We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Modern crossbows are properly insane pieces of engineering, as they’re incredibly efficient, east to use, and accurate. And the engineering that goes into them is a thing of beauty. But all that efficiency comes with cost, and that cost seems to ever-increase year-over-year.
Today, however, is not that day, as Lancaster Archery Supply has a host of the best Tenpoint crossbows on sale and have knocked over $1,000 off each of their original price tags.
Better yet, one is $1,500 off! But act fast while supplies last.
Here’s what Outdoor Life’s Executive Gear Editor Scott Einsmann had to say about both the Tenpoint TX and TRX in our hands-on tests.
TenPoint TRX 515: The Fastest Crossbow You Can Buy
Like the 4-minute mile, the 500 fps crossbow seemed impossible. But, we’re now on the second generation of 500+ fps bows and they’re getting faster and better. The main issue we had with the first gen Tenpoint Nitro 505 was its inconsistent broadhead accuracy. However this year we shot SEVR and G5 mechanical broadheads from the TRX 515 and they grouped right with field points at 50 yards. That’s a huge improvement and it makes the TRX 515 an excellent option for the speed fanatics.
What does all that speed get you? The 445-grain CenterPunch HPX arrows only drop 2.5 inches from 20 to 50 yards. It delivers nearly twice the momentum of the fastest compound bow we tested this year. The arrow will reach a target 40 yards away in about .25 seconds, which makes it nearly impossible for a deer to duck the arrow at closer ranges. See our article on The Truth About Deer Jumping the String for more on that.
All that performance comes at a steep, $3,450 price. If you want the TRX 515 with the awesome Garmin Xero scope, it’ll run you $5,000. It’s a bit of sticker shock and while the bow is fast it’s not without its faults.
It shot a 2.54-inch average at 50 yards, which is ok accuracy for hunting, but not stellar. We found it awkward to guide the arrow down the rail and nock onto the string without the fletching getting caught between the string and rail. The brush arrow rest at the front helps keep your arrow in position, but it also contributes to the awkward loading. The trigger has minimal creep, but it is heavy and we think that contributed to the large group average. A final knock is that it utilizes plastic parts, which is common in crossbows to reduce weight. But, for a bow with the TRX 515’s price tag a carbon stock instead of plastic would be more appropriate and provide the owner with more value.
Read the full article here
