The Technology Behind TenPoint's New Crossbows

With TenPoint Crossbow Technologies celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, it seems fitting that the crossbow community would be treated to a technology tidal wave from the industry icon. A company that has gained legendary popularity and achieved undeniable successes through innovation and technological advancements might be tempted to sit back and enjoy the spoils. TenPoint, however, refuses to rest on its laurels. In addition to introducing the fastest production crossbow on the planet with the new TRX 515 that shoots an eye-opening 515 fps, the company has reinvented its riser platform, said goodbye to the traditional rail, hit the next level in cocking aid performance and more. Let’s dive in!

Twin-Riser Technology

For 2024, TenPoint has changed the game with its all-new Twin-Riser Technology on the TRX 515 and TX 440 models. Using symmetrical top and bottom plates to replace the solid, one-piece riser, the company has turned tradition-think on its head. Plates are bridged and supported at points that ensure strength and stiffness while also providing operational clearance. This new riser design is advertised to reduce riser flex by 70 percent, double stiffness and decrease limb torque when compared to traditional models. A stiffer shooting platform with less flex provides more consistent performance and, ultimately, increased accuracy, especially at longer distances. Another benefit of the Twin-Riser design is a substantial reduction in mass weight when compared to a traditional solid riser. On the TRX 515 it’s an impressive 41 percent lighter; while on the TX 440 it’s 18 percent lighter.

TriggerTech Trigger

It is a well-known fact that high-end triggers are a must for competitive shooters. So, it’s no surprise that TenPoint would employ a newly developed, hand-built, 3-pound TriggerTech Trigger on its TRX 515 and TX 440 crossbows. TriggerTech is an industry leader in technology and performance, and its triggers operate without sliding friction using a patented, free-floating roller between the sear and trigger. This design is especially important on crossbows, as the typical bolt launcher places a tremendous amount of weight on the trigger. Patented Zero-Creep Technology from TriggerTech creates a clean, crisp break to improve accuracy and the overall shooter experience. Also featured is a Dry-Fire-Prohibitor (DFP) that prevents the crossbow from firing without an approved bolt properly loaded.

Zero-Trac Barrel & Arrow Rest System

If you take a quick look inside the barrel of the TX 515 or TX 440, you’ll notice a significant change — the typical full-length rail is missing and replaced with a simple bolt rest. TenPoint’s Zero-Trac Barrel completely eliminates the need for a rail to guide bolts by instead supporting the bolt at two locations — at the point of the properly inserted Alpha Nock HPX and the Guide-Lock Arrow Rest. The full-capture Guide-Lock employs three points of contact in the form of two never-wear, spring-loaded bearings and a top-mounted retention brush that ensures bolt security in hunting situations. Together, the Zero-Trac Barrel and Guide-Lock Arrow Rest reduce weight, eliminate bolt friction, produce straight nock travel and increase downrange accuracy.

AR-Style Ambidextrous Thumb Safety

An easily operated AR-style thumb safety is ergonomically located directly above the shooter’s firing hand to allow easy access. The shooter’s thumb can effortlessly activate or deactivate the safety, which is clearly marked with two positions: “Fire,” with a red indicator, or “Safe.” This positioning allows the shooter to keep both hands on the crossbow and eyes locked on game.

ACU-Lock Scope Bridge

TenPoint outfits its new rigs with a formidable scope-mounting platform that outworks the competition in terms of stability and strength. The new ACU-Lock Scope Bridge is dual mounted, front and back, and advertised to be 25 times stronger than traditional scope rails. This machined aluminum bridge, complete with a full-length, built-in, Picatinny-style attachment rail, is much longer than most scope rails and permits more scope adjustment and heavier scope options while ensuring extreme durability afield.

ACUslide MAXX

The gold standard in cocking technology, the ACUslide MAXX offers complete control of the cocking and de-cocking processes. Such control promotes safety and truly changes the experience of crossbow hunting/shooting. An internal Auto-Brake Gear System provides the control that makes it possible for the user to remove his or her hands at any point in the process without fear of the crank handle freewheeling; it just stops in place. The shooter can also switch directions and go from cocking to de-cocking and back again at any time. Another huge selling point is that this silent system makes handling the 300-pound draw weight effortless, with only a few pounds of force needed to cock or de-cock the bow.

CenterPunch HPX Carbon Bolts

With its focus on enhancing the entire shooter experience, TenPoint leaves nothing to chance. New CenterPunch HPX Bolts ($109.99 per 6) are an important component in the system and showcase technology and tolerances that improve performance. First, these bolts are outfitted with the company’s Alpha-Nock HPX that features a nock-retention groove that snaps into the TriggerTech trigger box with an audible click that can also be felt. This improves consistency by eliminating “fit” issues and string wear associated with traditional “snap-on” style nocks. Bolts weigh 445 grains, are 20 inches long, boast ±.001-inch straightness and are spine-aligned to the odd color vane.