In the world of archery and hunting, the quest for high-quality, affordable gear is a constant journey.
One such product that seeks to hit that sweet spot of affordability and performance is the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow, coming in at a budget-friendly price of $369.85.
With its promise of an impressive 330 feet per second shooting speed and a draw weight of 120 pounds, this crossbow presents an intriguing prospect for both newcomers and seasoned hunters on a budget.
In this review, we'll delve deep into the Ballista Bat's strengths and weaknesses from a first-hand perspective.
We will discuss its build quality and design, how it performs in different situations, ease of use, and the value it offers for its price.
We'll also explore its unique self-cocking feature and the implications it has for quickness and efficiency in the field.
As with any budget product, there are bound to be trade-offs, and we'll examine these in detail to help you make an informed decision.
While the Ballista Bat may not replace your high-end crossbow, our goal is to assess if it holds its own as a reliable, cost-effective alternative.
So, let's get started and take a closer look at what this affordable crossbow has to offer.
Specs of the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow:
- Draw weight of bow limb: 130 lbs
- Velocity: up to 330 fps
- Weight: 2.46 lbs with body kit, 1.9 lbs without body kit
- Length: 16″
- Width Axle to Axle Cocked: 5″
- Width Axle to Axle Uncocked: 8″
- Power-Stroke: 6.75″
- Pull rod draw weight: 40 lbs
Highlighted Features:
Self-Retracting Cord Tensioner: The Ballista Bat is the only crossbow in the world with a built-in self-retracting cord tensioner.
This innovative system makes loading the crossbow quick, easy, and noiseless, even in cramped conditions, which is something that hunters and anglers will appreciate3.
Versatile Ammunition: This crossbow is unique in its ability to use arrows for both casual shooting and hunting.
It can shoot arrows, harpoons, and darts, with both flat and crescent rear nock, and both standard minimized and conventional arrow fletching.
This versatility in ammunition can be a significant advantage for those who enjoy varying their shooting style or hunting different types of game4.
Precision Red Dot Sight: The Ballista Bat can be equipped with a high-precision red dot sight.
Unlike some cheaper red dot sights, the Ballista Red dot is easy to adjust, its settings do not shift, and it includes protective covers to keep the sight glass safe.
This feature can greatly enhance your accuracy and overall shooting experience5.
Weaver Universal Mount: This removable metal double-sided rail two-way upper fastening lock Weaver has two levels of adjustment in two planes.
This feature allows you to stably fix the sighting device in different positions, enhancing the versatility and customization of the crossbow6.
Bowfishing Compatibility: The Ballista Bat Crossbow can be converted for bowfishing by installing a regular spinning reel or a special bowfishing one.
This feature adds another level of versatility to this crossbow, making it a great option for those who enjoy different types of outdoor activities7.
In conclusion, the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow, despite its budget-friendly price, offers a variety of unique and useful features that can significantly enhance your crossbow experience.
However, as with any product, it's crucial to keep in mind your specific needs and preferences when evaluating these features.
My Personal Experience
One of the most memorable experiences I had with the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow occurred on a crisp autumn morning.
As an avid hunter, I am always on the lookout for gear that balances affordability with efficiency, and this crossbow had caught my eye.
So, there I was in the woods, the rustle of dry leaves underfoot, the air filled with the earthy smell of nature, and the Ballista Bat in my hand.
The lightness of the crossbow was the first thing I noticed.
Weighing less than 2.46 lbs with the body kit, it was incredibly easy to carry around, reducing the fatigue that often comes with long treks in the wilderness.
I was covering a large area that day, so this lightness was definitely a plus.
When I spotted my target, a white-tailed deer, I got to experience the quick and noiseless loading system of the Ballista Bat.
The built-in self-retracting cord tensioner made the reloading process smooth and silent, a feature that's a real boon in the hunting scenario.
The deer remained unaware of my presence, allowing me to line up the perfect shot.
The precision red dot sight further enhanced my accuracy.
The red dot didn't shift during my aim, and the protective covers kept the sight glass safe even as I navigated through dense underbrush.
My arrow flew true, hitting the deer accurately and ethically, thanks to the 330 fps velocity and the 130 lbs draw weight of the bow limb.
But what truly amazed me about the Ballista Bat was its versatility in ammunition.
On another occasion, I decided to go for smaller game.
The ability to use different types of arrows, harpoons, and darts came in handy, allowing me to adapt to the hunting situation effectively.
Finally, I can't forget to mention its bowfishing capability.
When the hunting season was over, I was able to convert the crossbow for a different kind of adventure.
I installed a regular spinning reel and headed to a nearby lake.
