LAST UPDATED: May 1st, 2015
Written by Bowhunting.com contributor Daniel James Hendricks.
The crossbow still remains the fastest growing segment of the hunting industry today. As more state legalize the crossbow for use during the entire archery season, Crossbow Manufacturers struggle to keep up with the growing demand.
At this year’s ATA show the long established companies unleashed a bevy of new models with faster speeds, more kinetic energy and updated technology making 2013 the most exciting year in crossbow history. Models for every possible need with an ever-wider variety of options insuring that whatever your circumstances, there is a crossbow out there that is just right for you.
A number of new companies hit the ATA scene for the first time ever, most being piloted by veteran crossbow makers that had worked many years at established cross manufacturers, but that are striking out on their own in an effort to introduce their own ideas to the crossbow hunting market. Modern crossbows are being built with better materials, contain state-of-the-art safety features and are being designed with a much wider variety of draw weights, sizes and accessory options, as well as consumer price range. There are far too many new crossbows to cover in just one article so we have settled for highlighting just one bow from each of the companies that caught our eye at this year’s ATA show.
Carbon Express Intercept
The Carbon Express Intercept has a draw weight of 185 lbs and launches an arrow at 360 fps. Its length can be adjusted from 30.25 to 36.75” and it is 17” wide when un-cocked and 13.5” when cocked. It weighs 8.3 lbs and has and Anti-Dry Fire trigger with a pull of 3.5 lbs and no creep. It has an Adjustable 8-position Picatinny stock rail, a 6-postion AR style, collapsible butt-stock and and adjustable 9” Picatinny Foregrip rail to accommodate any shooting style. Quick detach scope mounts on 15’ Picatinney top rail to insure proper eye relief.
The package includes folding ergonomic fore-grip, quick detach 3-arrow quiver which can be mounted on either side and a multi-reticle, illuminated scope. Also included are three Maxima Blue Streak arrows with field points, a cocking rope and rail lube. For more information about the entire fine line of crossbows from Carbon Express, go to: www.carbonexpressarrows.com or call 810-720-8792.
Mission Archery- MXB 360
The MXB-360™ combines tactical style with the stealthy performance of a compound bow to form a new class of crossbow. It’s surprisingly lightweight, balanced, and quiet — like no other crossbow in the field. All MXB-360s come assembled in their own custom soft case. Weighing in at a mere 6.55 pounds, the first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the MXB-360 is how incredibly light and balanced it feels compared to other crossbows on the market.
In addition to the “less-is-more” design of the rail, one of the unique features of this crossbow is the riser, which doubles as a foot hold and eliminates the extra bulk of a stirrup (patents pending). As the name suggests, the MXB-360 cam system produces amazing speeds up to 360 fps. That’s more than enough force to take down big game, and yet it draws butter smooth with just a 14 inch power stroke. By simply adjusting the limb bolts, you can change the draw weight from 160 to 100 lbs. This same system also allows you to change strings and cables without using a bowpress! For more info visit www.missionarchery.com.
Arrow Precision, LLC – Inferno Firestorm II Package
The Arrow Precision Firestorm II has a 165 pound draw weight and launches arrows at up to 375 fps depending upon arrow weight. Its length is 40.5” and is 25.6” wide weighing in at 8 lbs with a 14.2” power stroke. It has a 2.4 lb trigger pull with ambidextrous manual safety catch, comes with Innovational Compression Molded Limbs and has an extruded & machined Aluminum track/barrel.
The riser is constructed of CNC machined, Aircraft Grade Aluminum. The Firestorm II is cloaked in Next Vista Soft Touch Camouflage. The package includes 4×32 Multi-Reticle Illuminated scope, rope cocking device, Quick Detach Quiver with 4 Carbon 20” arrows. It includes padded sling, Eye protection and Assembly tools. For more details about the Firestorm II package and all of the other Arrow Precision crossbows go to: http://www.arrow-precision.com or call 610-437-7138.
