One thing that makes all the difference while hunting is an unfaltering crossbow that conveys a smooth and hurdle-free shooting experience for the user.
Truth be told, speed and accuracy are at the top of the list when it comes to hunting, but these can easily be achieved if you know what to look for in your crossbow.
Purchasing a good crossbow can make your shooting experience and investment both worthwhile. So if you wish to top-up your hunting skills, we have an extensive review of the best crossbow by the well-known brand, Carbon Express, below.
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Who is Carbon Express?
Invested in crafting unique hunting-related products, Carbon Express has amused its clientele with the best of the best since its initiation in 2016. It is owned by FeraDyne Outdoors LLC, which is a US-based private firm. The brand has its official website, www.CarbonExpressArrows.com, where interested parties can find all the relevant information regarding different kinds of crossbow arrows, bolts, and various other archery accessories. The bows are designed and assembled in the USA, and the rest of the crossbows are made in Taiwan in China.
The assemblage and even stock collection for Carbon Express Crossbows are done at the FeraDyne warehouses, which also takes care of all the potential defects in materials and workmanship. It offers a warranty for any defects in materials or workmanship in crossbows starting from the date of purchase for the next five years.
Why Are Carbon Express Crossbows So Popular?
Carbon Express is recognized for constructing extremely durable and reliable arrows and crossbow bolts, and for a good reason, they spend a lot on research to make their designs worthwhile. For example, their latest models, such as Supercoil, have the edge over competitor models by having accuracy that is similar to that of a .22LR rifle.
Along with this, Carbon Express has also achieved flexibility in use for shooters by designing the crossbows in customizable parts rather than a rigid whole. This means that the users get to adjust their unit’s settings to suit their exact shooting needs.
Another area where the brand’s strength lies is in the fact that it only creates compound bows. Since these don’t depend a lot on physical strength in comparison to recurve bows, it gives users greater power and accuracy from longer distances. This also means that shooters don’t have to worry about learning secondary skills such as camouflage.
Last but not least, CX crossbows come in FPS ranging from 330 fps to 385 fps, which makes them suitable for hunting officially permitted games in North America.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean:
- Weight: The weight of the crossbow.
- Draw Weight: This is the amount of force necessary to draw a bow and is measured in pounds.
- Length: The full length of the crossbow.
- Kinetic Energy: This is the amount of energy transferred into your target by the arrow. It is measured in Foot Pounds of Kinetic Energy (fpke).
- Power Stroke: The distance (in inches) between the resting point of the bowstring and the position of the string when fully drawn. This is similar to the draw length on a traditional bow.
- Speed (fps): How fast the arrow flies when released from the crossbow.
- Axle-to-Axle Bow Length: The distance between the cams of a compound bow.
Review of the Best Carbon Express Crossbow
Crossbow quality is essential as it can make or break your hunting game. To help you differentiate a good-quality crossbow from a sub-standard one, we have reviewed the best crossbow by Carbon Express below;
Carbon Express Blade X-Force Blade
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PROS
- Quiet and speedy loading, even in wet conditions
- 4 X 32 scope that also offers resistance against water, shock, and fog
- Embodies six reticle crosshairs for aiming over both short and long ranges
- Presence of anti-dry fire technology which stops firing if the bolt is not in place
- Modifiable fore-grip for comfort and steadiness, and also usable from multiple positions
CONS
- Quiet crank cocking winch and carrying case are not included in the kit
- Some users reported having found bolts included in the kit insufficient, and additional bolts had to be purchased separately
Carbon Express Blade X-Force Blade Specs
Draw Weight: 165 pounds
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Length: 34.5 to 36.5 inches (Adjustable)
Width (axle to axle): 13 inches when cocked and 17.5 inches when uncocked
Powerstroke: 12.5”
Draw Style: Reverse Draw
Trigger Pull Weight: Anti-dry-fire trigger for safety
Recurve or Compound? Compound
Best Uses For the Carbon Express Blade X-Force Blade
When you focus on the details that make up the Carbon Express Blade X-Force blade, you will realize how all the different components work hand in hand to provide a quiet and speedy shooting experience. This seamless working of the blade has helped it be of use in multiple ways, some of which are highlighted below;
- Hunting Small Game
Smaller games such as rabbits or deer are quick to flee if they hear the slightest noise in their surrounding. The Carbon Express crossbow is equipped with noise-free loading, which only creates negligible vibration upon release. This means that the user can aim and shoot small game from a close range without the looming threat of it getting alerted and escaping.
