There's an undeniable thrill that comes with wielding a crossbow. It's a sport steeped in history and skill, a delicate balance of precision, power, and patience.
The crossbow you choose plays a significant part in the experience, directly influencing the quality of your hunting or shooting journey.
Today, we'll dive into the world of high-performance crossbows, focusing on a model that has been making waves in the archery community: The Mission Archery Sub 1 XR.
With a market flooded with choices, what sets the Sub 1 XR apart?
We've had the privilege of getting our hands on this remarkable piece of equipment, and we're eager to share our experiences with you.
In this review, we'll take a close look at the Sub 1 XR, unraveling what makes it a game-changer in the crossbow industry.
From its design and build quality to its real-world performance, we've got a lot to talk about.
So whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for an upgrade or a newbie to the world of archery contemplating your first investment, stick around.
We think you'll find our exploration of the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR both insightful and exciting.
Stay tuned as we delve into the heart of the Sub 1 XR, breaking down its key features, performance, and overall value for money.
This isn't just another crossbow; it's a testament to Mission Archery's dedication to innovation and excellence.
Let's embark on this journey together and find out why the Sub 1 XR has earned a coveted spot in the quiver of many archery enthusiasts.
Key Specifications
- Price: $2,099.00
- Brand and Model: Mission Archery Sub 1 XR
- Speed (FPS): 410 FPS
- Draw Weight: 250 pounds (adjustable) with 80-percent let-off
- Weight: 7.6 pounds
- Included Accessories: Hawke Illuminated Crossbow Scope, M-Quiver – 3 Arrow, Three 19 inch (250gr) Arrows, Soft-sided Crossbow Case, Rail Lube, Cocking Aid Rope
Now, let's delve deeper into these features and the performance of the Sub 1 XR.
Impressive Speeds and High Performance
The Sub 1 XR delivers an impressive speed of up to 410 FPS.
This isn't just a number; it directly translates into your hunting experience, giving you the edge when it matters most.
The high velocity enhances the kinetic energy of your bolts, thereby increasing their penetration capability. It's perfect for bringing down large game or making accurate, long-range shots.
Simple Cocking and De-Cocking
Drawing a crossbow can be challenging, particularly with high draw weights.
The Sub 1 XR, however, has an adjustable draw weight of up to 250 pounds with an 80% let-off.
It's this feature, in conjunction with the included cocking aid rope, that makes the process of cocking and de-cocking the crossbow simple and straightforward.
Crisp Trigger
The quality of a crossbow's trigger significantly affects the shooting experience.
The Sub 1 XR features a crisp trigger that breaks cleanly, giving you consistent, reliable shots.
This is a critical aspect that improves accuracy and consistency, whether you're on the hunting field or the shooting range.
Anti-Dryfire
The anti-dryfire mechanism on the Sub 1 XR is a safety feature designed to prevent the crossbow from firing without a bolt in place.
This not only protects the crossbow from potential damage but also ensures your safety during use.
Adjustable, Rifle-Style Stock
The Sub 1 XR has an adjustable, rifle-style stock. This means you can adjust the crossbow to fit your specific body shape and shooting style, enhancing comfort and accuracy.
It's a feature that makes the Sub 1 XR suitable for a wide range of archers, regardless of their size or experience level.
Quality Accessories
The Sub 1 XR comes with a range of quality accessories that enhance your shooting experience right out of the box.
These include a Hawke illuminated crossbow scope for precision aiming in various light conditions, a three-arrow M-Quiver, three 19 inch arrows, a soft-sided crossbow case, and rail lube to extend the life of your crossbow string and servings.
The Sub 1 XR, with its impressive features, demonstrates Mission Archery's commitment to providing a top-tier archery experience.
It's a potent combination of speed, power, and precision, designed to meet the needs of discerning archers and hunters.
My Personal Experience
As an archery enthusiast and regular crossbow user, I was genuinely excited to get my hands on the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR.
From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell that this wasn't just any ordinary crossbow.
It had a sturdy feel to it, with a balanced weight that felt comfortable in my hands.
One of my first memorable experiences with the Sub 1 XR was during a weekend hunting trip. It was early morning, the woods were still, and a light fog hung in the air.
I spotted a buck in the distance, grazing quietly. I took the opportunity to test the Sub 1 XR's touted 410 FPS speed.
I raised the crossbow, lined up my shot using the Hawke illuminated scope, and gently squeezed the crisp trigger.
The bolt flew straight and true, and the buck didn't know what hit it.
The speed and precision of the Sub 1 XR were truly impressive.
But it wasn't just the power that made an impression on me.
The adjustable, rifle-style stock allowed me to customize the fit of the crossbow, creating a comfortable grip that felt like an extension of my body.
This level of personalization played a crucial role in making my shots more accurate and consistent.
The Sub 1 XR also passed the durability test. During another trip, I accidentally dropped the crossbow while navigating a particularly tricky slope.
I was worried, but upon inspection, I found that not only was the crossbow undamaged, but it also retained its accuracy and power, a testament to its robust construction.
