A kingpin in the horizontal bow arena, TenPoint’s TRX Ultra redefines most everything we’ve come to expect from a crossbow.
by Brad Fenson
Research and development never sleep in the crossbow world, and TenPoint continues to push the boundaries of what a horizontal bow can do. Every time I think we’re nearing the limit of speed, accuracy, and long-range consistency, TenPoint releases something that rewrites the rules. That’s precisely what happened when I picked up the new TRX Ultra, a compact powerhouse claiming 70 percent tighter groups at 100 yards than anything TenPoint has built. Add in a blistering 515 feet per second rating, and the TRX Ultra is one of the fastest crossbows in the world.
The TRX Ultra doesn’t just build on TenPoint’s popular TRX and TX platforms. It feels like the next step in crossbow evolution. With a 29.5-inch overall length and a ridiculously narrow 6-inch width when cocked, this bow is compact, balanced, and loaded with new engineering that immediately sets it apart.
But the real story here is accuracy. TenPoint engineered four significant advancements to deliver 70 percent tighter groups at 100 yards, a claim I wanted to test thoroughly. Before I even got to the range, handling the bow made it clear that nearly every component was redesigned or upgraded to wring out every last millimeter of consistency.
True Test
I spent time on the range getting familiar with TenPoint’s new TRX Ultra, ensuring my scope allowed me to dot the X out to 50 yards. Deer season was still open, and range time turned into chair time in the blind and stand. Fresh snow left little doubt where the deer were traveling. As the sun started to set on day four of my hunt, a beautiful nine-point showed up. At 23 yards, my arrow zipped through the buck like a hot knife through butter. The buck didn’t go 40 yards before piling up.
Deer might be the ultimate test for any crossbow, but understanding what and why ensures you get the most out of any new purchase.
A Deep Dive Into the Accuracy Package: Zero-Torsion Technology
Crossbows traditionally fight flex, twist, and torque, especially when pushing high draw weights and extreme speeds. TenPoint attacked that problem from multiple angles.
The new 8mm axle is a standout. It is significantly stronger and stiffer than any standard axle, maintaining perfect cam and limb alignment throughout the shot cycle. That straight-line energy transfer is a big part of how the Ultra keeps arrows flying true at long distances.
Paired with the axle are the new X-Wide limbs. These limbs are noticeably broader and more robust than typical limbs. By widening and strengthening them, TenPoint eliminated nearly all torsional movement along the limb axis, which means the limbs aren’t twisting or fighting themselves as they dump energy into the arrow. The result is a more repeatable shot and more downrange accuracy.
New Brushless Machined Arrow Rest
TenPoint designed an entirely new arrow rest for the TRX Ultra, and it feels like the missing piece to several generations of crossbow evolution. The rest is machined aluminum, clamps onto the barrel, and ties directly into the new riser rod. The result is a platform that feels absolutely locked onto its axis. There’s no flex, no shift, and no vibration carrying through from the string dampening system.
This “immovable rest” gives the launch platform a sense of solidity. This is precisely what you want when stretching shots past 50 yards.
Premium String Construction
Snap-on nocks tend to be tough on center servings. TenPoint recognized this and redesigned its string from the ground up. The new Premium String uses advanced materials and manufacturing processes aimed at longevity and accuracy. Paired with the new nock system, serving wear is nearly eliminated, and TenPoint estimates string life has improved by 200 percent.
New ACU-X RD Arrows and Snap-On Nock System
A high-performance bow needs arrows designed specifically for its power stroke. The new ACU-X RD arrows are 20 inches long, weigh 440 grains, and are built on a carbon shaft precision-indexed for perfect spine orientation. Straightness is .001 inch, and weight sorting stays within a single grain. The consistency from arrow to arrow is impressive.
The new ACU-X Snap-On Nock is another leap forward. It engages the bowstring with a firm, audible “click,” which locks the arrow in place and eliminates any guesswork about nock position. There’s no lateral nock travel, and no premature serving wear.
With the TRX Ultra’s reverse-draw design and rail-less barrel system, the nock is the primary contact point with the string, so this system matters. When everything seats properly, accuracy benefits immediately.
Twin-Riser Technology: Balanced, Stiff, and Deadly Quiet
The heart of the TRX Ultra is TenPoint’s Twin-Riser Technology (TRT), a dual-plate riser design that’s 41 percent lighter and twice as stiff as a traditional riser. The symmetrical top and bottom plates cancel out flex, boost platform stability, and reduce vibration.
More importantly, TRT cuts riser flex by 70 percent, which translates directly to the arrow’s flight path. Less movement in the riser means straighter arrows, tighter groups, and less tuning fuss. It also helps keep the Ultra surprisingly quiet for a bow pushing 500+ fps.
TriggerTech Precision: Clean, Crisp, and Consistent
A great trigger is essential on high-performance crossbows. Concerning the Ultra, TenPoint didn’t hold back. The TRX Ultra uses a custom TriggerTech trigger with Zero Creep Technology, breaking at a crisp 3 pounds. The let-off is clean and predictable, which is precisely what you want when shooting hair-thin groups at long distances.
