Tenpoint Crossbow Technologies surprised the hunting community with the unveiling of their new 2022 flagship model, the Nitro 505. Their engineers had to pull out all the stops to make the crossbow reach a speed of 505 feet per second.
We were very excited to get our hands on the fastest crossbow in the Industry. We extensively tested the Nitro 505 for this review. We speed-rated the crossbow and we took it out for some range testing.
The Nitro 505 is not only the fastest crossbow in the industry, but it is also the most tested crossbow in the company’s history. More than 25,000 shots were fired to test and develop the Nitro 505.
Table of Contents
TenPoint Nitro 505 Crossbow Specs
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First Impressions
In the package, we found the Nitro 505 with ACUslide, an integrated string stop system, the Evo-X Marksman Elite, one 6-pack of EVO-X CenterPunch arrows, and a 6-arrow Tech Quiver.
The TenPoint Nitro 505 has a full length of 30.7 (without stirrup) inches and it has an axle to axle width of a mere 6.5 inches cocked and 12.5 inches wide uncocked.
The crossbow has a two-piece Tech-X stock with cutouts to reduce weight. The Nitro 505 tips our scales at 7.9 pounds and that is without accessories installed. With everything installed 11.7 pounds.
Design
The TenPoint Nitro 505 is a reverse draw crossbow that is powered by the brand new RX8-Cam system. This cam system rotates an industry-leading 404 degrees!
The Nitro 505 is an extremely very well-balanced crossbow. It has a center-mounted riser so no nose-heavy feel and the foregrip gives you good control over the front.
TenPoint equipped the Nitro 505 with a Vector-Quad cable system, which means that it utilizes four cables instead of the standard two, this eliminates cam lean and generates straight nock travel.
The Nitro 505 has a 20-inch long aluminum Micro-Trac fluted barrel to guide the arrow. The barrel reduces the overall surface area by 50 percent, this decreases friction extends the life of the string, and generates straight-nock travel leading to same-hole downrange accuracy.
Unrivaled Velocity
TenPoint’s engineering team spared no expense in the research, design, and testing phases of this crossbow. All major components were designed to handle this level of industry-leading speed and power.
To build the fastest crossbow ever, the TenPoint engineers had to completely redesign its predecessor, the Havoc RS440. The Nitro 505’s limbs are 30 pounds heavier and they elongated the power stroke by 3.5 inches.
The Nitro 505 has the longest power stroke in the industry at 17-inches long.
The elongated power stroke also keeps the arrow nock engaged with the string for an additional 4 inches before release, this is also a critical component in performance.
TenPoint deepened the grooves on the new RX8 Cams to cradle the string and cables more securely and to improve cable spacing that allows for an increased sting and cable strand count for added strength and durability.
The company’s engineers also increased the strand count of the Nitro 505’s string and cables for added strength to withstand the extreme draw forces.
They even went so far as to develop brand new HP aluminum bushing to strengthen the back end of compatible CenterPunch and Pro Elite bolts.
Optics
Tenpoint introduced this crossbow with three different scopes to choose from. You can choose the Evo-X Marksman Elite Variable Speed Scope with External Adjustment Turrets, the Burris Oracle X Rangefinding scope or you can go for the Garmin XERO X1i Rangefinding scope.
Evo-X Marksman Elite
The Evo-X Marksman Elite is a high-end variable speed scope with external adjustment turrets. The premium TenPoint crossbow scope features a variable speed and arrow drop-compensation setting for crossbows that shoot between 300 and 500 FPS.
The scope’s configuration consists of three illuminated (green/red) duplex crosshairs that are calibrated at 20-, 40-, and 60-yards, two illuminated dots at 30- and 50-yards, and four non-illuminated chevrons at 70-, 80-, 90-, and 100-yards.
It is equipped with an etched glass reticle and fully multi-coated 2-8x optics that increase field-of-view and brightness in low-light settings.
External, micro-adjustable target turrets provide easy adjustment to windage and elevation for unmatched long-range accuracy. High-quality flip-up scope caps provide optimal protection for your optics and can be opened at the touch of your thumb.
Oracle X Rangefinder
The Oracle X is one of the most advanced rangefinding crossbow scopes that you’ll find on the market today. It features a built-in laser rangefinder that is activated via the wireless remote or the range button on the scope.
The Oracle X automatically range game up to 200 yards away and reflective targets up to 500 yards.
The Oracle X displays the distance to your target and provides an exact aiming point factoring in the angle of your shot.
The aiming point will also change to stay accurate, it does not matter where you are within the 2-7 power zoom range!
Xero X1i Rangefinder
The Xero X1i is an auto-ranging scope with 3.5X magnification that automatically measures the distance to a target. It is currently our favorite crossbow scope with a rangefinder.
The Xero X1i range finder also lets you range game up to 250 yards away and reflective targets up to 500 yards away.
It has precise illuminated aim points that automatically adjust the brightness to conditions and allow you to see your target, unobstructed by reticle patterns.
The Laser Locate waypoint projection feature works with compatible Garmin devices to show you exactly where the target was located when the shot or range was taken, so you can better track game or find bolts.
You can even create custom bolt profiles with unique aim point stacks for each setup!
Cocking
The Nitro 505 comes with TenPoint’s ACUslide cocking system which is one of the safest and most effective and safe cocking/decocking mechanisms that are currently available.
