I do not expect big differences in fps from small diameter arrows unless they weigh less. 400 gn is 400 gn coming off the rail....now at the target maybe a difference.

 

i would only be intrested in this bow with the normal spinal tap or bee arrow size.

 

Would shoot either. Hunters are standard .346" diameter.

 

Gotta love it. I numbered the arrows last night, 6 Hunters and 6 Hyper flight. Pulled my scale out to weigh them and nothing,,,,, dead as a door nail. I was really disappointed after planning the entire day to shoot and record the data. Jumped on Amazon and ordered one. Low and behold the scale was sitting on my porch before I got my butt out of bed this morning. That is incredible service. We are on schedule!!!!

 

Factory Arrows with 100 grain tips.
Hyper flight:

Hunter:

 

Does it look like 22 length is necessary or can 20 inch be used as well

 

For those just starting out or looking for an understanding of the differences in nocks on the specific arrows for the Raptor. The factory offerings are "Capture Nocks" and "Moon Nocks". The capture nock is the top and the moon second one down.

The capture nock, top, is like a cloths pin used on the approved Hyperflight arrows. When you load the arrow you MUST push the arrow with force to get the nock to "click" on the string. You will find on a brand new string serving it takes must force to do so. IF you do not hear the nock click then DO NOT shoot the arrow. Either the nock is damaged, serving is wore (regarding diameter) or you did not set the nock fully. Shooting a capture nock arrow without setting the nock will most likely produce a partial dry fire and the potential of blowing up the bow.

The conventional nock used for may years is the standard moon nock on the approved 22" Hunter arrows. These do not click on the string. You must be sure the nock is seated against the string. The brush retainer will keep the arrow in position. NOTE: If you are stalking the animal it is possible for the arrow to "slip" down the rail if the bow is bumped or the arrow touches a tree branch. Be sure when you stop, decide to shoot that you seat the arrow again so you do not experience a dry fire and watch the 16 point buck laugh and walk away. I have had times where when stalking the arrow did slip out of position. Be aware under all the excitement that you check the arrow is seated.

I am NOT a strong advocate of capture nocks because it does have a tendency to swag the string serving and reducing the serving diameter. This will cause different release forces when the nock exits the serving on a shot. Initially you may have 6 lbs. of force to seat the nock. As you shoot multiple times the retention force reduces and can produce a different POI, missing that 16 pointer. Reserving a string also requires you match the diameter to the capture nock. Reserving the string to lets say from .028" material to .020" will not retain the capture nock.

You see that I keep referencing 16 pointer. Well, his name is Oliver and he is my buddy out back. So much my buddy I hope he comes to see me here soon. I have something for him!
FD

 

Does it look like 22 length is necessary or can 20 inch be used as well

Mike,
The design of the riser would allow 17" arrows if one wanted. Lots of clearance upfront. I made up some 20" dragon claws, match grade, coming in at 438 I intend to shoot tomorrow.

 

I clearly stated several times that I went excessive for illustration purposes. You are correct that you may not desire ANY compound bow out there if you need to lubricate. This is NOT a requirement of the Raptor only. All compound bows require frequent lube maintenance. You may want to look at a recurve rather a compound. Make no mistake, if you buy a compound bow, regardless of brand and you do not complete lube maintenance then you will have premature S&C failures.

 

I understand lubrication of the S&C's is necessary, but I have never heard of the need to add lube to the area below the cam where the string wraps around the area below the cam. Please don't take me wrong bringing this up as I am just trying to learn as much as possible so I can make an informed decision on which crossbow will be right for me.

 

Here is a pic of normal. Because the S&C's were dead dry from the factory one must insure complete saturation on all areas. Don't shoot the messenger.

 

So by using the stuff provided with the bow sold one would have to almost melt it allowing it to drip on to get enough lubricant

 

Now this is funny......
I decided to mount a speed rated scope before the ATN for the reason not everyone needs or maybe cannot afford a $900.00 optic. Although the stock scope is crystal clear I wanted to setup a speed scope and test prior to the ATN. I have qualified the speed scope with my ATN to be within +-2 FPS at all ranges.

Yes I read the articles of much higher FPS but figured that was a hot bow supplied! Right? No, Wrong!!!! Here's where things get a bit funny.
Set the speed ring to 400 FPS (knowing past history that bows are over rated). I zeroed at 20 yards, dead BE. Being a bit cocky I moved back to 80 (which I shoot all the time). Verified range, safety off, squeezed the trigger as I watched through the scope the arrow went over the top right aim point, missing the target high and into the corn field 30 or so yards!
Photo evidence of my arrogance below:

I killed a damn corn stalk, dead center.
I rethought what others shared regarding the article mentioning higher FPS performance. I made several adjustments to the speed dial and after several shots at 60 I stepped again back to 80.

