As the leaves change color and the early chill of autumn begins to permeate the air, it's time to gear up for hunting season.
And for those of us who are passionate about our pursuit, the right equipment can make all the difference.
This year, my weapon of choice was the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow – a marvel of modern hunting technology, available at a steep price of $2,099.99, that offers a unique blend of speed, accuracy, and handling that's hard to beat.
In this review, we'll delve into the specifics of the Flatline 460's performance and features, starting with its unique Acuslide Cocking and Decocking system and the compact size of the Flatline 460 is another aspect we'll delve into.
We'll explore the Flatline 460's accuracy in-depth, both from supported positions and off-hand, with findings based on extensive testing at various ranges. We'll also discuss the crossbow’s impressive speed, as recorded by a Labradar doppler chronograph, and the real-life benefits of this high-velocity performance.
In terms of safety features, we'll delve into my personal experience with the Flatline 460’s dry fire safety, which successfully prevented a potential mishap during a testing session.
But, as with any product, it's not all rainbows and sunshine.
We'll also examine areas where the Flatline 460 could improve, such as its weight and durability, which may pose challenges during long hikes or unforeseen incidents.
Specifications:
- Speed: The crossbow claims a speed of 460 fps, and in testing, it averaged 467 fps.
- Weight: The crossbow weighs approximately 10 lbs.
- Dimensions: The crossbow is only 7.5 inches wide when cocked.
- Draw weight: 300lb
Additional Features:
Acuslide Cocking and Decocking: This feature, unlike other crossbow cranks, is completely contained within the crossbow’s stock.
It allows you to stop cranking at any time without worrying about the handle hitting your knuckles or the string flying forward. This feature also allows for the decocking of the bow without firing it.
Evo-X Marksman Elite Scope: This scope, included with the Flatline 460 package, offers adjustable speed calibration and has graduations from 20 to 100 yards. It can be calibrated for bow speeds from 300 to 500 fps.
Bolts: The Flatline 460 uses 16-inch Evo-X CenterPunch 16 arrows with the Alpha-Nock HP nocks. They feature
My Personal Experience
It was an early, misty morning when I first took the TenPoint Flatline 460 out for a hunt.
The woods were quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds waking up to greet the dawn.
The morning chill was a small price to pay for the excitement that pulsed through me.
From the moment I picked up the Flatline 460, I could feel the exceptional build quality.
It was a bit heavier than some other crossbows I had used, but the weight gave it a reassuring sturdiness.
Despite the weight, its compact size made it easy to maneuver in the dense forest, and it was only 7.5 inches wide when cocked, which made it easier to move through the undergrowth.
The Acuslide cocking and decocking mechanism was a real game changer.
Unlike other crossbows I'd used, I could stop cranking at any time without worrying about an accidental discharge. It was a feature I didn't know I needed until I had it.
I found a comfortable spot in a hide overlooking a small clearing.
The Evo-X Marksman Elite Scope was clear and accurate, with graduations from 20 to 100 yards.
It was impressively precise.
I appreciated the adjustable speed calibration, which allowed me to fine-tune the scope for the Flatline 460's impressive speed of 460 fps.
When a deer finally stepped into the clearing, the Flatline 460 was steady in my hands.
I held my breath, slowly squeezed the trigger, and released a bolt.
The speed and accuracy were unparalleled, the bolt finding its mark almost instantaneously.
Afterwards, the Acuslide made decocking the bow safe and easy, a perfect end to a successful hunt.
Despite its weight, the Flatline 460 had more than proved its worth. It was a hunting trip I would remember, not just for the successful hunt, but for the exceptional performance of the TenPoint Flatline 460.
It was clearly a premium crossbow, worthy of its price tag, and I was already looking forward to the next opportunity to use it.
Price and Value for Money
The TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow is priced at $2,099.99, positioning it within the premium segment of crossbows on the market.
With this price tag comes a level of expectation, and according to the reviews and features of the Flatline 460, it does not disappoint.
Its standout features include the Acuslide Cocking and Decocking system, the Evo-X Marksman Elite Scope, and its compact size.
These features offer significant advantages to the user, providing convenience, accuracy, and ease of mobility.
The bow is said to deliver solid accuracy from both supported positions and off-hand, with a balance point at the trigger making it easier to hold steady while shooting unsupported.
In terms of speed, the Flatline 460 delivers beyond its promise, with an average speed of 467 fps being recorded in testing.
