Owning a crossbow has always been a sort of luxury item for me. I thought it would be cool to own and hunt with one, but hunting with a compound bow has always been my first love, so I never pursued it. After winning a Twitter giveaway from Scorpyd Crossbows, fortune blessed me and they gave me the choice of whatever crossbow package I wanted. After getting some feedback from Rex, Scorpyd Operations Manager and hunter, I decided on the Scorpyd Ventilator at 125#. For one, it looked to be a great hunting rig, but come on…with a name like Ventilator, how could I resist! Who wouldn’t want to let the air out of some feral pigs! This would be an awesome weapon to kill pigs and coyotes in California. Now I just had to wait for it to arrive.
When I unboxed it, I was surprised at how lightweight the Ventilator was, even at 7.9 lbs. Everything I needed to start hunting was in the box (minus broadheads, which I have plenty of). There were 22″ bolts from GoldTip, a Hawke Optics scope, a Kwikee quiver, Limbsaver shoulder strap, string cocker, and Scorpion Venom string lubricant. I noticed was the MADE IN THE USA stamped into the side and I felt a sense of pride. Great to know these high quality weapons are made right here on American soil.
The camo has a matte finish and looks great. Nothing is shiny and everything looks very well designed and constructed.
One cool feature with the Ventilator is the folding stock. The stock is designed to fold down to allow you to cock it in smaller spaces like a treestand or ground blind. I wasn’t sure how this would make a difference, but I tried sitting and reaching over the crossbow with the stock set fully in place and it would be tough to cock. Once you fold the stock back it is much easier to reach down to the string. The stock is held in place by a very strong magnet that is also very quiet when you close it.
I spent a few hours reading the instructions and putting together all of the components. Installation of the HAWKE XB30 crossbow scope was a cinch and the scope is excellent! The one thing I am going to be adding to this is the HHA Sports Optimizer Speed Dial. I want to be able to adjust the scope to specific yardages without guessing. Once that comes in (hopefully Friday) I will be zeroing it in and be ready to hunt.
Even before I even attempt to cock the bow and hunt, I will be watching the Scorpyd provided instructional DVD a couple times. You see, this is the first time I have ever held a crossbow, let alone hunted with one. I want to be sure of what I am doing and be 100% safe. Say what you will about crossbows, this thing is slick and I am sure it will pack a punch.
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