The PSE Thrive 400 Crossbow is seen as best in class by others besides me like “The Fearless Tactician” website below say it is best performer in its price class in the $400 dollar range. Having looked on the internet, the Thrive is still NEW out there but according to the article it beats nearly 40 other crossbow models below including some Barnett’s, Ten Points and even Excaliber’s. Wow! That is sayin’ a lot!!!
I have shot compound bows of all kinds since they became popular in the early 1970’s I can say they have come a very long way indeed especially in crossbow technology. I did a search for reverse cam technology employed in the Thrive and found that it increases speed yet keeps its accuracy. The string coming from the inside of the cam provides at least 2 or more inches of arrow acceleration. That’s big! I measured the bolt speed with my chronograph at 377 fps at 10 feet with a 400 grain bolt. In round numbers, at the face of the bow, I estimate 380 fps. I did not know how close to 400 fps I would get. That is about 95%. Fine with me!!
As a hunting weapon I tested the Thrive 400 on Wild Boar and it was simply fantastic in speed and accuracy. I could had taken a much larger boar and still got such powerful exit wounds with the 4 fixed blade 100 grain Muzzy.
Crossbows in general do not cradle well in ones arm but this crossbow was able to cradle in the crook of my arm sufficient to walk somewhat comfortable with its 32 inch length, 6.7 pounds in overall weight and 18.25 inches axle to axle.
It is camo’d in Kryptek Highlander and blends with surroundings just fine for its size and small profile as seen by game from the face of the bow.
I like the illuminated scope very much as it was designed specifically for crossbow use and is marked for longer ranges. I did not use the illumination feature but at dawn and dusk it will be used to the hunters benefit.
This crossbow on a solid front and rear rest, it can be used beyond 40 yards but in a tree-stand or on the ground in a hunting situation and no rest, I expect 30 yards or less to be max range for most shooters.
The Crossbow comes with four 400 grain Thunder Boltz bolts and a Heavy Discharge bolt. The arrow points are 100 grain threaded bullet points and the nocks are half moon. The point insert is brass for great strength.
On my recent boar hunt, I drove a broadhead through my wild boar and it stuck in a birch tree so deep that we could not recover the broadhead. The nock of the arrow popped off the shaft due to the tremendous remaining energy. I closely inspected the arrow for damage and you should too.
Energy for this crossbow delivers nearly 140 ft-lbs and would be great for elk and moose.
http://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/crossbow-kinetic-energy-chart-calculations-hunting-requirements/
Canada, I believe does not allow crossbows last I checked, but rules may change. The PSE Thrive 400 is great and powerful Crossbow for those who do not compromise on speed and energy!! The bolt drop at 40 yards is also quite a bit less at these fast speeds making ranging error less a factor.
Good Hunting!
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