TenPoint’s latest forward-limb design flagship, the TX440, features all-new Twin Risers and a rail-less Zero-Trac barrel. The bow is fast, accurate, and ready to dominate the woods.
by Brad Fenson
Research and development in the crossbow industry continue to produce new and improved horizontal bows with speed and accuracy that are hard to comprehend. The basic crossbow designs are different, with narrow limbs, twin risers, no rail, and premium triggers. Not everyone accepts change, and the first day on the range with my TenPoint TX 440 came with a learning curve.
The crossbow is futuristic looking and cocking the bow with a built-in system makes it easy to draw extreme weight. There was no issue with getting the bow cocked, but with no rail, it took a few seconds to figure out how to hold the arrow to get it in place and properly seated. I was used to using the rail as an arrow guide, and having to freehand the delivery forced me to peer and look more closely at the components. I wondered how long it would take to get used to the changes.
Things have changed drastically since the first trip to the range, and using the TX 440 for six months has made it like visiting an old friend, with simple use that requires no extra looks or YouTube videos to know what to do. Every day spent with the crossbow made me appreciate it more. Arrows are seated faster and more accurately than ever, and the audible snap is reassurance that the loading process is performed accurately.
Curiosity & Results
Within five minutes of sighting in the TX 440, it became apparent that different aiming points would be prudent, so I didn’t Robin Hood my arrows or shatter my nocks. The bow was deadly accurate, and arrow groupings were so tight that three arrow shafts would be touching. If you held three arrows in your fist, the distance between the field point ends would be the diameter of a three-arrow group.
The accuracy made me curious, so I set up my Garmin Xero C1 to chronograph the speed. The Xero C1 uses Doppler radar and has proven highly accurate, measuring speed to 1/10th of a second. The C1 Pro was set on the shooting bench, below the crossbow limbs, at a distance instructed by Garmin. I shot three shafts downrange, and the unit recorded the speeds. The TX 440 shot an average of 415.9 fps with practically no variance. There was only a 0.7 fps variance in three shots, which explains part of the accuracy and consistency.
Another factor that played into the accuracy was the trigger pull. The TriggerTech trigger has a fantastic feel and breaks clean without any drag. Most firearm hunters and shooters would love to have a trigger of this caliber. The Canadian-made TriggerTech trigger adds safety to the crossbow function. It breaks crisp, clean, and with zero creep at 3 pounds. The magic of an excellent trigger adds accuracy and precision for the shooter. The trigger is integral in holding 300 pounds of draw weight firmly and safely and releasing it with a trigger pull.
Technology
The TX 440 is speedy for a forward-limb design crossbow. Reverse draw models have a longer power stroke, which helps to generate more speed. The TX 440 uses new technology to create efficient speed and incredible kinetic energy.
The cocking device simplifies the task by dropping the required effort to seven pounds of pressure on the crank handle. Using seven pounds of pressure to cock a 300-pound bow draw weight is impressive.
The TX 440 is what I would call a full-size bow, being 28 inches in length. The limbs are small when compared to designs from a few years back. The width is 11 inches, but when cocked, the bow is a mere 6 ½ inches wide. The bow is comfortable to handle and hold steady. The crossbow’s fit, feel, and balance were noticeable and made me appreciate everything new about the design, function, and performance.
Twin Riser
The TX 440 forward draw limbs have a new twin riser that reduces weight, flex, and vibration. The stability of the bow was noticeable with the lack of noise and vibration. The twin riser cuts the total weight of the crossbow by 18 percent. The engineering change makes it twice as stiff as a traditional one-piece riser. The accuracy and consistency were noticeable and came from a 70 percent reduction in riser flex and limb torque for unequaled front-end stability.
The first thing an experienced crossbow user will notice is how quiet it is, with slight vibration. Forward limb crossbows are typically front-heavy, but the short, small limbs, twin riser, and lightweight components make the TX 440 feel more balanced due to the weight reduction.
Where’s The Rail?
I am used to having a rail on a crossbow to guide arrows to the proper nocking point. A new Zero-Trac barrel and Guide-Lock arrow rest system create a sturdy, secure, consistent launch platform for sending an arrow from a crossbow. With no rail on the TX 440, the arrow uses a new nock to lock in place at the back and rests on spring-loaded ball bearings at the front held with a brush. The design floats the arrow, and without the rail, there is no friction or need for rail lube. The design enhances speed and extends string life as it has nothing to make contact with other than the nock. The rail-less system reduces weight, eliminates arrow friction, and creates straight-nock travel and greater down-range accuracy.
There are three points of contact on the forward end of your arrow, with two “never-wear” spring-loaded ball bearings and a retention brush. The system works similarly to a Whisker Biscuit for vertical bows. The top-mounted retention brush holds the arrow securely to the ball bearings.
