TenPoint is releasing two brand new crossbows this year in TenPoint’s Wicked Ridge line; the Wicked Ridge NXT 400 and the Blackhawk 360. We have already reviewed the Blackhawk 360 and now we have finally gotten our hands on the Wicked Ridge NXT 400.
The Ready-to-Hunt Package package includes the Wicked Ridge NXT 400 with ACUdraw, 3x Pro-View Scope, 3-arrow Instant Detach Quiver, 3 Pro Elite 400 carbon arrows with practice points.
Table of Contents
Wicked Ridge NXT 400 Crossbow Specs
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Size and Weight
The Wicked Ridge NXT 400 is an ultra-compact crossbow measuring a total length of 33inches (without stirrup), and a width of 11.3 inches (axle-to-axle). TenPoint’s Narrow Crossbow Technology (NXT) bow assembly is responsible for the ultra-narrow 6 inches wide when cocked. Making the NXT 400 the narrowest Wicked Ridge crossbow TenPoint developed thus far. Such a compact 400 fps crossbow in this price range is very impressive.
The NXT 400 is ultra-compact and highly maneuverable, making it an ideal crossbow for use in tight spaces such as hunting blinds or tree stands. If you want to check out a crossbow that is even more compact then I would recommend checking out our review of the Ravin R26, which has an axle-to-axle width of 5.75 inches once cocked. The Ravin R26 is also more than twice the price of that of the Wicked Ridge NXT.
TenPoint also designed the Wicked Ridge NXT400 to be as lightweight as possible by using lightweight materials. The Riser and the TRI-LOCK limb pocket system are made from aircraft-grade CNC-machined 7075-T6 aluminum.
The barrel is also made from aluminum and the buttstock has cutouts to further reduce weight. The bullpup stock is molded from PolyOne OnForce, which is also a lightweight material. The Wicked Ridge NXT tips our scales at only 7.4 pounds without accessories.
Design and Construction
The Wicked Ridge NXT 400 is a forward draw crossbow that looks very similar to TenPoint’s Stealth NXT, which is of course also built with Narrow Crossbow Technology (NXT).
The bow assembly of the NXT 400 consists of an aluminum riser, TenPoint’s TRI-LOCK limb pocket system, and two 200 pound durable DUAL FLEX limbs powered by a maximum rotation cam system with high-quality XR6-Cams.
The Vector-Quad cable system utilizes four cables instead of the traditional two for increased strength and stability, this reduces cam lean and cable stretch and enhances downrange accuracy.
The NXT 400 features a bullpup (FSB) stock, which is made from PolyOne OnForce. These long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composites provide a high strength-to-weight ratio. The stock is built with optimal comb-height and length-of-pull.
Sound and Vibration
TenPoint made sure that the NXT 400 is as silent as possible. They installed a string stop system on the crossbow into the end of the barrel. The flight rail is fitted with a string stop system and the CNC-machined aluminum barrel also helps to reduce noise and vibration.
Pro-View Scope
TenPoint decided to accompany the Wicked Ridge NXT 400 with a 3x Pro-View scope. This lightweight aluminum scope is 8.5-inch long and features fully-coated 3x optics. The scope has 3 crosshairs and four dots that are calibrated for 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-yards. The fourth dot is free-standing, just below the 40-yard crosshair.
You can use this scope with black dots (in a non-illuminated state) or you can turn the illumination on – and the dots illuminate in either a red or green color, with varying degrees of intensity. Just remember to turn the light OFF each time you use it.
T5 Trigger
The Wicked Ridge NXT 400 is built with TenPoint’s 3.5-pound T5 trigger assembly housed in a lightweight machined aluminum trigger box. The auto-engaging trigger features a smooth pull with a crisp, consistent break. The trigger system gives more control over the trigger resulting in better arrow groupings.
Safety
The Wicked Ridge NXT 400 comes with all the safety features you would want a crossbow to have. The T5 trigger assembly has a dry fire inhibitor, which prevents the crossbow from dry-firing if an arrow is not loaded properly.
The T5 trigger system also has an auto-engaging safety mechanism. It automatically places the trigger mechanism in the “SAFE” position after the string is cocked.
The Weaver-style dovetail is fitted with a nylon-filament arrow retention brush that improves arrow grip and alignment.
