Just when archers were getting used to the different look of a crossbow, as compared to a regular bow, a new style has hit the market that makes even veteran users take a second look.
At first glance, the Barnett Vengeance may appear like somebody at the bow shop put the thing together backwards. Upon closer inspection, you quickly learn that the riser mechanism is supposed to be in reverse orientation to how a conventional crossbow looks.
It looks weird.
Admittedly I was taken aback when I opened the factory box of my new Vengeance to discover it was not assembled. That increased my state of anxiety, already stoked by it being my first venture into crossbows.
I am methodical when it comes to assembling stuff, so I quickly had all the parts scattered across my floor and the owner’s manual in my lap. The assembly manual could have better photos of the process for putting be bow together, but I since learned there is a YouTube video that is useful. Wish I’d known.
On the flip side, putting a crossbow together myself really helped orient me to how these things function. So, in reality it was a good learning curve if not a little steep.
In my investigating the medium, I knew the Barnett brand was a good one and I shopped them at various outlets before I selected this model to try.
The Vengeance is a unique model for sure, but its specifications and features were an easy sell for me. First, I noted the bolt speed at 365 fps. That’s fast.
Also, the patented Carbon Riser Technology reduces the riser weight by 43 percent, so the balance point of the crossbow is much further back in the center of the bow. That eliminates the “tip forward” feel of the traditional crossbow and provides for greater control and handling comfort. It weights only 8 pounds.
Reportedly the trigger breaks at 3.5 pounds, but I have not confirmed that. The release is sure not mushy.
There is a fold down forward vertical grip to get your fingers away from the bolt track.
The draw weight is 140 pounds with an overall weapon length of 34.75 inches, and an axle-to-axle width of 23.5 inches.
The box included a bolt quiver that attaches to the crossbow, three bolts, a rope-cocking device, and a 3 X 32 illuminated multi-reticle optical scope — a complete package, once assembled, ready to shoot.
Now, I can’t wait for deer season.
Be the first to comment