The practice of using crossbows during bow hunting season is spreading across the country for the past five years. They have gained immense popularity and are a favored hunting and shooting weapon amongst the masses.
You can’t talk crossbows without mentioning Precision Shooting Equipment (PSE). PSE is a renowned manufacturer of archery equipment that has been a big player in the archery market for nearly fifty years. They have produced a number of great bows that have made a name for the company. Fang is one of them.
Want to learn more about the Fang series? In this article, we have covered various models in detail. Stick around till the end so you can choose a suitable one for yourself. Without further ado, let’s begin.
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PSE Fang Crossbow Review
If you have recently ventured into the world of archery, you will need a decent weapon to get you started. PSE Fang LT is certainly a good choice as it offers everything you need to start your journey towards becoming an expert. Back when it was released in 2017, it was targeted to address the issues of female archers. It is a great unit to learn on.
PSE Fang LT Crossbow
PROS
CONS
Specs and Dimensions
- Type: Compound Crossbow
- Speed: 330 FPS
- Kinetic energy: 97 ft-lb.
- Draw weight: 165 lbs.
- Power stroke: 12.75 inches
- Bow weight: 5.8 lbs.
- Bow length: 32 inches
- Hand: Ambidextrous
- Width: 19.125 inches
- Batteries: Included
- Bolt length: 20 inches
- Sight: 4 x 32 multi-reticle scopes
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Finish: Mossy Oak Break-up / Muddy Girl
- Batteries Required: Yes
- Number of Batteries: 1
- Battery Type: CR2032 lithium
Main Features
There is a lot to like about this archery weapon. It generated a lot of excitement back when it was released. Even now, it is a popular choice for beginners. To address the demand of women archers and people with shorter arms, PSE came up with this compact yet powerful model. They also produced a pink-colored variation to target the female audience.
The compact size is not only comfortable to hold but aiming and shooting are also easier and steadier. The bench-style fore grip allows users to hold it for longer periods with ease. Being lightweight is also a major plus point that prevents fatigue or soreness in the arms and wrists.
Its total length from the stirrups to the stock is 32 inches. This is a pretty decent length, seeing that once you are fully dressed in your outdoor gear, maintaining a steady aim becomes a tad bit difficult with a longer bow.
It is delivered as a package complete with all the required accessories. As mentioned earlier, this is an ideal model to get you started. It comes with three 400 grains bolts, a detachable fiber quiver with a quick detach release, a five-bolt capacity, a 4x32 multi-reticle scope. This is certainly an improvement from the previous scopes. It has triangular drop reticles, which are a joy to shoot with.
It operates easily with the crank cocking device, so using it is not difficult at all.
Pros
PSE Fang crossbows provide the following benefits:
Equipped With All the Necessary Safety Mechanisms
PSE Fang LT is very safe to use. It features two safety mechanisms that prevent damage to people as well as to the bow itself. These are the anti-dry fire mechanism and the auto-safety trigger. Shooting an unloaded weapon is called dry firing. While it may be useful in firearms, it is seriously damaging to the bow itself. The anti-dry fire system stops it from dry firing, thereby preventing damage that it may cause.
An auto-safety trigger is also incorporated into the trigger as a lever that blocks it from pressing.
Comes at a Very Reasonable and Cost-effective Price
PSE is known for producing equipment that is very cost-effective, and Fang LT is not an exception. It is an entry-level crossbow that is specially manufactured to facilitate beginners with a great archery experience.
Whether you are a beginner who wants to try out your hand at archery or a seasoned archer who does not want to spend a ton of money to purchase a good unit, this is a good option for both ends of the spectrum.
Features a High-quality, Durable, and Dependable Construction
Since it comes at a very affordable price tag, people automatically assume that it lacks in quality. Let us assure you that in terms of quality, it is not cheap at all. It features a sturdy and reliable construction that is a signature of PSE. They have always strived to produce quality equipment that is available to the buyers at an affordable price so everybody can enjoy the sport.
Design is Compact Yet Fully Functional
This model was developed as a little brother to the celebrated PSE Fang XT. It contains all the same features but in a compact body. It is designed to bridge the gap faced by the people of shorter stature who face immense difficulty while maneuvering a longer crossbow. It is extremely versatile and fully functional with its ambidextrous handedness and a bench-style foregrip.
