Killer Instinct Swat XP Crossbow Review [June 2023]

Killer Instinct Swat XP Crossbow Elite Package​

  • Designed for unparalleled balance, control and fit​.
  • Perfectly center balanced with a super-compact frame.​
  • Accutac™ Barrel System.​
  • Shoots up to 415 feet-per-second.​
  • 3-pound KillerTech trigger for constant accuracy shot-after-shot.​
  • Limited lifetime warranty.​
  • Easy-to-handle.​

Killer Instinct is a leading manufacturer of performance crossbows and accessories. The KI Swat XP is the latest advancement in extreme precision shooting.

It is an ultra-compact crossbow shooting 415 fps that is unmatched in balance, control, and accuracy. And the Accutac Barrel is designed to be a game-changer in terms of the accuracy of the broadhead.

If you are a beginner, this crossbow is best as it is designed for optimal use by all types of hunters. The SWAP XP has an excellent combination of next-level accuracy, maneuverability, and control. It produces extreme precision when shooting and handling.

Below are the brief description and specifications of Killer Instinct Swat XP. In this write-up, we covered features, pros & cons, power, build quality, accuracy, and included accessories.


Killer Instinct Swat XP Crossbow Review: First Impressions

Killer Instinct Swat XP

KI Swat XP Crossbow Specifications
Speed415 FPS
Draw Weight165 lbs
Width Axle to Axle (cocked/uncocked)9.125″/14.125″
Kinetic Energy153 ft. lbs.
Weight6.9 lbs
Length29″
Power Stroke14.5″
FinishTrue Timber Strata Camo

Reasons To Buy

  • Ultra-compact design.
  • Hard-hitting 415 fps speed.
  • 3.5 lbs trigger with a smooth pull.
  • Enclosed 360-degree revolutionary design.
  • Broadhead cage at the barrel end for improved safety.
  • Delivers unmatched broadhead accuracy.
  • Compact at 29″ long and 14″ wide axle to axle.
  • Includes Dead Silent Crank & Lumix 1.5-5 x 32 IR-E Scope.

Reasons To Avoid

  • Compatible with only heavyweight arrows (at least 440 grain).

Detailed Specifications​​

Design

KI Swat XP Barrel

Its small, ultra-compact crossbow measures an overall length of 27 inches, with a width of 14.125 inches uncocked. And the best thing is everything is designed to be in the center of the crossbow, whether it is cams, stoke, trigger, or grip, all in the center of its ultra-compact frame.

The centralized balanced design provides a better balance that helps with control and stability when shouldered. You can quickly maneuver the crossbow to get the game from the first shot.

Furthermore, the string is free-floating, which means that more power and less drag are ensured when serving. The crossbow isn’t lightweight, but a great balance makes it feels less bulky than its actual weight.

Speed

This crossbow from Killer Instinct is definitely going to impress you in terms of performance, as it is provided with all the necessary elements to assure high energy power stroke. Utilizing the full length of the bow to center balance it and to maximize speed for successful shots. It shoots bolts with top speeds of 415 feet per second and delivers 153 ft-lbs KE knockdown power.

Thanks to its center-balance design, the popular “nose-heavy” crossbow problem is reversed for enhanced control and extra steadiness when it is shouldered.

Performance

This compact crossbow is easy to hold and handle. With its balanced center design, it offers a good balance. Furthermore, shooting the Swat XP is even possible with one hand.

For next-level accuracy, it features the AccuTac Barrel. Its enclosed 360-degree design provides greater guidance and support that reduces the amount of cross-bolt oscillation. Also, it improves high-speed broadhead flight.

Apart from this, there is a free-floating string between two barrels. It reduces serving wear on the string, which extends the duration of the string’s life span. Moreover, the Broadhead Cage design at the end of the barrel traps the bolts and broadhead within the riser for safety and prevents the bolts from falling off.

Accuracy

It is incredibly accurate and, with the included scope, covers accurate long-range even out to 100 yards. With the Swat XP volts, you can reach 415 feet per second speed. The trigger pull is consistent with zero creeps.

Thanks to its AccuTac Barrel system, that is a revolutionary element. It is specially designed to ensure extreme broadhead accuracy.

Cocking

Cocking a Swat XP is easy with DSC Dead Silent Crank. It is really quiet and rapidly attaches and detaches in seconds. The compact, sleek crank with speed connect socket is constructed of high strength aluminum alloys. It reduces weight and ensures years of trouble-free use.

