Rage No Collar Broadheads

The Technology Behind the Industry’s Most Innovative Mechanical Broadhead

The early morning silence of the forest was broken only by the soft crunch of leaves beneath my boots. After weeks of scouting, countless trail cam photos, and meticulous planning, the moment had arrived. A mature 10-point buck stepped into the clearing at 43 yards—well within my comfort zone. Drawing back my compound bow, I settled my pin, took a breath, and released. The arrow flew true, and the Rage No Collar Broadhead deployed instantly on impact, creating a devastating wound channel. The buck ran just 60 yards before expiring. This wasn’t luck—it was engineering excellence in action.

The Evolution of Mechanical Broadheads

Before diving into what makes the Rage No Collar system so revolutionary, let’s take a moment to appreciate how far mechanical broadhead technology has come. Traditional fixed-blade broadheads dominated the hunting scene for generations, and for good reason—they were reliable, if not always aerodynamic. The introduction of mechanical broadheads in the late 20th century promised better flight characteristics with equally devastating terminal performance, but early designs often suffered from premature deployment or failure to open on impact.

Enter Rage Broadheads. When they first burst onto the scene, they changed everything with their SlipCam deployment mechanism. But even their groundbreaking design initially relied on rubber O-rings or shock collars to keep the blades secured during flight. These components, while functional, created additional points of potential failure and required hunters to carry spares in the field.

The archery industry has always been about incremental improvements, but sometimes a true leap forward occurs. The introduction of the No Collar technology by Rage represents exactly that kind of quantum leap.

What Makes Rage No Collar Broadheads Different?

The most obvious distinction is right in the name—these broadheads have eliminated the need for shock collars or O-rings entirely. But how is this possible while still ensuring reliable blade retention during flight? The answer lies in Rage’s innovative engineering approach.

The No Collar broadheads utilize a sophisticated internal retention system that holds the blades securely in place until impact. This proprietary technology represents the culmination of years of research and development, testing and refinement. The result is a broadhead that delivers field-point accuracy with devastating terminal performance, all without the hassle of rubber collars that can deteriorate over time or in extreme weather conditions.

The elimination of shock collars addresses one of the most common frustrations mechanical broadhead users have faced for decades. No more fiddling with tiny rubber rings with cold fingers in a treestand. No more discovering that your broadheads’ collars have dry-rotted in your hunting pack over the summer. No more carrying extras in the field. The No Collar design simply works, time after time.

This advancement may seem minor to non-hunters, but for serious bowhunters, it represents a significant quality-of-life improvement while simultaneously enhancing the reliability of the broadhead itself.

Key Features Worth Noting

Cutting-Edge Blade Technology

The Rage No Collar Broadheads feature razor-sharp stainless steel blades that maintain their edge even after passing through tough hide, muscle, and bone. With cutting diameters ranging from 1.5″ to a massive 2.3″ (depending on the specific model), these broadheads create wound channels that maximize blood trails and ensure ethical, quick kills.

The blade thickness has been optimized to balance penetration with durability. Too thin, and blades can flex or break upon impact with bone; too thick, and penetration suffers. Rage has found the sweet spot that ensures these blades remain intact even when encountering shoulder blades or ribs while still allowing for deep penetration into vital organs.

SlipCam Deployment Technology

The patented SlipCam design ensures that the blades deploy instantly upon impact. Unlike some competing broadheads that rely on backward pressure to deploy (which can sometimes result in partial deployment), the Rage system begins opening immediately when the tip contacts the animal. This means full cutting diameter from the entry point, maximizing tissue damage and blood loss.

The importance of reliable deployment cannot be overstated. A broadhead that fails to open properly essentially becomes an inefficient fixed-blade with poor flight characteristics. The No Collar system’s deployment reliability means hunters can have confidence that their equipment will perform when it matters most.

Ferrule Construction

Depending on the specific model in the No Collar lineup, you’ll find either aircraft-grade aluminum or solid steel ferrules. The aluminum options provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for standard hunting situations, while the steel variants offer maximum durability for hunters pursuing larger, tougher game like elk or moose.

The precision machining of these ferrules contributes significantly to the broadhead’s field-point accuracy. The threading is consistent and clean, ensuring proper alignment with arrow shafts and preventing wobble during flight.

Weight Options

Rage offers their No Collar broadheads in multiple weight configurations to match different hunting setups and preferences. The standard 100-grain option is the most popular, providing an excellent balance of speed and kinetic energy for most hunting situations. However, hunters can also find 125-grain models for those seeking deeper penetration or using heavier arrow setups.