The flight deck has safety wings that prevent your hand or fingers from entering the release path of the bowstring. They also helo to reduce noise and vibration.
ACUdraw
The Wicked Ridge NXT 400 comes with a built-in ACUdraw cocking mechanism that is fully integrated into the stock. This cocking system is one of the safest and user-friendly cocking systems on the market. The cocking mechanism reduces draw weight to 5 pounds when operated manually and draws the bow accurately every time. It can effortlessly be cocked by anyone and all ages.
Arrows and Quiver
TenPoint’s Pro Elite 400 crossbow arrows are made of carbon and fletched slightly offset with 3.5-inch Bohning X Vanes. They are 20 inches long and weigh 400-grain. Pro Elite 400 arrows are fitted with an aluminum insert, feature 3.5-inch Bohning X Vanes, and come with TenPoint’s Alpha-Nock.
The shafts have a straightness to within 0.003-inches and are sorted for weight tolerance to within 2-grains per dozen.
The 3-Arrow Instant Detach Quiver is lightweight and durable. The quiver holds a total of 3 arrows.
Speed and Accuracy
The Wicked Ridge NXT 400 shoots Pro Elite 400 carbon arrows at 400 feet-per-second with 142 FP KE. That’s a lot of power for such a compact crossbow.
We range tested the Wicked Ridge XRT 400 with two different arrows; the Pro Elite 400 Carbon Arrows (400-grains) and Wicked Ridge XX75 Aluminum Arrow (435-grains).
With the Pro Elite 400 arrows we measured a top speed of 401.2 feet-per-second, 389 fps being the average.
With the Wicked Ridge XX75 arrows, we measured a top speed of 382.4 feet-per-second, 373.2 being the average.
The Wicked Ridge XRT 400 is exceptionally accurate. Accurate enough to shoot a 3-inch (or less) group at -70 yards. I shot three groups of three arrows each with the last three being dead center in the bullseye. I used different bulls’ eye’s to avoid damaging arrows. The 20, 40, and 50 yard dots of the 3x Pro View Scope were dead on.
Assembly
Even for beginners, the NXT 400 crossbow is easy to assemble and disassemble. It features a 1-bolt assembly design, which means you only need one bolt to mount the riser to the stock.
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Recommended Accessories
Arrows & Broadheads
We recommend the Pro Elite 400 Carbon Arrows. With these arrows, you’ll reach the advertised top speed of the Wicked Ridge NXT 400.
If you prefer aluminum arrows then I’d recommend the Wicked Ridge XX75 arrows. They are also 20 inches long and are fletched slightly offset.
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We recommend TenPoint’s EVO-X CenterPunch broadheads. This 2-blade broadhead weighs a total of 100 grain and creates a massive cut of 1.875 inches. TenPoint doesn’t offer any replacement blades for them.
The Rage Crossbow X is another fine option. They’re cheaper than the EVO-X CenterPunch Broadheads. Rage offers replacement blades. Rage Crossbow X broadheads are available in either 100 grain or 200 grain weight and feature a 2-inch cutting diameter.
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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 NXT 400 then I’d recommend the Wicked Ridge soft crossbow case.
This lightweight case is made from nylon and polyester. It fits the NXT 400 nicely and it has an exterior zippered pocket for storage for the quiver, arrows, broadheads, etc.
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There no crossbow sling included in the package. If you want a crossbow sling to accompany the Wicked Ridge NXT 400 to comfortably carry the crossbow 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 NXT 400
Summary
The NXT 400 is the narrowest crossbow from TenPoint’s Wicked Ridge line. This ultra-narrow crossbow offers high maneuverability and delivers speeds at 400 feet-per-second.
The NXT 400 is also deadly accurate. It is in fact the most accurate Wicked Ridge crossbow TenPoint ever designed, having match-grade downrange accuracy.
The crossbow is also easy and safe to cock with ACUdraw and features a one bolt assembly design.
Pros
- Ultra-narrow 6″ when cocked
- Easy to handle and highly maneuverable
- 400 feet-per-second with same-hole down-range accuracy
- Arrows in the package reach the advertised speed rating
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
Cons
- There is no crossbow case and no crossbow sling included in the package