Accurate and Powerful
Considering its low price, buyers also doubt its performance. Again, this is a misconception. We cannot judge a product from its price. The Fang LT is known to be one of the most accurate and powerful archery weapons available on the market. It has a high draw weight, even for its sleek and lightweight body. The speed is also a major plus point. At this price, you certainly won’t find a more powerful and accurate piece of gear.
Cons
On the other hand, some drawbacks that you might come across include:
For a Lightweight Unit, it is a Bit on the Heavier Side
The Fang crossbow weighs a total of 5.8 pounds. While it is certainly very lightweight, it is not one of the lightest. Being marketed as a women’s bow, it is comparatively heavier than its competitors. Some buyers may not find it a cause of concern, but others may think of it as an issue.
As a beginner, you need a bow that is comfortable and does not tire you out. Archery requires you to hold your weapon for longer periods, so the extra weight can cause some problems in the long run.
The Highest Bolt Shooting Speed is Only 330 FPS
While it certainly is one of the most accurate and powerful options, its highest shooting speed is somewhat lacking. With a shooting range of up to 40 yards, 330 fps is just not enough.
On a hunting expedition, you need a faster weapon that can easily take down your target without allowing it to escape. The same applies to target shooting. The slower the bolt, the more chances there are of it missing its mark.
This speed might be enough for beginners, but as you learn and progress towards becoming a seasoned archer, you realize that you need something more speedy. With all its amazing features, had it been capable of shooting at higher speeds, it would have been perfect.
What is the PSE Fang Crossbow Best For?
PSE crossbows are some of the favorite ones on the market. Archers of all ages and genders have used at least one PSE equipment in their careers, and they know that the name means quality. PSE Fang is no different.
Seasoned archers also recommend their beginner friends to start with it. The unit is suitable for both hunting and target shooting purposes. Try using it in any of these, and you will be impressed with its performance. Here’s a detailed account of how it is useful for both purposes.
Hunting
This unit fulfills every hunter’s dream of being the crossbow that kills every time they shoot with it. With its accuracy, power, and precision, having a Fang in your arsenal essentially means a successful hunting trip. It is very user-friendly. From setup to aiming and shooting, you won’t find a unit that is as easy to use as this.
Being a PSE product, it is certainly very durable. It is the kind of gear that continues to serve you for years while managing to look fresh out of the box. It is a dependable weapon that you can rely on to help you successfully take the kill shot.
Moreover, because of its low weight, it is perfectly suitable to be used by people of all sizes and ages. Kids, women, and men can all enjoy the amazing results it delivers. They find that it is easier to hold and aim.
Target Shooting
For target shooting, you need a crossbow with a decent shooting range. PSE Fang is a highly suitable crossbow for this purpose as it delivers a good shooting distance range of 30 to 40 feet.
With its lightweight body, this crossbow helps archers aim and shoot more accurately. A crossbow that is easy to lift is actually good for target shooting. It does not tire your arms or wrist so you can aim at the target near or far more accurately.
A target shooting crossbow should be sturdy and solid to withstand the tough shooting conditions. PSE Fang is highly durable and features a reliable construction so you can use it under any circumstances without malfunctions.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
Crossbows have gradually become a favorite weapon for hunting. The surge in popularity has also increased sales. Unfortunately, most buyers don’t realize which crossbows are a good purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind while buying a new one.
Weight
Weight is the number one consideration when choosing a crossbow for yourself. The market is flooded with different models of heavy and light weights. While heavier models offer more stability, lighter ones are easier to carry. It is best to purchase a crossbow weighing between six and eight pounds. Also, choose a model that you are comfortable shooting with.
Accuracy
Accuracy is also essential for a good crossbow. You need a device that helps you hit your target. An inaccurate weapon will fail to do so. Always make sure to try out your chosen model to make sure it is accurate. Be sure to align your scope properly, as this is also a reason your shots are inaccurate.
Speed
Your bolts must have enough momentum and force behind them to take down your target. That’s why it is important to consider the feet per second that a crossbow can produce. The higher the rating, the faster the bolts will fly.
Draw Weight
Draw weight is defined as the amount of force required to draw the string back and position it before aiming. Cocking a crossbow by hand requires too much effort, so two devices facilitate the process: rope cocking device and crank cocking device.
The former is lighter and reduces weight requirements by fifty percent while the latter is heavier but performs most of the work. You can choose the one you are more comfortable with.
Scope
Crossbow scopes come in four varieties. There are scopes with crosshairs, multiple reticles to give you better accuracy with distance, single dot scopes, and multiple dot reticles. All of these have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. A scope is an indispensable part of any crossbow, so ultimately, it is up to your personal preference.
