Fixed Blade Broadhead Review
Magnus Stinger Review
A no-frills cut-on-contact head backed by the best guarantee in archery and proven elk-killing penetration.
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
- Dead-straight flight that tunes easily
- Deep cut-on-contact penetration, roughly 9.5" in gel
- Lifetime no-questions-asked replacement guarantee
- Frequently chosen by elk hunters
- Affordable to buy and restock
- Available in a hard-hitting 2-blade or wider 4-blade
Where it falls short
- Aluminum ferrule can bend on heavy bone or hard angles
- Not the sharpest head out of the package
- Stainless blades benefit from a pre-hunt touch-up
Flight & accuracy
The Stinger's cut-on-contact tip and modest 1 3/16" cut keep it flying flat and predictable, and most shooters report it grouping with field points after only minor tuning. It is a forgiving head that does not demand a tournament-tuned rig to put broadheads in the vitals.
Penetration
Penetration is where the Stinger earns its elk reputation. The tapered cut-on-contact geometry slips through hide and muscle and posts roughly 9.5" in ballistic gel, and the 2-blade in particular is a passthrough machine on broadside shots. It is the reason this inexpensive head keeps showing up on elk-hunting forums next to far pricier options.
Durability & edge retention
The blades are tough stainless, but the aluminum ferrule is the weak link: hit a heavy shoulder or a bad angle and it can bend. That is the trade-off for the light, accurate design. The saving grace is Magnus's guarantee, which means a bent or broken head costs you only an email with a photo.
Blood trail
A 1 3/16" two-blade leaves a clean, reliable wound channel and good blood on passthroughs, though it is not a massive-hole head. The 4-blade version adds cutting surface for better trails at the cost of a little penetration, so your choice depends on whether you prioritize depth or blood.
Value & who it's for
At around $35 a three-pack with a lifetime replacement policy, the Stinger is one of the best values in fixed-blade hunting. It is built for elk hunters who want guaranteed penetration, traditional shooters who want cut-on-contact, and anyone who hates the idea of throwing money away on bent heads.
Specifications
| Brand | Magnus |
|---|---|
| Type | Fixed Blade |
| Cutting diameter | 1 3/16" |
| Blades | 2- or 4-blade, cut-on-contact |
| Grain options | 100gr, 125gr, 150gr |
| Blade / steel | Stainless blades |
| Ferrule | Aluminum |
| Pack | 3-pack |
| Approx. price | ~$35 / 3-pack |
| Best for | Elk, Whitetail, Traditional bows |
Specs and pricing are approximate and change frequently — confirm with the retailer before buying.
FAQ
Is the Magnus Stinger good for elk?
Yes. The cut-on-contact Stinger is a long-time elk favorite for its deep, reliable penetration, especially in the 2-blade configuration.
How does the Magnus Stinger guarantee work?
Magnus offers a lifetime no-questions-asked replacement. If a head is damaged for any reason, you email a photo and they send a replacement.
Is the Magnus Stinger sharp out of the package?
It is hunt-ready but not the sharpest head available. Most experienced users give the blades a quick touch-up before the season.
Sources
Sentiment for this review was aggregated from independent tests, hunting forums and retailer reviews, including:
