In a market saturated with high-end hunting equipment, finding a budget-friendly alternative that performs well can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Enter the Southland Archery Supply (SAS) Troy 370 Compound Crossbow, a frugal hunter's dream that's priced at just $249.99.
But does its performance match its appealing price point? In this comprehensive review, we'll take an in-depth look into this pocket-friendly crossbow, assessing it from the perspective of a user who has spent considerable time with it.
We'll be delving into key areas such as its build quality, shooting performance, ease of use, and durability.
In addition, we'll weigh up the pros and cons of the SAS Troy 370 to help you decide if this is the crossbow that can meet your hunting or target shooting needs.
As we do so, we'll strive to maintain an honest and realistic perspective, fully aware that a budget crossbow is unlikely to offer the premium features of its more expensive counterparts.
Stick around for an unvarnished examination of this wallet-friendly weapon, and discover whether the Troy 370's performance hits the bullseye or misses the mark.
Specifications
The Southland Archery Supply (SAS) Troy 370 Compound Crossbow is a budget-friendly option that packs a punch with its unique features and specifications.
Here's a rundown of the specs:
- Draw weight: 185 pounds
- Speed: 370 feet per second
- Weight: 6lbs and 8oz without accessories, 7lbs and 12oz with all accessories
- Length: Adjustable from 34.5 to 37 inches
- Width: 14 inches when cocked, 18 inches when uncocked
And for the notable features:
- Ambidextrous auto safety: This safety feature allows both left- and right-handed users to handle the crossbow comfortably and securely.
- Adjustable stock: This provides flexibility for users of different sizes and preferences, allowing for a more comfortable and accurate shooting experience.
- Picatinny rail: This feature allows for the attachment of various accessories, expanding the crossbow's versatility.
- 4×32 Scope: The inclusion of a 4×32 scope is a nice touch for those looking to improve their accuracy at distance.
- Quick detach quiver: This feature allows for easy access to your arrows, enhancing efficiency during shooting sessions.
The crossbow also comes with the following accessories in the package:
- Troy 370 Crossbow
- Three Arrows
- Quiver
- 4×32 Scope
- Rope Cocking Device
- Rail Lube
The SAS Troy 370 Crossbow stands out with its sleek profile designed for exceptional speed, amazing accuracy, and incredible performance.
One of its notable characteristics is its quiet operation and vibration-free shooting, which are impressive considering its budget price point.
Its unique styling also adds to its overall appeal.
The Troy 370 is not just about the raw specs; it's about the complete package, and the manufacturer has put careful thought into ensuring a good user experience.
The inclusion of all necessary assembly tools is a testament to this commitment.
In the following sections, we'll dive deeper into each of these features and aspects, discussing in more detail how they contribute to the overall performance and experience of using the SAS Troy 370 Compound Crossbow.
My Personal Experience
As a passionate hunter who has spent countless hours in the wilderness, I've always been on the lookout for equipment that can match the ever-changing demands of my hobby.
When I first heard about the Southland Archery Supply (SAS) Troy 370 Compound Crossbow, I was intrigued but cautious.
Could a budget crossbow truly deliver a satisfying hunting experience? It was this question that led me to purchase the Troy 370 and test it out firsthand.
The moment I unboxed the crossbow, I was taken aback by its sleek profile.
It had an aesthetic appeal that instantly caught my attention.
I was particularly impressed with the quality of the 4×32 scope that was included.
It had a solid feel to it, and the clarity was impressive for a scope at this price point.
The first time I took the Troy 370 out on a hunting trip, I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.
With a draw weight of 185 pounds, I was expecting a considerable amount of power, and I wasn't disappointed.
The crossbow sent each arrow flying at a speed of 370 feet per second, delivering a powerful punch that was more than capable of bringing down my quarry.
What really stood out to me during that initial hunting trip, however, was the quiet operation and lack of vibration.
I was nestled in a tree stand, waiting for the perfect shot on a whitetail deer.
With the crossbow cocked and ready, I barely noticed any noise or vibration.
When I finally released the bolt, the arrow flew true and hit the target accurately, all while making minimal noise.
The adjustable stock was another highlight for me.
I'm a taller individual, and having the ability to adjust the stock for a comfortable fit was a significant advantage.
It allowed me to maintain a steady aim, which is crucial when you're trying to make accurate shots from a distance.
The quick detach quiver was an added bonus.
The convenience of having my arrows within easy reach, especially in a high-pressure hunting situation, cannot be overstated.
It made reloading a breeze and allowed me to keep my focus on the hunt.
The SAS Troy 370 has become a reliable companion on my hunting trips.
