With its compact, cutting-edge performance and competitive price, TenPoint’s TX 28 crossbow is ready to dominate the woods.
by Brad Fenson
Crossbows continue to evolve, becoming lighter, faster, and more compact, offering hunters unprecedented performance. For 2025, TenPoint Crossbows introduces the TX 28 and TRX 26—two premium models packed with cutting-edge technology and priced competitively. The TX 28 has a forward-limb design, whereas the TRX 26 has reverse limbs.
Getting my hands on a TX 28 for an Illinois deer hunt meant spending time on the range to familiarize myself with the features and run it through the paces to understand the performance. In short, the bow was consistent and accurate, which was confirmed by the chronograph readings and downrange accuracy. The crossbow comes fully assembled and includes all accessories to get started at the range.
TX 28 Speed & Accuracy
The TX 28 is a standard-draw crossbow designed for hunters who demand power without excessive speed that wears down gear. The best way to describe this bow is controlled performance. Delivering speeds up to 410 fps, it ensures a flat trajectory at ethical hunting distances while packing enough energy to take down any North American game. It is 28 inches long and 6.5 inches wide when cocked and remains incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces. My hunt included time in a tree stand and several different blinds. The TX 28 was ideal and was not limiting in any way.
A shooting bench was used for accuracy and speed tests. The arrows used for hunting were chronographed to determine hunting speed and to correctly set the speed for calibrating the RangeMaster 100 scope. I used CenterPunch HPX arrows with 100-grain SEVR Ti 1.5 4-Blade Hybrid Broadheads. The arrows chronographed at 382.4 fps, with less than 1.0 fps variance with five arrows. The consistency was impressive. Looking back a decade, it wasn’t uncommon to see a much larger variance between shots out of any crossbow. The consistent performance speaks volumes to the technological and engineering advancements in recent years.
Where the crossbow excelled was downrange. Targets were shot to 50 yards, and the pinpoint accuracy left little doubt that the TX 28 would be a beneficial asset for any hunt. Different aiming spots on targets were required to prevent arrow damage. Shooting arrow groups with the shafts touching was an instant sign that arrow damage was possible when I shot groups.
TX 28 Innovative Technology
How does TenPoint continue to produce crossbows with enhanced accuracy and consistency? Premium components and technological advancements in designs, components, and features have stabilized TenPoint crossbows and eliminated inconsistency.
TriggerTech Trigger
The trigger pull was a significant factor that played into the accuracy of the TX 28. The Canadian-made TriggerTech trigger has a fantastic feel and breaks clean without any drag. Anyone who has shot many crossbows will know that the trigger is where accuracy and consistency start. Staying accurate and placing arrows where they need to go is impossible without a lightweight, clean trigger break. The TriggerTech Trigger adds safety to the crossbow function. With zero creep at 3 pounds, it is tied into the anti-dry-fire technology and is integral in holding 250 pounds of draw weight firmly and safely until released with a trigger pull. The zero-creep trigger with Frictionless Release Technology (FRT) ensures a consistent shot every time.
The ambidextrous AR-style safety ensures quick engagement while keeping both hands on the bow. Locating and operating safely with your thumb while hunting or on the range is intuitive.
Full-Size Performance Compact Design
The TX 28 incorporates cutting-edge advancements in the forward-limb design crossbow. The corssbow has an efficient power stroke that enhances speed and kinetic energy while maintaining a compact profile. The TX 28 is 28 inches in length, with a width of 11 inches uncocked and 6.5 inches cocked. The crossbow remains maneuverable and comfortable, as proven on the deer hunt. The fit, feel, and balance contribute to its high-performance shooting experience.
TX 28 Twin Riser
The TX 28 incorporates twin riser technology, reducing weight, flex, and vibration. The improved riser design cuts overall weight by 18 percent while doubling stiffness compared to traditional one-piece risers. The result is a 70 percent reduction in riser flex and limb torque, leading to superior front-end stability, improved accuracy, and minimal vibration.
Crossbow users will immediately notice how quiet the TX 28 is, with significantly reduced vibration. Forward-limb crossbows are typically front-heavy, but the TX 28 benefits from the twin riser and lightweight components, making it feel balanced in hand.
TX 28 Zero-Trac Barrel
The TX 28 eliminated the traditional crossbow rail, using the innovative Zero-Trac barrel and Guide-Lock arrow rest system. This system creates a sturdy and secure launch platform, reducing arrow friction and eliminating the need for rail lube. The floating arrow design increases speed, extends string life, and improves down-range accuracy. A rail-less design reduces weight while providing exceptional downrange precision.
