[JOE PA]

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.

 

[GA_Pilot]

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.

 

[ramrod]

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.

Currently I have a Rev X and a TX 440. Owned all three Sub 1 offerings. You won’t hear me bash a Mission at all. If your heart is set on the XR, sounds like an XR to me. Buy it and don’t look back.

 

[Wexford XBow Hunter]

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

 

[GA_Pilot]

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

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

 

[Wexford XBow Hunter]

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..

 

[Midwesthuntn]

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.

 

[Wexford XBow Hunter]

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

 

[longbow42]

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.

I mentioner in an earlier post that I have owned both and you can't go wrong with either bow. They are both solid and will have minimal to no issues. You don't need a press with the Sub, but you will with the VX. I'm a hunter and I like the ability to cock my bow while in the tree; it's a sweet system. A couple times, I forgot to cock my XR on the ground and had to do in the tree, which was somewhat challenging. I really liked my XR, but after owning the VX for a couple months, like it better, especially at that price. The XR is now around $2K new I believe.

 

[Midwesthuntn]

I mentioner in an earlier post that I have owned both and you can't go wrong with either bow. They are both solid and will have minimal to no issues. You don't need a press with the Sub, but you will with the VX. I'm a hunter and I like the ability to cock my bow while in the tree; it's a sweet system. A couple times, I forgot to cock my XR on the ground and had to do in the tree, which was somewhat challenging. I really liked my XR, but after owning the VX for a couple months, like it better, especially at that price. The XR is now around $2K new I believe.

 

[Midwesthuntn]

Yes Sir, You really have me thinking. The XR package on Wyvern is 2149, but comes with a ton of extra stuff, 12 bolts, target, upgraded scope, broad heads, etc.

Or I could literally get the Venom, Oculus, and some arrows for even less $$$. I was planning to run a Burris on either at some point.

You feel like accuracy is comparable?

 

[john316]

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.

 

[longbow42]

Yes Sir, You really have me thinking. The XR package on Wyvern is 2149, but comes with a ton of extra stuff, 12 bolts, target, upgraded scope, broad heads, etc.

Or I could literally get the Venom, Oculus, and some arrows for even less $$$. I was planning to run a Burris on either at some point.

You feel like accuracy is comparable?

I would say accuracy is comparable. With custom arrows, I was getting same hole accuracy at 40 yds.

 

[GA_Pilot]

Yes Sir, You really have me thinking. The XR package on Wyvern is 2149, but comes with a ton of extra stuff, 12 bolts, target, upgraded scope, broad heads, etc.

Or I could literally get the Venom, Oculus, and some arrows for even less $$$. I was planning to run a Burris on either at some point.

You feel like accuracy is comparable?

I called wyverncreations to get the price of the base packs that don’t reveal the price. With the XB 30 pro scope upgrade the 2149 pack is a pretty good price. Basically getting the scope free.
If you do the base bow packs and buy all the individual parts that they include only the XR pack came out cheap enough to make it worth it but then you don’t have the upgraded scope.

Man I’ve put too much thought into this. I’m starting to think that buying used on a good deal is probably the only thing that makes sense unless you really cant live without this xbow. Venom X or other options for half the price just seems like more bang for buck. Can even get ravins cheaper NEW. KI vital X 430 for 500, KI swat x1 for 1000. Venom X is tenpoint so good warranty…

What drew me to this bow was the warranty, the backing of Matthew’s, made in USA, robust build quality and other users positive experiences.

Buy once cry once or wait for used deals. Thats what I’ve come to conclude.

 

[Wexford XBow Hunter]

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.

 

[Iron Duke]

Yes Sir, You really have me thinking. The XR package on Wyvern is 2149, but comes with a ton of extra stuff, 12 bolts, target, upgraded scope, broad heads, etc.

Or I could literally get the Venom, Oculus, and some arrows for even less $$$. I was planning to run a Burris on either at some point.

You feel like accuracy is comparable?

Me?... I'd take the Ten Point Venom-X in a heartbeat.

 

[Midwesthuntn]

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.

 

[Road_Clam]

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..

I believe that the extra weight up front actually adds to target accuracy consistency. I seem to get less lift and bounce when shooting my XR benchrest bipod vs. my Wicked Ridge RDX400 . The RDX is lighter and better balanced shooting offhand but I get a lot of bounce shooting the RDX off a bench.

 

[Bigchiefchoctaw]

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

I got these ones right here man they hit like steel too… 🤣

 

[Bigchiefchoctaw]

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.