FAQs

Speeds are not only derived from the draw weight of the crossbow. It is a combination of the distance of the power stroke, draw weight and type of wheel or cam system. Generally speaking, a crossbow with a longer power stroke will store more energy than a heavier bow with a shorter power stroke. The combination of power stroke, draw weight and high efficiency synthetic cam or wheel harness systems will result in an even faster arrow speed.

Barnett’s ADF (Anti-Dry Fire) trigger mechanisms will eliminate costly dry fires. The extended trigger mechanism uses a transfer bar from the actual trigger-pull back to the firing activator. This feature enables the production of high-performance crossbows that remain compact in stature and agile during operation. The pull weight on this style trigger with ADF is 3.5 lbs with a 5/16" pull length.

Most Barnett crossbows now come standard with TriggerTech trigger assemblies, which feature a 3-lb trigger pull with zero creep.

NOTE: All Barnett trigger mechanisms feature an automatic safety, which engages when the bow is cocked and must be released before each shot.

The difference between a compound and a recurve crossbow (or any archery bow) is that the compound bow incorporates a set of cams or wheels into the limb assembly. On the recurve bow the string attaches directly to the limbs.

The benefit of the compound bow is that it allows the user the benefit of "let-off." (Let-off is a term used to describe the reduction in draw weight by percentage when the wheels roll over from the action of drawing the string.) A compound bow will "let-off" about 33% on current models from a 150-lb draw weight to a 75-lb draw weight when the wheels roll over. Not only is it easier for the user to cock a compound crossbow, but it also exerts less mechanical stress on the trigger mechanism. Learn more about our different styles of crossbows here.

If using your cable stringer, place the loops of the cable stringer securely on the limb tips. Cock the bow using the cable stringer. Place the loop of the new string through the loop of the cable stringer and secure to the limb tip. (It is important to make sure the string loops are properly seated on the limb.) With assistance, you will need to slowly release the cable stringer by holding it securely in both hands while you have someone release the safety and then trigger of the bow. Once the string and cable are in the resting position you can remove the cable stringer. To ease this process you can pull up slightly on the new string as if you were cocking the bow; this will allow the stringer to be more easily removed. You may also use the string that you want to replace in the same fashion as above instead of using a cable stringer.

A bow press is required to change the string on synthetic cable systems.

With proper maintenance of the string and the crossbow itself, the string should last a minimum of 100 shots, with several hundred shots not uncommon. Proper maintenance includes applying lubricant to the area where the string touches the flight track and keeping the flight track free of nicks, gouges, burrs, dirt, debris, etc. The string life can vary depending on the care and maintenance, the amount of shooting and weather extremes the string system is exposed to.

Your owner’s kit contains a tube of lube wax, which should be applied to the flight track every 5 to 10 shots. Barnett Lube Wax should also be applied anywhere the cables make contact with the cable slide or Teflon tape, whichever is applicable, every 20 to 30 shots. To extend the life of your cables it is important to apply Barnett Lube Wax to all non-served areas of the cables and string every 30 to 50 shots or when white fuzz begins to appear. If the crossbow has been exposed to excessive moisture you may need to apply wax sooner.

It is safe to keep your bow cocked while you are hunting in a stationary position. FOR PERSONAL SAFETY REASONS, DO NOT STALK OR WALK TO AND FROM YOUR STAND WITH YOUR BOW COCKED. We do recommend that if you break from your hunt that you let the bow down to the un-cocked position by shooting a target arrow into a safe backstop. It would be good practice to let the bow down every 4 hours relax it for about ½ hour. If ending your hunt without having taken a shot, it is recommended you keep a practice arrow at your camp to fire the crossbow safely into a target.

This question can be answered simply by checking to see if the bow is being cocked off-center. If the string is cocked off-center to the left or right, the arrow will shoot off to the left or right. The string being off-center by as little as 1/8" could result in the shot being off several inches down range. To remedy this, put a mark on the string's center serving where it crosses over the flight track when the bow is not cocked. When you cock the bow to shoot again, make it a priority to have the string's marks centered in the trigger mechanism. If it is cocked and still off-center, grasp the string and nudge it into the centered position, with the safety still engaged.

The other problem may be slightly more technical. Your bow could be out of till (out of square). If you have made any adjustments to the limb bolts (the bolts that secure the limbs onto the bow) this is a possibility. To accurately measure your tiller, begin from the point where the limb meets the prod housing back to the string. Do this on each side of the prod housing. If the measurement is not equal then the bow is out of till. It would be best to have a dealer make the till adjustment to correct the problem. All Barnett Compound Crossbows are pre-set for tiller and proper draw weight at the factory.

If you are using field points, you can simply adjust the sights to correct the problem. Also check that all of your arrows are the same length and shaft size (i.e., 20" - 2219 with 100 grain field tip). You can determine the correct bolt length in your owner’s manual.

If you are using broadheads, you may be experiencing planing, which means that the blades of the broadhead catch air as they fly. This problem is only correctable by using a different type or brand of broadhead.

Generally speaking, there are two (2) styles of broadheads: 1. fixed blade; and 2. mechanical broadheads. Fixed blade broadheads offer large cutting surfaces and are fail-proof as they do not “open” mechanically when they hit their target. Mechanical broadheads, with their blades folded-in, “open” when they strike the target. As their blades are “folded” in flight, mechanical broadheads tend to fly more consistently than fixed blade broadheads.

Regardless of which broadhead style you choose, practice with your broadhead-equipped arrows prior to hunting as their performance will vary from that of field point-equipped arrows.

Performance Tip: Fixed blade broadheads exceeding a 1 3/16” cutting diameter are not recommended for use in your Barnett crossbow as they will fly erratically. Broadhead-equipped arrows may require optic adjustments to accommodate the point-of-impact.

The design of some 3-blade broadheads is not conducive to accurate shooting with a crossbow. Some broadheads have an extremely large surface area, blade shape or other design characteristics that, when used on an arrow shaft of 20" or less, will not fly well. The shorter the arrow you are shooting, the more difficult it is to get extremely tight groups with some broadheads. If the heads have too much surface area or a very large cutting diameter, they will plane easily from catching air in flight.

Arrows are the greatest variable in a crossbow’s accuracy. There are many factors to consider when choosing an arrow:

1. speed
2. kinetic energy
3. down range penetration
4. accuracy
5. potential wear on the bow

Due to the unique design of your Barnett crossbow, it is imperative that only specified arrows are used. The Barnett-branded arrow we feel is weighted for the best performance for your shooting experience is included with your crossbow purchase.

Should you wish to purchase additional arrows, be sure to select an appropriate length that is correctly weighted and “spined” (arrow stiffness) for use with your Barnett crossbow. Check with your local authorized Barnett dealer for further assistance.

Tips for Selecting Arrows

1. Target arrows with field points are typically more accurate than broadhead-equipped hunting arrows.
2. Heavier arrows carry more energy down range, while lighter arrows are faster but carry less energy at longer distances.
3. Barnett crossbows require arrows weighing a minimum of 400 grains.

WARNING:
Never attempt to use arrows weighing less than 400-grains; this includes a 100-grain field point/broadhead, so a 300-grain arrow shaft is minimum. Lighter arrows can simulate a dry fire condition and will result in damage to the crossbow, immediately voiding the warranty.

Barnett crossbows come standard with a 5-year limited warranty; warranties on earlier model crossbows may vary. The warranty covers manufacturer’s defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty excludes normal wear and tear, cables and strings, dry firing and misuse.

You must register your Barnett crossbow within 10 days of purchase to validate the warranty. This can be done online at barnettcrossbows.com/warranty or by calling customer service at 1-800-237-4507.

Contact the Barnett service department at 1-800-237-4507 for a return authorization number (RA#) prior to sending the unit. Write the RA# on the outside of the package along with the words “Service Return.” Attach a note to the product containing your name, address, telephone number and a description of the problem. Carefully packaging and return the product, transportation charges prepaid, to the factory. Collect shipments will not be accepted. Shipments without an RA# issued and listed on the outside of the shipping box will not be accepted.

Send to:
Barnett Outdoors, Inc.
955 Live Oak St.
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689