It has proven that a budget-friendly crossbow can indeed deliver a satisfying and successful hunting experience.
The Troy 370 is not without its limitations, as we'll discuss later, but its performance and features have consistently exceeded my expectations for its price point.
The SAS Troy 370 Compound Crossbow has been a pleasant surprise and a worthy addition to my hunting arsenal.
Price and Value for Money
At $249.99, the Troy 370 is positioned at the budget end of the crossbow market.
For comparison, many high-end crossbows can easily run into the thousands.
However, a low price tag doesn't necessarily mean low quality, and the Troy 370 is a testament to that.
The crossbow offers a range of features typically found on more expensive models.
The ambidextrous auto safety, adjustable stock, picatinny rail, 4×32 scope, and quick detach quiver are all notable inclusions.
When you consider that these features are often add-ons that come with an additional cost for many other crossbows, the value proposition of the Troy 370 starts to shine.
The draw weight of 185 pounds and speed of 370 feet per second are impressive for a crossbow at this price point.
In my own hunting experiences, these specs have allowed me to take down game efficiently and effectively.
The Troy 370 doesn't compromise on power and speed to achieve its budget-friendly price.
Moreover, the crossbow comes with all the necessary assembly tools and even includes three arrows, a rope cocking device, and rail lube.
The inclusion of these items adds even more value and convenience, as you won't need to make additional purchases to get started.
Of course, it's important to be realistic.
The Troy 370 may not have the same premium feel or extreme precision as some of the high-end crossbows.
However, for new hunters, those on a budget, or even experienced hunters looking for a reliable backup, the Troy 370 offers remarkable value for money.
In conclusion, the SAS Troy 370 Compound Crossbow delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
It's a great example of a product that balances cost, performance, and features, proving that you don't always have to break the bank to get a solid, reliable crossbow for your hunting adventures.
The Drawbacks
While the Southland Archery Supply (SAS) Troy 370 Compound Crossbow offers impressive performance and features for its price point, it's not without its drawbacks.
Like any product, it has its limitations and areas where there's room for improvement.
One of the main concerns I encountered during my time with the Troy 370 was with the included arrows.
While it's great that the crossbow comes with three arrows to get you started, I found that these arrows weren't of the highest quality.
During one of my hunting trips, an arrow's fletching came loose.
Although this was a minor hiccup and didn't significantly impact the hunting trip, it did require me to purchase additional, higher-quality arrows separately.
Another point worth noting is the weight of the crossbow.
Weighing in at over 7 pounds with all accessories, the Troy 370 can be a bit hefty, especially during longer hunting trips.
I remember a specific outing where the weight of the crossbow started to become noticeable after a few hours of tracking a deer.
While this isn't a dealbreaker, it's something to consider if you plan on being out in the field for extended periods.
Lastly, while the 4×32 scope is a fantastic inclusion, particularly for a budget crossbow, it could use some improvements in terms of clarity and light transmission in lower light conditions.
During a dusk hunting session, I noticed that the scope didn't perform as well as I would have liked, making it a bit challenging to maintain visibility on the target.
Despite these drawbacks, they're fairly minor considering the price point of the crossbow.
They don't significantly detract from the overall performance and value that the Troy 370 offers, but they're worth keeping in mind when deciding if this is the right crossbow for your needs.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
As we reach the end of this review, the question remains: should you buy the Southland Archery Supply (SAS) Troy 370 Compound Crossbow?
In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes.
If you're on a budget, new to hunting, or simply looking for a reliable, powerful crossbow without breaking the bank, the Troy 370 is an excellent choice.
This crossbow excels in delivering power and speed, with a draw weight of 185 pounds and a speed of 370 feet per second.
It's capable of delivering impressive performance in the field, as I've personally experienced during my hunting trips.
The quiet operation and lack of vibration are standout features that contribute to an enjoyable shooting experience.
The adjustable stock, ambidextrous auto safety, and quick detach quiver add to the overall versatility and convenience of the crossbow.
Plus, the inclusion of a 4×32 scope and picatinny rail allows for more precise shooting and the possibility of adding accessories.
While there are some minor drawbacks such as the quality of the included arrows and the weight of the crossbow, these are relatively minor when weighed against the positives.
They certainly do not outweigh the numerous benefits and impressive performance offered by the Troy 370.
At a price point of $249.99, the Troy 370 provides excellent value for money.
It's a testament to the fact that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a solid, reliable crossbow that can accompany you on your hunting adventures.
In conclusion, the SAS Troy 370 Compound Crossbow hits the mark more often than it misses.
It's a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on performance or features.
If you're in the market for a crossbow, the Troy 370 is definitely worth considering.