- Professional Shooting
People who are employed in the hunting industry to make a living need to invest in durable equipment to save up on the costs in the longer run. This crossbow has a built-in aluminum rail that guarantees an undistorted appearance even after long, rough usages. Shooters can really make use of this extended life to practice on the same crossbow.
- Unforeseen Weather Conditions
The zoom capability and clarity that the scope lens offers along with easily visible crosshairs can make hunting a rookie’s task under various unforeseen natural conditions.
- Rookie Practice
The sturdy yet skeleton form of this crossbow lands itself a lightweight nature, which makes it a great equipment for beginners to handle and practice on. It also increases portability for the user when they are on the move.
Components and Included Accessories
The X-Force Blade comes with its distinct set of components, which allow it to offer a draw weight of 165 pounds, which is pretty decent for long ranges and for taking down big games. The same mechanism also provides it with adjustability so that the user can try out positions or pressure that suits their style the best. Components and accessories include:
- Cocking Devices
This comes with a trigger safety, which can be set to the ‘fire’ position by putting down one foot carefully through the foot stirrup until the crossbow is held taut on the ground. When the user pulls the crossbow string evenly upwards, the trigger mechanism comes to life. This method should only be used when the maximum draw weight is required.
- Scope
Users can easily aim and fire at a distance of ten yards either from multi-dot or multi-reticle scopes.
- Bolts
This crossbow has unique 20” piledriver crossbow bolts accompanied by moon nocks; these have a horizontal groove to huddle together with the nocks and prevent it from getting dislocated.
- Safety Features
When the crossbow is cocked, the body enters the ‘Safe’ position, which prevents it from firing into untargeted areas.
What Ages and Skill Levels is the Carbon Express Blade X-Force Blade Suitable For?
X-Force blade makes for a great choice for activities, such as hunting or shooting. With a crank added, it can be set in any natural environment, such as in a tree with little to no human movement. Since it is so flexible and quiet, it is perfect for professional hunters, and its ease of use and durability make it just as good for beginners.
Product Specs
Kinetic Energy (ft lbs):
86.3
Speed (fps):
320
Types of Bows From Carbon Express
As technology evolved, crossbows became more technical but also more flexible. Nowadays, users get a lot of variety to choose from, which can be disorienting for some. To help you gain clarity on the types of bows, we have expanded on the two main types offered by Carbon Express today;
Compound Crossbows
Featuring a complex design, these crossbows are relatively harder to set up than others, but once they are prepared, they are super user-friendly and offer noise-free loading, which makes them a popular choice for beginners and professionals alike. The limbs are energy-efficient, owing to the sturdy build. This type also works efficiently under various weather conditions as it is resistant to snow and heat.
Taking design cues from a conventional crossbow, they have a string linked to a pulley system, which, in turn, facilitates the movement of the limbs. They are also easier to use as they have a short draw length. This compact nature allows them to be used comfortably in intimate spaces. The design minimizes vibration and recoil and thus makes the bow very accurate and not so noisy, making compound crossbows ideal for pro hunters.
Rifle Crossbows
This type embodies the most recent contemporary changes in crossbows. Their strength lies in providing extremely accurate shots. This superior aim capability owes itself to the advanced sights and the fiber body construction, which is better than the plastic one that is usually in the market. They are specifically designed for long ranges, i.e., 250 feet.
These crossbows are even more compact than compound crossbows, measuring up to only six inches in width. This allows the user to place targets from the densest of spaces. However, rifle crossbows are only for use by professionals as their usage requires a trained eye to begin with, and they have a comparatively complex cocking process.