Here is at 60 with the speed dial set at 420

At 80

The bow is just a bit hot. Lessons learned. ATN next.
FD

 

Now this is funny......
I decided to mount a speed rated scope before the ATN for the reason not everyone needs or maybe cannot afford a $900.00 optic. Although the stock scope is crystal clear I wanted to setup a speed scope and test prior to the ATN. I have qualified the speed scope with my ATN to be within +-2 FPS at all ranges.

Yes I read the articles of much higher FPS but figured that was a hot bow supplied! Right? No, Wrong!!!! Here's where things get a bit funny.
Set the speed ring to 400 FPS (knowing past history that bows are over rated). I zeroed at 20 yards, dead BE. Being a bit cocky I moved back to 80 (which I shoot all the time). Verified range, safety off, squeezed the trigger as I watched through the scope the arrow went over the top right aim point, missing the target high and into the corn field 30 or so yards!
Photo evidence of my arrogance below:
View attachment 266915

I killed a damn corn stalk, dead center.
I rethought what others shared regarding the article mentioning higher FPS performance. I made several adjustments to the speed dial and after several shots at 60 I stepped again back to 80.

Here is at 60 with the speed dial set at 420
View attachment 266916

At 80
View attachment 266917

The bow is just a bit hot. Lessons learned. ATN next.
FD

Very Impressive! Which speedring scope did you use in this test?

 

Excalibur Overwatch. I'll send a pic later.
FD

 

I like it. Actually meeting spec and then some.👊

 

Beautiful work

 

Taking a break for lunch and then headed out for a new target. O'l Betsy has about 2000 shots in her over the past and won't hold the Hyper arrows. They sure do penetrate (past the vanes)

 

Drove 36 miles for the target to be told: Oh, sorry we don't have those" after calling to confirm they DID.
Anyway, mounted the ATN. Zeroed at 30 (btw; same POI as 20) and entered 405 arrow weight, 420 FPS, adjusted the one shot zero. stepped back to 60; spot on, 80 spot on with minor correction on windage. back to 100 (see pic below)

Here is a pic of the ballistics entered for 30-100 yards: sorry, a little crooked with the cell phone

Lastly, the string and cables after 125 shots shooting Head Hunter arrows. For testing I shot only one specific arrow for maximum repeatability.

Taking the dear wife out to dinner in another town in hopes they have a target. More to come on the Hyper arrows once I can stop them! At that point I'm done with the accuracy and reliability of the S&C related concerns and I already have my likes/dislikes noted. (more likes than dislikes)
Have a great day,
FD

 

George I know Guys that call themselves hunters and shooters that can’t make shots like that with their big bore rifles excellent shooting. Enjoy your night out with your wife you deserve it “ she probably does to” lol like most of our wives for putting up with us

 

I've enjoyed hunting with xbows over other weapons. I practice to extended yardages to keep my marksmanship sharp so when Oliver ever decides to step out I'm dead confident I could shoot out to 50 and know he is mine. It has nothing to do with ego, it's all about ethics.

 

This is from owner manual of my old fx3 raptor pro 8-10 years old pg 32

 

@Farm Deer I am curious your thoughts on the hyper flights over standard crossbow arrows??

I FINALLY just received shipping info on my raptor, should see it mid next week. I ordered it back in July.

 

Wowza, putting a tank on the scope rail are ya. It be nice to have one in my blind at night to dust off some fat xxx raccoons! However, since I put up a varmint cage around my motorized feeder not a single raccoon has climbed up the legs over the last 4 weeks. They know what's up.

Seriously, that is legit hardware George.

After viewing all the cable/string pics it seems to me you have solved lots of concerns that's more related to user operation vs functional design. Note: Barnett needs to educate dealers and owners regarding what is required to use this innovative riser design. Strings/Cables look fantastic with proper lubrication. Looks like a go to me.

Outstanding review with problem solving skillsets.

 

Definitely back on mine totally now that I’ve been taking to school lol my rip cord has been pulled “parachute open” in know so little on these new power houses.

 

I do not lube my vertical like I do my xbows but I do lube at least once a year.

 

I got the servings again on the cables. Not frayed this time! Serving just coming unraveled. I jumped into everything head first. Built a bow press today. Going in the morning to buy serving and serving tool. I am going to try my hand at reserving the cables. I was under the impression not to lube servings. But after FD review. They will be well lubed from now on. PS. I made it to 82 shots dry. Then the cable servings gave up.

 

 

That bow press is impressive!

 

Thanks. I am a general contractor by trade. I built it with a Porta a Band saw and welder. It’s not professional but it will do all I need it to do.

That bow press is impressive!