First Impressions of Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit
The crossbow. Once a medieval instrument of war, now a sophisticated hunting tool favored for its accuracy and power. But with that power comes vibration and noise, elements that can spook game and reduce your chances of a successful hunt. Enter the Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit, a deceptively simple solution promising to dampen those unwanted sounds and vibrations.
I’ve spent over a decade fine-tuning my crossbow setups for optimal performance, always chasing that whisper-quiet shot. I’ve used other dampening solutions, some homemade, some store-bought, but none have quite delivered the complete package of ease of installation and noticeable noise reduction I’m hoping for. My current crossbow has a persistent string twang that needs addressing.
The Bow Jax Revelations Crossbow Kit arrives in minimal packaging, a no-frills approach that immediately suggests the focus is on function over form. Upon inspection, the dampeners feel robust, the rubbery material possessing a reassuring density. The X-shaped limb dampeners appear well-designed for a snug fit between split limbs, and the stirrup dampeners seem equally straightforward.
Compared to similar products I’ve used, like the Limbsaver Crossbow Recoil Pad and some DIY felt solutions, the Bow Jax kit offers a cleaner, more professional look and promises a more secure, screw/adhesive-free installation. While the Limbsaver pad focuses on recoil absorption, the Bow Jax promises noise reduction, and the felt was simply a cheap experiment. I chose this kit for its seemingly universal fit and the Bow Jax reputation for quality dampening products.
My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. The kit looks promising, and the Bow Jax name carries weight, but the proof is in the pudding. I’m eager to see if these little rubber widgets can truly tame the beast and bring me closer to that elusive silent shot.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit at my local archery range, a controlled environment perfect for gauging the initial impact of the dampeners. Installation was incredibly simple; the limb dampeners wedged snugly between the split limbs of my crossbow (a Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro STR), and the stirrup dampeners slipped easily onto the stirrup arms. No tools, no fuss. The entire process took less than five minutes.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The sharp, metallic twang that accompanied each shot was significantly muted, replaced by a duller, more subdued thud. In addition, the crossbow felt slightly less vibrational after the shot, a change for the better.
There weren’t any immediate issues, though I noticed one of the stirrup dampeners had a tendency to slide slightly after several shots. Readjusting it was simple, but something I’ll need to monitor.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including a few practice sessions in slightly damp conditions, the Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit has largely held up well. The limb dampeners remain firmly in place and continue to effectively reduce noise and vibration. The stirrup dampeners, however, still require occasional readjustment, especially after prolonged shooting sessions.
There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear on either the limb or stirrup dampeners. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep them clean.
Compared to my previous, less-than-ideal solutions, the Bow Jax kit is a clear winner. It outperforms the felt I experimented with, offering significantly better noise reduction, and provides a much cleaner and more reliable solution than attempting to affix a bulky pad to the stock. While the stirrup dampeners aren’t perfect, the overall improvement in noise and vibration reduction is undeniable.
Breaking Down the Features of Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit
Specifications
The Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit includes two limb dampeners designed for split limb crossbows and two stirrup dampeners. The limb dampeners utilize an X-shaped design, allowing them to wedge securely between the limbs without the need for screws or adhesives. They are available in two sizes: 11/16″ and 15/16″, catering to different limb widths. The stirrup dampeners are designed to slip over the stirrup arms, providing additional vibration and noise reduction.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the effectiveness and ease of use of the kit. The screw/adhesive-free design simplifies installation and prevents damage to the crossbow limbs. The availability of two sizes ensures compatibility with a wide range of crossbow models.
Performance & Functionality
The Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit performs its primary job – reducing noise and vibration – admirably. It noticeably dampens the sharp twang associated with crossbow shots, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable shooting experience. This is especially critical for hunting, where minimizing noise is crucial for avoiding spooking game.
The main strength of this kit is its simplicity and ease of installation. The only weakness is the tendency of the stirrup dampeners to slip, requiring occasional readjustment. Overall, the kit meets and even exceeds expectations for noise and vibration reduction, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit features a simple but effective design. The limb dampeners are compact and unobtrusive, blending seamlessly with the crossbow limbs. The rubbery material feels durable and provides excellent vibration absorption. The stirrup dampeners are equally straightforward in design, slipping easily over the stirrup arms.
The kit is undeniably user-friendly, requiring no tools or specialized knowledge for installation. The only minor issue is the aforementioned tendency of the stirrup dampeners to slip.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit appears to be reasonably durable. After several weeks of use, there are no signs of significant wear and tear, other than some minor surface scratches.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep the dampeners clean and free of debris. The high-quality rubber material should provide years of reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit doesn’t include any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options available for the kit itself, although you can experiment with different placement of the stirrup dampeners to optimize their performance.
The kit is compatible with virtually any crossbow that has split limbs and a standard stirrup. It can be used in conjunction with other accessories, such as string silencers and arrow rests, to further reduce noise and improve performance.
Pros and Cons of Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit
Pros
- Significantly reduces crossbow noise and vibration.
- Easy, tool-free installation.
- Durable construction.
- Compatible with a wide range of crossbow models.
- Noticeably improves the shooting experience.
Cons
- Stirrup dampeners may require occasional readjustment.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit?
The Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit is perfect for crossbow hunters looking to minimize noise and vibration for a more stealthy and successful hunt. It’s also ideal for target shooters who want a smoother and more comfortable shooting experience. Anyone wanting to reduce noise from their crossbow will benefit from this kit.
Those who should skip this product are those who are extremely sensitive to slight movements, as the shifting stirrup dampeners might be distracting to some users. Also, crossbows with solid limbs aren’t compatible.
A must-have accessory to complement this kit would be string silencers, further reducing noise. Also, high-quality arrows can also help reduce overall vibration and noise.
Conclusion on Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit
The Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit is a simple but effective solution for reducing noise and vibration in crossbows. While the stirrup dampeners aren’t perfect, the overall improvement in shooting experience is undeniable.
At $33.99, the price is more than justified, especially considering the noticeable improvement in noise reduction and vibration dampening. It’s a small price to pay for a more stealthy and comfortable shooting experience.
I would absolutely recommend the Bow Jax Bowjax Revelations Crossbow Kit to any crossbow user looking to minimize noise and vibration. It’s a worthwhile investment that can significantly improve your hunting success and overall shooting enjoyment. Consider picking up a kit today to experience the difference for yourself!