TenPoint developed the Alpha-Nock HPX for the CenterPunch arrows, which snaps into the TriggerTech trigger box for a solid and confirmed hold. There is an audible click to let you know and feel that each arrow is properly locked and loaded. With some practice, the arrow is straightforward to line up and snap in place.
Removal is effortless by grasping the arrow tip and pulling it out of the snap lock. Changing systems means you must look at the arrow, trigger box, ball bearings, and arrow retention brush to snap and secure it on the front end. After shooting the crossbow a few times, getting the arrow seated and secured can be done without looking.
Cocking and De-Cocking
TenPoint has perfected the built-in cocking and de-cocking device that offers enhanced safety. The new ACUSlide MAXX provides silent and safe de-cocking. It only takes a few seconds, is quiet and secure, and provides excellent safety features. You never have to worry about not having the cocking aid, as the ACUslide MAXX is built into the butt of the crossbow. The crank is securely kept on the Picatinny rail at the front of the bow and is easy to access or put back securely in place with a spring-loaded catch.
The ease of using the cocking aid was noticeable, with smooth and silent operation. At any time during cocking or de-cocking, you can take your hand off the crank, and everything stays locked in place. You can resume cocking or push the release to start de-cocking. The crank reduces the 300-pound draw weight to a mere 7 pounds. The safe, simple, and ease of use allow anyone to operate the crank and cock the bow without muscle strain.
Solid Scope Mount
Stability and noise reduction were enhanced with the ACU-Lock Scope Bridge. The increased strength and stability help with accuracy and quiet the crossbow by reducing component vibration. It is a solid foundation for scope mounting that prevents accidents by protecting scope alignment if bumped or dropped. The bridge is a major upgrade; 25 times stronger than traditional scope rails. The full-length, dual-mounted, machined aluminum bridge provides more scope adjustment. It is ideal for heavier scopes like the Garmin Xero X1i or the Burris Oracle X, which tend to be heavier than a conventional optic.
Stock
The stock design of the TX 440 is lightweight to ensure the crossbow is easy to handle and hold steady. The crossbow weighs 7.2 pounds and has a quality stock that is a solid platform for the bow. Spacers can be added to the butt to alter the length of pull, making the crossbow adjustable for proper fit and feel for any shooter. The proper fit makes any crossbow easier to shoulder and shoot accurately and consistently.
Go Time
I used the TX 440 on a spring black bear hunt in Alberta. The bow was still pretty new, but the time spent at the range gave me the confidence to tackle a big bear. The mixture of speed and accuracy allowed me to group arrows tightly out to 50 yards, the farthest target on my home range.
Safety became apparent, hoisting the lightweight crossbow into the stand. The cocking device was easy to use on the ground or in the stand, and at the end of each day, the crossbow was de-cocked without having to launch an arrow.
My heart skipped a beat when a gorgeous blonde-colored bear appeared. It never provided a shot opportunity, but when I returned the next day, so did the bruin. The bear ambled towards my stand in the fading light and offered a 22-yard shot. The bear never flinched before the arrow passed through it and exited on the far shoulder. The TX 440 proved accurate, quiet, and deadly.
Upgraded Optic
The new 100-yard EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope 3.0’s light-gathering capabilities were noticeable when shooting the bear. The scope is set to a specific arrow speed to maximize accuracy out to 100 yards with multiple aiming points. A speed dial accommodates bows that can shoot up to 550 fps. The illuminated reticle helps with visibility and accuracy. The windage and elevation adjustment make it easy to dial in for confidence and accuracy.
Hunting Arrows
My first hunt with the TenPoint CenterPunch HPX Arrow proved lethal. CenterPunch HPX carbon arrows are 20 inches long, weigh 445 grains (+/- 1 grain), are outfitted with 3-inch Bohning X vanes, have FOC of 15.5 percent, and are finished with an 87-grain brass insert. CenterPunch arrows are built with a unidirectional carbon inner layer for stiffness and a woven carbon fiber outer layer for impact strength.
Package
The TX 440 is sold as a package and ready for the range. It includes an EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope 3.0 (100-yard), ACUslide MAXX, three CenterPunch HPX carbon arrows, an integrated string stop, a bow hook, and a quiver. Solid colors and camo patterns are available starting at $2,449.99.
Conclusion
New engineering and technologies make the TX 440 revolutionary. The twin riser, no rail, new cocking and de-cocking device, new arrow locking system, and a customized TriggerTech trigger are features to explore. The bow is compact, lightweight, and shoots like a dream. It is hushed and robust and will meet the demands of hunting anything in North America.
Sidebar: SEVR Robusto 2.0 Broadhead
It is hard not to see the increased terminal performance of a robust, heavy broadhead like the SEVR Robusto 2.0. The sturdy head is 150 grains, increasing head FOC and arrow energy, with massive entry and exit wounds. The slap-cut design and stainless construction will take on the biggest game and quiet a bow simultaneously. Blades lock and pivot around bone to maintain the arrow path. A set screw allows the blades to lock down for practice, then be removed for hunting.
