27 replies to this topic

[crappie-tom]

Arrowhead, on 31 January 2012 - 09:46 AM, said:

I think I'd do the 100% durability first and the other things you mention after that.

They need to take a close look at the cam design. The way the post hits the cables when they rotate around, will probably be an issue at some point. I like a safety to be an actual safety, I hate fumbling with a lock-out device and then the safety. Without the lock-out device, this bow feels like a grenade without the pin. It just feels scary dangerous to me. Is there a good reason for that web in the forearm? I hate that thing. Optics need an upgrade and I like Moons suggestion for that. I'd like to raise the comb of the stock so that I'm looking through the scope when I shoulder the bow.....that just makes sense to me and few crossbows are set up that way. Other than that, I like the bow.

I'm with you Arrowhead. The sliding safety without a lock on or off position is not a safety at all.  The  lock out device started as a piece of plastic that got stuck in one hole. Now there is a device that looks like a masterlink from a chain without the lock.  Two holes in the safety area of a crossbow should be a huge no-no. Water, outdoor debris(like the kind that accumulates in your hunting clothes pockets) will build up over time in the safety area.  How many guys will loose this extra lockout and, not replace it?  
The forearm grip could also use some redesigning. I like the new one with the fingerguard area on the Scorpyd Vent and, one Maximus xbow I've seen photo's of.
That's about it.  I agree with the other items Moon already covered(especially the FFP scope option) to make it better.  For the value, I think the SZ 350 is the top pick over most crossbows for hunting to date.  It's very accurate out of the box with factory arrows.  It's extremely light weight. It's very quiet when shot.  More attention to safety and quality issues and, I wonder if any other company will compete with this product that I believe is still owned by Savage Arms.
c-t

[Moon]

Debris getting in those holes :-)  Picky picky:-)  The fore end is vented and I think it's one of the best. Just goes to show you, the old man upstairs can't please everyone

[crappie-tom]

Moon, on 02 February 2012 - 07:41 AM, said:

Debris getting in those holes :-)  Picky picky:-)  The fore end is vented and I think it's one of the best. Just goes to show you, the old man upstairs can't please everyone

From the posts I have read I believe there are more guys that don't like the divider than do. The divider makes it semi-vented.   If they lost the divider and put, a finger guard in-- it would be made correctly and, more safe. imo    
As for picky,picky -- not when it comes to a machines safety system.
c-t

[TommyHunt]

I was a very satisfied Stryker owner....
Then came the 380... I gave up some fps, but the weight/size difference in itself makes this a great xbow! Oh, and the sound difference is astonishing as well! As Moon said, a 400 version would be a great next step. As far as optics go, I use my 3 dot scope from my Stryker. A better detachable quiver set up would make for a more user friendly weapon.

[Moon]

As a mechanical fanatic, I consider my 350 and 380 safer than crossbows that have no auto safeties and no safety/claw lockout or secondary safety. Yep, the safety is easy to push to off position once the lockout is pulled but to say  it's more dangerous than those systems mentioned above??????  CT, we won't agree on this  one:-)

As to the cam posts, I'd rather have 2 posts absorbing that enery than one.

Edited by Moon, 03 February 2012 - 09:47 AM.

[Tombob]

What is the best nock for use on a sz350 or 380 if you are still hunting? Seems the moon style it comes with could slide forward for a partial misfire, what nock will clip onto the serving well with these bows?

[Lightfoot]

TommyHunt, on 03 February 2012 - 07:43 AM, said:

I was a very satisfied Stryker owner....
Then came the 380... I gave up some fps, but the weight/size difference in itself makes this a great xbow! Oh, and the sound difference is astonishing as well! As Moon said, a 400 version would be a great next step. As far as optics go, I use my 3 dot scope from my Stryker. A better detachable quiver set up would make for a more user friendly weapon.

yeah, I thought 400 fps plus would be neat and had a few sets of custom limbs made. Got 427 from the first set and 409 from the second. I think the first set of limbs was just too much for the bow and comprimised other components. Had failure in a few parts after that, so its temporarily off my crossbow mod list until I get a brand spanking new stryker, that works properly to begin with. Started off with a used unit so all it did was cost me a bundle of $$ so far. Like another fellow said, the bow in my hands feels like a grenade with the pin already pulled - just not what Im used to I guess.

Me Im just a performance junky. There is already a ton of dependable and reliable crossbows that do the job well enough at lower speeds then what Im after. If folks were not so set on the narrow width the 400fps plus SZ is not a prob.

In Bowtechs defense, the SZ is not the only  new crossbow I've ruined lately... risers dont come cheap either. Interesting is that its not the limbs failing but the bowparts as they do not need too much coaxing at all to reach the critical point for component failure(s).  

Real upgrades on critical parts are needed to go along with upgraded limbs in most cases, and the expense in some cases makes this impractical to the consumer. I would not be putting more powerful limbs on the SZ , and if I had one that still worked, I would be shooting heavier arrows with it for sure, putting safety (or risk reduction) at the top of the list for shooting the SZ380.

Just my two cents worth, and sharing my experiences with a 400fps SZ to date. I will try again in a couple more months with another bow. The TAC is next for a limb upgrade and we will see how that goes.. Now thats a right pricey build let me tell ya.

[Moon]

You are a brave man:-) Kind of like putting a  Kawasaki drag racing engine in a moped. LF, you might consider starting from scratch with a riser, trigger, safety and limbs over engineered for a 425 fps crossbow. In the meantime, keep wearing those safety glasses   That old saying "peeing into the wind" or "up a rope" comes to mind.

BTW, I knew my thoughts on the 350 would turn into something like this :-)  and it's OK.

Edited by Moon, 03 February 2012 - 04:24 PM.