Fixed Blade Broadhead Review
Trophy Taker Shuttle T-Lock Review
A famously flat-flying head whose patented T-LOK blade lock refuses to let go through bone, concrete, or metal.
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
- Exceptional flight at distance
- Quiet non-vented blade design
- T-LOK No Lost Blades retention
- Often reusable after a miss
- Heat-treated 416 stainless toughness
Where it falls short
- Main blade is tough to resharpen
- Some rank QAD Exodus tougher
- Modest 1 1/8" cut
- Premium price for the cut size
Flight & accuracy
Flight is the Shuttle T-Lock's claim to fame, and many shooters call it the best-flying broadhead they've used, especially at distance. The non-vented curved blades don't catch wind or whistle the way vented blades can, so the head stays quiet and stable all the way to the target.
That quiet, planing-resistant design is exactly why long-range shooters gravitate to it. Where vented heads can sing and drift in a crosswind, the Shuttle tracks true and holds point of impact with field points.
Penetration
The one-piece cut-on-contact ferrule starts cutting on contact and drives well, delivering solid penetration on whitetail-class game with reliable pass-throughs on good shots. The compact 1 1/8" cut concentrates energy and helps the head keep moving.
It's a competent rather than class-leading penetrator. Against the dedicated bone-busters it gives a little ground, but for its intended quarry the cut-on-contact tip and tough blades get the job done.
Durability & edge retention
The headline durability feature is the patented T-LOK No Lost Blades connection, which holds the blades in place through bone, concrete, and even metal in testing. Hunters report the head is often reusable after a miss, which is rare and valuable.
The heat-treated 416 stainless main blade is genuinely tough. The flip side is that this toughness makes it hard to resharpen, so most hunters replace blades rather than hone them. Some reviewers also rank the QAD Exodus as tougher overall, though the Shuttle's blade retention is a standout.
Blood trail
With a 1 1/8" cut and sharp bleeder edges, the Shuttle produces respectable blood on well-placed shots. The bleeders come from the factory sharp and cut cleanly, so entry wounds bleed freely.
It won't throw the heavy trail of a wide-cut head, and on marginal hits the modest diameter shows. But for a head whose priority is flight and blade retention, the blood is solid and recoveries on good shots are reliable.
Value & who it's for
At around $45 for three, the Shuttle T-Lock sits at a mid-premium price for a 1 1/8" head, but the reusability after misses and the legendary flight help justify it. You're paying for the T-LOK system and the distance accuracy.
It's the head for the precision shooter who wants the flattest, quietest flight available and values blades that stay put through anything. Just be prepared to swap rather than sharpen the tough main blade.
Specifications
| Brand | Trophy Taker |
|---|---|
| Type | Fixed Blade |
| Cutting diameter | 1 1/8" |
| Blades | 3 curved non-vented replaceable |
| Grain options | 100gr, 125gr |
| Blade / steel | Heat-treated 416 stainless |
| Ferrule | One-piece cut-on-contact |
| Pack | 3-pack |
| Approx. price | ~$45 / 3-pack |
| Best for | Whitetail, Long-range shooters, Quiet flight |
Specs and pricing are approximate and change frequently — confirm with the retailer before buying.
FAQ
Why is the Trophy Taker Shuttle T-Lock known for flight?
The Trophy Taker Shuttle T-Lock uses curved non-vented blades that don't catch wind or whistle, so the head stays quiet and planing-resistant. Many shooters call it the best-flying broadhead they've used, particularly at extended distances where it holds point of impact with field points.
What is the T-LOK system on the Shuttle T-Lock?
The T-LOK is Trophy Taker's patented No Lost Blades connection. It locks the Shuttle T-Lock's blades in place so securely that they hold through bone, concrete, and even metal in testing, and the head is often reusable after a miss.
Is the Trophy Taker Shuttle T-Lock hard to resharpen?
Yes. The heat-treated 416 stainless main blade is so tough that it's difficult to resharpen by hand, so most hunters replace blades instead. The bleeder blades come from the factory sharp. This toughness is a trade-off for the head's durability.
How does the Shuttle T-Lock compare to the QAD Exodus?
The Trophy Taker Shuttle T-Lock is prized for its flight and its T-LOK blade retention, while some reviewers rank the QAD Exodus as tougher overall. If flight and reusability after misses matter most, the Shuttle is the pick; for maximum bone-busting durability, the Exodus is a strong alternative.
Sources
Sentiment for this review was aggregated from independent tests, hunting forums and retailer reviews, including:
