We recently we reviewed the TenPoint Stealth NXT. Now we will take a look at the TenPoint Shadow NXT model. I have been using the crossbow for a couple of weeks now, I will share my findings in this review.
This TenPoint crossbow is made in the USA. Mogadore, OH and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Five years on limbs, scope, and internal Acudraw parts, all if factory defective. The Stealth NXT, as well as the Shadow NXT, were Tenpoint’s flagship models in 2018, together with the Nitro X.
In the package, you’ll find the Tenpoint Shadow NXT crossbow with either an Integrated Acudraw or integrated Acudraw 50 Sled or Rope Sled, Integrated Sound Dampening System, TenPoint’s Pro-View 3 Scope mounted on its dovetail mount, Three-arrow Instant Detach Quiver, and three TenPoint Pro Elite Carbon arrows with three 100-grain field tips.
Table of Contents
TenPoint Shadow NXT Crossbow Specs
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Dimensions and Weight
The Tenpoint Stealth NXT measures an overall length (w/o foot stirrup) of 32.2 inches and its axle to axle width is 11.3 inches uncocked and only 6.5 inches once cocked. That is it is extremely narrow and very impressive for a powerful crossbow like this. If you are looking for a crossbow that is more narrow check out our in-depth review of the Ravin R26.
The Stealth NXT weighs 7 pounds, which is also impressive for this crossbow considering all the tech it holds. The crossbow is comfortable to hold and it has a good balance to it.
Construction and Design
The TenPoint Shadow NXT is a forward draw crossbow with a slender construction thanks to the powerful, 320-degree rotation RX6 Cams, stabilized by a Vector Quad 4 cable system. This cable system uses four cables instead of two. These two components work together to deliver optimal performance and pin-point down-range accuracy.
The TenPoint Shadow NXT is a very well designed crossbow and put together with extremely tight tolerances. The CNC-machined Type II cams, CNC machined aluminum riser, and DUAL FLEX limb pockets combine to offer tack-driving accuracy and producing speeds up to 380 feet per second.
TenPoint’s 70/75-T6 aircraft grade aluminum TRI-LOCK pocket system ensures perfect alignment between the pocket and limbs, this also increases accuracy.
The Shadow NXT features TenPoint’s CX5 connection system. This system ensures precise down-range accuracy by attaching the riser to the barrel at five different points, this is to prevent front-end movement.
The skeletal stock design features a safety-engineered foregrip and rubber safety wings below the flight deck to help keep the hunter’s fingers out of the bowstring’s path.
Overall, this is a very well designed and put together crossbow, we are very impressed by how TenPoint managed to keep this crossbow at a relatively low price point with all the tech it holds.
Durability
The TenPoint Shadow NXT is extremely durable. The special position of the string has almost no friction with the barrel. Because of this, you can do up to 75% longer with your strings. Also, the limbs, riser, and CNC machined cams have been given a lot of attention so it will keep shooting clean up to 3 times longer with the same string and cable set. So this thing is really made to be used intensively.
I’ve used this crossbow for a couple of weeks and shot at least 200 shots, I encountered no durability issues whatsoever.
Pro-View 3 Scope
The TenPoint Shadow NXT comes with the Pro-View 3 scope. The scope features fully-coated 3x optics. The Pro-View scope is calibrated for crossbows that shoot in the 330 fps range. This lightweight 8.5-inch Aluminum tube scope features 3 crosshairs and four dots calibrated for 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-yards(the fourth dot is free standing, just below the 40-yard crosshair). The scope has two rheostat-controlled, illuminated colored dots (red or green).
T-5 Trigger
The TenPoint Shadow NXT comes with a CNC-machined auto-engaging T-5 trigger system, which is one of the safest crossbow triggers on the market. This 3.5 lbs auto-engaging safety trigger ensures smooth pulling. The highly consistent trigger has a crisp break and offers 50% less creep than past TenPoint trigger models. Its string latch design reduces friction giving you maximum control over your shot, resulting in better arrow groupings.
Safety
The T-5 trigger comes with all the safety features you would want from a crossbow in this price range. Save to use by both right and left-handed users, the T-5 comes with an auto-engaging ambidextrous safety switch and dry-fire-inhibitor to prevent you from accidentally dry firing the crossbow.
Cocking
The TenPoint Shadow NXT can be ordered with either Acudraw, Acudraw 50 Sled, or Rope Sled. The AcuDraw cocking mechanism is fully integrated into the buttstock, it reduces draw weight to about 5-pounds when operated manually.
The ACUdraw 50 SLED is also fully integrated into the buttstock and reduces cocking weight by 50%. The cheaper option of the three is the rope sled, the sled also reduces the cocking effort by 50%. Personally, I would go for the AcuDraw model, it is the most efficient and safest cocking device out of the three.
Integrated Sound Dampening System
The TenPoint Shadow NXT is pre-installed with TenPoint’s Integrated Sound Dampening System which dramatically reduces noise and vibration. Featuring micro-adjustable dampening rods with durable, high impact rubber dampeners the SDS mounts in the cable slot to dramatically reduce string noise and oscillation.
Arrows
With the TenPoint Shadow NXT, you’ll get three TenPoint pro elite carbon arrows with 100-grain practice points. The Pro Elite 20-inch carbon arrow is fletched slightly offset and is fitted with a 68-grain brass insert, 3.5″ Bohning X Vanes, and TenPoint’s New Alpha-Nock and receiver for quick lighted nock installation.
Speed and Accuracy
Thanks to a pull weight of 200 pounds and a 12.2-inch power stroke the Shadow NXT has an official speed rating of 390 FPS 144 FP KE. We recommend using EVO-X CenterPunch Premium Carbon Arrows with the TenPoint Shadow NXT to maximize the kinetic energy level of your shot.
On our trusty chronograph, we registered 350.6 fps using the Evo-X Center Punch arrows and the Tenpoint mechanical broadheads. That is fast and powerful enough for hunting big game animals.
I range tested the TenPoint Shadow NXT with Tenpoint’s “Out-of-the-Box Accuracy” guarantee in mind. My first shot was a couple of inches to the right at 20 yards. However, after some fine-tuning, all following shots were dead-center bulls-eyes! I am very impressed by how accurate this crossbow is, TenPoint definitely came through.
Assembly and Sighting-in
The TenPoint Shadow NXT is shipped assembled and the crossbow, as well as the Pro View 3 scope, are already adjusted in the factory. You’ll only have to mount the scope, which is very easy. Also, you have to attach the quiver bracket and quiver mount. Mounting the foot stirrup or tree hanger is part of the quiver mounting process as well. The scope is also easy to calibrate.
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Recommended Accessories
Arrows & Broadheads
We recommend using the EVO-X CenterPunch Premium Carbon Arrows with the TenPoint Shadow NXT to maximize the kinetic energy level of your shot. When using this arrow, you will shoot at 360 feet per second and achieve 128 foot-pounds of kinetic energy.
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Combine them with TenPoint EVO-X Center Punch Broadheads. These mechanical broadheads weigh 100-grain and leave a devastating 1 7/8″ cut.
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Storage and Transportation
The Shadow NXT does not come with a case. I would recommend buying the TenPoint Stag case, which is a hard case. The Stag case is lightweight, compact, and durable. The case is designed for the NXT crossbow models and the Nitro X.
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There’s also no sling in the package, if you want a sling for this crossbow then we recommend buying a Tenpoint Neoprene sling.
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Our Rating of the TenPoint Shadow NXT
Summary
TenPoint’s Shadow NXT is a powerful, fast, and highly accurate compact crossbow that reaches speeds up to 380 fps. It is a reliable crossbow for big game hunting or for deer hunting. The lightweight crossbow is also remarkably quiet during cocking and shooting, making it the perfect stealth crossbow.
What we like
- The crossbow is ultra-narrow which makes it maneuver well in hunting blinds and tight spaces.
- Highly accurate
- Fast and powerful
- Durable construction
- The integrated AcuDraw cocking device allows for safe and silent cocking, which is both comfortable and efficient for hunting.
- Made and constructed to extremely tight tolerances for tack-driving accuracy.
- Very silent
What we don’t like
- Expensive(well worth it though)
- No case included in the package
