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 sending a rocket into outer space, the more stable the crossbow platform, the more consistent the launch. New Twin-Riser technology reduces the overall weight of the bow and creates an extremely stable platform. The Twin-Riser Technology reduces the weight by 18% and makes the bow 2x stiffer than traditional risers. The result is significant, with a 70% reduction in riser flex that equates to unmatched accuracy, even at longer distances.
Pricepoint / Where to Buy
The TenPoint TX 440 is a higher end crossbow, but priced very fair for the value and quality you receive. Check out the best crossbows on the market today and see it in comparison to its competitors.
- $2,399 – @Scheel’s (Click to Shop), in Moss Green, without Oracle X Scope
- $2,499 – @Scheel’s (Click to Shop) & @Amazon (Click to Shop) in Vektra, without OracleX Scope
- $2,999 – @Amazon (Click to Shop), includes Oracle X Scope
What’s in the Package?
The TX 440 is sold as a package, ready to head to the range for shooting. It comes with the EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope 3.0, Burris Oracle X, or Garmin X1i. The bow is equipped with the ACUslide MAXX cocking and de-cocking system, 3 CenterPunch HPX Carbon arrows, integrated string stop, bow hook, and quiver. There are field points to ensure nothing stops you from using the bow after taking it out of the box.
The TenPoint TX 440 redefines compact crossbow innovation, combining speed, precision, and functionality. Whether you’re chasing big game or having fun on the range in the backyard, the TX 440 will impress you and up your game shooting and hunting.
TriggerTech Trigger
Advancements in crossbow design required a trigger that could enhance the properties and values of the crossbow. TenPoint worked with TriggerTech Triggers, a Canadian company, to create the most advanced custom trigger to hit the crossbow market. The trigger increases the crossbow’s safety and breaks at 3 pounds, best described as crisp and clean. There is no creep, and the crossbow does not move when the trigger breaks. The solid platform combined with a superior trigger means consistent accuracy and precision with every shot. The stability allows for consistent and accurate results downrange.
Considering the trigger as the base for controlling 300 pounds of draw weight stresses the importance of safety and reliability. The sweet trigger launched my bear arrow accurately and showed what superior components could produce.
No rail
The first shot with the TX 440 was interesting, and I quickly looked around to ensure nobody was watching. Instinctively, I looked for the rail to slide my arrow down, but there wasn’t one.
The TX 440 truly is a new engineering design for crossbows. The crossbow sports a ZERO-Trac Barrel and GUIDE-Lock Arrow Rest System that holds an arrow in place at the nock and the front end of the arrow. The arrow looks like it is free-floating when properly seated. Eliminating the rail reduces friction and creates a secure system for locking the nock into the trigger box. The result is a consistent launch platform with improved downrange accuracy.
The custom-built TriggerTech trigger was designed to work with the new arrow containment system to ensure a consistent and precise release while virtually eliminating string wear that will occur with a traditional rail.
A new Pivoting Limb Pockets system ensures perfect limb alignment. The new Limb Dampening Containment System encapsulates the limbs at each point of contact to reduce noise and vibration. The TX 440 is extremely quiet, and the new design and components provide multiple advantages to shooters and hunters. An integrated string stop further reduces noise and vibration quickly after every shot.
The new design reduces the overall weight of the bow and helps keep it more center balanced. Another advantage is that you no longer require lubricant for a rail. The system is fast and secure, and after seating a few arrows, it quickly becomes intuitive. A quick look at the benefits shows that the rail-less design reduces weight, eliminates arrow friction, and provides straight nock travel and greater down-range accuracy.
The new arrow containment system features three contact points for security and stability. The arrow rests on two, “never-wear” spring-loaded ball bearings. It is held securely in place by a top-mounted retention brush. The brush offers durability as part of this system, which provides a secure launch platform for arrows and enhances durability and precision.
Nock
A new nock was developed to work with the trigger and eliminate the rail. The CenterPunch HPX with Snap-In Nock always ensures firm and precise arrow seating. The Alpha-Nock HPX snaps into the TriggerTech trigger box, allowing the user to hear and feel that your arrow is properly locked and loaded. A special nock retention grove snaps into the TriggerTech Trigger box for exact alignment. If the nock is not seated properly, the crossbow will not fire.
The new nocks are available in a lighted version.
