No... you're not crazy. If it ain't broke, it don't need fixing... while I think the XR is a tad overpriced, it's still a damn good crossbow 👍

 

The Sub 1's are among the most robust and reliable xbows available. You can't go wrong with them. Reach out to Dave at Wyvern Creations for the best pricing on them. Go to his website and send him a message.

 

That’s where I go for my crossbow purchases. Yes sir. That package he has on the website with the target, extra arrows, etc., is a good deal and probably keeping me from buying something else.

I am a Matthew’s guy anyhow.

Didn’t you just sell yours?

 

The Swat X1 is 3 years old now I think. People still buy it cause it still best fills that nitch. I don't know much about the missions but if it's a good bow and fills he needs you have I wouldn't worry about what model year it is. Lots of the "new" features every year are more marketing hype than anything.

 

Thank you. I don’t know why that one is not on my list. I stuck a nice tall 8 point with the Matthews Triax, so I filled my buck tag. I have plenty of time…till next archery season.

Interesting that some of the SUB 1 XR supporters on this forum have recently sold em.

And here I am thinking of buying a brand new one?

That Venom X is by all account is great bang for your buck. I just keep gravitating towards the Mission. It’s an old school tank.

Thank you for your thoughts and insight.

 

Thank you. I don’t know why that one is not on my list. I stuck a nice tall 8 point with the Matthews Triax, so I filled my buck tag. I have plenty of time…till next archery season.

Interesting that some of the SUB 1 XR supporters on this forum have recently sold em.

And here I am thinking of buying a brand new one?

That Venom X is by all account is great bang for your buck. I just keep gravitating towards the Mission. It’s an old school tank.

Thank you for your thoughts and insight.

I shot the XR for the last 3 years. It is a great shooting solid, low maintenance bow and served me well. It is on the bulky side though. I did have to replace the limbs, but Mission CS is very good. I sold it to get a Venom X, which I really like. I actually like it more than the XR. It's lighter, a little faster, just as accurate and also low maintenance. The cocking and de-cocking system is outstanding. I have no regrets selling the XR for the VX.

Also, you can almost buy 2 VX's for the price of a Mission now.

 

If you have till next season I would wait and see what closeout sales happen and what new models get introduced.

 

most if not all bow purchases now Forum wise anyway are based on want. People want to try new stuff or think they are getting to the next level some how. For myself crossbows are a hobby too. This how I ended up where I am at.
Becuse in the end any 350.00 package bow will be more then enough to kill a deer if thats the only goal. As far as the Sub 1 xr i would throw that bow in the top 5 still if you can easily ROPE cock it and decock it without the cocking mechanism. If you can't, this where the bow becomes a re thinker I.M.O.
Modern cocking systems drives the purchase of the newer bows, then probably speed for many folks here is my guess.

 

In my ... vertical bow days it was clear that Mathews guys were fanatically brand loyal. They made easy targets for me to rile up...LOL (Bowtech shooter) My advice to you is to buy the Mission and feel at home. Only downside is Mathews doesn't add another vibration dampener every year to their crossbows for me to mock like they used to do with their verticals. It's obviously a great crossbow for someone who doesn't buy into the sexy "Latest and Greatest" trap. It works well on the target range and works well in the field. It's dependable, durable and relatively low maintenance.

 

I have all 3 of the Sub series and honestly don't know that I'm gonna try anything else. If I had it to do over I could have just the Sub1 and be happy. They are built like a tank and built in the USA.

 

Chasing the latest crossbow crazes to try and surpass the other manufacturer’s experiments is not wise in my opinion. That strategy does not allow sufficient time for a platform to exhibit its hidden problems until it’s in the customer’s hands!!

Allowing any crossbow platform to mature only enhances its performance and reliability.

Bill

 

Nothing wrong with an XR. In today’s world they are bigger and heavier that other models. Is that good or bad depends on the owner’s opinion. You don’t hear of many problems other than some string issues based on how the strings are routed. It’s realistically around a 380fps bow with an average weight hunting arrow. I like the Mission line. It’s a shame they don’t tweak them a little.

 

Ramrod,

You are shooting the Sub 1 CR correct? Not a lot new in the form of discussions past 2023, I wish Mission would tweak it too.

Even if it were simply for marketing sake, it would make me feel foolishly better.

Interesting to see some folks switching over to the Venom X. Has some similarities and price point is solid.

Still keep going back to the Mission. I don’t need the crank at this time nor really want it.

I appreciate everyone’s kind and thoughtful comments on this. It is a heck of a lot of money to spend chasing these .50 cent deer, but it is what some of us love.

