If you're an avid archer or just getting into the world of crossbow hunting, you know that finding a reliable, high-performance crossbow that won't break the bank can be a challenge.
That's why I was excited to try out the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow, a budget-friendly option that promises to deliver top-notch performance and accuracy.
As an American-made crossbow with a compact design and built-in safety features, I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype.
In this review, I'll be sharing my personal experience with the Blackhawk 360, discussing its various features, and ultimately helping you decide if it's the right crossbow for your needs.
So, let's dive into my hands-on experience with this impressive piece of archery equipment.
Specifications:
- Price: $399.99
- Brand and Model: Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360
- Overall Amazon Rating: 4.3
- Number of Reviews: 48
- Speed: 400 FPS
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Dimensions: 15 inches wide & 35 inches long
- Draw weight: 175 lbs
Features:
Affordability and Performance:
The Blackhawk 360 is designed to be budget-friendly, making it an attractive choice for those who want a high-quality crossbow without spending a fortune.
Despite its affordable price, it delivers exceptional performance, driving arrows up to 360 FPS with great down-range accuracy.
Compact and Lightweight Design:
This crossbow is incredibly easy to handle, measuring just 15 inches wide and 35 inches long.
At only 6 lbs, it is one of the lightest crossbows on the market, making it ideal for hunters who need to cover long distances in the field.
3X Optics:
The 3x Multi-Line Scope, which is 8.5 inches long, comes with fully-coated 3x optics and three duplex crosshairs calibrated for 20, 30, and 40 yards.
There's also a fourth, partial line for 50-yard shots. The package includes scope mounting rings for easy installation.
Built-In Safety Features:
The Blackhawk 360 takes safety seriously, with integrated safety wings that help keep the shooter's hand and fingers safely below the flight deck.
It also has a fully enclosed trigger guard for added protection, a Dry-Fire Inhibitor (DFI), and a crisp 3.5-pound trigger.
Ready-to-Hunt Package:
The Blackhawk 360 comes with everything you need to start hunting right away. The package includes TenPoint's 3x Multi-Line Scope, a durable Rope-Cocker, three XX75 Aluminum Arrows, and a 3-Arrow Quiver.
After using the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow, I can confidently say that it offers a great combination of affordability, performance, and ease of use.
Its compact and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced hunters, while the built-in safety features and the Ready-to-Hunt package ensure you have everything you need to hit the ground running.
The 3x Multi-Line Scope is also a valuable addition, providing clear optics and accurate range markings for a seamless hunting experience.
Overall, the Blackhawk 360 is a fantastic option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crossbow that doesn't compromise on performance.
My Personal Experience
During one of my recent hunting trips, I had the opportunity to put the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow to the test. I wanted to see how it would perform in real-life hunting situations, and I wasn't disappointed.
One of the first things I noticed about the Blackhawk 360 was how lightweight and compact it was.
This proved to be a significant advantage when I had to trek through dense woods to reach my hunting spot.
The reduced weight and compact design made it easy to maneuver through the underbrush without getting caught on branches or feeling fatigued from carrying a heavier crossbow.
As I settled into my hunting spot, I took the time to properly sight in the 3x Multi-Line Scope.
The crisp, clear optics made it a breeze to accurately calibrate the crosshairs for various distances. As I waited for my quarry, I appreciated the built-in safety features of the Blackhawk 360.
The safety wings and fully enclosed trigger guard gave me peace of mind, knowing that the chances of accidental misfires or injury were significantly reduced.
When the moment of truth arrived, I spotted a decent-sized buck about 35 yards away.
With the crossbow already cocked and ready, I carefully aimed using the scope's 30-yard crosshair, making a slight elevation adjustment for the extra distance.
The 3.5-pound trigger pull was crisp and smooth, allowing for a clean shot without any unexpected jerking or discomfort.
The arrow flew true, hitting the buck precisely where I had aimed.
The Blackhawk 360's 400 FPS speed and down-range accuracy were on full display, providing a clean and ethical kill.
As I approached the downed buck, I couldn't help but feel impressed by the performance of this affordable crossbow.
It had more than lived up to my expectations and proved to be a reliable and effective tool in the field.
In conclusion, my experience with the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow was nothing short of excellent.
Its combination of affordability, performance, and ease of use made it a pleasure to hunt with.
Whether you're new to crossbow hunting or a seasoned veteran, the Blackhawk 360 is a fantastic option to consider for your next hunting adventure.