One feature I've come to appreciate more than I initially expected is the simple cocking and de-cocking mechanism.
I've used crossbows in the past where cocking the bow was a strenuous task, but with the Sub 1 XR, it was surprisingly easy, thanks to the 80-percent let-off and the included cocking aid rope.
Lastly, I must mention the included soft-sided crossbow case.
Not only did it protect the Sub 1 XR during transport, but it also provided ample space to store the quiver, arrows, and other accessories.
It's a minor detail, but it's these little things that add to the overall user experience.
Price and Value for Money
At a price point of $2,099.00, the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR is indeed a significant investment. It places this crossbow at the higher end of the price spectrum.
However, value for money isn't just about the price tag; it's about what you get in return for your investment. In this regard, the Sub 1 XR holds its ground.
The performance that the Sub 1 XR delivers is nothing short of phenomenal.
The impressive speed of 410 FPS, the adjustable draw weight, the ease of cocking and de-cocking, and the crisp trigger all combine to provide a top-tier archery experience.
It's designed with an attention to detail that can satisfy even the most demanding archer.
When it comes to build quality, the Sub 1 XR doesn't disappoint either. It's a durable piece of equipment, built to withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting.
The adjustable, rifle-style stock adds to its longevity by allowing for a custom fit, reducing the likelihood of strain or damage from improper use.
The included accessories are another aspect where the Sub 1 XR provides value.
The Hawke illuminated scope, the three-arrow M-Quiver, the soft-sided crossbow case, the rail lube, and the cocking aid rope are all quality additions that add convenience and enhance the overall shooting experience.
Finally, there's the brand reputation. Mission Archery is known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Owning a crossbow from this brand means you're investing in a product backed by a company that stands behind its products.
In conclusion, while the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR is not a budget crossbow, the performance, quality, and the overall experience it delivers justifies the price tag.
It's a crossbow that offers substantial value for money, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious archer or hunter.
The Drawbacks
While the Sub 1 XR is an impressive crossbow, it's important to note that it's not without its drawbacks. One of the minor issues I encountered was with the weight.
At 7.6 pounds, it's not the lightest crossbow on the market.
During a long hunting trip, it can become a bit taxing, especially when trekking through rough terrain.
However, it's important to remember that the weight also contributes to the stability and balance of the crossbow, which in turn aids in accuracy.
Therefore, this drawback can also be seen as a trade-off for the excellent performance that the Sub 1 XR offers.
Additionally, the price point may be a barrier for some, especially beginners or those on a tighter budget.
However, considering the performance, the quality of the build, and the included accessories, the Sub 1 XR still offers considerable value for the investment.
In conclusion, while the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR does have a few minor drawbacks, they are vastly outweighed by its benefits. It's a high-performing, well-built crossbow that offers a remarkable shooting experience.
What are people saying?
Jeff Calhoun: A seasoned hunter with almost half a century of experience, mostly with rifles, Jeff found the Sub 1 XR to be a game-changer that turned his interest towards archery.
He appreciated the ease of sighting in, cocking, and the spot-on accuracy of the crossbow.
He looks forward to hunting pigs and deer with it once the weather cools down, anticipating a lot of fun with his new acquisition.
KLL: KLL took the Sub 1 XR on a 7-day safari in South Africa, successfully taking down four animals.
He particularly praised the crossbow's design, including the anti-dry fire mechanism, the de-cocking system, and the manageable weight.
The compact design of the Sub 1 XR proved ideal for shooting from a blind.
Based on his experience, KLL highly recommends the Sub 1 XR and would consider it as a purchase for his family members.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
Having spent considerable time with the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR, I can confidently say that this crossbow is an impressive piece of equipment.
From its high-speed performance to its precision, ease of use, and quality construction, it's a crossbow designed with the needs of serious archers and hunters in mind.
The Sub 1 XR's standout features like the crisp trigger, adjustable rifle-style stock, anti-dryfire mechanism, and simple cocking and de-cocking system all contribute to an archery experience that's both exhilarating and rewarding.
The included accessories, such as the Hawke illuminated scope and the three-arrow M-Quiver, enhance the value further, providing everything you need to get started right out of the box.
While it's true that the Sub 1 XR comes with a high price tag and is slightly heavier than some other models, these factors should be weighed against its exceptional performance and the overall value it offers.
Remember, investing in a quality crossbow like the Sub 1 XR isn't just about spending money; it's about investing in a superior archery experience.
If you're a serious archer or a hunter looking for a crossbow that delivers excellent performance, reliability, and precision, the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR is definitely worth considering.
It's a crossbow that you can depend on, whether you're in the field hunting or practicing at the range.
It's a companion that will serve you well, enhancing your archery experience and making each shot count.
In conclusion, if you're looking to make a worthwhile investment in your archery journey, the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR might be just what you're looking for.
It's a powerful, precise, and reliable crossbow that promises and delivers an unmatched archery experience.
Click here to learn more about the Mission Archery Sub 1 XR and get the best price on Amazon.
