Over the past decade or so, there has been an explosive growth in the crossbow industry. Honestly, I am not sure what contributed to the explosion. Currently, crossbows have full inclusion in gun seasons in 26 states and are legal during archery and firearms seasons, in some way, in 23 other states. Oregon is the only state that does not allow crossbow hunting at all.
Based on crossbow license sales in states that require them and data that includes animals killed with crossbows, along with other available data in states with full or partial inclusion or during firearms seasons, crossbows are definitely here to stay. Crossbows are more popular than ever and by all indications are becoming more so.
There are approximately 18 million Americans who participate in archery or bowhunting-of these a full 29 percent use crossbows. It is without a doubt the fastest growing segment of archery, accounting for almost 40% of all bow-related products.
In the world of crossbows, one brand stands above them all, TenPoint. TenPoint has long been considered the best of the best in the crossbow arena. Everyone else is trying to catch up to their designs, technology, and quality. 2018 proves that this will continue with the introduction of several new models, both in traditional limb forward designs and reverse limb designs.
Stealth NXT
For the traditional frame, the Stealth NXT changes the game, keeping the same TenPoint dedication to perfection and performance. The Stealth NXT is narrower than any other crossbow TenPoint has ever made. Measuring a diminutive 6 inches when cocked, the Stealth NXT, shooting a blistering410 fps and delivering 138 FP Kinetic energy while weighing only 7.3 pounds, carries better and handles better than any traditional frame bow available. This crossbow has it all.
The standard package includes the TenPoint RangeMaster Pro Scope mounted on a machined aluminum 7/8-inch Fixed Dovetail Mount. It features a choice of three cocking devices: wither the ACUdraw PRO, ACUdraw, or ACUdraw 50 SLED. Another feature is an ambidextrous side-mounted, quick-detach quiver filled with three Evo-X CenterPunch premium carbon arrows with 100-grain practice points and noise-dampening system.
The elite package comes with an upgraded EVO-X Marksman Scope, ACUDraw PRO cocking device, Quiver, Three EVO-X CenterPunch premium carbon arrows, and 100 grain field points. The noise-dampening system and a TenPoint hard case will protect your investment.
The Stealth NTX is a crossbow to be reckoned with and is certainly a crossbow for now and the future. I certainly see one of these in my future.
Nitro X
For those who prefer a reverse limb configuration, TenPoint also has you covered with the Nitro X. Featuring new SLING-SHOT and Vector Quad cable technologies, the reverse-draw Nitro X measures an ultra-narrow 7-inches wide and delivers devastating speed, up to 440 feet-per-second. Coming in at 7.8 pounds, it is on the heavy side, but the balance makes it feel much less. The entire crossbow measures only 30.7 inches and carries a 16.5 inch power-stroke, enabling the Nitro X to deliver a 425 grain arrow at 420 fps. The Nitro X also comes in the Elite package and will be available later in the spring.
The Nitro X is a well-balanced machine. The compact design makes this weapon easy to carry and handle from a treestand or from a ground blind. As more and more hunters are using ground blinds for success, the Nitro X is one to consider. This reverse limb design at seven-inches wide will work well in ground blinds designed for guns. Turkey hunters who prefer to run and gun can use this compact crossbow to get the job done.
Whether you are hunting in an elevated stand of the southeast, the open prairie, or the woodlots of the Midwest, a Nitro X will certainly hit the mark.
Crossbow enthusiasm is growing, and there is no end in sight. Anything that brings more people into the sport of archery is a good thing. If you have not tried shooting a crossbow, you should. It opens up a whole new world of excitement for hunters.