Optic mount
Significant changes have been made to the TX 440 design, adding stability and reducing noise. A new ACU-Lock Scope Bridge provides a rock-solid foundation for scope stability. If you have older models of crossbows, the advantage of the solid optic base is apparent. The base has no flex or wiggle, reducing the chances of knocking the optic out of alignment. Most of all, the solid foundation provides the base for consistent accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
The fact that the ACU-Lock Scope Bridge is 25 times stronger than traditional scope rails is hard to comprehend. The full-length, dual-mounted, machined aluminum bridge provides more scope adjustment, allows for heavier scope options, and provides superior strength and durability.
A Picatinny Rail tops the scope bridge, offering more strength. The Picatinny system offers more options for mounting optics and accessories than a standard base. The cocking lever is stored on the Picatinny Rail using a specialized mount that is spring-loaded for easy access. There are multiple mounting options to suit individual preferences. An ambidextrous quick disconnect quiver mount can be on the scope bridge or Picatinny Rail with angle preferences.
Optics
Fast shooting crossbows with increased accuracy at long range require optics to appreciate what the crossbow can achieve. The scope offers a variable speed setting to maximize accuracy out to 100 yards. The optic has a maximum speed setting of 550 feet per second.
The scope enhances the accuracy and dependability of the crossbow shot after shot. The scope features aiming points out to 100 yards. It features an updated, enhanced reticle for a cleaner view and greater down-range accuracy. The reticle can be illuminated red or green, with different intensities for best vision in different light conditions.
The multi-coated glass provides great light transmission and a true color image. There is a focus dial (diopter adjustment) to ensure a clear view of the reticle with or without glasses. Elevation and windage turrets make it easy to dial the scope in and use the calibrated reticle to select the shooting distance. A Picatinny rail makes it easy to mount the scope for optimal eye relief.
The EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope 3.0 is part of the TX 440 package. However, there is an option to have the TX 440 with a Burris Oracle X rangefinding optic. There is also a package that includes the Garmin X1i rangefinding optic. The smart technology in the Oracle X and Garmin X1i allows the user to aim, range, and shoot.
Read our Review of the Burris Oracle X
Level
Like any crossbow, the TX 440 must be held at a level when shooting. A level is available to help reduce user error. The level attaches to the Picatinny Rail and can be quickly observed on either side of the scope.
Cocking and de-cocking
TenPoint has mastered the mechanical cocking system, which can also be safely used to de-cock the bow. With changes to the TX 440 altering the barrel and eliminating the rail, a new trigger box and cocking system was required. An all-new ACUSlide MAXX provides silent and safe cocking and de-cocking that is easy enough for any size or strength of shooter to use safely.
The ACUslide MAXX Cocking and De-Cocking System is not only safe, but it is stronger, smoother, and easier to operate. A hand crank winds the trigger box and string engagement into position. A release button on the buttstock frees the trigger box to move down the barrel to the string. Pushing the box into the string locks it in place, and the safety automatically goes on. The cranking handle can be extended to provide more leverage and crank the trigger box up the barrel until it locks with the string and bow fully cocked. An arrow can then be nocked.
The cocking mechanism reduces the effort required to cock the bow to a mere 7 pounds. The TX 440 has a draw weight of 300 pounds, which would be challenging to cock with a rope device and the strength of the shooter. No rope cocking device or extreme muscle power is required to cock the crossbow and get ready to shoot.
One of the standout safety points is the stabilized cocking crank when in use. The user can remove their hand from the crank at any time, and the handle stops in place, and the trigger box is held securely on the barrel where it stops. The crank does not spin out of control. The Auto-Brake Gear System was designed for smooth, consistent, safe cocking and de-cocking.
To de-cock the bow, put forward pressure on the crank and engage the release button on the buttstock. The trigger unit can then be de-cocked with each crank turn to release all limb pressure.
Safety
The cocking system is tied to the trigger box for safety reasons. The system includes an anti-dryfire inhibitor that can be seen when you seat the nock of your arrow. An indicator lever turns down to show when the arrow is seated in the correct position. A Dryfire Preventer is built into the trigger box to ensure accidents that could be devastating to your bow do not happen.
A built-in Bow Hook that looks like a stirrup is included on the front end of the bow to securely hold the bow in place while cocking or de-cocking. Stability is important for safety and ensures the trigger box will be cranked up the rail consistently, which adds to accuracy. The hook helps hold the bow off the ground to prevent debris from getting caught in the string or cams when cocking.
