Author: Brad Fenson

It’s easy to get lost in a lineup with ten other crossbows, but the Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock, screamed value with performance that matched bows more than double the price. The newest Wicked Ridge model was one of the new crossbows introduced in 2025 that underwent a thorough review and close examination for performance, including consistency, accuracy, safety, ease of use, handling, and overall performance. The Invader M1 has been in the Wicked Ridge lineup for several years and has proven to be a consumer favorite. Adding the options of an ACUdraw 50 SLED De-Cock, or the convenience of…

Given the fast-evolving world of crossbow optics, the BUK OPS X-Factor Rangefinding Crossbow Scope 🛒emerges as a powerful tool for hunters seeking intuitive operation, precise aiming, and built-in ranging—all in a compact and rugged package. Engineered for performance in real-world hunting conditions, this rangefinding scope combines advanced technology with field-ready practicality to deliver accuracy and ease like never before. Compact Design Despite housing advanced laser technology and ballistic software, the BUK OPS X-Factor Scope feels surprisingly lightweight and compact, noticeably slimmer and less bulky than many comparable rangefinding scopes. This makes it ideal for tight blinds, tree stands, or any setup…

With crossbows becoming increasingly advanced, testing today’s top models is no longer about weeding out underperformers but comparing excellence. In a world where virtually every new crossbow is fast, quiet, accurate, and hunter-ready, determining which one best suits your needs comes down to the fine details. That’s precisely what a team of veteran archers and new shooters set out to uncover in a hands-on, in-depth field test of ten of the industry’s latest and best crossbows of 2025. The Crossbow Boom Crossbows have experienced a surge in popularity across North America, with an increasing number of jurisdictions allowing their use…

In today’s crossbow market, innovation isn’t just about speed; it’s about delivering real-world performance that hunters can rely on in the field. The new TenPoint TX 28 hits that mark with deadly accuracy, a compact footprint, and cutting-edge technology that improves every shot. Whether you’re in a tree stand, ground blind, or stalking through tight brush, the TX 28 offers forward-draw performance tailored for modern hunters who demand consistency, safety, and shooting confidence. An Illinois whitetail hunt was my introduction to the new TX 28, and it provided a freezer full of venison. A mature doe wandered past my blind…

Technologically advanced and compact are the best ways to describe the new TenPoint TX 440 crossbow. TenPoint has over 30 years of innovation with a relentless research and development team that strives to build a better crossbow. Table of Contents First Impressions Price Point / Where to buy Trigger Rail Nock Optic Mount/Optics Cocking/Decocking Safety Stock Range Time/Hunt Test Accommodating Accessories First Impressions The TX 440 is fast and compact, shooting an arrow well over 400 feet per second and measuring 28 inches in length and 6.5 inches wide when cocked. True compactness comes with narrow, cocked limbs. Like…

The biting cold crept through my layers, numbing my toes when a sudden movement caught my eye. Adrenaline surged, igniting a warmth as I glimpsed the dark, wide antlers of a massive buck weaving through the trees. With my crossbow poised, I slid the safety off and steadied my aim on the narrow game trail ahead. The buck, oblivious to my presence, moved closer, its nose to the ground. As it stepped into my sights, I slowly squeezed the trigger. Crossbow hunting is a thrilling pursuit, but true success hinges on preparation, accuracy, and a deep respect for the game.…

TenPoint Crossbows has strived to perfect and upgrade technologies in manufacturing horizontal bows for three decades. It continually toils to be innovative and provide reliable performance to create a positive edge for hunters who want to embrace change. The company offers a wide variety of horizontal bows, from premium to value-priced. If you want to get into crossbow hunting or upgrade an older bow, it would be worth checking out the extreme value and proven performance of the Venom X. The Venom X is the lightest and lowest-priced crossbow in the company’s lineup that has a built-in ACUslide for cocking…

My heart raced excitedly at the sight of tall tines coming through the trees. The trail camera pictures collected over the previous two months made the deer easy to recognize. The buck was a wanderer and came through my hunting area about once every ten days. I had strategized for encountering the old mature buck and focused my efforts during the rut. The buck would check out the local ladies regularly, not wanting the younger bucks in the area to steal any action. The buck came down the game trail as though programmed for a collision course with my stand.…

Get the most out of your crossbow by understanding its math and science. I cocked my crossbow, slid an arrow down the rail, and drilled the bull’s eye at 30 yards. The ac curacy was impressive, but when I looked at the chronograph reading, I felt a tingle of excitement run down my spine. A second and third arrow were launched, and all read 509 fps. Not only was the TenPoint Nitro 505 fast, but it was deadly accurate and consistent. Harnessing the energy of a crossbow to produce consistent and remarkable results is a science that utilizes new technologies.…

Tackling dangerous game with archery equipment can be an exciting pursuit. However, this is a situation where you had better know all aspects of your gear before heading afield. Arrow speed, trajectory, and penetration must be fine-tuned for a clean kill. Wounding an animal capable of flattening you to a pancake or shredding you to pieces is a definite reality if you go into that scenario unprepared. Hunting in different parts of South Africa for two weeks with Mike Birch and Hunt the Sun was an incredible experience. It also was one having a steep learning curve. It would be…