In the world of archery, few experiences compare to the exhilaration of releasing a bolt from a crossbow.
When that crossbow is the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite, the experience transcends to a whole new level.
From the moment I unboxed this high-performance crossbow, I felt a unique blend of anticipation and curiosity.
As I cradled its surprisingly light frame, I found myself captivated by its compact design and the promise of power it held.
Renowned for their uncompromising commitment to high-quality materials and design, Mission Archery has always been a trusted name amongst seasoned archers.
With the Sub-1 Lite, they've managed to fuse excellence with accessibility, delivering a premium crossbow experience that caters to novices and experts alike.
In the past, I've handled a diverse range of crossbows, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. But there's something about the Sub-1 Lite that sets it apart.
Its name is a nod to its precision, promising sub-1-inch groups at 100 yards – a level of accuracy that is rare in the crossbow market.
It's a lofty claim that begged to be tested, and as I prepared to put the Sub-1 Lite through its paces, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.
Little did I know, my journey with the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite was about to redefine my expectations of what a crossbow can do. It was an adventure marked by unprecedented precision, ease of use, and a suite of innovative features that truly sets this crossbow in a league of its own.
Stay tuned as I take you through the ins and outs of the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite Crossbow, exploring each of its key features and explaining why it could be the game-changer you've been waiting for in your archery journey.
Specifications:
The Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite 335FPS is a crossbow that is designed with the archer in mind, and its features clearly show that focus.
This premium crossbow offers a host of features that will make every hunting or target shooting experience more enjoyable and successful.
Key Specs:
- Speed: 335 fps
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Trigger Pull: 3.3 lbs
- Power Stroke: 13.75”
- Length: 30.25”
- Width 10.5” cocked, 13.8” uncocked
- 80% let-off
Price: $1,499.99
The Sub-1 Lite comes with innovative Benchmark Fire Control technology.
This includes a match grade trigger, an Easy-Load™ bolt retention arm, and the ability to safely de-cock with the push of a button.
The Easy-Load™ bolt retention arm facilitates loading and prevents dry fires, while the de-cocking feature provides added safety, allowing you to easily de-cock the crossbow without needing to fire it.
This crossbow also has a 3.3lbs match grade trigger, which ensures a smooth and predictable trigger pull.
The use of match grade components signifies a high level of precision and consistency, which can translate to improved accuracy and performance in the field or at the range.
In addition to its superior fire control technology, the Sub-1 Lite also boasts of an ambidextrous safety and anti-dry fire system, ensuring the crossbow can be used safely by both left and right-handed individuals.
The Sub-1 Lite also includes an adjustable cheek piece for customizing fit and ensuring proper eye alignment with the scope. This will aid in achieving more consistent and accurate shots.
The AR15 style grip provides a comfortable and familiar feel for those used to that style of firearm.
The Sub-1 Lite also comes equipped with an 80% let-off cam system for easy cocking, reducing the draw weight and making it easier for a wider range of users to cock the crossbow.
The package includes a 1.5-5×32 illum Hawke scope, an MX3 quiver, and 3-250gr bolts.
The Hawke scope provides magnification and illuminated reticles for better targeting accuracy, while the quiver and bolts mean you're ready to head out for a hunt or target practice right away.
In conclusion, the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite 335FPS is a well-rounded, feature-rich crossbow that offers excellent performance and value.
Its unique design and advanced features make it an attractive choice for both novice and experienced archers alike.
My Personal Experience
It was a crisp, autumn morning. The kind of day that's perfect for being outdoors and putting the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite to the test.
The quiet rustling of leaves underfoot seemed to echo the anticipation in my heart as I ventured into the open field, crossbow in hand.
I remember being taken aback by the lightweight nature of the Sub-1 Lite the first time I held it.
At just 6.9 lbs, it was lighter than I expected, making it effortless to carry during my trek through the dense woodland.
Despite its lightness, the solid construction and the quality of the materials were unmistakable – this was clearly a piece of equipment built to last.
I found a spot where I had a clear line of sight to the target placed 100 yards away.
Setting up, I could feel the AR15 style grip fitting comfortably into my hand.
I have always been a fan of this style, and the familiarity added to my confidence.
I pulled back on the trigger – a smooth 3.3 lbs pull – and felt the bolt lock into place with ease, thanks to the Easy-Load™ bolt retention arm.
Looking through the 1.5-5×32 illuminated Hawke scope, I could clearly see the target in the early morning light.
The adjustable cheek piece allowed me to align my eye with the scope perfectly, giving me a clear and comfortable line of sight.
The 80% let-off cams made the cocking process feel almost effortless, a feature that I was sure would be appreciated after a long day of shooting.