Barnett Crossbows – Recruit
The Barnett Recruit Compound Crossbow has a draw weight of 140 lbs and launches an arrow at 300 fps. It measures 33.25 inches long, 16” wide and weight just six pounds with a 12” power stroke. It has a Metal Injected Molded Trigger with an Anti Dry Fire trigger system. The Recruit is constructed with a light weight composite, has an adjustable butt stock and an anti-vibration foot stirrup.
It comes with interchangeable grips and has a pass thru fore grip with finger guards for additional safety. It is powered by Crosswire string and Cable System and can be used with integrated crank cocking device. The package comes with a Premium Red Dot Scope, a 3-arrow quiver and three 20” Headhunter arrows. For more information about Barnett’s entire fine line of crossbows go to: http://www.barnettcrossbows.com or call 800-237-4507.
CAMX Chaos 350
The CAMX Chaos has a 175 lb draw weight and launches arrows at 325 fps. It is 35.5” long, 24.5” wide uncocked, 22.” cocked and weighs 8.5 lbs with all accessories.
It has a 12.25” power stroke with a 3.5 lb trigger pull. The package includes a 4×32 Aero crossbow scope w/rings, Wish Bone 4 arrow crossbow quiver, six ACCUSPINE arrows, Lo Ready crossbow sling, EZ Roller Rope Cocker and CAMX lifetime warranty. For more information about the CAMX Crossbow go to: www.camxcrossbows.com or call 330-697-3446.
Darton Archery Viper SS Xtreme
The Darton Archery Viper SS Xtreme has a draw weight of 180 lbs and launches an arrow at approximately 360 fps. It is 35.5” inches long and 17” wide. It weighs 8.4 lbs, has a 13.5” power stroke and a 3 lb trigger pull. Key features include a new Trackless Trigger Barrel Design to improve accuracy.
It has a newly designed Anti Dry Fire Safety with less trigger travel. It has patented string catch designed for better release and greater accuracy. It is equipped with integrated riser/string suppressor system and Barrel Dampener to reduce noise and vibration. It comes standard with an ambidextrous safety and Multi-reticle scope. For more information about complete line of Darton crossbows go to: www.dartonarchery.com or call 989-728-4314.
Excalibur Matrix 380 Blackout
The Excalibur Matrix 380 Blackout has 260 lb draw weight and launches an arrow at approximately 380 fps. It is 35.62” long, 30.62” wide when uncocked and 25.75” wide when cocked. It weighs 5.9 lbs and has a 13.12 power stroke. Standard features include PowerLoad limbs, Quad-Lock riser, and Ergo-Grip stock.
It has the Guardian Anti Dry-Fire System and a Recoil Energy Dissipation System. Other features include a Matrix string, Tact-Zone Scope and 4-arrow quiver with 4-150 grain tipped Diablo arrows. It also has a cheek piece and comes standard with a cocking rope.
For more information about complete line of Excalibur crossbows go to: www.excaliburcrossbow.com or call 800-463-1817.
Horton Archery LLC Havoc 150
The Horton Havoc has a 150 lb draw weight and launches a 175” arrow at 300 fps. It is 33” long and 15” uncocked, 8 5/8” cocked and weighs 8.3 lbs. It has a 13” power stroke and features a CNC machined riser, cams, Picatinny rail sight bridge with anti dry-fire mechanism.
It has a spring loaded ball dent arrow retention system, composite limbs and ergonomic stock with interchangeable recoil pad option. It accommodates EXC5 dove tail cocking mechanism and ambidextrous Mote Carlo cheek rest. Package includes RDT cocking sled and 4X32 Mult-A-Range scope. For more information about Horton entire line of crossbows go to: www.hortonarchery.com or call 800-291-3649.
