The BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve been stringing crossbows for over a decade, and I’ve seen it all: frayed ends after only a few shots, excessive stretching leading to accuracy issues, and servings that separate faster than a bad marriage. When I needed a replacement string for my trusty Horton crossbow, the BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton caught my eye. It promised a blend of modern materials and traditional craftsmanship, a siren song to any crossbow enthusiast.
My old string was starting to show its age, impacting my shot consistency during practice. The hunt was only a month away, and a new string was crucial. The promise of GlideLock serving and pre-stretched strands made BlackHeart sound superior to the generic replacement strings I’d used in the past.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the string’s feel. The serving was tight and smooth, and the pre-stretched strands felt taut. Compared to a cheaper string I had lying around, the BlackHeart felt noticeably more robust. The difference in quality was clear from the start, giving me a sense of confidence.
Compared to a Barnett string I used last season, the BlackHeart string’s serving looked significantly more durable. A custom string I had made a few years ago felt similar, but cost twice as much. I was cautiously optimistic. My first impression was one of pleasant surprise; this string felt like it was worth the investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local shooting range. I brought my Horton, targets, and a chronograph to measure arrow speed. The weather was fairly mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze.
The BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton felt immediately different compared to the old, worn string. The draw felt smoother, and the crossbow seemed to vibrate less upon firing. I quickly adjusted my sights, and the groups started tightening up noticeably. There were no immediate signs of serving separation or stretching.
There was one minor hiccup initially. The string wax I typically use seemed to bead up slightly on the GlideLock serving, so I switched to a different brand of wax and the issue disappeared. The initial shots were promising, suggesting the string was well-made and would perform as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of almost daily use at the range, the BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton continues to impress. I’ve put approximately 300 shots through it, and there are still no signs of significant wear. The center serving is still holding strong.
I’ve also taken it out in cooler weather, around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and haven’t noticed any change in performance. The string maintains its tension and doesn’t seem prone to stretching in cold conditions. Regular waxing after each shooting session is key to its longevity.
The BlackHeart string has definitely outperformed the generic replacements I’ve used in the past. Those strings would often show signs of wear after just a few weeks, whereas this string is holding up remarkably well. It seems to be delivering on its promise of durability.
Breaking Down the Features of BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton
Specifications
The BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton is specifically designed as a replacement string for Horton crossbows utilizing a 33-inch string. It boasts a construction emphasizing durability and performance through its choice of materials and manufacturing processes.
- 33-inch Length: This precise length ensures proper fit and function within compatible Horton crossbow models.
- GlideLock Center Serving: This special serving is designed to reduce friction, minimize serving separation, and improve overall string life.
- DuraWeave Process: The pre-stretching process aims to eliminate string creep and maintain consistent arrow velocity over time.
- Handcrafted Construction: This emphasizes attention to detail and quality control during the manufacturing process.
- Compatibility: The string is designed for specific Horton crossbow models (check compatibility before purchasing).
These specifications are critical for consistent performance. The correct length ensures proper timing and power stroke. The GlideLock serving is arguably the most important feature, as it directly impacts the string’s longevity and resistance to wear.
Performance & Functionality
The BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton excels in providing consistent and reliable performance. It delivers improved accuracy and reduced vibration compared to older or inferior strings.
The string’s pre-stretched construction effectively minimizes string creep, maintaining a more consistent draw weight and arrow velocity. This translates directly to improved accuracy at longer distances. The crossbow also feels more comfortable to shoot, with reduced shock and vibration.
While the string performed flawlessly in my testing, it’s important to regularly wax the serving to maintain optimal performance. Some users might find the initial break-in period requires slightly more frequent waxing, but this is typical for new strings. Overall, the performance exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton is designed with functionality and longevity in mind. It is not flashy, but instead focuses on the fundamentals of a durable and reliable crossbow string.
The quality of the materials is evident in the string’s feel and construction. The GlideLock serving is exceptionally smooth, and the pre-stretched strands feel taut and strong. While it’s impossible to directly assess the materials without destructive testing, the overall impression is one of quality craftsmanship.
There’s no specific “learning curve” associated with this string. If you’ve replaced a crossbow string before, the process is the same. The most important aspect is ensuring proper installation and regular maintenance (waxing).
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton is built to last. The GlideLock serving and pre-stretched strands contribute significantly to its overall durability.
With proper care and maintenance (regular waxing), I expect this string to last for at least a full hunting season, if not longer. Maintenance is simple: apply a thin layer of string wax to the serving after each shooting session.
Should the serving eventually start to separate (which is normal over time), it can be re-served by a qualified archery technician. This is a common practice and can significantly extend the string’s lifespan. The durability seems above average.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton itself doesn’t offer customization options beyond choosing the correct length for your crossbow. It is a direct replacement string designed for specific Horton models.
However, the string is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket crossbow accessories. This includes different types of string wax, arrow rests, and scopes. Choosing the right accessories can further enhance your crossbow’s performance.
While you can’t directly “customize” the string, its performance is influenced by the type of arrows you use. Using high-quality, properly spined arrows will always result in better accuracy and consistency, regardless of the string used. Proper arrow selection is key.
Pros and Cons of BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton
Pros
- Enhanced Durability: The GlideLock center serving significantly extends string life.
- Consistent Performance: Pre-stretching ensures minimal string creep and consistent arrow velocity.
- Improved Accuracy: Reduced vibration and consistent draw weight lead to tighter groupings.
- Smooth Draw: The string feels noticeably smoother than generic replacements.
- Easy to Install: Installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with crossbow string replacement.
Cons
- Some string waxes may bead up initially on the GlideLock serving (easily resolved by switching wax brands).
- It is only compatible with specific Horton crossbow models.
Who Should Buy BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton?
This string is perfect for Horton crossbow owners looking for a durable and reliable replacement string. It is ideal for hunters who demand consistent performance in the field.
If you own a crossbow model that isn’t compatible with a 33-inch string, you should skip this product. Similarly, if you’re on a very tight budget and only need a temporary string, a cheaper generic option might suffice, though I wouldn’t recommend it.
A must-have accessory is a good quality string wax specifically designed for crossbow strings. Proper arrow selection is also crucial for maximizing accuracy and performance. Regular waxing is crucial for prolonging the string’s life.
Conclusion on BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton
The BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton is an excellent replacement string that delivers on its promises of durability, consistency, and performance. The GlideLock serving and pre-stretched strands are noticeable improvements over generic strings.
At $30.99, the price is justified by the string’s quality and longevity. This is an investment that will pay off in improved accuracy and reduced string replacements.
I would highly recommend the BlackHeart Crossbow String 33 in. Horton to any Horton crossbow owner seeking a reliable and high-performing replacement. Upgrade your crossbow today and experience the difference!