Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades Review

Full Disclosure: Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades

As an experienced gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of putting tools through their paces in environments ranging from meticulous workshops and sterile labs to rugged outdoor expeditions and demanding field applications, I approach any new piece of equipment with a critical yet practical eye. When the need arose to replace worn components on my trusted Slick Trick broadheads, I found myself examining the Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades. These are, as the name suggests, replacement blades specifically designed for the ViperTrick 100 and 125-grain heads. The immediate appeal was the promise of restoring peak performance to a system I already relied on, without the expense of entirely new broadheads. My previous set had seen significant use, and a few blades had dulled or even sustained minor damage during a particularly challenging hunting season. I briefly considered generic universal replacement blades, but the precision engineering of the original equipment always wins out for me, ensuring proper fit and optimal flight dynamics. My first impression upon holding these silver blades was one of sharp, focused intent; they felt precisely machined and ready for duty, offering a welcome sense of renewed confidence in my archery setup.

Real-World Testing: Putting Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of these replacement blades occurred right on my workbench, meticulously disassembling my existing ViperTrick broadheads. The process of swapping out the old, slightly dulled blades for these fresh Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades was straightforward. I was particularly interested in how well they would seat and align within the broadhead ferrule, as even a slight misalignment can impact flight. After reassembling the broadheads, I headed to my local archery range for a series of test shots. I wanted to see if there was any noticeable difference in flight or impact performance compared to when the broadheads were new.

The conditions were ideal: a calm afternoon with good lighting, allowing for precise observation. I fired several arrows fletched identically to my hunting arrows, aiming at a high-quality archery target at 20, 30, and 40 yards. The ease of use was immediately apparent; the blades slid into place with satisfying precision, and the retaining clips engaged securely. There were no surprises or quirks to report; the installation was as intuitive as expected for a purpose-built replacement part.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several more practice sessions and, importantly, during a recent hunting trip, these blades have proven their worth. Their reliability has been consistently high, maintaining their razor-sharp edge through multiple impacts into practice targets and even a successful harvest. I’ve kept them on the same broadheads I used for a full season prior to replacement, which had already experienced significant use.

Durability has been impressive. Despite a few hard hits on dense bone during the hunt, the blades have held their integrity without bending or chipping. There are no signs of premature wear, cracks, or stiffness, and performance has remained consistently sharp. Maintenance has been minimal, which is exactly what you want from a component like this. After field use, a quick wipe-down and careful reassembly into the broadhead ferrule is all that’s needed. Storing them in their original packaging until needed for future broadhead maintenance is also a simple affair.

Compared to my previous experiences with generic replacement blades, which sometimes required careful filing or shimming to achieve proper fit, these Slick Tricks perform exceptionally. They maintain the high standards set by the original equipment, ensuring that my broadheads function as intended without compromise. This consistency is paramount for archery hunting, where every detail matters.

Breaking Down the Features of Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades

Specifications

The Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades are presented as a pack of four, ensuring you have spares readily available. They are specifically designed for the Slick Trick ViperTrick 100 and 125-grain heads. The blades themselves are a silver color, which is a common and practical finish for cutting tools, offering good corrosion resistance.

Crucially, these blades are designed to match the original weight of the broadheads they are intended for, meaning a pack of 125-grain replacement blades will allow you to restore the original 125 grain weight to your ViperTrick heads. This specification is critical for maintaining consistent arrow flight and ballistic performance. When selecting replacement blades, ensuring they match the original weight is paramount; deviating from this can significantly alter the arrow’s trajectory, making it difficult to achieve accurate shots. The fact that Slick Trick offers these in specific grain weights for their popular models directly addresses this need, simplifying the process for hunters and archers.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of their primary job – cutting – these replacement blades perform exceptionally well. They are designed to be incredibly sharp right out of the package, and their field sharpness is maintained through repeated use on appropriate targets. The cutting diameter and blade angle are engineered to work in conjunction with the ViperTrick ferrule, creating a devastating wound channel.

The main strength of these blades lies in their ability to restore lost sharpness and cutting efficiency to an already proven broadhead design. When installed correctly, they offer the same cutting performance as the original blades, which is consistently excellent. There are no inherent weaknesses to speak of, assuming they are installed properly in their intended broadhead. They meet and exceed expectations for replacement blades, particularly when one considers the cost-effectiveness compared to buying new broadheads.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades is focused on function and precision. The materials used are clearly high-quality steel, sharpened to an exceptional degree. They feel sturdy and robust, with no hint of fragility.

Ergonomically, these are not components you interact with directly in terms of holding or manipulating for extended periods. However, their design facilitates easy and secure installation into the ViperTrick broadhead ferrule. The blade shape and the retainer clip system are well-executed, ensuring they stay put during flight and impact. The silver finish, while aesthetic, also contributes to a clean and professional appearance for the reconditioned broadhead.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their intended use, the durability of these blades is rated for repeated engagements with targets and, ideally, game. Under normal practice conditions, they can last for many shots before significant dulling occurs. In a hunting scenario, the expectation is typically a single-use application for optimal effectiveness, though they can often be resharpened for further practice.

Maintenance is straightforward. After use, it’s recommended to clean them carefully to prevent corrosion, especially if they have been exposed to moisture or blood. Reassembly into the broadhead is simple, and they store well in their original packaging. Potential concerns might arise if one attempts to resharpen them beyond their designed limits, which could compromise the heat treatment and thus their edge retention.

Accessories and Customization Options

These Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades are, in essence, a replacement part rather than a system that comes with accessories. They are designed to fit into the existing Slick Trick ViperTrick broadhead system. There are no additional customization options directly related to the blades themselves; their purpose is to restore the original cutting capability.

The primary “accessory” they enable is the extended life and performance of your existing ViperTrick broadheads. This inherent function makes them invaluable for archers looking to maintain their gear without incurring the full cost of new broadheads. Compatibility is, by design, exclusive to the specified ViperTrick models, ensuring a perfect fit and function.

Pros and Cons of Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades

Who Should Buy Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades?

The Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades are ideal for any serious archer or hunter who currently uses or has previously invested in Slick Trick ViperTrick 100 or 125-grain broadheads. If you find your current broadheads have dulled blades from practice or hunting, these replacement blades are an excellent option to bring them back to peak performance without the expense of purchasing entirely new broadheads. They are perfect for those who understand the importance of maintaining sharp equipment for ethical hunting and consistent archery practice.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who do not own ViperTrick broadheads or are looking for universal replacement blades for various broadhead brands. Additionally, if you are new to archery and haven’t yet invested in a specific broadhead system, it might be more practical to purchase complete new broadheads until you settle on a preferred model. For those who do purchase them, having a good pair of pliers or a broadhead wrench can be helpful for disassembly and reassembly, though not strictly necessary if you are careful.

Conclusion on Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades

The Slick Trick Viper Trick Extra Blades are a testament to smart product design and customer-focused solutions. For an investment of $35.49, you get a pack of four replacement blades that effectively restore the cutting power and flight characteristics of your existing Slick Trick ViperTrick broadheads. This offers significant value, allowing you to extend the life of a high-quality piece of archery equipment. They perform exactly as advertised, providing that razor-sharp edge needed for effective hunting and consistent practice.

Based on my extensive experience with gear, I would absolutely recommend these replacement blades to any archer who relies on Slick Trick ViperTrick broadheads. They are a practical, effective, and economical choice for maintaining peak performance. If you’ve got a set of ViperTricks that have seen better days, picking up a pack of these blades is a no-brainer and will have you back in the game with confidence.