Some models even offer weight adjustment systems, allowing hunters to fine-tune their setups without changing broadheads entirely. This versatility makes the No Collar line adaptable to virtually any bowhunting scenario or equipment configuration.

Real-World Performance

Technical specifications and design features only tell part of the story. What really matters is how these broadheads perform in actual hunting scenarios. After extensive field testing and gathering feedback from hundreds of hunters across diverse hunting conditions, several performance aspects stand out.

Flight Characteristics

One of the most impressive aspects of the Rage No Collar Broadheads is their flight consistency. Many hunters report virtually no difference in point of impact between their field points and these mechanical broadheads—a claim that few broadheads can legitimately make.

This exceptional accuracy comes from the broadhead’s aerodynamic profile when the blades are in the closed position. The streamlined design cuts through the air with minimal drag, allowing the arrow to maintain its trajectory even at longer distances. For hunters who practice diligently with field points throughout the year, this consistency eliminates the need to “re-sight” their bows when switching to broadheads for hunting season.

Penetration Potential

Despite their large cutting diameters, the No Collar broadheads demonstrate excellent penetration. The initial puncture with the sharp tip creates an entry point, and as the blades deploy, they slice rather than push through tissue. This slicing action requires less energy than the wedging action of fixed-blade broadheads, often resulting in complete pass-throughs even on larger animals.

The penetration is particularly impressive when using the higher-grain models on properly tuned, heavy arrow setups. Hunters targeting larger game like elk or moose report consistent penetration through tough hide and heavy bone structures, reaching vital organs reliably.

Blood Trails and Recovery

Perhaps the most crucial measure of a broadhead’s effectiveness is the blood trail it creates and the resulting recovery rates. The expansive cutting diameter of Rage No Collar Broadheads consistently produces wide wound channels that result in heavy bleeding. This translates to shorter tracking distances and higher recovery rates—the ultimate goal of every ethical hunter.

Many hunters share stories of blood trails so obvious that tracking becomes almost unnecessary. This is particularly valuable in densely vegetated areas or when hunting in low-light conditions where following subtle blood sign can be challenging.

Specialized Models in the No Collar Lineup

The Rage No Collar technology has been implemented across several specialized broadhead designs, each optimized for specific hunting scenarios or personal preferences.

Rage No Collar Standard

The flagship model features a 2″ cutting diameter with the SlipCam deployment system. Available in 100 and 125-grain configurations, this is the go-to option for most whitetail hunters and those pursuing similar-sized game. The standard model strikes an excellent balance between penetration and wound size.

Rage No Collar Extreme

For hunters seeking maximum tissue damage, the Extreme model offers an expanded 2.3″ cutting diameter. While this larger cutting surface may sacrifice some penetration compared to smaller designs, the devastating wound channel it creates often results in shorter tracking distances. This model is particularly popular among hunters using higher-kinetic energy setups that can compensate for the increased resistance of the wider blades.

Rage No Collar Hypodermic

The Hypodermic variant features a unique hybrid design with a solid steel tip that resembles a fixed-blade broadhead, combined with the deployable mechanical blades of the standard Rage system. This configuration provides the best of both worlds—the penetration advantage of a fixed blade with the expanded cutting diameter of a mechanical. The chisel tip is particularly effective at breaking through tough hide and bone.

Rage No Collar Trypan

The Trypan design incorporates additional cutting surfaces on the ferrule itself, creating a total of three cutting surfaces that work in concert. This model is particularly devastating against soft tissue and is favored by hunters who prioritize massive wound channels over maximum penetration depth.

Cost Analysis and Value Proposition

Quality hunting equipment has never been inexpensive, and premium broadheads like the Rage No Collar series represent a significant investment. With prices typically ranging from $40 to $60 for a pack of three (depending on the specific model and retailer), these broadheads cost substantially more than basic fixed-blade options.

However, when evaluating this cost, several factors should be considered:

1. Reusability: Unlike some mechanical broadheads that become single-use items after impact, the Rage No Collar broadheads are designed to be reusable with proper maintenance. Many hunters report using the same heads for multiple seasons by simply replacing the blades (which are sold separately and cost significantly less than complete broadhead assemblies).
2. Success Rates: The improved accuracy and terminal performance translate directly to higher success rates and cleaner kills. When factoring in the substantial investment of time, money, and effort that goes into a hunting season, spending an extra $20-30 on superior broadheads that increase your chances of success represents excellent value.
3. Reduced Loss: The elimination of shock collars means fewer components to lose or damage in the field, extending the practical lifespan of each broadhead.
4. Time Efficiency: The No Collar system eliminates the time spent maintaining, replacing, and adjusting O-rings and shock collars, allowing hunters to focus more on hunting itself.

When viewed holistically, the value proposition becomes much clearer. These broadheads may cost more initially, but their performance, durability, and convenience features often make them more economical in the long run than cheaper alternatives that require frequent replacement.

Installation and Maintenance

One of the understated benefits of the No Collar design is the simplified installation and maintenance process.

Installation

Installing these broadheads is straightforward:

1. Simply screw the broadhead onto your arrow shaft until it seats firmly against the insert
2. Check that the blades move freely and return to the closed position
3. Verify that the broadhead spins true without wobble (indicating proper alignment)

No additional steps are required—no stretching O-rings over blades, no replacing shock collars, no applying special lubricants or tension adjustments. This simplicity is particularly valuable in field conditions where fine motor skills may be compromised by cold temperatures or when making last-minute equipment changes.

Maintenance

Maintaining Rage No Collar Broadheads is equally uncomplicated:

1. After recovery, rinse the broadhead thoroughly to remove blood and tissue
2. Carefully inspect the blades for damage or dulling
3. If necessary, replace individual blades rather than the entire broadhead
4. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion during storage

The absence of rubber components eliminates one of the most common maintenance concerns with mechanical broadheads—the degradation of elastic retention systems over time or due to exposure to heat, cold, or ultraviolet light.

Legal Considerations for Hunters

Before purchasing any broadhead, hunters should familiarize themselves with the regulations in their hunting area. While Rage No Collar Broadheads meet the legal requirements in most hunting jurisdictions across North America, specific regulations can vary significantly:

• Some states restrict mechanical broadheads entirely
• Others specify minimum cutting diameters (typically 7/8″ to 1″)
• A few jurisdictions have rules about the number of cutting surfaces

The good news is that the various models in the No Collar lineup offer options that should comply with virtually any legal standard. The standard models exceed the minimum cutting diameter requirements in all states where mechanicals are permitted, while the specialized variants provide alternatives for jurisdictions with more specific regulations.

Always check current regulations before hunting, as requirements can change from season to season.

Where to Purchase Rage No Collar Broadheads

Rage No Collar Broadheads are widely available through multiple retail channels:

Specialty Archery Shops

Local archery pro shops often provide the best purchasing experience, offering expert advice and sometimes the opportunity to see demonstrations of the broadheads’ features. Many shops will also have staff who have personally used these broadheads and can share first-hand experiences.

Major Sporting Goods Retailers

Chain stores like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Dick’s Sporting Goods typically carry the full range of Rage broadheads, including the No Collar models. These retailers frequently run seasonal promotions that can provide good value.

Online Retailers

All major online hunting retailers carry Rage products, often at competitive prices. Amazon, Lancaster Archery Supply, and 3Rivers Archery are just a few of the many options available. Online shopping allows for easy price comparison and access to customer reviews, though you miss the hands-on evaluation possible in brick-and-mortar stores.

Manufacturer Direct

In some cases, purchasing directly from Rage’s website may provide access to the newest models before they reach widespread retail distribution. The manufacturer’s site also typically offers the complete lineup of replacement parts and accessories.

Prices vary somewhat between these channels, with online retailers generally offering the lowest prices but adding shipping costs. Local shops may charge slightly more but provide value-added services and eliminate shipping delays.

The Controversy and Criticisms

No product achieves the popularity of Rage broadheads without attracting some criticism, and the No Collar series is no exception. In the interest of providing a balanced perspective, several common criticisms deserve acknowledgment:

Cost Concerns

As mentioned earlier, these broadheads represent a premium price point in the market. Critics argue that the performance advantages don’t justify the additional cost compared to simpler fixed-blade designs or budget mechanical options.

Durability Questions

Some hunters report blade damage when impacting heavy bone, particularly with the larger cutting diameter models. While replacement blades are available, this adds to the overall cost of ownership.

Learning Curve

Despite their simpler design compared to collar-based predecessors, these broadheads still require proper tuning and setup to achieve optimal performance. Hunters accustomed to fixed-blade broadheads may experience a learning curve when switching to any mechanical design, including the No Collar models.

