|---|---|
| Type | Fixed Blade |
| Cutting diameter | 1 3/16" |
| Blades | 2 or 4 serrated fixed |
| Grain options | 100gr, 125gr |
| Blade / steel | Stainless steel |
| Ferrule | Aluminum |
| Pack | 3-pack |
| Approx. price | ~$40 / 3-pack |
| Best for | Whitetail, Bowhunters who want a tougher Stinger |
Specs and pricing are approximate and change frequently — confirm with the retailer before buying.
FAQ
Is the Magnus Black Hornet a mechanical broadhead?
No. Despite the aggressive look, the Black Hornet is a fixed-blade serrated head (the Ser-Razor). There are no moving parts, O-rings, or collars to fail; it deploys nothing and flies like a Stinger on steroids.
How accurate is the Magnus Black Hornet at long range?
Very. Its compact 1 3/16" profile gives near field-point flight out past 70 yards, making it one of the more forgiving fixed heads for hunters who want to take longer shots.
Does the Magnus Black Hornet come with a guarantee?
Yes. Like other Magnus heads, the Black Hornet carries a lifetime replacement guarantee, which is reassuring given that the aluminum ferrule can bend on heavy bone.
Sources
Sentiment for this review was aggregated from independent tests, hunting forums and retailer reviews, including:
