With the look and feel of a high-end rifle, the SA Sports Fever Crossbow is a good choice for hunters and archers. This crossbow is a lightweight choice finished in full coverage dipped camo to keep the bow hidden in the wilderness. It comes with several features that make it a desirable product for those who love to shoot.
Features
[imgb trackingid=”hunthacks06-20″ asin=”B007ELWHJ0″ imgid=”71cQvR-0f8L” altimg=”SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package”]Content goes here[/imgb]At 20 to 30 yards, this crossbow is deadly to small and medium game. It shoots at speeds up to 240 feet per second, which is fast enough to take out a deer or a small bear, since the bleeding out from the bow causes death instead of the force of the arrow. When the bow is assembled as directed, it is a dangerous tool that will get the shot fired where it is pointed. While the 235 fps speed is not the fastest on the market, it is a still a powerful shot that is faster than a recurve bow.
Draw Weight & Length
The draw weight on this crossbow is 175 pounds. It is not adjustable, so it does take some muscle or a good draw rope to get the arrow cocked and ready to go. The draw length of 10.25 inches is manageable for most users.
Velocity
The 240 feet per second speed is respectable for a crossbow in this price range. This speed makes the bow capable of taking out deer or small bear.
Assembly
The bow does have to be assembled prior to use and there are videos that make it much easier to do than using the included instructions alone. It usually take about 30 minutes to complete the assembly properly. Adding the string to the bow is not the safest thing to do, so it should be done by an experienced shooter. It is also a good idea to take it to an archery range to have it properly strung. There is a chance that a rookie could be seriously hurt trying to string this bow (or any other bow).
Pros
The bow comes loaded with features. It has a scope that lets hunter narrow in on their shot. The bow will shoot 20” arrows at top speeds, which makes it perfect for deer hunting. The flawless construction makes this a bow that can be used on a regular basis. The quiver is detachable and very well built. The stock is ambidextrous and comes with a safety catch that can be easily used by right and left hands. The quiver quickly detaches for easy use. The scope measured 4x32mm and is fully adjustable. The recurve limbs are made of durable and flexible compressed fiberglass.
On a positive note, the mechanisms used for safety and anti-dry fire work well. The bow needs to be cared for and the string does, too.
Cons
Some users have complained about the accuracy of this bow. The scope does not sit tightly on the mount, so it will wobble if you move at all. Most of the groupings that practiced shooters got were about one to one-and-a-half inches from 50 yards.
What makes this bow interesting is that it not only is a crossbow with serious power, but it also has the features of a recurve bow. The power stroke is short, so arrows get only about 51 foot pounds of energy; it will take down a medium-sized game, but the shot should be accurate. The scope is a quality product and does not get foggy in humid conditions. The trouble is with the mount, more so than with the scope itself. The crossbow does not come with any type of illumination, so it is not recommended for nighttime use.
Another flaw with the crossbow is the trigger. It requires a long draw, so it does not always release flawlessly. Users have had success by lubricating the trigger pull, but this has to be done repeatedly to get consistent results.
Final Thoughts
Despite the few flaws, this crossbow is affordable and gets the job done. Instead of spending thousands on a bow that has several of the same features, this low-priced bow delivers power and is fun to shoot.
Hunting with a crossbow is serious business and the Cobra System K-8025 Self-Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow does the job well. This crossbow is a high quality product takes hunting to the next level.
Features
This crossbow has a self-cocking, pistol-style action that fires arrows up to 165 feet per second. Most shooters use it for target practice or for small-game hunting. The speedy pistol action lets hunters reload quickly to make shooting more effective.
[imgb trackingid=”hunthacks06-20″ asin=”B00NZ8O1AY” imgid=”81JwTXFGXtL” altimg=”Cobra System K-8025 Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow, 80-Pound”]Content goes here[/imgb]With its 80-pound draw, the crossbow is accessible for the average adult who wants to use it. But, the pistol action makes it a serious tool. It does have a locking safety mechanism, but it does shoot easily. The quick action allows shooters to get more accurate shots on quick small game. The self-cocking mechanism allows hunters to spend all day shooting without getting overly tired from loading and reloading throughout the day.