This speed, coupled with the accuracy of the bow, provides the user with a high level of performance that justifies the price.
However, every investment has its trade-offs. The weight of the Flatline 460, at 10 pounds, is heavier than some other crossbows in its category, making it potentially less suitable for long treks without the aid of a backpack or sling.
There was also a report of the polymer picatinny mount bending after a fall, which affected the functionality of the Acuslide and resulted in a loss of zero.
A metal rail might have proven more durable in such situations
In conclusion, the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow offers a mix of premium features and outstanding performance that makes it a valuable investment for serious hunters.
While it does have some downsides, these do not substantially detract from its overall value.
Therefore, if speed, accuracy, and convenience are what you seek in a crossbow, the TenPoint Flatline 460 is worth considering despite its premium price tag.
The Drawbacks
While the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow has a lot to offer, no product is without its potential drawbacks.
One of the most noticeable for some might be the weight.
At 10 pounds, the Flatline 460 is heavier than some other crossbows in its class.
For those planning to carry it on long hikes or hunts, this additional weight could become noticeable over time.
Imagine this minor anecdote: during a day-long hunting trip, the weight of the Flatline 460 started to make its presence known towards the latter part of the day.
I had to take more frequent breaks to rest and reposition the crossbow in my hands, adjusting the sling to distribute the weight more evenly across my shoulder.
It wasn't a deal-breaker by any means, but it was a reminder of the trade-off between the crossbow's performance and its weight.
Another minor issue occurred when the crossbow fell a short distance and landed on the scope, causing a slight bend in the polymer picatinny mount.
This affected the functionality of the Acuslide and resulted in a loss of zero.
While it didn't impact the overall performance of the crossbow significantly and was corrected without too much difficulty, it suggested that a more durable metal rail might be beneficial in such situations.
These drawbacks, while worth considering, do not overshadow the overall performance and quality of the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow.
They're more like small bumps on the road, reminders that even the best products have areas where they could potentially improve.
What are people saying?
The TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow has garnered high praise from hunters across the board for its performance, speed, and compact design.
Todd, a seasoned hunter, believes that the Flatline 460 will be the crossbow of the year in 2023.
He praises TenPoint for continually innovating and perfecting its products, standing as the clear industry leader.
He finds the Flatline 460 to be the perfect blend of weight, speed, and performance, and admires its compact size and user-friendly design.
Moreover, he commends TenPoint's attention to detail, particularly with their newly designed scope struts, built-in string dampening system, high-quality optics, and the best de-cocking system he has seen in the industry to date.
Brad, another experienced hunter, appreciates the versatility the Flatline 460 provides.
Its compact and fast design has proved valuable in various hunting situations, whether in a blind, treestand, or while stalking game.
He finds the crossbow intuitive and packed with features that increase the chances of a successful hunt.
These testimonials highlight the Flatline 460's position as a highly regarded choice for hunters, emphasizing its blend of speed, performance, and user-friendly design.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow is a premium offering that delivers on multiple fronts.
With a blend of speed, accuracy, and a compact, user-friendly design, it sets itself apart as a top contender in the world of crossbows.
Its standout features such as the Acuslide Cocking and Decocking system and the Evo-X Marksman Elite Scope provide significant advantages to the user, enhancing the overall hunting experience.
However, as with any investment, it is important to consider the potential trade-offs.
The Flatline 460's weight, at 10 pounds, is heavier than some other crossbows, which might be a factor for those planning long treks or hunts.
In addition, there were minor durability issues with the polymer picatinny mount, suggesting a potential area for improvement in future iterations of the product.
However, these are minor drawbacks in comparison to the overall performance and quality of the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow.
The user testimonials reflect the high level of satisfaction amongst hunters, who praise its blend of weight, speed, performance, and compact size.
They also highlight TenPoint's commitment to continuous innovation and product perfection, making the Flatline 460 a worthy contender for the crossbow of the year.
Given all these factors, if you are in the market for a premium, high-performing crossbow, and you value a blend of speed, accuracy, and convenience, then the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow is a worthy investment.
Its price tag reflects its premium status, but with the level of performance and convenience it offers, it justifies its position as a top-end combination of speed, accuracy, and handling.
In the end, the decision to buy should be based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
However, if these align with what the TenPoint Flatline 460 has to offer, it could very well be the crossbow for you.
Click here to learn more about the Tenpoint Flatline 460 Crossbow and get the best price on Amazon.
