As a lawyer, you need to write a law that makes a 400 gr. arrow the standard for companies to rate their crossbow speeds from. Make it a massive fine to over state the equipment's capabilities.
I bought a Killer Instinct Ripper 425 and I’m on my 3rd season with it. I had the chance at my local archery shop to test my speed with a 390g arrow topped with 125g tip and was pulling 503, and 505 fps, which made the owners jaw drop more than my own, which, in the end, explained to me just why I was blowing right thru targets made to handle 500fps… Uffda!!! I’ve since bought some hard to find and track down, round nosed brass 125g tips to use with my target and NOT blow thru and ruin my fletchings no more. All hail BUNJIE!!!!!
Another great video Rich. The X1 does have a bit of a learning curve to it but once you get familiar with it and it’s likes & dislikes, it’s a great bow. Once dialed in, it’s accuracy is unmatched IMHO. As an open heart surgery survivor, my X1 has never been roped cocked. I use the crank exclusively. I did have limb issues with mine but KI stood behind their product & made it right. I love my Swat X1.
Talking about speed and efficiency I was forced to get a new xbow this year after six years of service my barnett recruit tactical got tired limbs and dropped under 310 fps so I went and got a xp350 from Walmart through it over the chronograph today with my 450 grain zombie slayers and I’m getting 350 fps 64 % efficiency and .699 slugs now time will tell about longevity but so far for 192 out the door I don’t think you could do better. Love the videos keep it up and hope you all the best with your new job
Each to his own… but it just seems like the more complex crossbows have more problems. I have the old Excalibur bulldog 330 and enjoy the simplicity and accuracy.
Just bought my first x bow. An Excalibur mag 340. Light, sweet shooting and amazingly accurate. I do not want or need 400 fps. Would cause more problems than advantages for my use.
Hello Rich, I have done this for years you should try it, a waxed mail tube with plastic caps cut 3 inches longer than your arrow. glue one cap in, push a real soft tact cloth to the bottom, then glue a soft circle of foam to the top cap..4 arrows will just fit in the tube without damage to your vanes. Its super light ..I then took a price of camo rap rolled it right on..the top cap put a tiny hole in it and a tiny hole in the tube, then a price of fishing line or string with a knot in each end so you don't drop your lid..I used sticky Velcro to make a small strap 3 inches down the tube it stays hanging on my pack all the time..I keep my discharge arrow a Easton 2219 with a 150 gr flat field tip no vanes in my truck...I shoot it in the ground before I put the bow in the truck..I do not carry or climb with a loaded bow , just cocked..
Glad you sorted this out. The quiver that comes with this bow definitely drives me nuts! Also, you CAN decock the Swat. Don't tell anyone I suggested it though. Wisconsin opener in 2 days!
@cnaef19 is decocking accomplished by holding the cocking rope in one hand while the the other side goes against the string? I've seen several videos demonstrating doing this with Barnetts.
@@jimowens381 yes you connect the hooks and pull all the rope to one side and hold it back with one hand while you pull the trigger with the other. My Barnett TS370 doesn't allow this, but I've heard many Barnetts do.
Being prepared is very important advice. One reason why i shoot heavy arrows, just never know when you're hunting deer and a rhino charges at you through the forest
Rich, I wish you’d consider making a video showing how you lube the rail and condition the string and cables. I’m sure OEA has taught you his preferred method too.
you can see a difference in speed just from a change in location, elevation, temperature, etc not to mention that there is differences in chronographs that can cause there to be a different speed reported, and then there is methods differences in how you tested the speed and how the manufacturer does. that said, you should still get within 10-12 fps of the advertised speed, depending on how honest the manufacturer was with their reporting. This should really be an independent test that the manufacturers have to get. should start a company for that, maybe.
A timely video as I just sighted my new X1 today. Sighting in with the KI scope did present some challenges. I found I had to adjust the distances they recommended on the drop-down reticle. Once I did that, the crossbow was dead on from 20, 40, and 60 yards. I feel confident for the upcoming season. Thanks for the great videos!
Hi Rich! So glad you've made such great use of that spiral-bound AFR notebook! I'm just surprised that you haven't completely filled out all the pages by now! I really need to send you a new one, perhaps a bit larger because you not only do so many great videos, but you take meticulous notes on your crossbow experiments as well! BTW, thanks to you and OGH, I'm moving up to nearly 500 grain arrows! Just ordered some custom Sirius Archery Phoenix crossbow bolts! 150 grain heads could be next!