The crossbow has a body made of strong plastic enhanced with brass plates to make it highly durable. The limbs are made of graphite fiber that is perfectly flexible for cocking and shooting. It has an automatic safety, too.
Price Point: This little tactical pistol crossbow has an incredibly low price, so it can be purchased by nearly anyone who wants to add a miniature crossbow to their arsenal. The price cannot be beat.
Draw Weight: This miniature crossbow has an 80 pound draw weight. It is easy to shoot with the self-cocking pistol action. The draw weight will send the arrows to distances up to 100 yards.
Velocity: When the full draw weight is used, the arrow can reach speeds up to 165 feet per second. This is the perfect speed for small game.
Required Maintenance: The bow does require maintenance. The bowstrings will require regular waxing to keep them from fraying from the pressure of shooting. This is a common thing with crossbows, and other archery bows; but, the pressure from the pistol action can make the strings fray faster that other types of bows. It is also helpful to use rail lube to keep the bow in good condition. The front set screw can weaken from vibration, so users should check it regularly. The crossbow is easy to assemble and owners can easily string the bow, too.
The firing bolts do shift when the bow is fired, so each shot might need to be recalibrated. Some owners have put glue into the bolts to keep them in the same place for better accuracy.
Pros: This crossbow is quite small and weighs only about one pound, so it does look like a toy. It is important to remember that it is not. It measures in at about 18-inches by 6-inches, making it easy to throw in a bag to take on a hunting trip or to a shooting practice. Despite its small size, it is quite powerful.
The crossbow has pre-drilled holes in the frame that allows the bow to be lightweight. The pre-drilled open frame holes also keep the bow strong when you need to attach accessories to it, like lights for shooting in the evening or early mornings. Even a fishing reel can be attached if you want to turn the bow into an effective fishing rod.
It is a quiet piece of machinery and makes no noise when fired. This is desirable quality for hunters out in the wilderness.
Cons: While the bow and feature are good quality, the sights could use some improvements. The sight is permanently in place and does not allow for any adjustments. This can reduce shooting accuracy for those who prefer to use an adjustable sight. After repeated use, archers do get accustomed to it. Otherwise, it is easy to add an adjustable sight or a red-dot sight for better accuracy when shooting.
Overall Impression
If you are in the market for a small, trigger action crossbow, this is a great bargain. It is easy to pack, quick to use, and fun, too. It does regular maintenance to keep it in good working condition. The maintenance is quick and easy to do, since the bow is so small. Without it, the parts do suffer after repeated use. Despite the low price, the bow can become a part of family pride.
Fred Bear is one of the best known names in bow hunting. Even though he passed away in 1988, his skills remain legendary. Many believe that the bowhunting industry would not be what it is today without the influence of the great Mr. Bear. It is only appropriate that one of the best bows in the industry is one created by his eponymous company. The Fred Bear Escape Shadow bow should be added to every bowhunter’s arsenal.
Fred Bear Archery designs the most reliable and lethal bows. The company has been doing this for over eight decades and they do not plan to stop any time soon. This flagship bow, the Escape Shadow, is one for the ages. It is easy to imagine the shots that Fred Bear himself would take if he were able to string and shoot this phenomenal machine.
The Escape Shadow weighs in at only 4 pounds, making it one of the lightest on the market. It has a 75% let off and a 6-inch brace height. The bow looks as deadly as it shoots with its intensely fast 350 fps measurement. The aluminum riser and the cams are perfectly balanced so it feels like pure power in the hand.
[imgb trackingid=”hunthacks-20″ asin=”B019CZMKYC” imgid=”718yhzpI10L” altimg=”Fred Bear Escape Shadow Black Bow Right Hand 25.5-30″ 70lb”]Content goes here[/imgb]
Shooting the bow is an experience like no other. The bow is powerful, despite its lightweight. It measures 32 inches from axle to axle so it fits in tight spots allowing the hunter to hide from any oncoming prey. Every measurement was poured over to ensure that that it is one deadly bow.
