TenPoint Shadow NXT Crossbow
- Dual String Stop System.
- RangeMaster Pro Illuminated Scope.
- ACUdraw PRO Silent Cocking Device.
- 3.5-pound Auto Engaging Safety Trigger.
- Functionally Superior Bullpup Technology.
- Alpha-Nock and Micro-Trac Barrel System.
Crossbows have been used for centuries in hunting and warfare. With technological advancements, crossbows have become more efficient and accurate. TenPoint is a renowned brand in the crossbow industry, and its Shadow NXT is one of the most popular models. This article is a review of the TenPoint Shadow NXT Crossbow.
The Shadow NXT has an ultra-compact frame and is only 6.5 inches wide when cocked. It is a bit heavy at 7.3 pounds, but the weight is well balanced, making it comfortable to hold and shoot. The crossbow is constructed with precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum, making it durable and sturdy.
The bow assembly features a reverse-draw configuration, where the limbs face inward instead of outward, reducing the overall length of the crossbow. This design also results in a more balanced and stable shooting platform, reducing torque and increasing accuracy.
TenPoint Shadow NXT Review : First Impressions
| TenPoint Shadow NXT Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 380 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 200 lbs |
| Width Axle-to-Axle (Uncocked / Cocked) | 11.3″ / 6.5″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 122-foot pounds |
| Length | 32.2″ |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
| Power Stroke | 12.2 inches |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo |
Reasons To Buy
- Its Build Quality is Excellent.
- Delivers Optimal Performance.
- Dual-purpose Safety Wings Reduces the Noise and Vibration.
- Comes with 320-degree rotation cams and Vector Quad 4 cable system.
- Its Compact Size Allows You to Shoot in Tight Shooting Situations.
- It Shoots Bolts up to 380 fps, Which is Amazingly Fast for a Compound Crossbow.
Reasons To Avoid
- It Can’t be Manually Decocked.
TenPoint Shadow NXT Crossbow: Detailed Specifications
Build and Design
The TenPoint crossbow features a sleek and ergonomic design that’s built for accuracy and performance. Here’s a closer look at the construction and design of this crossbow:
Functionally Superior Bullpup (FSB) Technology: The Shadow NXT crossbow features FSB technology, which positions the riser at the center of the crossbow and utilizes a reverse-draw configuration to balance the weight and reduce the overall length of the crossbow. This design allows for improved accuracy, stability, and maneuverability.
TEC-X Stock: The Shadow NXT features a TEC-X stock made of high-strength and lightweight materials, which enhances the crossbow’s durability and reduces its weight. The stock features an adjustable length-of-pull, as well as an adjustable cheek piece and butt plate to provide a comfortable and customized fit for the shooter.
ACUdraw PRO Silent Cocking Device: The ACUdraw PRO Silent Cocking Device is an advanced rope-cocking system that reduces the draw weight by 50%, making it easy and convenient to use. The system is silent, allowing the hunter to cock the crossbow without spooking nearby game.
RangeMaster Pro Illuminated Scope with Variable Zoom: The TenPoint RangeMaster Pro Illuminated Scope is a high-quality optic that features variable zoom from 1.5x to 5x, providing a clear and accurate sight picture for distances up to 100 yards.
Dual String Stop System: The Shadow NXT features a dual string stop system that reduces noise and vibration, improving accuracy and reducing wear on the string and cable.
Veil Alpine Camo Pattern: The Shadow NXT crossbow features a Veil Alpine camo pattern that blends well with the natural surroundings, reducing the chances of being detected by game.
Performance
The NXT crossbow is designed to provide exceptional performance and accuracy in the field, making it an excellent choice for hunters and shooters who demand the best. Here’s a closer look at the performance of this crossbow:
Speed: The Shadow NXT crossbow is capable of shooting arrows at speeds of up to 380 feet per second, making it one of the fastest crossbows on the market. This high speed translates to exceptional accuracy and knockdown power, making it ideal for hunting big game.
Accuracy: The Shadow NXT crossbow is designed to be extremely accurate, thanks to its FSB technology, TEC-X stock, and RangeMaster Pro Illuminated Scope. These features work together to provide a stable shooting platform, a clear sight picture, and a high level of precision.