Three points of contact stabilize the arrow, with two “never-wear” spring-loaded ball bearings and a retention brush at the front end. The arrow capture could be described as similar to a Whisker Biscuit in vertical bows, where the arrow is held securely.
The TX 28 also utilizes the Alpha-Nock HPX system, which locks the arrow into the TriggerTech Trigger box with an audible click for confirmation. The system allows for effortless arrow insertion and removal. With the nock locked on the back end and the front end secured on spring-loaded ball bearings and brush, the arrow can oscillate sooner for quicker stabilization. Upon release, it has no friction, like on a rail.
TX 28 Cocking and De-Cocking
The TX 28 features TenPoint’s ACUslide MAXX built-in cocking and de-cocking device, providing silent and safe operation. The crank system remains locked in place at any point during cocking or de-cocking, reducing the draw weight to just seven pounds. The self-contained design ensures that users never have to worry about misplacing the cocking aid. The system is silent and can easily be used in a tree stand or blind. The crank is always under control and cannot free spool out of control during the cocking or de-cocking process. The safe design and reduced weight required for the cranking handle means anyone can use the bow. It is hard to fathom the ease of cocking the 250-pound draw weight with a mere seven pounds of force.
TX 28 Solid Scope Mount
The TX 28 integrates the ACU-Lock Scope Bridge, offering increased strength and stability. This design reduces vibration and ensures consistent scope alignment, preventing accuracy loss due to bumps or drops. The dual-mounted, machined aluminum bridge provides ample scope adjustment, making it ideal for heavier optics such as the Garmin Xero X1i or Burris Oracle X. The solid scope mount helps prove that every detail, no matter how big or small, adds up to increased performance and consistent results. The solid base for optics provides 25x stronger support than traditional scope rails for unmatched stability and precision.
TX 28 Stock
The TX 28’s lightweight stock provides a stable shooting platform. At 7.2 pounds, the crossbow is easy to handle and shoulder and hold in place when waiting for the perfect shot opportunity. Adjustable spacers allow customization of the length of pull, ensuring a comfortable fit for shooters of all sizes. The stock is made of premium material to add rugged durability to the crossbow platform.
Go Time
The TX 28 was tested extensively in real-world hunting conditions. It proved deadly accurate and whisper-quiet. The combination of speed and precision allowed for tight arrow groupings at distances up to 50 yards. A white-tailed doe was harvested with precision arrow placement at 26 yards. The deer feel within sight, making recovery easy. A notable benefit is how quiet the bow shoots. The deer harvested did not react to the shot before the arrow passed through it. The solid platform of the crossbow reduces vibration and noise, making it an efficient hunting tool in any application.
Hoisting the lightweight TX 28 into a tree stand was effortless. The integrated cocking device allowed for easy cocking and de-cocking, eliminating the need to discharge an arrow at the end of each hunt.
TX 28 Upgraded Optic
The TX 28 has the RangeMaster 100 scope, offering 100-yard accuracy and excellent light-gathering capabilities. The speed dial accommodates crossbows shooting up to 550 fps, while an illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions. Windage and elevation adjustments make sighting straightforward.
Hunting Arrows
The TX 28 comes with TenPoint’s CenterPunch HPX carbon arrows. These 20-inch carbon arrows weigh 445 grains (+/- 1 grain) and feature 3-inch Bohning X vanes, an 87-grain brass insert, and a unidirectional carbon inner layer for stiffness. The outer layer of the woven carbon fiber ensures impact resistance. The Alpha Nock HPX is designed to snap into the trigger box of the crossbow for added safety, stability, and consistent launch.
TX 28 Package
The TX 28 is a ready-to-hunt package that includes a RangeMaster 100 Scope (100-yard), ACUSlide MAXX, three CenterPunch HPX carbon arrows, an integrated string stop, and a bow hook and quiver.
The Best Value In Crossbows
Priced slightly over $2,000, the TX 28 competes directly with top-end crossbows and compound bows, especially after factoring in included accessories. Whether upgrading your crossbow or trying one for the first time, the TX 28 delivers premium performance at a price point that makes sense.
If you’re looking for a compact, high-performance crossbow that delivers power, accuracy, and safety, the TX 28 is one of today’s best options. The crossbow is available in solid colors and camo patterns.