Other Archery Equipment Made By Carbon Express
Even though Carbon Express is relatively new to the crossbow manufacturing industry, it has quickly diversified into other equipment to stand shoulder to shoulder with other reputable brands. Some of these archery equipment are highlighted below:
Accessories
These come in handy when you are looking for replacement parts and can be found in the form of archery tools that may help with installation. Examples of accessories manufactured by the brand include binocular harnesses, cell phone mounts, quivers, and range finders.
Arrows and Bolts
Users can find everything from arrows that are designed for use with crossbows and vertical bows to fiberglass arrows for use by beginners as they need more durable material to hunt with.
Bowfishing
This activity calls for kits, bows, fish arrows, and reels, all of which can be purchased separately or in a bunch to make hunting trips easier.
Broadheads
These are available in crossbow, fixed blades, hybrid, mechanical, practice, small-game, and turkey styles, along with their replacement parts.
Lighted Nocks
Being an absolute essential for arrows and bolts, these are available in abundance along with nock tools to make hunting hassle-free.
Sights
Available for both left and right-handed users, the sights also have variety in ‘fixed pin’ and ‘slider.’ These come with their pair of accessories, which makes them worth every penny.
Barnett Recruit Terrain Crossbow vs. Carbon Express Xforce- Comparison Overview
Carbon Express Express Xforce is one of the best crossbows. Owing to the growing diversity in the market, it faces competition from its rival product, the Barnett Recruit Terrain Crossbow. We have highlighted some similarities and differences below so you can be a better judge of which one is more suitable for you;
Measurements
Barnett Recruit Terrain has a draw weight of 140 lbs and offers kinetic energy of 91.9 ft-lbs. It weighs 6.4 lbs and measures 16.125″ from axle to axle. Overall, it measures 34.25″ in length and 18.25″ in width, which is a pretty decent size. Carbon Express crossbow has a body measuring 2.9, 79 x 28 x 15 cm and is slip-resistant.
Material
All the parts of Barnett Recruit Terrain are made of stainless steel for added durability, while the Carbon Express has a high-grade aluminum rail.
Additional Features
Barnett Recruit Terrain has anti-vibration and trigger-mechanism that offers a seamless release. On the other hand, Carbon Express offers an adjustable butt-stock at a very affordable price point. It also features a fore-grip, which makes it more customizable and lighter in weight by 5% in comparison.
Out of the two, the Carbon Express X-Force Blade is more of a popular choice because of its better affordability, the inclusion of high-end features, and ease of use, which makes it a great choice for both beginners and professionals. Users can count on its customizability and performance hunt after hunt.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Carbon Express Crossbows have grown quite reputable in only a few years thanks to the high-quality and effective functionality their products reflect. So if you are looking for crossbows in an affordable price range and have features such as durability and noise-free release to consider, Carbon Express Crossbows are the most well-balanced ones to go for.
People Also Ask
No matter how many factors you take into account while shopping for the crossbow that suits your preferences, there will always be some questions that arise during its usage. To help you sort matters beforehand, we have answered some frequently asked questions below;
Are Carbon Express Crossbows Any Good?
Known for creating high-quality arrows and crossbow bolts, Carbon Express has made a name for itself in the crossbow manufacturing industry thanks to its attention to details. It offers high-end features at a good value for money, which places it in direct competition with many high-end crossbow brands in the market.
Not only that, but they also offer FPS ranging from 330 fps to 385 fps, which makes them incomparable for hunting all kinds of legal game in North America. Considering all these factors, one could easily conclude that Carbon Express crossbows are a pretty sweet deal.
Does Carbon Express Have a Website?
Carbon Express has its very own website, which it initiated in 2016 with the idea of reaching out to archers throughout this globe. It goes by www.CarbonExpressArrows.com and offers information regarding the brand itself and useful information pertaining to each product. The website displays the entire collection of arrows, crossbow bolts, and other archery accessories in an easy-to-understand layout.
