The TenPoint Nitro XRT is loaded for bear, as they say, with its RX7 Cam system, Sling-Shot Technology, Vector Quad cable system and Dual Flex limbs all working together to produce 370-grain bolt speeds of 470 fps. The T5 Trigger highlights the firing system and features a new string-latch design and 50 percent reduction in travel. An adjustable buttstock and cheekpiece complete the PolyOne OnForce C3 stock, while the ACUdraw Pro silent-cranking cocking device requires minimal effort to ready the XRT.
May 14, 2019
By Jon E. Silks
TenPoint Crossbow Technologies is a leader in the crossbow world and has been for many years, always striving to push the performance envelope. Case in point: For 2019, TenPoint introduced the Nitro XRT , which redefines speed, balance and maneuverability.
The Nitro XRT is a blend of many features, such as Sling-Shot Technology, a Vector Quad cable system and Dual Flex Limbs, which work with the RX7 cams to produce bolt speeds of up to an incredible 470 fps. The rig is also outfitted with a Reverse Draw Assembly, Tri-Lock Pocket system, Tac-Lite Barrel, T5 trigger and much more.
Fast and Furious You’ve undoubtedly taken notice of the speed rating of this crossbow — how could you not? When bolts are flying closer to 500 fps than 400 fps, you know we’ve stepped into a new realm of crossbow performance. The question is, how did TenPoint do it?
Let’s start with the cams. RX7 cams employ a spiral cable groove to allow for an amazing 404 degrees of rotation, which results in a greater potential for speed. Sling-Shot Technology adds a shot of nitrous into the mix: As the string is being drawn, it partially and momentarily contacts a set of rollers, which are mounted to a stationary fixture partway down the barrel, producing a bend in the string until the cams move far enough inward to create a straight line between them and the anchor point. The reverse of this action results in the Sling-Shot Technology, which is advertised as generating an extra boost of speed between 10 and 15 fps.
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TenPoint’s Vector Quad cable system ties it all together. It uses four individual cables rather than the traditional two, with each connecting directly to the cam, wrapping around a turnbuckle and terminating on the riser. This keeps the cables from ever crossing and allows for perfect alignment, thereby eliminating efficiency-robbing cam lean.
Positionally Balanced Focusing on balance, TenPoint designed its new speedster with a center-mounted aluminum riser, as opposed to the front-end design found on traditional configurations. Bow balance is completely changed with this positioning, and maneuverability is greatly enhanced. The Nitro XRT can even be fired one-handed.
The Reverse-Draw bow assembly also flips the entire bow around, with the limb pockets anchored to the riser and the limbs and cams reaching toward the front of the rig. Drawing the string from the front, through the riser, yields a much longer power stroke, offering faster speeds at less poundage. This results in less vibration and an advertised three times quieter shot than the competition.
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Tri-Lock limb pockets are designed to create a perfect alignment between the riser and the split Dual Flex limbs. The double-hinged limbs are made with Gordon Composite material and are double hydro-dipped in Kuiu Verde 2.0 Camo.
Let It Fly When cocked, the XRT has a couple of safety features that automatically engage. First, the company’s Dry Fire Inhibitor (DFI) physically blocks the string until a bolt is loaded, pivoting the DFI out of the way. Next is a trigger safety on the T5 trigger, which is an all-new design with 50 percent less travel and a new string latch that reduces friction. TenPoint attaches a Weaver-style dovetail scope rail to the top of the machined-aluminum trigger box and includes a nylon-filament bolt-retention brush to reduce noise and increase accuracy. A 20-inch Tac-Lite fluted-aluminum barrel connects the crossbow and stock and employs an Acra-Angle flight groove for consistent positioning of the bolt. A string-stop system and stirrup are attached to the end of the barrel.
Adjustable Stock TenPoint injection molds the stock and foregrip unit using PolyOne’s OnForce material, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. The rubber cheekpiece and buttplate are both adjustable for a custom fit. A pistol grip and flared foregrip allow for control and comfort, while the dual-purpose rubber safety wings reduce vibration and help keep the shooter’s hand safety below the flight deck. The company’s silent-cranking ACUdraw Pro is standard on the Nitro XRT and is mounted onto the stock in front of the buttplate.
What’s in the Box? EVO-X Marksman Scope, ACUdraw PRO cocking device, three-arrow instant-detach quiver, six Evo-X CenterPunch premium carbon bolts, 100-grain practice points, integrated string-stop system, TenPoint STAG hard crossbow case and TenPoint Neoprene Sling. The 1.5- to 7-power scope features illuminated aiming points and drop compensation for crossbows between 250 and 450 fps.
Impressions In a word, the XRT is impressive. It produces super-fast bolt speeds and crazy kinetic energy. It’s a powerhouse by all measures, which makes its compact size and maneuverability all the more notable. When loaded, the rig is over 10 pounds, which can feel somewhat heavy, but the balance makes up for much of that. Cocking the XRT is made simple and easy with the ACUdraw Pro, which gets the job done in silence and safety, as it won’t freewheel if you lose your grip. The scope is quality and performed as such. If people have anything negative to say about the XRT, it will most likely have something to do with the $2,499.99 MSRP.
