Repossession Sales

Introduction:

Todd Bromley sent me his Nitro XRT for testing, comparison, evaluation, etc.

Todd stressed: “Do not whitewash anything. Tell your true feelings.” And, I’m doing just that!

I’m dividing the evaluation into three phases: the crossbow, accuracy and the EvoX scope.



The Nitro XTR


This discussion is centered on the functioning and feel of the crossbow. The dimensions and the considerable weight have been repeatedly discussed in other articles. It is a given that it is very compact and comparatively heavy.

The weight is actually a positive in that it is helpful in absorbing the considerable energy that goes back into this very compact crossbow. These tiny 225# limbs produce well over 200ft lbs of energy of which at least 40# is transferred back into the crossbow. This weight reduces the noise and handshock of this tiny but very powerful crossbow. I view this weight as a positive.

I initially checked the ATA and found that it was dead on at 12.5”. However , the accuracy was less than expected. Way less! I was only getting about 1 1/2” 60 yd 3-shot groups. That’s not good considering that I was using excellent rests, had very low wind, > $15 arrows and a $2,700 crossbow package. In contrast, my Aculeus 460/Spynal Tapps/AV2s/150g Crossbow Tricks was getting 1/3” 60 yard groups and the SWAT was getting below 1/2” 3-shot groups at the same range with field points with less expensive (Tapp Nation) arrows. That is, less expensive than the highly advertised EvoX arrows. Something was wrong!

Pin to the rescue!Timing was way off. He recommended retiming to where 1 3/4 dots (the cams are conveniently marked) are inside the limbs , and all was well. ATA was now 12.25”. Accuracy improved dramatically and speed was up from 415’/sec with 456.8g arrow to 430’/sec.A 400g arrow was 447’/sec.

60 yard groups reduced to less than 1” @ 60 yards for 3 shots. This is with EvoX arrows/100g points , Spynal Tapp/AV2 vanes/150g points and Spynal Tapp/ST 280 vanes and 125g points. All 3 different arrows shot below 1” groups. More later in this review.


Now, back to the crossbow:

The good -

The balance is excellent which makes the weight seem less. Offhand shooting is likely enhanced by the considerable heft . Hand shock and noise are very similar to the Aculeus 460 , which is very low.

Of course, the very small size helps greatly for stand and blind usage as well as carrying the XRT.

The safety is conveniently placed and quiet in operation. Since I shoot ambidextrously , I wish the safety could be seen from both sides.

The EvoX scope placement is perfect for me but more on the scope later.

The AccuDraw Pro is conveniently placed and has a great storage place for the sled, better than the AL rest with my AccuDraw sled rest on my Scorpyd.

The compact limbs, riser, stock and rail combine to make a very estheticly appealing crossbow.


However.....

The trigger!! Acceptable for a hunting crossbow and that’s it as far as I’m concerned. One of the members on this board was a sniper for the highway patrol (and I think military, prior). He says the SWAT trigger is better than his $10,000 sniper rifle’s trigger. The 1.5# TT in my BD400 and the Aculeus trigger all have me spoiled. The trigger is right at 4#. In its favor, it is very consistent with no surprises.


The cocking sled can slip off if not properly engaged on the string. I had this happen and don’t plan a repeat. I’m now “gun-shy” and keep my head off to the side during the first part of the cranking. If it were mine, I’d paint the lower parts of the string catches with white paint so I can tell they are under the string.


AccuDraw Pro - A lot of movement per crank! 18 turns to cock the crossbow verses 38 turns of the AccuDraw to cock the Aculeus. 225# vs 180#. Some people might struggle to cock the XRT. The major thing I noticed was how I had to really hold onto the crossbow while cocking as opposed to the very gentle cocking of the Aculeus. I liked the silent cocking yet having a brake. Of course, the AccuDraw can be cocked silently without the safety of a brake.

The disengagement of the crank is more involved than with the original AccuDraw. Additionally, the lever seems a lot less precise or substantial. However, this Nitro XRT reportedly had approximately 2,000 shots when I received it. The AccuDraw Pro has held up admirably.

I initially didn’t like the “Pro” as much as the my original AccuDraw on my Aculeus. However, with time, I got to where I prefer the “Pro”. The cocking strength required is significantly greater with the “Pro”. If a person has any arm/shoulder disability, testing the cocking strength required needs to be done before buying.


Safety - As mentioned, I’d like it visible from both sides. It is well placed and quiet in operation.


Barrel slot - Must watch in order to not put the nock into it. Now , to that nock!


Alpha-Nock - I can see how it will very efficiently distribute the considerable string pressure of the Nitro XRT and likely even higher performance Ten Points to come. Scorpyd users get spoiled by containment nocks and a SWAT user with the locked in arrow. However, the arrow retention brush should very adequately hold the arrow. Those of us used to the security of a capture nock will need a little adjustment period.


Crossbow summary: As should be obvious, there were many significant positives. The greatest positive is that there were no significant negatives, actually, virtually no negatives at all. The closest to a significant negative is the rather heavy trigger compared to my three crossbows models.

It’s small, quiet, very fast, well balanced, accurate, attractive, from a highly respected company, and AVAILABLE!


The EvoX Arrows:

They are pretty. Why so low of an FOC? They have an excellent shaft which was consistently very straight and has a very consistent spine. Large, heavy vanes with very little offset coupled with a heavy, 2-piece nock system complicated by a very light insert(84g) which results in a 456.8g arrow even with a 100g Point. And this is for a speed oriented crossbow?!

But, to the accuracy. I had not gotten good accuracy with the EvoX arrows out of my BD400 nor Aculeus 460.

However, there was something magical when they were shot out of the XRT. They virtually rivaled Jerry’s STs with ST280s and AV2s(150g pts/92g inserts).

Even at 80 yards I got 1” groups with the EvoX arrows and the low magnification of the EvoX scope. The ^ marks (70 & 80 yards) allow very precise aiming.

This is just an impressive scope. I will own one!

VERY STRANGE - I shot these EvoX arrows with 100g, 125g and 150g Points. The 100g points were repeatedly the most accurate, even with the low foc! This defies logic as the arrows have extreme spine so they weren’t overspined with heavier points. Normally, as point weight goes up, the long range accuracy improves.

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