These were on sale for $799 last week and one of the forums even had an extra 10% off code. I'm kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on that so to speak.
Great video Rich! Oddly enough I had ordered my X1 September 4 after watching everything I could find on RU-vid replacing a Ravin R20. Wish I had seen this first but no regrets at this time! I am work[ng now on getting my Oracle dialed in. Thank you for all the great content you put out and keep up the great work!
To lube the rail you can use siliconspray or balistol. Its easy to apply, stay for a few shots and even is good for the triggersystem. Just dont do to much so the fog dont wet the optic of your burris.
I'm going out for my first NJ sit today after work and PA opens for me tomorrow in 5D. The 50 degree nights this week has a few younger bucks running around. This fall is going to be fun.
I have been using the Trident for a few years after doing a ton of research and told a few forums about it. I am happy people are using it now because it is a money saver.
I have a Fatal X from killer instinct and love it, but like yours it has very narrow limbs that makes it impossible to cock by hand, you have to have a crank or a cocking rope, I always have a spare just in case. I think they advertise there speed using there ultra lite bolts that are bare minimum recommended weight for the bow bug I also prefers shooting heavier ones.
My new Burris x for my airbow showed up today. Yes I know I can only use the airbow during muzzle and rifle season but I'm excited to do that. I will still be using my X1 with the Oracle x during bow season. PS. I have said this before but I use airsoft lube for my rail. I wax the string and cables the normal way, with wax and a blow dryer. Then I take an airsoft barrel cleaning rod (they are plastic so they won't scratch the x1 barrel) with a barrel cleaning cloth with airsoft lube on it and run it down the barrel above and below the string. I also carry a visine size bottle of lube into the field and I will put a drop or two on my arrow and run my finger from broadhead to fletch so the arrow has a light even coat of lube on it before loading the bow. I do this if I'm taking several shots and I'm concerned about lubricity. Pss, it also makes it easier to remove the arrow from a practice target. The airsoft oil isn't regular oil or gun oil and it really does work very well. Hope this helps.
My crossbow is rated at 400 fps. With a 650 grain arrow my chronograph says I'm shooting about 310 fps. Lol it definitely takes longer to get to the target that's forsure. It makes a magnificent deep thud though when it hits. I'll be excited to use it tomorrow.
Good Luck on your hunt here in MD this weekend. Looks great as far as morning temps go. My trail cams are showing good activity. Hoping for a Sika this yr
Very nice video Rich I’ve have shot a few crossbows and it’s true that they don’t shoot up to speed as advertised but it doesn’t make them bad crossbows. Just not as advertised 😮
still have my Stryker 380 still holding up strong after 10 years I also have the katana from Stryker my only problem with them is BowTech discontinued Stryker crossbows have no idea why but it makes parts for them scarce so that's the only problem I have that's what's making me wanna upgrade here in the future to a modern crossbow reason is because them manufactures are still producing parts if needed
I hear that! I actually have a couple of extra Bunjie models...I call them organ donors haha but haven't needed them, knock on wood. But the funny thing is I upgraded and I love the new technology so much I'm not worried about it. Like a classic car...I dint drive it to work. I take the new one. The classic is just for the occasional trip!
