In the world of archery and hunting gear, price often reflects quality, but every once in a while, a budget option emerges that challenges this rule.
Enter the W WILLIAM TELL Mini Striker Compound Self Cocking Hunting Pistol Crossbow, a mouthful to say, but a pleasure to use, particularly for its price point of $339.99.
In this review, we'll be diving deep into my experience with this budget-friendly crossbow, discussing everything from its design and functionality to its performance in the field.
We'll explore its key features, including the touted 330 FPS shooting speed, and evaluate whether this claim holds up in practice.
We'll also touch upon the self-cocking mechanism, assessing its ease of use and reliability.
Along the way, we'll navigate the crossbow's strengths and weaknesses, and see how it stands up against its pricier counterparts.
We'll delve into the nuances of its accuracy, power, and durability, providing an honest and realistic perspective on what you can expect from this budget crossbow.
Finally, we'll wrap things up by examining the value proposition of the Mini Striker.
We'll discuss who this crossbow might be best suited for, and whether it's a worthy investment for beginner hunters, casual backyard target shooters, or even seasoned archers looking for a cheaper, more portable option.
Stay tuned for a candid and comprehensive review of the Pistol Crossbow, as we aim to answer the burning question: Can a budget crossbow truly hit the mark?
Specs
- Draw weight: 120 lbs
- Speed: 330 fps-220 fps
- Kinetic energy: 25.25 ft⋅lbf
- Power stroke: 7″
- Crank system draw weight: 40 lbs (3x mechanical gain)
- Cocked axle to axle with : 5″
- Resting axle to axle with : 8.75″
- Length: 15″
- Archery Type: Target
- Arrow Speed: 320 fps
- Brand: WILLIAM TELL ARCHERY
- Color: Black
- Dexterity: Both
- Overall Bow Length: 16.5″
- Overall Length (in.): 16 in.
Features
The W WILLIAM TELL Mini Striker Compound Self Cocking Hunting Pistol Crossbow distinguishes itself as the fastest, most powerful, and narrowest pistol crossbow on the market.
Its impressive power is derived from a narrow limb system that increases power stroke, allowing the Mini Striker to shoot up to 330 fps when using lighter bolts.
This is a feature that has been almost unheard of in the world of pistol crossbows until now.
Weighing in at just 2.46 lbs, this crossbow is lightweight and ultra-maneuverable in the field.
When cocked, it measures a compact 5 inches wide.
It is capable of shooting 7 inch practice arrows and 10″ broadhead capable MORRIS bolts.
The Mini Striker comes with its own integrated crank mechanism, which is almost completely silent and very easy to pull.
The crossbow shoots WT carbon bolts with steel tips that are 10.5 inches long, as well as 6-inch aluminum crossbow bolts, which are the standard bolt most crossbows use.
Additional features include an adjustable vertical handle that can turn 120 degrees forward and backward, and narrow limbs measuring 8.75 inches when resting and 5 inches when cocked
My Personal Experience
In my years of hunting, I've tried out a fair share of crossbows, but my experience with the Mini Striker Pistol Crossbow was truly memorable.
One of my first encounters with this crossbow was during an early morning hunt in the dense woods of North Carolina.
The dawn was just breaking, and the mist was still hovering over the forest floor.
I had this compact crossbow tucked in my backpack, its weight barely noticeable.
As I spotted a deer grazing in the distance, I quickly and silently cocked the Mini Striker.
The integrated crank mechanism was not only almost entirely noiseless, but also very easy to pull – a huge advantage when trying not to startle your prey.
The deer was about 30 yards away – a relatively short distance, but the true test of a crossbow lies in its accuracy.
As I lined up the shot, I noticed the crossbow's narrow width.
At 5 inches when cocked, it was more compact than I was used to, but it allowed for a certain nimbleness and maneuverability that came in handy in the underbrush.
I held my breath, aimed, and released the bolt.
The Mini Striker lived up to its claims of speed, the bolt zipped through the air, hitting the deer almost instantaneously.
The silence was only broken by the soft thud of the bolt making contact.
Later that day, I also got the chance to test out its versatile adjustable handle while stalking a group of wild turkeys.
I found the ability to move the handle 120 degrees forward and backward incredibly useful when trying to adjust my grip for a quick, clean shot.
Throughout my hunting trip, one thing that kept impressing me was the crossbow's power.
Despite its small size, it delivered a punch, easily taking down game from a distance.
Its power stroke, achieved through its narrow limb system, was unlike anything I've experienced with other pistol crossbows.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing.