Price and Value for Money
When considering the price of the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow, it's essential to examine the value for money it offers.
At $399.99, the Blackhawk 360 is positioned as a budget-friendly option in the world of crossbows.
For many prospective buyers, the price point might raise questions about the quality and performance of the product.
However, after using the Blackhawk 360, I can confidently say that it delivers remarkable value for money.
The performance of the Blackhawk 360 is impressive, with a speed of 400 FPS and excellent down-range accuracy.
When compared to more expensive crossbows on the market, the performance differences are minimal, making the Blackhawk 360 an attractive option for those who are budget-conscious.
Moreover, the lightweight and compact design of the Blackhawk 360 adds to its value proposition.
Weighing in at just 6 lbs, it's one of the lightest crossbows available, making it perfect for long hunting trips where carrying a heavy crossbow can lead to fatigue.
Its dimensions, at 15 inches wide and 35 inches long, also make it easy to handle and maneuver in the field.
The Ready-to-Hunt package further enhances the value for money.
Including a 3x Multi-Line Scope, Rope-Cocker, three XX75 Aluminum Arrows, and a 3-Arrow Quiver, the package ensures that you have everything you need to start hunting right away.
This saves you the time and expense of purchasing additional accessories separately.
Lastly, the built-in safety features of the Blackhawk 360, such as the integrated safety wings, fully enclosed trigger guard, Dry-Fire Inhibitor, and crisp 3.5-pound trigger, contribute to the overall value for money.
These features help ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience without incurring additional costs.
In conclusion, the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow offers exceptional value for money at its $399.99 price point.
The combination of impressive performance, a compact and lightweight design, a comprehensive Ready-to-Hunt package, and built-in safety features make it a fantastic option for both new and experienced hunters seeking a high-quality crossbow without breaking the bank.
The Drawbacks
While the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 offers excellent value for money and performs admirably in the field, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider.
One of the drawbacks I encountered during my hunting experience was the noise level of the crossbow.
Although it wasn't excessively loud, I did notice it was a bit noisier than some other crossbows I've used in the past. This slight increase in noise could potentially alert nearby game, making it a bit more challenging to secure a clean shot.
However, as other users have suggested, investing in a noise dampener kit and string stops can help mitigate this issue.
Another minor issue is the trigger, which, as some users have mentioned, is neither exceptionally good nor bad. In my experience, the trigger pull was satisfactory, but it didn't stand out as a remarkable feature of the Blackhawk 360.
For some users, upgrading the trigger may be worth considering to enhance their shooting experience further.
Lastly, while the 3x Multi-Line Scope is a useful addition and provides clear optics, some users might prefer an illuminated reticle for low-light hunting conditions.
This upgrade could make it easier to aim accurately during early morning or late evening hunts when lighting conditions are less than optimal.
What are people saying?
JA Engineer highlights the outstanding value for money, pointing out that the Blackhawk 360 stands above other sub-$400 crossbows on the market.
They appreciate its lightweight design, which is great for long walks to their hunting stand, and commend the build quality.
Although they mention the trigger is just okay and the crossbow is a bit noisy, they recommend purchasing a noise dampener kit and string stops to mitigate the noise.
They also note that the included scope is good but opted to replace it with an illuminated reticle for low light hunting.
T comments on the ease of assembly and the crossbow's accuracy.
They mention that it is louder than their previous crossbow but also acknowledge that it is 50 FPS faster, showcasing its impressive performance.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow is an excellent choice for both new and experienced hunters seeking an affordable, high-performance crossbow.
With its impressive 400 FPS speed, exceptional down-range accuracy, lightweight and compact design, and comprehensive Ready-to-Hunt package, the Blackhawk 360 offers outstanding value for money.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the noise level and the average trigger quality, these issues can be easily addressed with minor upgrades.
Additionally, the option to upgrade the scope for an illuminated reticle can enhance the low-light hunting experience.
Despite these minor negatives, the overall performance and features of the Blackhawk 360 far outweigh any drawbacks.
The positive customer reviews on Amazon, coupled with my own personal experience, demonstrate that the Blackhawk 360 is a reliable and effective hunting tool.
The built-in safety features provide an added layer of protection, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable hunting experience.
If you're in the market for a budget-friendly, high-quality crossbow that doesn't compromise on performance, the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 is undoubtedly a top contender.
Based on my own experience and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from other users, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the Blackhawk 360 a try.