@@Deathbybunjie ahh yes you have a very good point sir so you think I should just buy a new crossbow and use that one as my main user and leave the other two as classics for the occasional trip haha
Point by point.... #1: The stabilization aspect is very true, as was seen in the whisker biscuit rest for vertical bows. Arrow contact with the riser was always known to cause negative issues with arrow flight BUT... Full entrapment was shown counter the facts of the day. You cannot (anymore) deny the fact that an enclosed guide CAN BE superior. The only thing better is a total lack of contact (drop away rest) which requires tuning to be exact. Crossbow equivalent to a drop away is the railess, which is the Scorpyd. While the nock does contact the rail, on release.... The arrow is un-encumbered. #2: To lube the rail, Get a gun cleaning rod. (.38 cal? dont know) and use a cleaning patch. Isn't this fun?! :D #3: I literally hate the crank on this bow. The pressure that it take to drive out those hooks is ridiculous. Cuts/wear in the future? Pretty sure. Maybe lube those hooks on their sides. #4: Dont carry a decocking arrow. no reason for it. Carry a Zwickey Judo Point and simply screw it on your arrow at the end of the day. You will not hurt your arrow. Just shoot it from the tree, out 20 yards or so and then go get it. #5: Quivers on crossbows are ridiculous. On all sides of the question. Detrimental even, when speaking to accuracy and weight of the bow. JMO #6: On an aside... Have you seen the 10 point reverse draw shot gun? Model 505 :D Wyvern is having to put out youtube instructional videos on how you need to hold it, in order to get good groups. Can you imagine the depth and volume of my maniacal laughter?! #7: You need less and less arrow weight as speeds surpass 330. Speaking to most any game in the U.S. #8: Congrats on getting me going with this video. :D
Tomorrow is the first day of incredible! I feel like i was a kid again. Four ground blinds . 1 tree stand and 6 trail cam, Im set to go, this place is overrun with d deer this year. The beat part i can hunt anytime as please as im retired same crossbow life is good
saw one bear today and 28 deer, never fired a quill at any was trying unsuccessfully to film on phone , tomorrow is another day hope things are sweet in Md@@Deathbybunjie
I've heard before that lubricating the arrow groove is also a problem with the XP. This problem could be solved with, for example, Walther silicone spray, which I also use for my crossbow. Although my crossbow is not a closed barrel system (but it is much cleaner than rail wax). It is a synthetic silicone spray and therefore does not even harm the plastic parts. It is much cleaner and residue-free than normal splint wax, glides even better and has an included cannula to reach problematic areas.
Giant pipe cleaner similar to the ones used to clean a AR gas tube, with Scorpion venom rail lube On it , I have a 1 point on mine,it just lays in my Lap on stand, freeing up both hands, Best-Regards,
I bought an R10 new this year for $800 on clearance including tax at cabelas. It's been sitting in the box since April. The xbow said 415 or 419 fps on the test tag. I'll set it up tomorrow and shoot it. Season starts Saturday here. I still have two other old faithfuls (with 412 grain total weight arrows I get a hair over 300 fps Horton and a strker solution 390 with lighter limbs and shoots alot slower than advertised at 353 fps) that I've used since 97' and 14'. I don't hit the woods for a good month after opener, beginning of rut in my area, so I have plenty of time to get use to it.
That’s a good deal! I think you’re really going to like it 👍🏻 Get yourself some Zombie Slayers ,1/2 the price and stiffer if you want to go heavier. At that price I’m guessing it sat on the shelves for awhile. Might want to get a string and cable set in the near future. I Recommend GAS they have been great for my Ravins and increased the fps. Good luck this season 👍🏻
That’s a good deal! I think you’re really going to like it 👍🏻 Get yourself some Zombie Slayers ,1/2 the price and stiffer if you want to go heavier. At that price I’m guessing it sat on the shelves for awhile. Might want to get a string and cable set in the near future. I Recommend GAS they have been great for my Ravins and increased the fps. Good luck this season 👍🏻
I don't know Rich, I feel, the industry is kind of taking advantage of us. Nobody is regulating them. They give us a FPS, always shooting a lighter arrow than we will actually shoot, for hunting. (In most cases anyways). It does bug the hell out of me. If you say something's going to shoot x amount FPS. Then that's what it should shoot. Out of the box, even using their lighter arrows / bolts. I recently purchased a killer instinct. They advertise 405 FPS. With there 390 Grain arrow. But there was a little sheet, that came in the box, saying it shot 397 FPS. I'm assuming, they test each bow before they pack/box it for sell. Now that's not real far off what they advertise, but it's still off. Bugs the hell out of me that they can get away with it. I doubt that I'm alone on this. Now I was going to wait till next year, and purchase a much more expensive crossbow. But I started looking at all the FPS ratings, and said to myself, "why wait until next year, buy a more expensive crossbow, with less FPS. When you can purchase this one right now for a 3rd of the price, and more FPS". I just feel we're getting cheated, played, maybe even taking advantage of. By the industry. Like you, I'm happy with my purchase, after 2 weeks of trial and error. Not quite the quality I expected or am used to. But, the FPS isn't as bad as some of the other people I have heard things from, on all kinds of different crossbows. 5 FPS,s is acceptable. But beyond that, I don't believe it should be. And we should find a way to hold them accountable and/or responsible for putting out the proper FPS numbers. Just my thoughts on it. 🤷
I don't really disagree with you one bit about the speeds. At least the 390 grain arrow is twice the draw weight of 195 lb. So it is not completely unrealistic as an arrow weight. I agree I wouldn't hunt at that weight either though.