The Mini Striker seemed to prefer lighter bolts for achieving its top speed of 330 fps.
Heavier bolts worked, but I noticed a significant dip in speed and a slight reduction in accuracy.
This wasn't a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind when choosing bolts.
All in all, my personal hunting experience with the Mini Striker was largely positive.
It performed impressively in the field, offering a good balance of power, speed, and maneuverability.
It might not replace my full-size crossbow for larger game or longer distances, but for smaller game and tighter spaces, this budget-friendly crossbow certainly has a place in my hunting arsenal.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $339.99, the W WILLIAM TELL Mini Striker Compound Self Cocking Hunting Pistol Crossbow offers significant value for money, particularly when considering its unique features and performance capabilities.
When it comes to crossbows, especially pistol crossbows, it's rare to find one that combines power, speed, and maneuverability at this price point.
Typically, one would expect to pay a premium for a crossbow capable of shooting up to 330 fps, let alone one with an integrated crank mechanism and an adjustable handle.
The Mini Striker's lightweight and compact design also adds to its value.
At just 2.46 lbs and 5 inches wide when cocked, this crossbow is easy to carry around, which is a boon for hunters navigating through dense forests or uneven terrains.
It's a practical and portable option that doesn't compromise on performance.
However, it's worth noting that to achieve the top speeds advertised, the crossbow seems to perform best with lighter bolts.
If you prefer heavier bolts, you might experience a drop in speed and slight decrease in accuracy.
Therefore, while the crossbow itself is budget-friendly, you may have to invest in a certain type of bolt to get the best performance.
In terms of durability, while I can't comment on its long-term resilience based on my limited time using it, the Mini Striker held up well during my hunting trip, showing no signs of wear or decrease in performance.
The Drawbacks
One issue that surfaced during my hunting trip was the crossbow's performance with heavier bolts.
As I mentioned earlier, the Mini Striker prefers lighter bolts for achieving its top speed of 330 fps.
I had brought along a mix of bolts with me, some of which were slightly heavier than the ones I initially used.
While shooting these, I noticed a noticeable decrease in speed and a slight reduction in accuracy.
The bolts still did their job, but the performance was not as stellar as it was with the lighter bolts.
Another anecdotal issue was with the adjustable handle.
While the ability to rotate it 120 degrees forward and backward is a great feature, I noticed it occasionally loosening during my hunting excursion.
It was during one of these instances, while tracking a group of wild boars, that the handle began to feel slightly unstable.
I had to pause and tighten it before I could take my shot.
This wasn't a major concern and could be chalked up to the rough handling on my part, but it's something I thought worth mentioning.
In terms of the crank mechanism, while it's an excellent feature that makes cocking the crossbow easy and almost silent, it may require a bit of getting used to for those accustomed to traditional crossbow cocking methods.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Mini Striker's performance, power, and value proposition make it a compelling option for hunters and archery enthusiasts.
It's important to remember that no crossbow is perfect, and what might be a drawback for one person could be a negligible issue for another.
The key is to understand your own needs and preferences and see how they align with what the Mini Striker has to offer.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
After a deep dive into the specifications, features, pros, and cons of the Mini Striker Pistol Crossbow, the time has come to answer the pivotal question: should you buy it?
In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes.
Despite its minor drawbacks, the Mini Striker offers an impressive array of features and performance capabilities that are hard to find in other crossbows at this price point.
It's a standout in terms of speed, boasting a top speed of 330 fps when using lighter bolts.
The power stroke delivered by its narrow limb system is remarkable, and its integrated crank mechanism ensures a quiet, easy cocking experience.
The crossbow's compact and lightweight design, combined with its adjustable handle, offers superb maneuverability in the field.
This is especially beneficial for those navigating dense forests or tight spaces.
In terms of value for money, the Mini Striker punches well above its weight.
At $339.99, it provides a power-packed performance that rivals many of its pricier counterparts.
The drawbacks – including a preference for lighter bolts for optimal speed, and the occasional loosening of the adjustable handle – are minor and manageable.
They are not deal-breakers and certainly don't overshadow the crossbow's strengths.
So, whether you're a beginner hunter looking to get your feet wet in the world of archery, a seasoned pro seeking a more portable option for smaller game, or a backyard hobbyist searching for an affordable yet powerful crossbow, the Pistol is worth considering.
In conclusion, the Mini Striker hits the mark in many ways.
It delivers a potent combination of power, speed, and maneuverability, all bundled into a compact, budget-friendly package.
With the right bolts and a bit of practice, this crossbow can be a reliable and valuable addition to your hunting or target shooting arsenal.
