On the range and in the field, the TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5 proved to be an advanced premium forward-draw crossbow.
by Brad Fenson
TenPoint
Research and development never slow in the crossbow world, and TenPoint continues proving there is still room to improve speed, accuracy, and overall shooting refinement. The TX Ultra 29.5 may not carry the blistering 500-plus fps numbers of its reverse-draw TRX sibling, but after spending time behind the bow, it became obvious this platform was designed around controllable, repeatable, real-world hunting accuracy in a compact forward-draw package.
The TX Ultra 29.5 feels small the moment you pick it up. At only 29.5 inches long and 6.5 inches wide when cocked, the bow handles exceptionally well in blinds, treestands, and in thick cover where compact dimensions matter. Despite pushing arrows at speeds up to 460 fps, it never feels bulky or difficult to manage.
What stood out immediately was the balance. Many high-speed crossbows become front-heavy and tiring during long sits or extended range sessions, but the TX Ultra 29.5 shoulders naturally and stays steady through the shot. The forward-draw design feels lighter than many bows in this category, making it easier to carry and more comfortable during long sight pictures.
But the real story here is consistency. Range testing backed up the engineering quickly. Chronograph testing averaged 442 fps with a variance of only 0.3 fps across four shots, demonstrating the platform’s high repeatability. Noise testing off the bench averaged 102.3 decibels, which is impressive considering the speed and energy this crossbow produces.

Accuracy was equally impressive. Groups consistently stayed under ½-inch MOA, forcing us to move to different aiming points to avoid damaging arrows. Once distances began stretching farther downrange, it became obvious that the TX Ultra 29.5 was built to eliminate inconsistencies.
The EVO-X Marksman scope deserves a lot of credit here as well. The speed-rated optic was easy to dial in and calibrated extremely well at extended distances. Some minor tweaks to speed settings and elevation turrets were required for perfect precision, but that process also showed just how accurate and repeatable the platform really is. The premium optic showcased the crossbow’s capabilities. A lower-quality scope would have become the limiting factor long before the crossbow did.

True Test: TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5
Time on the range eventually turned into time in the stand. Fresh buds on the trees and flowing water made spring black bear hunting smell and sound fresh. Some quiet nights in the stand let us know that most bears had yet to emerge from dens, but on night four, a big boar finally showed up. At just over 23 yards, the TX Ultra 29.5 performed exactly the way a hunting crossbow should. The arrow passed cleanly through the bear, and the bruin only went a short distance before falling over in sight.

Hunting performance is always the ultimate test for any hunting setup, and the TX Ultra 29.5 proved to be easy to handle and operate, delivering downrange energy for efficient, clean one-shot kills.
A Deep Dive into Accuracy
One of the biggest reasons the TX Ultra 29.5 feels so stable is TenPoint’s Twin-Riser Technology. The dual-riser design reduces flex while dramatically improving stiffness throughout the platform. The updated riser system is lighter and stronger than previous designs while also helping minimize vibration during the shot cycle. Less movement means straighter arrow flight and tighter groups downrange.

Crossbows generating this kind of speed place tremendous stress on limbs, axles, and cam systems. TenPoint attacked that issue with an oversized 8mm axle paired with wider X-Wide limbs designed to reduce twisting and maintain alignment throughout the shot cycle. The stronger axle and wider limb system improve efficiency while helping maintain consistency at longer distances. Once ranges begin stretching beyond normal hunting distances, the benefit becomes easy to appreciate.
The ACU-X arrows and Snap-On nock system are another important piece of the accuracy equation. The nock locks securely onto the string with an audible click, eliminating any uncertainty about proper arrow seating. That consistency becomes especially important in a rail-less style launch system where proper alignment directly affects both accuracy and serving life.

A great trigger matters even more once speeds and distances increase, and the TriggerTech trigger is one of the reasons the TX Ultra feels so refined during shooting. The trigger breaks cleanly with virtually zero creep, helping maintain control during precision shots. Whether shooting groups on the range or settling the reticle behind a bear’s shoulder, the trigger remains predictable and consistent.
TenPoint has already set the standard for safe cocking systems, and the ACUslide MAXX continues to raise the bar. The upgraded crank system operates smoothly and quietly while giving hunters complete control during both cocking and de-cocking. The Auto-Brake Gear System allows the shooter to stop safely at any point without losing control of the handle. Even with the TX Ultra’s high-performance platform, the system makes operation feel safe, simple, and controlled.
The EVO-X Marksman scope pairs well with the TX Ultra platform. The variable-speed optic offers excellent clarity, precise aiming references, and true long-range capability. More importantly, the glass quality allows shooters to fully appreciate what this crossbow is capable of. During testing, the optic proved critical in evaluating the TX Ultra’s consistency and precision. This is not a scope holding the bow back, and it is part of what allows the crossbow platform to shine.
TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5: Field-Ready Design
The TX Ultra 29.5 includes several thoughtful hunting features that make the platform practical in real-world situations. The bow hanger works well in both blinds and treestands, the quiver system stays tight and organized, and the overall package remains compact and easy to maneuver. Even fully equipped, the TX Ultra carries comfortably and feels lighter than expected thanks to its balanced forward-draw design.

Ready-to-Hunt Package
The TX Ultra 29.5 package includes:
- ACUslide MAXX cocking and de-cocking system
- EVO-X Marksman scope
- Three ACU-X carbon arrows
- Integrated string stop system
- Quiver
- Bow hanger
The complete package arrives hunt-ready and built around consistency, accuracy, and convenience.
TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5 Takeaway
The TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5 is not simply another fast crossbow. It is a complete hunting platform designed around eliminating inconsistency while maintaining compact handling, excellent balance, and premium-level accuracy. From the Twin-Riser system and oversized axle to the TriggerTech trigger, Snap-On nock system, and EVO-X Marksman optic, every component works together.
The result is a crossbow that feels refined, confidence-inspiring, and exceptionally capable at both normal hunting ranges and distances most hunters never imagined attempting a few years ago. For hunters wanting premium forward-draw performance in a compact hunting package, the TX Ultra 29.5 sets a very high standard.
Specifications: TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5
- Speed: 445 fps
- Kinetic Energy:6 ft.-lbs.
- Arrow Weight: 440 grains
- Average 50-Yard Group Size:125 inches
- Trigger Pull: 2 lbs., 8 oz.
- Weight (Rigged): 10 lbs., 11 oz.
- Width Cocked:5 inches
- MSRP: Starting at $2,649.99