@@Deathbybunjie there's just something wrong, when you spend a thousand or 2,000 or whatever on a crossbow. And they advertise x amount of FPS. And as an example, you, my friend, shooting 100 grain more weight per arrow/bolt, then they're rating, and you're losing 45 to 55 FPS. That's just ain't right. The industry knows we're not going to shoot there lighter arrow / bolts. Especially when hunting. But they push the faster FPS. Very bothersome. Wouldn't doubt if somebody sees this or comes to their own conclusion, and sue's one of the companies. Lol. I can see it coming, just saying. Have a ton more to say but, this isn't the time or place. Plus I need to bunjie off a few more bolts / arrors before I hit the sack. Love practicing when it's cold, (not too cold, 44°) and dark. Of course I have a light over the target so I can see a little, lol. Anyways Rich, Love your podcast, Love your website, love what you're doing for our sport. I'm sure I speak for gazillion others, You're much appreciated and thank you! 🤗😉
Hi Rich all most all of the time I agree with what say about crossbow hunting and shooting. I unfortunately I don’t like the new crossbow. I’d like to see how you do in the dark loading that thing. And if you have to follow up you have an awful lot of movement before the shot. I do wish you the best of luck with it, and I’m interested to hear how you do with. Best of luck this season.
Rich, I just got a swat x1 after seeing your videos on this crossbow. Thank you Sir! One question, Where would I get a grip like yours? It looks much nicer than the factory installed version.
Just got the Centerpoint 400..It is the only crossbow that truly shoots the fps as advertised with the bolts that come with it.I love the bow but the trigger pull not so much.
That's great to hear, but I don't think it's the only one out there, Ravin and 10 point and Excalibur have good reputations for shooting their advertised speeds generally.
order yourself some of the deadstop decocking tips for discharging your crossbow , you won't be sorry . I have an X1 also . As far as the Luminix speed ring scope goes the point of the red triangle is your 20 yrd pin the average size deer will fit nicely in the ring sorta a poor man's range finder . Top of the ring is the back and the bottom of the ring is the belly = a 20 yrd shot.
Hmmm... enclosed barrel does seem to be just another unnecessary thing to deal with. It could come in handy for walking through brush, but a clamshell design would be nicer. The more I see of other crossbow systems (including compound) the more I appreciate the simplicity of my humble GRZ 2.
I would love to take mine hunting one day. But for some reason, I can't seem to make it one day without the limbs breaking. So Bar, I've had 3 limbs break. They all seem to break while the bow is cocked and ready.
I hate ALL mounted quivers ! I think all crossbows should come with a crank even if you never use it. My Barnett STR 400 with a sled rope was impossible to use for me, and two other younger stronger guys failed to cock this bow with the rope sled. So had to flip out another C-Note + for the crank. Is what it is though. Still companies should just include a crank if the bow has the capability for one. Kinda lame to have to buy one after you buy a bow. Just my little bit of Barnett Hate.
I always thought the barrel of the crossbow is more for safety because it’s a bullpup style and much closer to your face/ hair maybe? Prob just a sales gimmick
Really want the Oracle x to work, but just in case. Would the twilight dlx not possibly pair well with the swat? My quiver holds 5, but I always leave one missing in lower left corner to rest on my knee, at the ready, in the treestand. Works good for minimal movement.
I saw some videos of the vital x being shot through a chronograph and that seems to be pretty much the same bow without the enclosed barrel. That was actually shooting around the 400-405 mark. I wonder if having the enclosed barrel somehow slows it? Wonder how much more accurate it makes the bow? A wise man once said accuracy is everything 🤷♂️
Rumor has it they tuned these down a little bit to prolong limb life, if that's what they have done in their wisdom but then so be it. I really like it either way.
Good video!! Are you limited to a certain style nock with the killer instinct. I luv the performance I get out of my WW but hate the fact of trying to find and fit alpha nocks on other brand bolts.
Yeah watch that crank I have bought one for my boss 405 and the other day it’s not flipped up took out my scope bent the big Picatinny rail and slap me in the face
You don’t oil or wax the cables right. I bought the killler instinct vital x but no string to wax and I know serving and cables you are not supposed to do anything with correct??
Quite possibly, or they can be made to fit. If the diameter is appropriate for most crossbows then the only thing you have to worry about is the height of the vanes. Make sure that there isn't too much twist in those vanes and make sure they are not too high. If they are too high they simply won't put down the barrel. After that all you need to worry about is the nock.
@@Deathbybunjie please check them out and let me know what you think.. they are small diameter arrows but they were meant to be universal with crossbows they have all kinds of things you can tinker with to tune your crossbow set up.