 

Funny that I created an account just to make this same exact post.
I’m looking at mission sub 1 or sub 1 XR packages on wyvern creations. I’ve held and shot an XR. Other than that I have no experience with them and am also stuck trying to decide between the two. Originally I was going to buy a KI Swat X1 (sight unseen) until I saw the mission warranty (for new only) and felt how solid the crossbow was. Now I’m stuck deciding between the regular Sub-1 or the XR, the Swat X1, and a Ravin R10X.

I’m central/east coast “flatlander” so I think for whitetails /hogs the normal Sub 1 is more than sufficient for my needs. ~300$ difference could get me a few custom bolts.

as for Xbow efficiency… need some help here. The Ravin and Swat seem to be calculating 60%+ efficiency for power stroke, bolt speed/weight and draw (Death by Bunjie / OGH calcs) and the Missions are 45-60%… not sure what I’m doing wrong there or if this even matters much.

all I want is an ultra dependable bow that is tried and tested and will be for the most part “bomb proof”.
In that regard is mission still one of the best in 2024/2025?

 

Funny that I created an account just to make this same exact post.
I’m looking at mission sub 1 or sub 1 XR packages on wyvern creations. I’ve held and shot an XR. Other than that I have no experience with them and am also stuck trying to decide between the two. Originally I was going to buy a KI Swat X1 (sight unseen) until I saw the mission warranty (for new only) and felt how solid the crossbow was. Now I’m stuck deciding between the regular Sub-1 or the XR, the Swat X1, and a Ravin R10X.

I’m central/east coast “flatlander” so I think for whitetails /hogs the normal Sub 1 is more than sufficient for my needs. ~300$ difference could get me a few custom bolts.

as for Xbow efficiency… need some help here. The Ravin and Swat seem to be calculating 60%+ efficiency for power stroke, bolt speed/weight and draw (Death by Bunjie / OGH calcs) and the Missions are 45-60%… not sure what I’m doing wrong there or if this even matters much.

all I want is an ultra dependable bow that is tried and tested and will be for the most part “bomb proof”.
In that regard is mission still one of the best in 2024/2025?

WELCOME ... and buy one of the Missions.

 

I held it, guys at the shop I went too didn’t seem to keen on letting me shoot it. It was not as center balanced as some of these reverse limb Cbows, but it felt good to me.

As such, that shop, Shelby Sportsman’s Den, will definitely not be getting my money.

I was impressed with the build quality. Machined aluminum all the way around.

I think the sub 1 xr shooting an accurate hunting bolt 380-385 is plenty fast.

 

I held it, guys at the shop I went too didn’t seem to keen on letting me shoot it. It was not as center balanced as some of these reverse limb Cbows, but it felt good to me.

As such, that shop, Shelby Sportsman’s Den, will definitely not be getting my money.

I was impressed with the build quality. Machined aluminum all the way around.

I think the sub 1 xr shooting an accurate hunting bolt 380-385 is plenty fast.

Road_clam posted some chrono data from his XR in this thread.

https://www.crossbownation.com/posts/1779044/

Shooting 450gr (total) 20inch bolts they reported 363fps. Of course take it with a grain of salt since I don’t have a big sample size.

 

I wouldn’t read too much into “not any change since” line with Mission. Crossbows just aren’t Matt’s main business. Main things would be weight, size, and balance. I like my RDX bow, but IME, I need more overall weight to hold RDX steady while aiming than a front riser bow.

 

I like my XR. I'd recommend it to anyone.

 

What weight bolts do you hunt with if I may ask?

 

I first used the 300 grain Mission arrows with 100 grain heads for a total weight of 400 grains. I was shooting at about the advertised 385 fps with that weight. Due to the insane cost of Mission arrows, I've since switched to 20" Bloodsport Witness arrows (I bought a bunch from a guy here on CBN) that weigh 324 grains and still using a 100 grain head (2-blade Rage Crossbow X) for a total of 424 grains. I haven't chronographed it with those arrows, but to get sighted in I turned my speed dial to just under 380 fps. It shoots very well out to 50 yards. I practice that far, but I haven't shot at live game past 35 yards, and probably won't. Reason being is that I am running and participating in a local deer management program, where failure is not an option, and I'm taking only shots I'm certain of the outcome (which is the way I choose my shots anyways.)

My likes about the bow are...

It's build quality is great (read robust.)

I like the trigger.

The Hawke XB1 scope that came with the Pro Package meets my needs.

It's accurate (more so than it's current shooter.)

It's fairly quiet.

I like the ability to rope cock and decock, so I don't have to carry a discharge target in my truck.