The same crossbow that served me so well in the forest was now an efficient tool for bowfishing, demonstrating its versatility once again6.
In conclusion, my personal experiences with the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow have been quite positive.
While it may not replace the high-end crossbows, for its price, it's a worthy addition to any hunter's gear.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $369.85, the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow sits comfortably in the budget range for crossbows.
However, the question of whether it offers value for money requires a more nuanced understanding of its features and performance.
The first thing to consider is the overall build and functionality of the crossbow.
For its price, the Ballista Bat offers impressive velocity and draw weight, with speeds up to 330 fps and a draw weight of 130 lbs1.
These specs are quite competitive for its price range, suggesting that you're getting a good deal in terms of raw performance.
Next, the unique features the Ballista Bat offers add significantly to its value proposition.
The self-retracting cord tensioner simplifies and speeds up the reloading process, a feature that's not common in this price bracket2.
The precision red dot sight provides enhanced accuracy, and the universal mount allows you to customize the crossbow to your liking34.
One of the standout features is the versatility in ammunition.
Being able to use arrows, harpoons, and darts with both flat and crescent rear nock, and both standard minimized and conventional arrow fletching, gives you a lot of flexibility.
This is particularly beneficial if you enjoy varying your shooting style or hunting different types of game5.
Furthermore, the Ballista Bat's adaptability for bowfishing adds another dimension to its value.
This feature allows you to use the crossbow in different outdoor scenarios, providing more bang for your buck6.
Of course, the longevity and durability of the crossbow are also important factors in assessing its value for money.
Given the crossbow's all-metal construction (except for the plastic handle), it seems to promise a certain level of durability7.
In conclusion, for its price, the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow offers a combination of strong performance and unique features that certainly suggest good value for money.
However, as with any piece of hunting equipment, the true value will ultimately depend on your personal needs, preferences, and how well the crossbow fits into your hunting style.
What are people saying?
- Robert Khan: Praises the Ballista Bat for being the best pistol-type crossbow he has used. He is particularly impressed by its lightness and compactness, without compromising on power.
- Devan Evans: Measured the speed of the Ballista Bat himself and recorded 302 fps, which he found superior to his other crossbow, the Cobra R9. He recommends the Ballista Bat for anyone seeking compactness and power.
- Corey Williamson: Bought the Ballista Bat for bow fishing and appreciates its portability, noting that it fits in a backpack even with a coil. He also enjoys the convenience of being able to store the crossbow in his car trunk and go shooting anytime.
The Drawbacks
While the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow has plenty of commendable features, it's only fair to mention a few drawbacks that I've noticed during my time using it.
One minor issue pertains to the plastic handle.
Given the rest of the crossbow is made out of metal, the plastic handle initially seemed a bit out of place.
I was worried about its longevity and durability, especially when used in harsh weather conditions.
However, so far, it has held up well, and I've experienced no real problems in this regard.
Another aspect that some might find inconvenient is the initial setup and adjustment of the red dot sight.
While it's a fantastic feature once properly adjusted, it did require some time and patience to get it perfectly dialed in.
That said, once I managed to get it set correctly, it held its position well and significantly improved my accuracy2.
Lastly, I remember a time when I was out hunting and I wished the crossbow had a bit more power.
While the 130 lbs draw weight and 330 fps velocity are impressive for a crossbow in this price range, there were a couple of instances where a bit more power could have been beneficial.
This, however, is a minor gripe and one that is more about personal preference than a real limitation of the crossbow.
Despite these minor drawbacks, it's important to remember that no piece of hunting equipment is perfect, and the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow offers an array of features and performance metrics that more than make up for these minor inconveniences, especially considering its budget-friendly price.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow offers a compelling mix of performance, versatility, and affordability that make it a strong contender for those looking to add a budget crossbow to their hunting gear.
The crossbow delivers solid performance with a 130 lbs draw weight and 330 fps velocity, figures that are quite competitive for its price point1.
Its unique self-retracting cord tensioner and precision red dot sight enhance usability and accuracy, while its versatility in ammunition and adaptability for bowfishing add to its overall value2345.
While there are minor drawbacks, such as the plastic handle and the initial setup of the red dot sight, they do not detract significantly from the overall positive experience of using the crossbow67.
Moreover, the feedback from users like Robert Khan, Devan Evans, and Corey Williamson corroborate the crossbow's strengths and its suitability for a variety of use-cases.
Given these considerations, the Ballista Bat Compound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow is indeed a good buy for those on a budget, looking for a robust, versatile, and user-friendly crossbow.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a bow fishing enthusiast, or a beginner looking to venture into the exciting world of crossbow hunting, the Ballista Bat makes for a worthy addition to your arsenal.