After being happy with the Centerpoint Wrath 430 (shoots a 400 grain at 413FPS), I purchased the Centerpointed Amped 425, which shoots at 399 fps using a 400 grain bolt. I have a new package of 370 grain bolts, I'd love to use with the Amped 425, but can't find any information on whether its ok to use a 370 grain. Would you give it a go with the 370 grain bolt?
No, I would stick with the heavier ones. If you shoot too light an arrow, it can result in a partial dry fire and damage the crossbow. Different crossbows have different requirements, based on draw weight and other factors. I would stick with what you are shooting now or go even heavier. Maybe use a 150 grain Broadhead in the future. Just my thoughts!
You know Rick I don't understand that because I got the vital X crossbow the cheapest one pretty much that they make and with the 390 grain arrow that come with it my crossbow was shooting 395 feet a second how come the crossbow that you bought that nearly cost twice as much I mean I paid $349 and I'm not sure how much you paid for yours but how come the crossbow that posed to be their top-of-the-line is only shooting 388 fps compared to the crossbow that I give $349 for that is faster
A mystery for the ages LOL but seriously I am told they dialed back the speed on these a little bit to help the limbs last longer. Now that we're entering the season I'm going to focus on hunting but you can bet these are questions I will try to answer before next season LOL
Well then maybe Rick they should have changed the name of the crossbow instead of calling it The x1 405 maybe they should have called it the X1 388 LOL
For crossbows a lot of people say we should double the draw weight, I don't know if it is 100% accurate, And I can tell you not all manufacturers do it that's for sure.
What is your opinion on durability though? I really want to buy the swat x1 but I worry about limbs breaking after only a handful of shots. My main goal is target shooting so the crossbow won't be cooked for extended periods of time.
I think the original release had more problems than the current one, from what I have heard they detuned them a little bit to go easier on the limbs and that's one of the reasons it doesn't shoot as fast, really can't tell until I use it a couple of seasons though, really
I have the original release version. I did have a limb issue after the first season. They were very good about sending me new limbs quickly that I took to my local shop and had replaced. I love the Xbow so much I have bought a 2nd one for my son to use as well. I would say buy it and go hunting, you will love the bow.
I for one just can’t wait until one of these companies, or an entirely new one, comes up with a “RELIABLE” “LIGHT WEIGHT” crossbow that shoots a minimum of “400 FPS” has a “VERY RELIABLE”range finding scope, a “VERY SAFE” and ultra quiet “CRANK SYSTEM” that shoots “VERY ACCURATE” has a very good “QUIVER SYSTEM” which doesn’t require you to take out “ANOTHER MORTGAGE” on your house to own one, that “PERFORMS” exactly how it’s advertised in their get rich advertising schemes, and that has a “WARRANTY“ to back it up. Or am I asking far too much in 2023? I swear it’s like every crossbow manufacturer out there is taking advantage of us hunters in the way of each one sort of has a one up on the other, and we all have to pay the bill along the way to put something together that’s tried and true. I don’t know if anybody else notices it, but I sure do! TenPoint has the ultra nice crank, Ravin has the actual speeds that they advertise, Killer Instinct has the Accutec barrel, Burris has the Oracle X, Garmin has the X1/11a/1247B (😂 lol) range finding scope, etc etc. I’ve owned Horton and TenPoints my entire life and I’m currently experiencing a very bad problem with the Accusled on my RS440 Havoc, and the way I’m being treated by “The Complete Hunters Outlet” which is right next-door to TenPoint manufacturing here in Ohio is leaving an awful foul taste in my mouth. To have paid $3000 just for my crossbow alone and currently be dealing with the problems I am having with this crossbow, and the lack of commitment behind such an expensive product is absolutely absurd. I’ve never had a problem with customer satisfaction before concerning this certain company, but I sure am now. and I promise you if it’s not taken care of, I will never buy another Tenpoint product in my entire life, nor will any of my friends or family members. If they don’t make this right, they’ll be a very big sale on a lot of TenPoint equipment coming soon to everyone. Surely one of these companies can put it all together in 2024…RIGHT?🤔🤷♂️
Let's hope so, as bad as your post is and what you are going through is, I can tell you I laughed out loud at your description of the Garmin haha I love it! But seriously I'm totally on board with you, and if it's any consolation I do believe things will be looking better next year. Fingers crossed! Let's just get through this season the best we can! Good luck!
