Mechanical blade broadheads are characterized by which of the following?

The characteristic that defines mechanical blade broadheads is that the blades retract before impact. This design allows the broadhead to fly without resistance from the blades, reducing drag and enabling more accurate shots. Upon impact with the target, the blades then deploy, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the likelihood of an effective hunt.

This feature is particularly advantageous as it minimizes the chance of damaging the blades during flight, which can occur if they are constantly exposed. Additionally, mechanical broadheads are designed with moving parts that only activate upon impact, distinguishing them from fixed-blade broadheads which have exposed cutting edges throughout their flight path. The simple design without moving parts is characteristic of fixed-blade broadheads, further highlighting the unique mechanics of mechanical broadhead designs.