The trigger also incorporates a Dry-Fire Preventor. The Dry-Fir Preventor physically blocks the trigger if an arrow isn’t properly seated. Combined with the Snap-On nock, the system is foolproof.
Balanced Reverse-Draw Engineering
The TRX Ultra uses a reverse-draw design with a long 16.25-inch power stroke. Reverse-draw bows generate extreme speeds with less draw weight, and they’re naturally better balanced. The bow feels lively in the hands. You won’t notice the heavy front-end weight that plagues many forward-draw models.
This design also contributes to:
- Higher speeds with lower draw weight
- Less shock and vibration
- Superior long-range consistency
- Smoother shooting characteristics
When I first shouldered the TRX Ultra, the balance was instantly noticeable. It aims easily and holds steady.
ACUslide MAXX: The Next Level of Cocking and De-cocking
TenPoint has perfected safe cocking and de-cocking technology, but the new ACUslide MAXX moves the bar even higher.
The upgrade includes:
- A stronger, smoother crank
- A fully automatic braking system
- Total control during cocking and de-cocking
- The ability to remove your hand at any time without losing control
The crank reduces extreme draw weight to a manageable handful of pounds, and its silent, positive engagement inspires confidence. Whether you’re in a ground blind or treestand, the ACUslide MAXX makes handling this high-powered bow safe and straightforward.
ZERO-Trac Barrel and Rail-Less Design
In line with TenPoint’s latest design philosophy, the TRX Ultra eliminates the traditional rail. Instead, the arrow rides on a ZERO-Trac barrel and a precision rest system that floats the arrow. This eliminates friction, keeps the string cleaner, boosts speed, and dramatically improves consistency.
There’s no need for rail lube and none of the traditional wear points that come with rail-based systems.
ACU-Lock Scope Bridge: Built for Modern Optics
Crossbows keep getting faster, scopes keep getting heavier, and shooters keep adding rangefinders, thermal optics, and IR systems. The TRX Ultra comes ready for it all.
The new ACU-Lock Scope Bridge is:
- A full-length dual-rail system
- Machined aluminum
- Built 25 times stronger than standard scope rails
- Designed for max rigidity and alignment retention
This is the kind of scope mount you want on a crossbow that can realistically reach 100-yard hunting accuracy.
EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope
The included EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope is calibrated for speeds from 380 to 550 fps. Adjustable target turrets allow precise dialing for elevation and wind, and the multi-aiming-point reticle ensures true 100-yard accuracy. The glass gathers light well, which is crucial during the prime hunting hours.
The camo package upgrades the scope with Vektra camo, while the Moss Green bow comes with a matte black version.
Field-Ready Design Details
The TRX Ultra includes a collection of clever ergonomic touches:
- Bow hanger for treestand or blind convenience
- Picatinny-mounted ACUslide MAXX handle
- Ambidextrous Quick-Disconnect quiver mount
- Soft-touch stock in Vektra camo or Moss Green
The crossbow weighs 8.4 pounds with the ACUslide MAXX, which feels surprisingly balanced due to the reverse-draw system and twin riser.
Ready-to-Hunt Package
The TRX Ultra ships fully assembled and includes:
- ACUslide MAXX cocking and de-cocking system
- EVO-X Marksman Elite 100-yard scope
- Three ACU-X carbon arrows (20″)
- Quiver
- Integrated string stop
- Bow hanger
- Bubble level
- $3,599.99 in Vektra Camo
- $3,499.99 in Moss Green
A New Benchmark in Crossbow Performance
The TenPoint TRX Ultra isn’t just fast. It isn’t just accurate. It’s a full-system redesign focused on eliminating the minor inconsistencies that set good crossbows apart from elite ones. From the twin riser and rail-less barrel to the TriggerTech trigger, Snap-On nock system, new string material, massive axle upgrade, and reinforced scope bridge, every piece works together.
The result is a crossbow capable of true long-range precision, a forgiving shooting experience, and performance suited for any hunt in North America. After handling it, digging through the details, and understanding the engineering, it’s clear that the TRX Ultra pushes TenPoint’s lineup and the entire industry to a new level.
If the TX 440 felt like meeting an old friend after the first day of use, the TRX Ultra feels like a new hunting tool with every cutting-edge improvement imaginable.
Extra – SEVR Ti 2.0 Hybrid
The SEVR Ti 2.0 Hybrid 4-blade broadhead combines a razor-sharp fixed-blade ferrule with two deployable mechanical blades, creating a robust hybrid design. The fixed blades deliver reliable accuracy and structural strength, while the mechanical blades open on impact to make a large wound channel that improves blood trails and promotes quick, ethical harvests. Built from premium titanium, the Ti 2.0 Hybrid is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. Its streamlined profile helps maintain stability in flight. That same profile preserves accuracy at high speeds, making it well-suited for today’s fast compound bows and crossbows. Hunters pursuing deer, elk, and other big game will appreciate the balanced combination of fixed-blade dependability and mechanical-style cutting performance. The Ti 2.0 Hybrid hits hard, penetrates deeply, and performs consistently in the field.