Noise and Vibration: The Shadow NXT crossbow features a dual string stop system that helps to reduce noise and vibration, making it one of the quietest crossbows on the market. This feature not only makes the crossbow more pleasant to shoot, but it also reduces the chances of spooking nearby game.
Durability: The Shadow NXT crossbow is built to last, with a TEC-X stock made of high-strength and lightweight materials, and a reverse-draw configuration that reduces stress on the limbs and cables. This crossbow is designed to withstand the rigors of the hunt and provide years of reliable service.
Ease of Use: The Shadow NXT crossbow is easy and convenient to use, thanks to its ACUdraw PRO Silent Cocking Device, which reduces the draw weight by 50%, making it easy to cock the crossbow. The adjustable stock, cheek piece, and butt plate also provide a comfortable and customized fit for the shooter.
Accessories
The TenPoint Shadow crossbow package includes:
- TenPoint 3x Pro-View 2 Scope mounted on a machined aluminum 7/8-inch Fixed Dovetail Mount
- 3-Arrow Instant Detach Quiver
- 3 TenPoint Pro-Elite carbon arrows with 100-grain practice points
- ACUdraw, ACUdraw 50 SLED, or Rope Sled
- String Dampening System
Scope
- It is equipped with 3x Pro-View 3 scope. This is a lightweight, 8.5-inch aluminum tube scope. It is furnished with etched glass reticle and fully coated 3x optics.
- It features 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards combo crosshair and illuminated dot configuration, with a free-floating dot for 50 yards.
- It is available with non-illuminated black dots or one of two rheostat-controlled, illuminated colored dots.
Quiver and Bolts
The package includes the TenPoint Pro Elite 20 inch carbon arrow that is fletched slightly offset. These arrows are fitted with a 68-grain brass insert, 3.5-inch Bohning X Vanes and TenPoint’s New Alpha-Nock and receiver for quick lighted nock installation. Pro Elite shafts are examined for straightness to within .003 and hand-sorted for weight tolerance to within 2-grains per dozen.
It comes with patented Omni-Nock. Its unique six groove design eliminates the indexing problem of the moon and capture nocks.
Sound Dampening System
This crossbow is pre-installed with TenPoint’s Integrated Sound Dampening System which dramatically reduces noise & vibration. This SDS features micro-adjustable dampening rods with durable, high impact rubber dampeners. It is mounted in the cable slot of the bow to reduce string noise and oscillation.
Cocking Device
Shadow NXT offers various cocking options such an ACUdraw 50 SLED or rope sled.
ACUdraw 50 SLED is fully integrated into the buttstock. Its cord retracts neatly inside the unit’s housing after cocking. It is lightweight and contoured covers provide improved security of the weapon.
- It draws the crossbow accurately every time.
- It reduces the cocking effort by 50%.
- It features the newly designed sled with detachable, magnetic handles.
Final Verdict
The Shadow NXT is a great choice for hunters and archers looking for a compact crossbow that will drive tacks and last for years to come. It is equipped with high quality accessories. Its lightweight and compact design offers excellent maneuverability
With amazing arrow speed, easy handling, and durable construction, you will get more out of this crossbow than you’ll expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should you change the crossbow’s strings or cables?
At a minimum, you should change your string/cables every other hunting seasons. If you shoot your bow often throughout the year, you may consider changing each season.
2. What is the draw weight on the rope sled model?
This NXT crossbow is around a 200-pound draw, so with the rope sled, you would be putting 100-pound draw.
3. How Ravin R10 differ from Shadow NXT?
Both the Ravin R10 and Shadow NXT are excellent choices for hunters. In terms of performance, both crossbows are similar on paper with the Ravin R10 pulling slightly ahead in a few categories such as kinetic energy, speed, and axle-to-axle width. Both bow models come as package options from the manufacturer and are provided with high quality elements. Something worth noting is that R10 is equipped with three additional bolts compared to the TenPoint model.
4. How compact is Shadow NXT crossbow?
It is the most compact crossbow, measuring only 6.5 ” axle to axle when cocked. This makes it great crossbow for shooting in a tree-stand or from behind a blind.
5. How much does this crossbow weigh?
This crossbow weighs 7 pounds that are slightly below average in terms of weight for a compound crossbow. It is recommended that a crossbow that weighs 7 pounds or less are suitable for beginner hunters.