The ACUslide cocking system features the company’s groundbreaking Auto-Brake Gear System with which you can safely and silently cock and decock the crossbow without breaking your back.
The Auto-Brake Gear System features a brand new brake pad designed for more robust braking power and they upgraded the strap on the device. The Dyneema strap now has a breaking strength of 2,000 pounds, which is two times stronger than the previous generation strap.
The XTEND Adjustable Crank Handle extends for 7.5 inches and converts 300-pound of puling weight to only 5 pounds.
The cocking/decocking process is completely silent, so no annoying clicking or rattling sounds.
The XTEND Adjustable Crank Handle extends for 7.5 inches for extra leverage. It converts 300-pounds of puling weight to only 5 pounds.
The user can safely remove their hand from the handle at any point and the handle will stop in place. The handle can be stored securely in the butt-stock when not in use.
Trigger
TenPoint installed an S1 two-stage trigger system on the Nitro 505. This trigger assembly features an advanced roller-sear system that delivers a consistent crisp, 3.5-pound pull. Zero creep to report.
The trigger assembly is fitted with a nylon-filament arrow retention brush that improves arrow grip and alignment to reduce noise and vibration. An integrated string stop system is also included to further reduce noise and vibration.
The trigger assembly has all the safety features you’d come to expect from a modern crossbow. It has anti-dry fire and auto safety.
Performance
In terms of performance, the TenPoint Nitro 505 sure is a powerhouse of a crossbow. It uses its 300-pound limbs and 17-inch power stroke to propel arrows at 505 feet per second with a 400-grain arrow, delivering 227 foot-pounds of KE knockdown power. More than enough for the toughest big game.
The first crossbow that broke the 500 fps barrier on our chronograph was the Ravin R500. The Nitro 505 broke that record. This is definitely the fastest crossbow that we ever had the pleasure of shooting with.
We took out our chronograph to speed-rate the Nitro 505 with our chronograph. The results:
Shot #1: 410 fps
Shot #2: 409 fps
Shot #3: 410 fps
Shot #4: 411 fps
Shot #5: 410 fps
That is even more than TenPoint advertised!
We also used the 20-inch 455 grains EVO-X CenterPunch arrows. With the CenterPunch arrows, we recorded speed measurements of 493, 494, 496 fps.
We placed a 500 fps crossbow broadhead target (the Big Shot Iron Man Extreme 500) at 100 yards for some test groups. This high-quality and durable crossbow target is rated for crossbows up to 500 feet per second and stops the arrows from the Nitro 500 quite well.
The Nitro 505 is not only lightning-fast and incredibly powerful but also highly accurate. We had insanely tight arrow groupings.
500+ FPS Crossbow target
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Recommended Accessories
Arrows
TenPoint developed its new HP aluminum bushing for the nock end of bolts shot from the rig. They had to do that due to the extreme power produced by the Nitro 505.
Therefore they assist that only bolts with the new HP bushings be shot from the Nitro 505 so you basically got two options. The 455-grain EVO-X CenterPunch bolts that come with the package or 400-grain Pro Elite 400 bolts are sold separately.
500 FPS Broadheads
There are not many broadheads that are compatible with 500 fps crossbows. We’ve tested the Thorn RIFT 2.2” expandable broadheads and got good results.
Storage and Transportation
We of course highly recommend buying a crossbow case to keep the TenPoint Nitro 505 safe and secure. The TenPoint Blazer soft crossbow case fits the Nitro 505 perfectly.
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We also recommend a TenPoint crossbow sling. TenPoint makes good slings that boast an extra-strong shoulder strap with an integrated elastic band for crossbow unloading bolt storage and a thumb loop for added shoulder security.
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Verdict
TenPoint Nitro 505 Crossbow Review
Summary
With the Nitro 505, TenPoint has demonstrated again that they are at the top of their game. The amount of speed and energy it produces is mind boggling, The Nitro 505 is perfectly balanced and highly accurate on long distances. TenPoint even managed to keep the crossbow compact with a cocked width of a mere 6 inches. We actually couldn’t find any downsides to this crossbow.
The Nitro 505 may not be for everyone due to its high market price, but if you want the best of the best crossbow in terms of power and speed, and with durable TenPoint quality engineering, the Nitro 505 is the best high-performance crossbow we can recommend at this time.
What we like
- Incredible performance
- Perfectly balanced
- Great down-range precision
- Safe and effortless cocking/decocking
- Ultra-compact 6.5-inches wide
- Durable
- Ships completely assembled in a convenient ready to hunt crossbow package
What we don’t like
- Expensive (worth it though)
FAQ
Is there a 500 fps crossbow?
Yes, there are currently two crossbows that have broken the 500 fps barrier; the Ravin R500 and the TenPoint Nitro 505.
What is the highest fps crossbow?
The TenPoint Nitro 505 is currently the highest fps crossbow with an official speed rating of 505 feet per second. We even registered speeds of 511 on our chronograph!
Is a 500 fps crossbow actually legal?
Depends on the state you live in. Check your state’s regulations.
Is a 500 fps crossbow legal in Canada?
In Canada, the rules vary by province. It is legal to own a crossbow or an air rifle but under 500 FPS. We recommend checking your province regulations before buying this crossbow.