The manual thumb safety is easy to operate and prevents trigger pull when engaged. The safety is an AR-style ambidextrous Thumb Safety located directly above the trigger to allow you to keep both hands on the crossbow and eyes locked on your game.
Stock
The TX 440 uses a Bullpup design. A bullpup crossbow is one with its trigger box and cocked string located in front of the breech of the weapon, instead of behind it. The Bullpup creates a crossbow with a shorter overall length, which is often lighter, more compact, and maneuverable. It improves balance as well.
The stock has a SoftTouch Finish in Vektra camouflage or moss green color. This premium stock material and design further reduce vibration. A pistol grip helps stabilize the bow and keeps hands clear of operating parts. Shims can be added to the buttstock to alter the length of pull for perfect fit and feel.
Range time
A true test for any crossbow is at the range. Four shooters tested the TX 440 for accuracy, noise, speed, and ease of use. The decibels were measured off the shooting bench with a smartphone. The bench is an important consideration, as sound can reverberate off the table’s hard surface and increase the decibel reading. The arrow speed was measured with a Garmin Xero C1 Pro, the newest technology in chronographs using Doppler radar.
The results were:
- Decibel average for three shots: 100.9 dB
- Advertised speed: 440 fps
- Chronographed speed: 415.8 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group 20 yards: 3/8 in (arrow shafts touching)
Everyone loved the bow and shot it accurately. The crossbow was easy to use, and everyone commented on how quiet it shot.
Hunt test
A beautiful blonde color-phase black bear emerged through the trees, and my heart rate immediately started to climb. The excitement was intense, and I reminded myself not to hold my breath. The large bruin was cautious and coy but eventually sauntered into the open. The thick fur rippled with every step of the rotund bruin as it walked toward my stand. Showing restraint, I waited for a broadside shot, not wanting to take any chances. At 24 yards, the bear took a few steps sideways and offered a slight quartering-away shot. The green, illuminated reticle of the scope on my TenPoint TX440 found the vitals. A gentle squeeze of the trigger ended with a loud smack of my arrow penetrating the bear and breaking the far shoulder.
The bear roared and took off on a death run that ended about 60 yards away. My first hunt with the new TX 440 crossbow had been a huge success. The advantages of modern technology in the forward-draw crossbow proved fast, efficient, quiet, easy to operate, and deadly accurate.
Shooting the TX 440 from a ladder stand made it easy to see how the compact design made it maneuverable. At 28 inches in length and 6.5 inches between axles when cocked, it is easy to handle in various hunting situations. The compact profile allows for greater mobility and more shot opportunities in the field by reducing the chance for cam or limb contact in the stand or blind.
The quiet operation and reduced shot noise meant the targeted bear never heard a thing before the arrow went through it. The kinetic energy was impressive and confirmed that compact does not compromise performance. The SEVR broadhead traveled diagonally through the bear and exited the far shoulder.
Accommodating Accessories
Axis Tripod (Click to Shop)
TenPoint now offers the Axis Tripod, designed for stability and maneuverability for hunters on the go or in a blind. The three-point leg design and angles use a much smaller footprint than other tripods without compromising steadiness. The tripod features a clamp to firmly hold the forend of a crossbow, placing the weight directly over the legs. The clamp and stability allow you to leave your crossbow locked and ready to shoot without movement. It only takes a quarter turn of the clamp knob to loosen it for adjustments. The Axis is lightweight, collapses to 25 inches, and extends up to 40 inches tall. A built-in compass helps confirm the direction of shots when looking for a blood trail or recovering an arrow. A bubble level prevents shooters from canting their bow.
Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph – used to test speed (Click to Shop)
- Projectile Speed: Ranges from 100 to 5,000 fps.
- Calculations: Provides velocity, energy, averages, extreme spread, and standard deviation using Doppler radar.
- Display: 240 x 320 pixels.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours or 2,000 shots. Rechargeable.
- Dimensions: Compact at 3.03 inches x 2.38 inches x 1.36 inches.
- Weight: Lightweight at 5.7 ounces (with tripod).
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7.
- There are modes for various bows and firearms, from BB guns to long-range rifles.
Read also: The Best Crossbows of 2024 – tested and reviewed by experts