The crank handle can attach on either side of the cocker to accommodate right or left-handed shooters. A rope cocker is also included in the package for hunters who prefer a cocking a crossbow with a rope cocking aid. This will reduce the draw weight by 50%.

Moreover, the stirrup is of perfect size and built at a 90-degree able. Thus placing a foot on it while cocking is comfortable.

Trigger and Safety

It comes with a 3 pounds trigger system and has a smooth, crisp pull with zero creeps. It is comparable to triggers with Triggertech. With an anti-dry fire mechanism, it works pretty much flawlessly. It prevents you from accidentally dry firing the crossbow when unloaded. Also, the overmolded foregrip keeps your fingers clear of the string.

Broadhead Cage

It is located at the end of the barrel. It traps the bolt and broadhead within the riser for improved safety. Also, it eliminates any mistake of bumping a bolt off track.

Assembly

The Swat XP crossbow is easy to assemble, even for those who don’t experience the crossbows. It comes pre-assembled. Only a little bit of assembly is required, like to set up foot stirrup and scope. The quiver is mounted inline with the rail. Also, you can sight-in the scope easily. It only takes 5-6 minutes and a couple of shots.


Accessories​

This crossbow from Killer Instinct comes as ready to hunt package. It includes all the essential accessories that match your expectations.

  • Lumix speed ring 1.5 – 5×32 IR-E Scope
  • DSC Dead Silent Crank
  • Rope Cocker
  • String and Limb Suppressors
  • 5 Arrow Quiver
  • SWAT XP Arrows (400 Grain) with field tips
  • Stick of rail lube

Scope

It comes with 1.5-5×32 IR-E scope. This scope features easy to use speed ring adjustment. It enables you to adjust the scope for crossbows between 270 and 450 fps. Moreover, the red/blue illuminated reticle gives sharp contrast for accurate sighting in low light conditions.

Also, it features Killer Instinct’s KillZone XB100 reticle that can be optimized for both fast and short distance target acquisition and long-range precision accuracy out to 100 yards. And the best thing is the scope is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant.

Bolts & Quiver

The included arrows have a total length of 22″ and diameter is 0.346 inches. They have a total weight of 400 grain with 100-grain field points. Also, they have 3.0″ vanes and pre-installed nocks. These bolts deliver maximum penetration and hard-hitting kinetic energy with blasting knockdown power.

The Swat XP also includes a high-quality mountable quiver. It can hold a total of five arrows. Overall, the complete package is best to hunt the biggest game out there.


Final Verdict

This ultra-compact crossbow with amazing broadhead accuracy shoots bolts up to 415 feet per second. If you are searching for a small crossbow that packs a punch, the KI Swat XP is the best option.

It is comfortable to handle and has a great balance due to its centralized design. Thanks to the advanced systems and technologies it includes, it assures great maneuverability and shooting precision. Furthermore, the scope enables you to be accurate on the fast short-range and long-range out to 100 yards.

The Killer Instinct also backs the crossbow with a lifetime limited warranty. All in all, its balanced center design gives the feel for greater control and steadiness when shouldered.


Frequently Asked Questions​

1. How Difficult Is The Swat XP to Cock?

Cocking this KI Swat crossbow is different from other bows, but it is still easy. The draw weight is 165 pounds, so you can pull it by hand. Also, you can use a rope cocking device for a consistent draw and an accurate shot.

Before you draw the string:

  • Extend the CST compression levers.
  • Use a rope cocker to pull back the string.
  • Once it is fastened into place, fold the CST levers back into place.
  • Drop the arrow into the barrel and flip the switch on the back of the buttstock to fully seat the arrow.

2. What Kind of Arrows Are Suitable With Swat XP?

You will get three SWAT 22″ arrows with this crossbow. These carbons arrows are of excellent quality and also includes field tips.

Aksroop Kaur

About the author

Aksroop Kaur is a senior staff writer for Best Crossbow Guide, where she covers outdoor gears and hunting tools. Aks began her career in blogging as an outdoor writer at the AnG Eesti Technologies. She keeps a beady eye on all the latest comings and goings in the crossbow world. She believes in writing creative articles & blogs on travel, adventure, and health. She has a keen interest in learning new things and sharing her knowledge with others. Exploring various platforms for blog writing is one of her passion. She also loves to design indoor and outdoor spaces. In her free time when she’s not writing, she enjoys watching movies, exploring different places with her friends. Also, she is very into fitness activity. She believes in staying fit is the root of good health.