Parker Crossbows StingRay
The Parker StingRay has a 100 to 125 lb draw weight and a 10.5” power stroke. It is 32.5” long, 23” wide and weight 7.5”. It has a G2 Bull-PupTrigger, Auto-engage, Ambidextrous Safety and an Auto-engage Anti Dry-fire Mechanism. The barrel is constructed of Machined Aluminum and the riser is made with Ballistic Polymer.
The Stingray comes standard with the AMS Retriever Pro Bowfishing Reel (Right Side Crank) with 200 feet of Hi-Vis Braided Dacron Line and 2 AMS Safety Slide Kits. It is available with either open sights or 1X Illuminated Multi-Reticle Scope. For more information about Horton entire line of crossbows go to: www.parkerbows.com or call 540-337-5426.
SA Sports, LLC Ripper
The SA Ripper has a 185 lb draw weight and launches an arrow at approximately 340 fps. It is 38” long and 28” wide. It weighs 7.75 lbs and has a 13.5” power stroke. Standard features include limbs of Compression Fiberglass, Exturded and Machined Aluminum Track and a CNC Machined Aluminum Riser.
Fully Dipped Camo adorns the body which also includes a Lightweight Skeletal Rear Stock and a Large Boot Style Foot Stirrup. It has an Anti Dry Fire, Ambidextrous Safety and comes with 4×32 Multi Reticle Scope, Rope Cocking Device, padded sling and Assembly Tools/Hex Keys. Also included is a Quick Detach Quiver with 4-Carbon arrows. For more information about complete line of SA crossbows go to: www.sa-sports.com or call 484-294-2257.
Scorpyd Crossbows Velocity
The Scorpyd Velocity comes in three draw weights of 165lbs, 150 lbs and 125 lbs with respective arrow speeds of 425 fps, 400 fps and 370 fps. It is 37.5” long, 22” wide uncocked and 15.5” cocked and weighs 8.5 lbs. It has It has a mere 2.5 lb trigger pull and comes standard with a 1.5×5 SR Variable Speed Scope.
Standard features include the Kempf Tech Trigger Assembly, Anti Dry Fire, Manual Safety, Forged Riser and Barnsdale Laminated Limbs. The Velocity has Titanium Fasteners, Folding Stock as well as Vented Barrel and Stock with MIL Spec. Type II Anodizing and comes with arrows, quiver and cocking rope. For more information about complete line of Scorpyd crossbows go to: www.scorpyd.com or call 319-331-4700.
TenPoint Crossbow Technology Carbon XTRA CLS
The TenPoint Carbon XTRA CLS has a 185 lb draw weight and launches an arrow at 364 fps with a 370 grain arrow. It is 38.8” long, 20.5” wide when uncocked, 16.9” wide when cocked and weighs 7.8 lbs without accessories. It has a 13” power stroke, a 3 lb trigger pull and a Rangemaster Pro speed adjustable scope.
Standard features includes a choice of either ACUdraw or ACUdraw 50, Instant Detach 3-Arrow Quiver with a 6-pack of TenPoint Elite carbon fiber arrows w/field tips and six with NAP Spitfire 100 grain Broadheads and Tracer Nocks. The Carbon XTRA CLS also comes with TenPoint airline approved, Compact Travel and Storage Case; Deluxe Soft Crossbow Case and TenPoints Exclusive Bowjax Crossbow Noise Dampening Kit. For more information about TenPoint crossbows go to: www.tenpointcrossbows.com or call 330-628-9245.
Velocity Archery, Inc Armageddon
The Velocity Archery Armageddon has a 175 lb draw weight and launches an arrow at up to 350 fps. It is 35” long, 23.5” wide and weighs 7.8 lbs.
It has a 14.5” power stroke and a trigger pull of 4 lbs. Standard equipment is a Combat Black finish, 4×32 R/G Dot Scope, Quiver with 3-Inflix 20” carbon arrow, cocking rope, padded sling and rail lube. For more information about the entire line of Velocity Crossbows go to: www.velocityarchery.com or call270-231-2911.
