TenPoint Stealth SS Review

The name TenPoint is synonymous with crossbow hunting, and the 2013 Stealth SS is loaded from stock to stirrup with features and technologies designed to enhance your shooting experience.

What's a Bullpup?

At the center of the Stealth's design is the FSB (Functionally Superior Bullpup) stock. A bullpup stock places the action behind the trigger, which allows for a shorter,  lighter design. Maneuverability is of prime interest to the folks at TenPoint, who have heard the requests of their customers for smaller rigs.

The one-piece polypropylene thumbhole stock and forearm are integrated, with cutouts that reduce weight and  improve balance. An elevated comb is positioned for optimum height while the stock length was designed for a comfortable length-of-pull. The interface between the rail and stock is cushioned with rubber inserts that fit perfectly into receiving slots.

Four smaller inserts and two longer inserts, which double as safety wings, bed the rail and reduce shock and noise. The safety wings flare out to prevent the shooter's hand from extending above the flight deck. Shallow checkering on the pistol grip and ribbing on the butt plate offer increased control.

Tactical Rail

TenPoint's ACRA-ANGLE ventilated aluminum rail measures 19.6 inches long and includes many cutouts for reduced weight. The slight angle of the rail's top portion is designed to provide a consistent draw and eliminate finger pinch.

Attached to the rail is a combination trigger box and scope rail. TenPoint's PowerTouch trigger is advertised to produce a 3.5-pound pull. It sits on a pivot rod and is attached to a linkage, which in turn reaches back and attaches to a rocker underneath the trigger box.

When you cock the Stealth, the string passes under the scope rail and into the receiver, where it lifts the dry fire-prevention device out of the way. Further into the receiver, it pushes the cocking mechanism back, drops the string catch and automatically sets the safety. When you turn the safety off, it moves the safety block out of the way and allows the rocker to rotate, releases the string catch and the bolt is on its way.

A spring steel bolt stabilizer is attached to the trigger box and holds the bolt tight to the rail. A groove runs from the front of the rail back to the trigger box to allow clearance for the cock feather/vane. Five bolts and a Phillips head screw secure the rail and stock together.

Stealth Bow

TenPoint uses a machined aluminum riser that designed to work with their Xtreme Limb Technology (XLT). The riser is compact, measuring approximately eight inches wide, has numerous cutouts for weight reduction and is black anodized. A small Vibra-Crush insert where the rider meets the rail greatly reduces vibration and noise. Accessory holes allow for attachment of the stirrup and quiver mount.

Machined aluminum Over-The-Top (OTT) limb pockets are formed to capture each individual limb piece and hold them in proper position. The IsoTaper Quad limbs measure 11 inches long and are set at an angle that produces a compact, 13.5-inch axle-to-axle width when cocked. TenPoint relies on industry standard Gordon Composites for its double-laminated, pultruded glass limb material.

Package Deal

TenPoint's Stealth SS comes only as a package including a scope with mount, quick-detach quiver with ambidextrous mount, three bolts with practice points and your choice of the ACUdraw or ACUdraw 50 cocking mechanisms. The scope is a TenPoint 3X Pro-View 2 mounted on an extended, machined aluminum 7„8-inch Fixed Dovetail Mount. Bolts are TenPoint's Pro Elite carbon.

Impressions

TenPoint's Stealth SS weighs in below seven pounds and is compact thanks to the company's XLT technology. It is easily maneuvered in tight spots and light enough for most to carry deep into the woods.

I like the short overall length created by the FSB stock, and the comb/cheek piece put my eye right in line with the scope. Nice groups at 35 yards would certainly translate into the demise of any big-game animal you care to pursue.

SPECS:

Manufacturer: TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, 800-548-6837

Model: Stealth SS

Safety Features: Anti-dry fire, trigger safety, rubber forearm flare

Cam System: MRX Dual Cam

Weight: 6.8 pounds (advertised, bare)

Axle-To-axle length: 17.5 inches at rest, 13.5 inches when cocked

Draw Weight: 185 pounds

Power Stroke: 13.25 inches

Riser: Machined aluminum, XLT

Limbs: IsoTaper Quad Limb

String: D75, 32 inches

Cables: D75, 19.625 inches

Grip: Pistol style, polypropylene

Finish: Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity

Forearm: Injection molded polypropylene, with safety flares

Overall Length: 34.4 inches

Advertised Speed: 334 fps

Suggested Retail Price: $1,099 (with ACUdraw 50)

Comments: A top-quality crossbow that is very compact and easy to shoot.

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