The Stryker with its built-in crank cocker enabled the author to take these two backyard deer without climbing down from the stand to recock the crossbow.
I recently visited Bass Pro’s store in Macon, Georgia, and in the bargain area they had reconditioned Stryker crossbows for $750 compared to their release price of about $1,700. These crossbows were factory reconditioned with factory warranties, cases and accessories.
The Stryker made a splash 2-years ago as the fastest crossbow on the market. It reported a speed of over 400 fps with a heavy arrow which attracted immediate attention. Since then BowTech (the maker) has brought out lower powered (and much more user friendly) crossbows that are better suited to the average hunter.
The reason that the Stryker was discontinued was because it was too big, heavy and complicated to please most hunters. After receiving a sample and shooting it extensively, I found no mechanical problems; but expect to replace strings about every 100 shots.
This high-speed instrument is a specialized tool for the person who wants to push the comfortable limit of crossbow hunting to 50 yards. The arrow drop at 50 yards is about 6-inches when the crossbow is zeroed at 20 yards. I had no mechanical problems with the crossbow, even when a string broke. The instrument appears to be sufficiently “overdesigned” so that the limbs will not fly apart when the string fails. I particularly like the way it drives very wide-bladed mechanical points, like the Grim Reaper with extra long blades, through game.
Compared with the present high-speed products from PSE, which either use an AR-15 trigger assembly platform or another model which has a non-gun firing mechanism, the Stryker is much better as a hunting instrument and does not require special factory-furnished arrows.
Things to watch for with the Stryker concerns the strings. In storage, particularly in hot weather, the strings will stretch and change the bow’s zero. This can be corrected to removing the strings, shortening them by twisting and using the factory-supplied restringing cables to reinstall them. These strings will ultimately fail and must be kept waxed and the rails lubed for longer use cycles. They will polish the deck somewhat and the second, and subsequent strings will last longer than the first.
For anyone who shoots from a stand and wants longer range crossbow capabilities or who has to have the “baddest” crossbow on the block, the Stryker at $750 is an outstanding buy.
hah several of the feedback people distribute are such stoner remarks, occasionally i question whether they realistically read the writing and threads before leaving a comment or whether or not they simply just look at the post title and submit the very first thought that pops into their heads. anyway, it really is pleasing to browse through keen commentary from time to time instead of the same exact, classic blog vomit which i quite often observe on the net
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSyzkajez70
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2-zS300Qpw
Awesome Crossbow but just use a regular compound does
same thing and with the newest arrows you can drop only
2 inches at 50 yards with 100 lb pull.
THanks,
Jeff
Pingback: Index of First 150 Post, New Intern « Backyard deer hunting
These crossbows were offered for sale at Bass Pro in their Bargin Cave some months ago. I don’t sell crossbows, which I believe is what you thought. I do sell books, including one titled Crossbow Hunting which I wrote.
The Stryker was pulled from the market because it would streatch the strings in storage, was very heavy and complicated and although very, very fast, just did not pick up much of a following because of its size and weight.
It was replaced by the Desert Stryker which was much simplified, without the built-in cocking crank, and not as powerful.
I suppose that you could buy an occasional used one or maybe even find one nearly new. I just don’t know.
I do not sell crossbows although I do sell books about them and blog about them fairly often.
Stryker crossbows are awsome. I killed a 6/6 elk at 82 yards and several whitetails at around 50 yards. I love them!
NICE I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ONE…..
You will have to go to the used crossbow market now.
Just picked one up. Brand new never used. Still had tape on it. Was on here looking for info. I got it from the parents of the store owner who just passed away. It was hidden in the back of the store behind a pile of empty cases for about 2 years. Was told it took “longer” bolts than normal. It didn’t have any with it so I don’t know what that means. They had no idea either. Any ideas?
The arrows that Bow Teck shipped with the Stryker Crossbow were carbon shafts with 1/2 moon knocks and 22 1/4-inches long (not counting points) and about 5/8ths inches in diameter. These were not the skinny carbon shafts.
I have just purchased the 350 model, it also came with the 1/s moon knocks, but i have purchased the flat knocks and they do the same. The bolts were the same size as all the newer carbon bolts you can buy anywhere.
got the styker new many years ago and have killed many deer , and a coyote. never been a problem just a awesome crossbow .
I like mine too, except for the problem of string stretch. It still works, but I can’t get it back into its case unless I replace the string and tighten up the limbs.