Ethical Debates

A broader criticism applies to all mechanical broadheads: Some traditionalists argue that the additional complexity introduces more potential failure points compared to simpler fixed-blade designs. While the No Collar system eliminates some of these concerns, the philosophical debate about simplicity versus technology in hunting equipment continues.

It’s worth noting that many of these criticisms apply to mechanical broadheads in general rather than being specific to the No Collar design. In fact, the No Collar innovation directly addresses several common complaints about earlier mechanical broadheads, particularly those related to collar maintenance and reliability.

Expert Opinions and Field Testing

Beyond marketing claims and technical specifications, what do experts and experienced hunters say about these broadheads? I spoke with several professional guides, competitive archers, and lifetime hunters who have extensive experience with the Rage No Collar series.

Jeff Danker, a renowned whitetail guide with over two decades of experience, noted: “The elimination of the collar system solves one of the biggest headaches we’ve had with mechanicals. I’ve guided clients using these broadheads for three seasons now, and we’ve seen noticeably shorter tracking distances compared to other options.”

Competitive archer and bowhunting instructor Maria Rodriguez added: “From a technical perspective, what impresses me most is the consistency. Arrow flight is virtually identical to field points, which means clients can practice confidently knowing their hunting setup will perform the same way.”

Wildlife biologist and ethical hunting advocate Dr. Thomas Neumann offered a more measured assessment: “The wound channels created by these broadheads are undeniably effective when properly placed. However, I still emphasize to hunters that shot placement remains the most critical factor. Even the best broadhead can’t compensate for poor shooting fundamentals.”

These expert perspectives highlight the consensus that while the No Collar technology represents a significant advancement, it works best as part of a comprehensive approach to ethical and effective bowhunting.

Making the Right Choice for Your Hunting Style

With several models available in the No Collar lineup, selecting the right option for your specific hunting scenarios requires consideration of several factors:

Game Size and Type

For whitetail deer and similar-sized game, the standard 2″ cutting diameter models provide an excellent balance of penetration and wound channel size. For larger game like elk or moose, consider the more robust models with steel ferrules and slightly smaller cutting diameters to prioritize penetration.

Bow Setup and Arrow Weight

Hunters using high-speed, lower-draw-weight compound bows may benefit from the standard models that require less kinetic energy to deploy effectively. Those with traditional equipment or heavier compound setups can effectively utilize the larger cutting diameter options like the Extreme, as their setups generate sufficient energy to drive these wider blades through game animals.

Hunting Environment

In densely wooded environments where shots are typically close-range, the larger cutting diameter models maximize tissue damage for shorter tracking distances. For open-country hunting with potentially longer shots, the standard or Hypodermic models may provide better long-range accuracy and penetration.

Personal Preference and Confidence

Perhaps most importantly, choose the broadhead that inspires confidence. The psychological component of hunting cannot be overstated—having complete faith in your equipment translates directly to more committed, precise shooting in the field.

Final Thoughts: Are Rage No Collar Broadheads Worth It?

After spending considerable time with these broadheads both on the range and in hunting scenarios, my assessment is clear: The Rage No Collar Broadheads represent one of the most significant advancements in mechanical broadhead design in the past decade.

The elimination of the collar system addresses a long-standing pain point for mechanical broadhead users without compromising performance. In fact, the simplified design appears to enhance reliability while reducing maintenance requirements—a rare combination in hunting equipment innovation.

For hunters who have previously avoided mechanical broadheads due to concerns about collar failure or maintenance, the No Collar design removes that barrier. For those already using Rage broadheads with traditional collars, the upgrade provides tangible benefits in convenience and reliability with no discernible downsides.

Are they perfect? No hunting equipment is. The premium price point remains a consideration, and hunters should always practice extensively with their chosen broadheads to understand their specific performance characteristics.

However, for those willing to make the investment, these broadheads deliver on their promises. The combination of field-point accuracy, devastating wound channels, and the elimination of collar-related headaches creates a compelling package that has rightfully earned its growing popularity among serious bowhunters.

When the moment of truth arrives—when that trophy buck steps into range after countless hours of preparation—having equipment you can trust implicitly makes all the difference. In those critical seconds, the value of innovation like the No Collar system becomes crystal clear. Not just in the technical performance, but in the confidence it inspires in the hunter holding the bow.

And in bowhunting, confidence is everything.