One-shot zeroing PLUS 100-yard accuracy? TenPoint’s new Turbo X crossbow with Vision digital scope sets a new threshold for affordable crossbow technology.
by Rob Reaser
Last year, we had the opportunity to test TenPoint’s Turbo X crossbow. There were a couple of factors involved that piqued our interest and demanded investment in a long day on the range.
First was all the buzz about how accurate this crossbow was supposed to be. Our thought was to set up a target at 50 yards (that’s about 10 yards farther than we would ever take a shot at a deer with a crossbow) and see what kind of group size we could get with five arrows. The Turbo X, it turned out, performed spectacularly, turning in a remarkable 0.895 inches. That kind of accuracy you can take to the bank.
Second, and perhaps more remarkable, is that the Turbo X — bearing the heft of TenPoint’s notable crossbow technology features — boasts an MSRP of $1,349.99. That is at the low end of the TenPoint price scale.
So, for all these reasons, we couldn’t help but give the Turbo X a hearty endorsement for anyone looking to step into or step up their crossbow hunting game.
Turbo X Revisited
You would think that would be ’nuff said regarding the Turbo X.
Well…this year TenPoint teased us again with the Turbo X, and like a 10-pound largemouth eyeing a crippled shiner, we couldn’t help but take the bait.
Enter the Turbo X Vision.
The Turbo X Vision is the exact same crossbow model as the original Turbo X. The difference is that instead of coming from the factory with the Rangemaster 100 optical scope, this model includes the Vision HD 3-12X digital laser rangefinding scope.
Well now…this was a first for me. Why a digital scope instead of an optical unit?
Just to clarify before we go any further, a digital scope utilizes an LED display screen for downrange viewing. You’re looking at a digital rendering of what is in front of you, not the real thing as you would with a traditional optical scope like TenPoint’s Rangemaster 100 or even the Garmin Xero X1i or the Burris Oracle X (both of which TenPoint offers as a package on select models).
So why digital?
It makes way for options — one of which you may already have figured out if you are familiar with using thermal optics on your long guns: freeze-frame zeroing.
Enter the One-Shot Zero
Digital scopes like the Vision HD, or every thermal optic I’ve used, leverage the scope’s digital imaging power to significantly shorten the distance to zero. By shortening the distance, I mean that one shot is, theoretically and practically, all it takes to put that second arrow square into the bullseye. Here’s how it works.
The Vision HD scope comes from the factory pre-calibrated to hit a standard-size block-style target face at 30 yards. Thirty yards is the distance at which the zeroing is made.
Begin by selecting your TenPoint crossbow in the scope’s ballistic profile menu. There are five profiles covering 12 crossbow models. All of these are based on the factory’s speed rating for each bow.
With the target set at 30 yards, use the scope’s built-in rangefinder to range the shot and center the reticle on the bullseye. Here, you can see that the point-of-impact for this initial shot was slightly low and to the right of the point-of-aim.
In the zeroing menu, return the reticle to the point-of-aim and “freeze” the image.
Again, through the zeroing menu, adjust the X and Y axis of the reticle via the buttons located on top of the scope until the reticle is centered on the arrow’s point-of-impact and save.
That’s it. That’s all there is to zeroing the crossbow when using the Vision HD scope. You will, of course, want to verify that your point-of-aim and point-of-impact correspond by taking a second shot.
Here, my verification shot was right on the money.
Zeroing a crossbow has never been easier or quicker.
Now, assuming all things are as they should be — meaning the crossbow launches arrows at the speed specified in the ballistic profile for the recommended arrow weight — you should, in theory, be able to shoot at longer distances and be on target.
After zeroing, I moved my target to 60 yards, ranged the distance for the scope’s internal ballistic calculator, and pulled the trigger. The arrow’s impact point shifted maybe half an inch. That means that for typical crossbow hunting distances (40 yards and under) any point-of-impact shift + or – the zeroed distance of 30 yards will be inconsequential.
When I jumped to 100 yards, though, the impact was significantly low and right. To get on target, additional refinement of the zero would be necessary. Then again, you aren’t going to take such long pokes at critters with a crossbow if you are an ethical hunter. But if you want to shoot at such distances just for fun, then zero refinement will probably be necessary.
But What About “Way Out There?”
Of course, I was interested in a couple more things. One, I wanted to see just how well the ballistic calculator would work at a super-long distance of 100 yards. Two, I wanted to test the long-range accuracy of the Turbo X at 100 yards instead of 50.
You can watch the results of that test in real time in the below video and get a “virtual test drive” of the Vision HD scope courtesy of its video recording capabilities.
Vision HD Scope Highlights
The Vision HD, as mentioned, is fully digital. I found it to deliver exceptionally clear, vibrant imaging with a fast 60 Hz frame rate. The resolution is 1920×1080 pixels, and it has a video record resolution of 1800×1800 pixels. Again, check out the video to see what it looks like in real time.
The built-in rangefinder has its control button located on the left side of the housing. The large button, trimmed in red and conveniently located, allows for quick, accurate ranging. You can select a continuous ranging mode, pulse (one-time button push) ranging mode, or timed ranging mode (multiple duration options).
Operational buttons and menu navigation tend to give me fits with many electro optics. I didn’t, though, suffer the usual aggravations with the Vision HD. The buttons were easy to feel and manipulate while keeping my eye behind the scope, and once I got adjusted to the rhythm of running through the menus, I had zero complaints in this department.
I already mentioned that the scope’s digital imaging offers exceptional clarity. This is credit not only to the resolution but also to the focusing options. The forward ring adjusts the scope’s focus for varying distances and the ocular ring adjusts the focus of the screen for your eye.
Overall, the package is quite tidy and lighter than expected. One of the drawbacks I’ve found with such fancy optics on crossbows is that they tend to make the whole rig awkward and top-heavy. I didn’t feel that way while shooting this combo.
The Vision HD runs on a single 21700 battery. It is supposed to have a run time of around 10 hours. I haven’t had the chance to test that in cold weather, but the unit’s temporary off function should have no problem keeping you in the hunt for an entire day in standby mode.
Of course, there are the usual digital optic options, such as changing reticle color and style, PIP, screen brightness adjustment, custom ballistic adjustment, et cetera, et cetera.
Something hunters will really like is the unit’s video recording capabilities (with audio!) — especially when you pair the scope to your phone via the DNT Optics app (maker of the Vision HD). With a single press, you can loop record up to 10 minutes of audible video. Another option is the RAV mode, or Recoil Activated Video.
What I like about this is that you can not only record your shot, but you can also immediately view and download videos to your phone. This lets you review your shot so you know whether it’s “game down” or whether you need to call up your hunting buddy for a tracking session.
The Vision HD scope has a lot to offer beyond its incredible one-shot zeroing operation. As high-tech laser-ranging crossbow scopes go, this one is my favorite to date. TenPoint made a smart move by incorporating this optic model into their lineup — especially for the Turbo X.
That’s called making a good thing even better.