The peak draw is 55 to 70 pounds with a draw range between 25.5 and 30 inches. The quad limbs are preloaded, the barrel nut can be fully adjusted, the riser inserts maintain a silent draw and release, and the cam system ensures the fastest speeds possible. Every millimeter of this bow was created with successful hunting in mind. Once you get your hands on it, you will never want another bow again.
Fred Bear taught the modern bowhunter how to be successful and the company continues to set the bar for quality and design. This bow is not necessarily for the rookie hunter, but with lessons from a veteran (or watching some Fred Bear videos) a rookie would certainly learn to quickly love this bow. It handles with the right amount of forgiveness, making it ideal for any shooter. It is easy to maneuver and the balance makes it relatively manageable, too.
The bow is made out of what Fred Bear Archery calls 7075 aluminum technology that is advanced beyond other bow technology. The limbs get to share the load in a balanced way that other compound bows do not. Lateral torque is reduced with the special hinge guard that Bear adds to the bow. The top and bottom string suppressors can be adjusted and the H15 Hybrid cams will deliver the speeds advertised, but also allow for a comfortable letdown and and easy draw. The grip design is integrated into the bow adding to its good looks and deadly capabilities.
Everyone who shoots this bow comments on the quality, durability, and strength of the product. The arrows are released quickly, quietly, and accurately. Whether they have owned Bear Archery products previously or they are new to the brand, archers are amazed at the way this bow stands out from the crowd. It may not be the least expensive bow in the store, but the performance it delivers makes it seem like it should be priced even higher.
Shopping for a new compound bow has never been easier. The Fred Bear Escape Shadow is the only bow that any hunter will ever need. This American born manufacturing company stands behind everything it creates because it refuses to tarnish the eponymous name of its creator. It is easy to fall in love with any product that Fred Bear Archery creates, but the Escape Shadow truly shows what the company can do when it wants to really set itself apart from the rest of the industry. Other manufacturers will have to work hard to produce anything that meets or exceeds the standards set by this outstanding compound bow.
If you are looking for a complete bow and the necessary accessories, the PSE Prophecy Ready-to-Shoot is perfect for archers of all abilities. This attractive and powerful compound box has all of the features that get the job done.
It includes the PSE Past-parallel limb technology that allows for a forceful release that sends the arrow quickly to the target at 340 feet per second. The single cam action adds to the power. It also comes with a Planar Flex riser and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity styling.
The name of the bow fits its design. It is truly a “prophesy” that shows the future of compound bow design. It is an outstanding bow that includes the PSE Backstop 2. The bow includes what PSE calls the Amp Cam (AP) with is a posi-lock inner cam that helps increase the speed of the arrow so you can go in for the kill. The bow is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it one of the lightest on the market today.
The string track is designed for top performance; PSE made it slightly larger than other manufacturers’ designs because they know their design works better with the newest bow shapes. It does need to be ordered for a left-handed or right-handed bow hunter and a single bow is not interchangeable.
[imgb trackingid=”hunthacks-20″ asin=”B00BRE594K” imgid=”716%2BhXeIoxL” altimg=”PSE Prophecy Ready to Shoot Infinity 60-Pound Bow Package”]Content goes here[/imgb]At 340 fps, the Prophecy is one seriously fast bow. It sends the arrow on a smooth and accurate trajectory, just like every archer and hunter wants. The Prophecy has a six-inch brace height. It measures 32-inches from axle to axle. The draw length ranges from 25 inches to 30 inches for the needs of different archers. It weighs a light 4.1 pounds, so it is easy to use on all-day hunting excursions. When adjusting the limb bolt, the maximum turns are ten. The draw weight is 60 pounds, making is manageable for nearly every hunter from rookie to veteran.
While the bow is pleasant to use and incredibly fast, some users find the draw cycle to be a bit defiant. But, once hunters have shot a few rounds, the system does become more familiar and comfortable. The bow does have a 75% let-off, which also takes some getting used to for those who usually shoot a bow with an 80% let-off.
Prophecy owners love the fact that the bow is quiet and performs without vibration. The low kick also makes it easy to shoot the bow over and over. It performs like a bow that is double the price. It is easy to relax while shooting, especially if you get a Prophecy bow that fits your stature and strength.