How to Move Foregrip up on Carbon Express Covert Crossbow
The first step to move the foregrip up on the Carbon Express Covert crossbow is to loosen the two given foregrip screws. Next, adjust the foregrip forward or back, according to your preference, and follow it up with retightening the foregrip screws.
How to Change Carbon Express Crossbow Bolt’s Nock
As the nock is made of plastic, and the arrow of carbon, heating and melting the bolt nock is out of the question. As an alternate method, you can make use of vise grips.
First, hold the arrow, grab the nock, and twist the arrow in order to break the glue inside it. Now you get some motion, so grab a 3/16 drill and insert that at the back of the nock. Hold the arrow and drill down into the nock slowly. Once it penetrates it, you will have a hole at the bottom of the knock.
Grab the medium-sized pair of needle nose pliers for insertion of the short end of the arrow. Then grip firmly and pull. The nock will come out easily without any heat required or damage to the arrow.
How to Put Together the Carbon Express Blade Crossbow
The first thing you need to do is make sure that the cable slide is correctly connected to the power cables. Then apply a good amount of lubricant to the bowstring, power cables, and cable slide. Next, rotate the bow unit a little to launch the cable slide and power cables down into the cable slot.
Once you initiate this process, the bow unit is free to rotate back. Then the cable slide needs to be inserted into the cable slot of the barrel. For this, you will have to assemble the bow unit onto the tip of the barrel after the cable slide and bowstring are correctly located. You can make sure of this by checking if the bowstring is resting on the barrel’s top surface and the cable slide is held captive in the cable slot.
The last part is the bow’s securitization using three screws, lock washers, and flat washers.
How to Sight in the Carbon Express Crossbow
For sighting in the Carbon Express crossbow, the first step is the lubrication of the cables and crossbow string. Then stand ten yards away from a target and aim and fire one shot. Take note of the impact location. Now, adjust the windage and elevation adjustments accordingly and repeat this process until your cross bolts impact 2″ above the point of aim.
How to String a Carbon Express Crossbow
Crossbow strings tend to prolong their shelf life, thereby preventing serious injuries. They are usually made of synthetic fibers and call for recurrent lubrication to avert fraying. The lubricant also needs to be applied to the middle section of the crossbow string and evenly on the barrel’s top surface.
The lubricant needs to be applied to the string after every 25 shots and if the string is exposed to any atmospheric conditions such as rain, snow, or icy conditions. Try not to over lubricate the center section of the crossbow string as this may cause a buildup of lubricant in the trigger hole, which may hinder the functionality.
How to Install a Cable Slide on a Carbon Express Crossbow
A cable slide is one of the most important components on a crossbow. It prevents friction from occurring between the bowstring and the pulley cables, thus smoothening the user’s aim. Its installation calls for the following steps to be followed in order;
- The first step is to have the arrows facing up. Then look for the two cable guard mounting holds.
- After locating them, fix the cable slide atop the cable guard and then slide it down the shaft.
- When you have ensured its correct placement, fix the cable guard on the riser through the mounting holes.
- Then use bolts and an Allen wrench to secure and tighten the placement of the components.
- Lastly, place the cable slide in the middle of the guard and pulley cables and snap it onto the pulley cables. To ensure the installation process has been followed through as directed, you can test it to see that the arrow flies straight to the target.
What Type of Bolt Do I Need For a Carbon Express Crossbow?
Crossbow arrows are known as bolts. They are made of carbon fiber or aluminum and are shorter than standard arrows. It is recommended to use only the manufacturer-recommended ones for your crossbow bolts. You can find the specified bolt length, weight, nock type, and fletching requirements at the back of your purchased box.
How to Uncock a Carbon Express Crossbow
A decocking device has to be bought individually in order to uncock a Carbon Express crossbow. Another way is to use a discharge target, which is a small, portable archery target made of thick material to halt the bolt at a close range. The last option is to use an unloading bolt, which is a heavy-duty arrow made to undergo the impact of being fired into the ground repetitively.