My only dislikes are minor and are:

With the robust build quality, comes a little bit of extra weight and the front end is a little "clunky" feeling.

After a recent string failure, I came to realize that it doesn't have a true ADF (anti-dry-fire) device. I found this out the hard way, after I had a doe in my crosshairs and elected not to shoot, forgot to the put the safety back in the safe position, unloaded the arrow at the end of my hunt, and started to lower the bow and pack off the rail of my climbing treestand, and evidently bumped the string enough to cause a dry fire. Destroyed my string, cables and cams. The limbs were fine. Lesson learned and that mistake won't be repeated.

Mission's customer service was great and my dealer had replacement parts shipped in quickly and I was back in business pretty quickly. I only had to pay the cost of new strings, cables and shop labor to install them..

 

Very informative. I like the robustness also, it feels like quality. Phrases like overbuilt, robust, are why I’m still considering something that is a 2019 design.

It is also the thing that gives me pause.

Companion wise, as stated above, it makes me wonder if that Venom X which is currently about half the price and performance equal might be the way to go.

Probably can’t go wrong either way.

The fact that a 2019 design is still relevant, is kind of incredible, but clearly a testament to the product. Wondering if Mission is ever going to come out with an update.

Not sure what I am going to do.

 

btw, my strings and cables were wearing well until my unfortunate incident, if that helps.

 

I think that Mission crossbows are a great bow and perhaps one of the most reliable compounds on the market but with that being said I sincerely believe that the reason they haven’t done any real upgrades to the lineup is because they really don’t want to be in the crossbow business.

I have been told by some very reliable people that fought hard for crossbow inclusion that Matthews( like other vertical manufacturers) fought against it. The difference being is upon seeing that it(inclusion)was going to happen in many states they reversed their position and came out with a line to get a piece howbe it small slice of the pie.

This is just my opinion and I know some will disagree and that’s fine but as I’m reading the tea leaves this is why Mission isn’t making any upgrades to their lineup.

 

Yeah, I'd personally hate to pay over $2,000 for a Sub-1XR. I purchased mine new with the pro package for $1,500 in the summer of 2022 at Endless Horizons Archery in Aliquippa PA. It's a little "hole in the wall" shop, but the owner has treated me very well, including when my bow needed service due to the mishap I mentioned earlier in this thread. It's hard to argue against a Venom X at less than half the price.

 

This is the dilemma! On the bright side, already smoked a good white tail buck, and my Dad just killed an 8 this morning (First day of Gun) So we are filling the freezer while I ponder problems that aren’t really problems.

God is good.

 

You can’t go wrong with either a venom x or a mission sub 1. Both are excellent bows. At $2150 I would even though a ravin r29x into the fold. Ready to hunt package and faster stupid accurate too. The call is up to you though. Go with what your gut tells you from all the advice you received here.

 

I have owned and hunted with and killed deer with many different makes and models of crossbows. I have shot Tenpoint Seige, Scorypyd Deathstalker, Stryker 380 & Katana, and others. I have the Mission Sub 1XR for 4 years now and it is pretty damn close to perfect for a hunting bow. Quiet, scary accurate, shoots fast enough, super easy to cock and uncocks with a rope. It keeps piling up deer. No reason to tweak it every year when they got it right the first time. Build quality is fantastic.

 

I have been on the fence for a while looking for a 400 fps bow that will shoot a 400 grain arrow with manual decock and cocking. The Mission was my closest choice but that price for a second bow is a little much for me. I think I am going to buy a Killer Instinct Vital X 30 Elite. It does not have the decock but has the performance and availability to manually cock it. At $500 with my Cabelas discount I am about ready to buy one. I shot it and it is way smoother and quieter than my Bulldog 440 which I have had a lot of limb issues.

 

If you don't mind the length of the 430, it is a great bow. Smooth, relatively quiet and plenty fast.

 

Community,

Well, after feedback from the group, and mindful research and reflection. I have just pulled the trigger on the Mission SUB 1 XR package from Wyverns.

Honestly that is everything that I want, and nothing that I don’t.

I thank everyone who has chimed in, and offered knowledge and insight. Lots of good people on this forum and I appreciate everyone’s two cents.

Very well thought out comments and opinions.

I feel good about the investment. Thanks again everyone.

Mike

 

good luck! great choice!

 

Good Luck ... with your new bow!

 

You'll especially know you made the right choice when it comes to changing the string and cables. With a Mission crossbow that will also become less frequent.

 

Four years later, I am still using the original strings and cables. The string was reserved for two years. I take it in for inspection each July.