Comparison Overview
PSE Archery is a world-renowned manufacturer of crossbows and other archery supplies that came up with the Fang crossbows to present their customers with a reliable yet affordable option. And all their hard work paid off.
PSE Fang lineup is one of the best selling and well-loved crossbows. It compares quite well with some of the higher-end models in terms of design, performance, and affordability. Here is a brief comparison overview of PSE Fang with similar units.
PSE Fang vs. Barnett Jackal
Barnett Jackal is a highly affordable entry-level unit. Back in 2011, it was designed for the sole purpose of making the first archery experience an enjoyable one. Even today, it is a favored crossbow amongst the people who have just joined the ranks. Here are the similarities and dissimilarities between a PSE Fang and a Barnett Jackal.
Similarities
Both PSE Fang and Barnett Jackal are quite affordable crossbow options. For their price point, one may expect them to be low in quality, yet they exceed expectations by being high-quality weapons, which are designed to serve for a longer time. They are very powerful and accurate, so you are sure to hit your target every single time. Both are also supplied as packs complete with three bolts, so they are ready to shoot as soon as they are set up.
Differences
While PSE Fang is a compact and lightweight crossbow, Barnett Jackal is a sleek military-style unit that is long and heavy. It shoots bolts at a velocity of 315 FPS, which falls a bit back from the 340 FPS of the PSE Fang.
Barnett jackal also has a draw weight of 150 pounds, which is significantly greater than the 99 pounds draw weight of PSE Fang.
PSE Fang LT vs. XT
PSE never claimed to produce the best crossbows. However, they do have the most cost-efficient options. Also, there is no competition for their speed at this price. PSE Fang LT and XT are two of their more popular weapons. Let’s see how they compare with each other.
Similarities
Being PSE models, both Fang LT and XT appear similar. One may go as far as to call the LT the little brother to the XT. Both feature a durable and high-quality build with top-notch limbs and cams. Being lightweight, they are easy to wield and shoot with precision. They may not be the most powerful crossbows, but they are perfectly capable of killing almost anything you point them at.
Differences
As mentioned earlier, PSE Fang LT is the little brother to PSE Fang XT, so it is a bit smaller and narrower in size. There is a slight difference between their shooting speeds too. LT’s top shooting speed is 340 FPS, while XT’s top shooting speed is 350 FPS. The latter can also easily handle both 20 and 22-inch bolts while LT can only shoot 20-inch bolts.
How to Restring a Fang 350 Compound Crossbow
No archer likes to shoot with a bow that has a worn bowstring. It not only affects your performance but also poses a serious threat to you or any other bystander around you if the string snaps. Restringing a bow is tricky. But do you know you can easily restring your Fang 350 compound bow at home? You only need a stringer, a screwdriver, a new string, and your limbs to do it. Here’s how:
- Choose a wide-open space for this purpose.
- Arrange your supplies, so they are within a hand’s reach.
- Place your bow on the ground and place your foot on the riser.
- Take the stringer and place its loops onto both ends of the arms over the nocks.
- Pull the stringer to raise your bow to a full draw position. This will loosen the string.
- Remove the old string from the frozen cam.
- Take the new string and loop it around the arm, through the gap, and secure on the teardrop fittings of the cam.
- Slowly lower the stronger until the new bowstring completely holds the stress.
- Carefully remove the stringer.
The procedure is not difficult but requires careful attention. If you still have any doubts, be sure to check out the video given below for a visual of the method described above.
How to Maintain a Crossbow
Similar to everything else you own, crossbows also need proper care and maintenance. It may be shooting accurately now, but if you don’t take care of it today, after some time, you will note that its performance has significantly decreased. Here are some crucial steps regarding crossbow maintenance that you should follow routinely to keep your weapon in its top shooting state.
Wipe Down
Make a routine of wiping your crossbow after every use. This rids it of dirt and grime, which can cause scratches and smears to form. Pay special attention to the scope as any accumulated dirt can easily block your sight. You can also use a can of compressed air on the grooves, connection points, and nooks of the crossbow to rid them of dust. The entire procedure may take a good two to three minutes, but you will thank yourself for it when you use the crossbow next time.
Wax
Regular waxing is an important step in crossbow maintenance. With regular usage, the strings and cables tend to wear out. Waxing prolongs their life by reducing wear and tear to prevent fraying. Crossbow strings hold a lot of weight. A dry string can easily snap under such pressure, so take a few seconds for waxing every week or at least once a month and experience the same out-of-the-box accuracy and precision.