The other favorite feature of the PSE Prophecy is the grip. Even though many users are uncertain whether they will like the grip the first time they shoot the bow, they do come to love it. Many bows have thicker grips, but this can get in the way of accuracy and stillness. With a thin grip, archers can truly get the feel for the bow and its tension prior to the shot. There is no way to hold the grip improperly because it does provides the best hand placement. Many shooters prefer to hold the grip with a gloved hand because it can get cold due to its proximity to the risers.
The size, power, and speed of the PSE Prophecy makes it perfect for shooters who are on the hunt for small, medium, and large game. It can easily take down a whitetail deer that pops up in the sight. The bow is reliable and easy to trust.
PSE has been making bows for over 40 years and the company’s commitment to quality shows. The designers are always looking for ways to add the latest technology to their bows so that hunters and archers can have the best experience in the wilderness. The company holds many patents for their designs which is evident in the cams, hybrid designs, risers, and accessories.
Men and women, rookies and veterans all enjoy the action and power of the PSE Prophecy compound bow. It is an impressive model with all the bells and whistles.
Martin Archery has been actively making bows for hunters for over 60 years. The company is located in Washington state where they hire people who are dedicated to quality and affordable gear. This is evident in the quality of the Martin Archery Lithium Bow.
The Lithium bow has a one-piece bridge riser made with a CNC machine. The 4X twin limbs are durable and add to the force of the arrow. The one-piece riser is designed to be shock-free due to the anti-vibration system that Martin Archery adds. A shot arrow should be able to reach 335 feet per second, but smoothly and silently. The quality design and added features make this bow an ideal hunting tool, especially with the Martin Nitro 3 Cams and the carbon STS.
The Martin Archery Lithium comes in three different draw weights, 50, 60 and 70 pounds. These draw weight options make it a difficult bow for rookie bow hunters to work with, but after a some experience with a bow with a lighter draw, the Lithium does become accessible. Along with the different draw weights, the bow comes in two color options, Mossy Oak and Black. They are both attractively designed and are easy to hide in a quality blind.
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The bow does register speeds of 335 feet per second and it measures 33.25 inches from axle to axle. That is a fast speed for any compound bow; the speed makes it easier to take out larger game at a longer distance. The brace height – the distance from the string to the riser is the perfect distance of seven inches, making it comfortable for archers of all experiences. The draw length can be adjusted to measurements between 31 inches to 38 inches. This makes it easy for archers with different arm lengths to have a positive experience with this powerful bow. The Nitro 3 Cams create a smooth draw and release, too.
Hunters who have used the bow have nothing but good things to say about it. They love the smooth draw and the drop-dead release if they choose not to fire the arrow. Those who have shot the bow also comment on silence of the bow, which is what all hunters want so they do not startle any deer or other forest creatures. The silence is not only appreciate by the hunters who are using the Lithium, but those who travel into the woods with them.
The bow is also easy to prepare for use. Most bows require some tuning and this one is so easy to tune that the first shots can be dead-on accurate. As usual, the Martin Archery products surpass any and all expectations. The bow has been lovingly referred to as the dream bow, because of the silence and accuracy it delivers. It is easy to draw and shoot game at 30 yards or more.
This bow is a menace to animals during their hunting seasons. It is obvious by the structural quality of the bow that Martin Archery means business. Their drive to make a quality product is evident in the styling, durability, and accuracy of the bow. Many bowhunters love this company and what it stands for in the realm of hunting. They highly recommend the bow without any reservations.
Even avid archers who are not interested in hunting enjoy the quality of the Martin Archery Lithium bow. Archers who have used different brands have found the Martin Archery Lithium to be one of the best they’ve ever shot. The difference draw weights make it accessible for archers of all shapes and sizes. It is easy to adjust, so archers have success shooting into tight groupings at distances up to 20 yards with very little practice.
If you are in the market for one of the best bows available, check out the Martin Archery Lithium bow. Not only does it quickly pass the eye-ball test for a tough, durable bow, but it also passes the shooting test for accuracy and fun. Like the archers and hunters who have shot the Lithium before, you will certainly not be disappointed.