TenPoint recently introduced two new crossbows under their Wicked Ridge banner for 2021; the Blackhawk 360 and the NXT 400. We finally got our hands on the Blackhawk 360 model for an in-depth review. The Blackhawk 360 is a budget-friendly hunting crossbow that is not made in China like most budget crossbows are these days. The crossbow is made right here in the USA.
In the Ready-to-Hunt package, you’ll find the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow, TenPoint’s Multi-Line Scope, rope cocker, instant detach quiver, and 3 XX75 Wicked Ridge aluminum arrows. The Blackhawk is pre-sighted at the factory and ships fully assembled.
Table of Contents
Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 Crossbow Specs
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Size and Weight
The Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 measures a full length of 35.5 inches without the foot stirrup and has an axle-to-axle width of 19 inches uncocked and 15 inches cocked.
It is very impressive how lightweight the crossbow is, the Blackhawk 360 tips our scales at only six pounds without accessories. Its a great lightweight crossbow to take up on a mountain.
Design and Construction
The Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 is a forward draw bow crossbow with a 175-pound bow assembly that consists of an aluminum riser and two 11-inch WRX laminated limbs that are powered by heavy-duty machined 5S cams that elongate the power stroke.
TenPoint decided to use DynaFLIGHT 97 string and cables, which are very durable and last a long time. The elongated power stroke and increased cam rotation produce speeds of up to 360 fps with enhanced downrange accuracy.
Cable runs under the flight rail are guided by a cable saver slide that ensures zero down pressure on the string to rail. Also, the cross over of the cables is staggered to limit cross over rubbing, cable to cable. This design extends the string life exponentially.
The Blackhawk 360 has a tactical black stock with a fully integrated fore-grip. The stock features a Picatinny rail below the front of the barrel to mount additional accessories, such as an extra quiver, flashlight etcetera.
Multi-Line Scope
TenPoint’s Multi-Line Scope is 8.5-inches long, this compact scope features fully coated 3x optics and three duplex crosshairs calibrated for 20, 30, and 40-yards, and a fourth partial line for 50-yard shots.
It’s easy to use and adjust to zero. I appreciate the horizontal line and dot design. Additionally, the red/green adjustable intensity glow is perfect for day/night. It has not fogged up on me and the clarity is excellent.
Trigger
TenPoint decided to equip the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 with a 3.5-pound trigger that offers a smooth ultra-crisp pull. It is definetely one of the better trigger systems in the entry-range budget crossbow class.
Safety
The stock of the Blackhawk 360 is fitted with TenPoint’s DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor), which prevents accidental dry fires. The crossbow also features elongated safety wings to help keep the shooter’s hand safely below the bowstring release path. Its fully enclosed trigger guard provides added safety as well.
Cocking
The Blackhawk has a 175-pound draw weight. Cocking the crossbow using the rope cocker required little effort in comparison to other bows of similar fps and poundage.
Arrows and Quiver
The Wicked Ridge XX75 arrows are 20 inches long and are fletched slightly offset. They are fitted with a 13-grain aluminum insert 2.0″. They come with Easton Bully Boattail Vane and TenPoint’s white Alpha-Nock.
The quiver is lightweight and durable and holds a total of three arrows.
Speed and Accuracy
Thanks to the 175-pound draw weight and a 13.5-inch power stroke, the Blackhawk 360 propels arrows with velocities up to 360 feet-per-second and up to 112FP KE which is very impressive for a TenPoint crossbow in this price range.
We speed tested the Blackhawk 360 ourselves. Shooting with the Wicker Ridge XX75 arrows delivered a top speed on our chronograph of 349.7 fps, the average being 343.2 fps.
We also used TenPoint’s Elite 400 arrows. With these arrows we achieved a top speed of 346.4 fps, the average being 339.1 fps.
The Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 is highly accurate. After sighting in the scope and firing a couple of test groups, I managed to get under 1.5-inch groups at 50-yard distances.
Assembly and Sighting-in
The Blackhawk 360 arrived fully assembled and the TenPoint Multi-Line Scope is pre-sighted for 20-yards at the factory. It needs some slight adjustment to get to the bullseye. I then went to the 40-yard pin to find it was very accurate regarding the subvention layout.
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Recommended Accessories
Arrows and Broadheads
We either recommend the delivered Wicked Ridge XX75 Aluminum Arrows or TenPoint’s Pro Elite 400 Carbon Arrows. The Pro Elite 400 arrows are 20-inch long carbon arrows fitted with a 61-grain aluminum insert
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We recommend TenPoint’s Centerpunch two-blade mechanical broadheads. However, they are quite expensive, and TenPoint does not provide replaceable blades. They weigh 100 grain and leave a devastating 1 7/8″ cut.
Rage Crossbow X Broadheads are another great pick. These two-blade mechanical broadheads are optimized for crossbow usage. They weigh 100 grain or 125 grain and they feature a 2-inch cutting diameter. They do come with replacement blades.
The TenPoint Evo-X Montec fixed broadheads are also a fine pick if you prefer fixed heads. These broadheads weigh 100 grain and deliver a massive 1 1/8-inch cut.
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Storage and Transportation
There is no crossbow case included in the package. If you want a crossbow case that fits the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 then I’d recommend the Wicked Ridge soft crossbow case. This lightweight case is made from nylon and polyester. It fits the Blackhawk 360 nicely and it has an exterior zippered pocket for storage for arrows, quiver, broadheads, etc.
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There is also no crossbow sling included in the package. If you want a crossbow sling to accompany the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 then I’d recommend buying a Wicked Ridge Neoprene crossbow sling. This crossbow sling has a non-slip design and features an extra-strong 1.25-inch shoulder strap and a thumb loop for added shoulder security. It comes with custom swivels and a heavy-duty adjustable strap.
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Our Rating of the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360
Summary
The Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 is a new reverse draw crossbow from TenPoint that propels arrows down-range with speeds up to 360 feet-per-second. The Blackhawk 360 weighs only 6 pounds is highly maneuverable and highly accurate. The crossbow is also very well constructed and durable. For now, this is definitely the best American made budget crossbow that is currently available on the market.
What we like
- Lightweight
- Out of the box accuracy
- Easy 1-bolt Assembly
- Durable
- Great entry-level crossbow
- Best American made budget crossbow
What we don’t like
- There is no crossbow case and no crossbow sling included in the package
