Monthly Archives: February 2025

Frozen Crossbow Vanes A Problem? UPDATE

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Todays arrow vanes are supposed to be soft and supple. Right?  Recently, I was setting up my 10 Point Turbo S1 crossbow and new Oracle X scope in below freezing snow and cold weather because I was tired of cabin fever. You too!

My crossbow arrows, set up with Swhacker 231 practice heads were not grouping as well as I’d like in this freezing weather.

 

What could be the problem, I thought? My new Oracle X  scope needs electronics to run but the stats say my scope should be fine down to minus 15F. Could limbs and cams be affected? Maybe. But, the very next few days, temperature’s were in the high 40’s and mid 50’s. Accordingly, my fears melted away as groups tightened to my expectations even out to 45 yards. Very nice indeed! 

I did not set up an experiment to prove my theory. However, I was shooting a 3.5 inch helical fletch, longer than usual thus it made sense that if the plastic helical fletch was rock hard from the freezing cold, it could have difficulty in the narrow launch ramp and bump during the spin. I switched arrows with a 1 degree offset and a shorter 3 inch vanes.  With temp’s in the 50’sF they flew great, almost identical to my longer warmer helical vanes with practice swhackers. Thus, I believe my frozen helical vane issue was temperature driven. Perhaps switching to the 1 degree offset and shorter vanes is the way to go? Time and many arrows will tell.

UPDATE

Today, March 9th Temperatures were a balmy 35 to 37ºF. I have field points which I have weighted to mimic my Swhacker 231 heads. In addition, I shot both 3 inch 1 degree offset vanes and 3.5 inch helical vanes at 20 yards and at 35 yards with my 10 Point Crossbow/w Oracle X Laser rangefinding scope. The results were that both vane types and offsets at this temperature shot exactly the same even at 35 yards in image below. 

The takeaway here is that really cold vanes below 32F can affect crossbow arrows during launch. 

Secondly, that the helical fletch is not necessary with Swhackers as there is very little blade to plane.  However may add steering value with traditional broadheads. 

Good Shooting!

                        

Hard Time Pulling Crossbow Arrows? UPDATE

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Many crossbow archers are experiencing a very tough time pulling arrows from some of today’s broadhead targets. I recently purchased  a Morrell Yellow Jacket yj-380 target and it stopped my arrows well but had a really hard time pulling my crossbow arrows.

Accordingly, I have purchased the 10 Point Arrow Puller below and it comes with different grip diameters. 

It works great for some layered foam targets but less so for the Yellow Jacket. I really struggled, even sitting on the target! The yellow jacket really grips your arrow.

UPDATE

The Magnum Grip on Amazon below is excellent but costs more. Works great on crossbow arrows and you can twist field point arrows to break the foam grip.

I have found several arrow lubricants that aid in pulling arrows. Most lubes cost around 15 bucks. You can find them on Amazon. But I’m using some recommended shoe shine polish at $6.70 dollars on Amazon. Others use Ivory soap on a few inches of the arrow tip to keep the cost down. I will try that too. 

I will update what I find works. The key is, don’t get arrow lube on your hands or you will find it almost impossible to pull your arrows. 

 

This polish has a brush you can use to apply to the first few inches of your arrow.

I have two 3D Targets coming, A bear and a deer. We will see how my crossbow bolts pull from them with some lubricant. 

Good Shooting and Easier Arrow Pulling!

Burris Oracle X Crossbow Scope Review

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I bought this Burris Oracle X scope hoping to extend the fun and accuracy I can have in my backyard and in big game hunting. Cost: $644 on Amazon. This is definitely not a toy.

 

 

The warranty includes lifetime fix or replacement, no questions asked whether new or used. Wow!

The video below is excellent!

I own a very accurate 10 Point Turbo S1 Crossbow below (before adding the new scope) .

 

The scope can be setup for 2 different arrow weights, aka target and broadhead hunting setups. When I am in summer mode, I can setup to target shoot out to 75 to 100 yards for fun. In fall, I can setup for max 50 yards in the deer woods with heavier broadhead tipped arrows.

Things I will need to setup the scope:

  • A very steady rest. I have a great adjustable clamp type Death Grip tripod. It works! You can use a bench rest too.
  • I needed to purchase a 10 Point raised cheek comb to have better eye alignment. 

  • Get a torque wrench for clamping the scope to the picatinny or weaver base, and torque to 40 to 70 in-lbs. I own a Wheeler Fat Wrench. Test for eye relief distance before torquing down screws.

 

  • A few Extra Lithium Batteries. CR123 or CR123A work. I like Duracell but the scope does come with a battery.

 

My practice priority is for the hunting setup with my 125g Swhacker 231 practice broadheads. I get close with field points at 20 yards then switch to the practice Swhacker heads and make minor adjustments. 

The most important thing, Oracle says,  is to shoot accurately at the get-go for 20 yards. I mean within 1/4 inch of center if possible.

Read the short Instruction Manual. Takes 10 minutes.

 

Next, I began the electronic truing at hunting yardages of 35 yards. The software allows for two arrow types and gives you a max of four truing points. Set Range (SR) 1 to SR 4. I began with just SR 1. It was dead on at the 35 yard target. It was for my first and only 35 yard shot today as I have a family gathering.  More soon for SR 2 at 50 yards. Then, go hunt!!

Wow! I like this laser rangefinding scope!!

Good Shooting!