With a deep breath, I released the trigger.
The bolt flew from the crossbow with a satisfying thwack, hitting the target with a speed of 335 fps.
The accuracy was impressive, the bolt hitting exactly where I had aimed.
Throughout the day, I was consistently impressed by the Sub-1 Lite's precision and ease of use.
The ability to safely de-cock the crossbow with the push of a button was a feature I appreciated as the day wore on, increasing the overall safety and convenience of the unit.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, I packed up my gear, the MX3 quiver now empty of its 250gr bolts.
The Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite had not only lived up to its promises but had also exceeded my expectations. It was a day of archery I wouldn't soon forget.
Price and Value for Money
The Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite 335FPS comes with a price tag of $1,499.99. At first glance, this might seem like a substantial investment.
However, when assessing the value for money, it's important to consider the exceptional features, high-quality design, and performance capabilities that this crossbow offers.
The Sub-1 Lite is no ordinary crossbow. It provides a level of precision and consistency that is hard to find in other models.
It promises and delivers sub-1-inch groups at 100 yards, a level of accuracy that sets it apart from many competitors.
This precision can make the difference between a successful hunt or a missed target, which could potentially save users money in the long run.
In addition, this crossbow comes equipped with the innovative Benchmark Fire Control technology, an Easy-Load™ bolt retention arm, and the ability to safely de-cock with a push of a button.
These are high-end features that are not typically found in lower-priced crossbows, adding significant value to the Sub-1 Lite.
Moreover, the Sub-1 Lite includes an adjustable cheek piece, an AR15 style grip, and an 80% let-off cam system.
It also comes with a high-quality 1.5-5×32 illuminated Hawke scope, an MX3 quiver, and three 250gr bolts.
When you consider the cost of purchasing these items individually, the price of the Sub-1 Lite becomes even more justified.
Overall, while the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite 335FPS is a higher-end investment, its exceptional features, superior performance, and the quality of its included accessories offer excellent value for money.
Whether you're a novice archer or a seasoned hunter, the Sub-1 Lite is a crossbow that can elevate your archery experience, making it a worthwhile investment.
The Drawbacks
Every product has its drawbacks, and the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite 335FPS is no exception.
While it boasts numerous impressive features and superior performance, there are a few minor areas that potential buyers might want to consider.
Firstly, the price point, while offering good value for the money given its high-quality build and advanced features, might be a barrier for some.
At $1,499.99, the Sub-1 Lite is not a budget crossbow, and for those new to archery or with financial constraints, the investment might seem steep.
Also, the Sub-1 Lite, as feature-packed as it is, doesn't come with a crank cocking device.
For individuals with limited physical strength, a crank can be a significant aid in cocking the crossbow.
While the 80% let-off cam system does make cocking easier, a crank would have been a nice addition for those who need it.
Here's a small anecdote to illustrate the point: I recall a day when a friend, new to archery, joined me for a day of shooting.
She was eager to try out the Sub-1 Lite, impressed by its sleek design and intrigued by its features.
However, as she tried to cock the crossbow, she struggled with the draw weight.
While the 80% let-off cam system did help, a crank cocking device would have made the process easier for her.
Lastly, it's worth noting that while the Sub-1 Lite is designed to be lightweight, some users might find it a tad heavy when compared to other models in the market.
This could be a consideration for younger users or those planning long hunting trips where the crossbow needs to be carried for extended periods.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
Should you buy the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite 335FPS?
In concluding this review, it's clear that the answer to that question largely hinges on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
However, if you're looking for a crossbow that delivers exceptional accuracy, quality, and performance, then the Sub-1 Lite certainly merits serious consideration.
The Sub-1 Lite impresses with its high-speed performance, reaching up to 335 fps.
Its weight and balance, coupled with the AR15 style grip, make it comfortable to handle and shoot.
The innovative features like the Benchmark Fire Control technology, the Easy-Load bolt retention arm, and the ability to safely de-cock with the push of a button, all contribute to a superior shooting experience.
The minor drawbacks, such as the absence of a crank cocking device and the slightly higher weight compared to some other models, are certainly worth considering.
However, they do not significantly detract from the overall performance and value that this crossbow offers.
Moreover, the price of $1,499.99, while not insignificant, provides excellent value for money when you consider the premium features and the quality of the included accessories like the illuminated Hawke scope, the MX3 quiver, and the 250gr bolts.
In conclusion, if you are someone who values precision, quality, and advanced features, and are willing to invest in a top-of-the-line crossbow, then the Mission Archery Sub-1 Lite 335FPS is a fantastic choice.
This crossbow is a testament to Mission Archery's commitment to producing superior crossbows that enhance the archery experience, making it a worthy addition to any archer's arsenal.