Crossbow string waxing (Source)
Lubricate
When you fire a crossbow, the contact between the bolt and the rail causes friction. It is responsible for not only wearing out your rail but also affects the accuracy of your shot. To overcome this problem, you should lubricate the rail regularly.
Take a few drops of the lubricant and rub it along the entire length of the rail. Let it dry until a thin film of lube is formed. It is best to use an oil-based lubricant and do it after every 75 to 100 shots. Never use a petroleum-based lubricant as it causes more problems by allowing dirt to stick around. Also, remember to oil the trigger once a year to stop it from seizing up.
Tighten
For every shot, a crossbow experiences a lot of vibration. This vibration can loosen various nuts and components which cause noise and make it susceptible to falling off. To prevent these issues, make sure to tighten every nut and bolt after each use.
Store
Now that you have wiped, waxed, lubricated, and tightened your crossbow, store it inside the case to keep it safe.
This is the fastest and easiest way of maintaining a crossbow. If you have difficulty understanding any of the steps described above, here’s a video to better understand the procedure.
Conclusion
PSE Fang crossbows are a must-have in any archer’s gear. A beginner cannot find a more accurate and powerful crossbow to learn on. Even seasoned experts can benefit from using one for different shooting purposes. These are designed in a pure PSE style that is very easy to load, aim, and shoot. PSE is a name of trust. You can rely on it to provide you with a precise yet powerful gear that can fulfill all your archery needs.
People Also Ask
PSE caused a stir in the archery market with its PSE Fang. A great bow showcasing amazing features at an affordable price certainly managed captured attention. But along with the popularity came some doubts and questions that needed validation. Here are some questions that are common amongst potential buyers of PSE Fang.
How Far Can You Shoot a Deer With a PSE Fang?
PSE Fang may have a short form factor, but it shoots bolts quite forcefully. With speeds between 330 and 340 FPS, it can easily shoot a deer at a distance of 30 yards. At this distance, any hunter can fire accurately enough to be fatal. It is suitable for hunting whitetails and some larger games such as elks, moose, and bear.
What Size String For PSE Fang LT?
It is recommended to change the string and cables of your crossbow every two years. When used regularly, a string wears or breaks within this time. For a PSE Fang LT, you need a string that is 38.387 inches. Since strings and cables are changed together, you should also know that it requires cables of 21.5 inches.
What Size Bolt Does the PSE Fang Use?
PSE Fang is supplied with suitably sized bolts to use with it. When you purchase a new unit, you will get three 20-inch bolts. Each weighs 300 grains without and 400 grains with the point. The inside and outside diameters are 0.283 inches and 0.347 inches, respectively. The straightness factor is +/-.005. They are also sold separately if you want more or manage to lose them.
Is the PSE Fang a Good Crossbow?
This crossbow has managed to make a mark for itself on the archery market. It is generally considered a very good crossbow for its power and accuracy. While older and more experienced archers have found it useful, it’s all-inclusive design also encourages beginners to use it. Another sign of good quality is its limited lifetime warranty coverage.
Is the PSE Fang Worth it?
PSE is a reputable name in the archery world. PSE Fang is one of its versatile yet affordable models. It is not only accurate and powerful but is also suitable for beginners and experts alike. It is quite easy to maneuver, so anybody, big or small, can operate it without facing any problem. So, the PSE Fang is worth it.
Who Makes the PSE Fang?
PSE Archery Incorporation makes PSE Fang. It is a private American archery supply company that has been in the business of developing, designing, and manufacturing bows, arrows, and other archery equipment for almost fifty years. PSE stands for Precision Shooting Equipment, and Pete Shepley founded the company in 1971. Since then, it has grown and expanded to become one of the leading archery manufacturers.
When Was the PSE Fang Created?
Put simply, PSE Fang is an inexpensive crossbow that has a lot to offer. Its prototype was sent out to stores for testing at the beginning of 2015. After satisfactory results, the product was made available for sale on the market in the same year. It made huge waves and generated a lot of revenue for the company with its powerful and versatile performance.
Is a PSE Fang Hard to Use?
PSE Fang is deemed as a perfectly suitable crossbow for both beginners and professionals. It is a bit on the heavier side, yet it is not hard to use as it features an adjustable grip, mounts on a Picatinny rail, and cocks without any difficulty. People of all age groups and sizes can wield it effortlessly.
