Bear Bruzer Crossbow Review [Disclosing Bruzer FFL & Key Features]
Whether you're an experienced hunter, a beginner or you just enjoy target shooting, investing in a quality crossbow is a must.
Most newbies begin with a low quality model because they're undecided whether they'll enjoy it or not. However, when shooting with a cheap unit, chances are you'll quit this experience before you even get to discover it, hence the necessity of a better model.
According to most specialists, Bear X Crossbows Archery Bruzer FFL crossbow makes an excellent choice for the average hunter, as well as for the more experienced one. But then, can it raise to your expectations? Go through this detailed Bear Bruzer crossbow review for a better understanding of what to expect.
BEAR X CROSSBOWS ARCHERY BRUZER FFL
For those who want to jump straight into final verdict, here is a quick recap on what we think about this crossbow.
Bear X Crossbows Archery Bruzer FFL Crossbow Review
Make sure you actually do your homework when looking for the best crossbow for the money. You will need to identify your needs and expectations, at the same time also analyze the best rated products. Bear X's best crossbow features a limited lifetime warranty, which tells a lot about the manufacturer's confidence in its product.
The quality crossbow is designed to be basic, yet it features a few bells and whistles that you can normally find in professional units only. It's ideal for a complete beginner, but it also makes a comfortable choice for the more experienced hunter.
Now, what kind of features does it come with and how can they improve your crossbow hunting experience?
Key Specifications
Speed and Power
There are certain considerations responsible for the speed and power of a crossbow. They represent some of the first things to think about before spending your money. The kinetic energy is one of them.
According to almost every customer review, this is one of the most powerful crossbows on the market. Most units in this segment range around 80FP. This one goes up to 99.3FP.
If you're not sure how much it means, you should know that an average deer can be taken down with about 40FP of kinetic energy. In other words, this crossbow can take down any beast.
When it comes to its speed, it goes up to 335 feet per second. It's a standard speed in this range. The bolt is so fast that even if your prey hears you, it won't have enough time to turn and run.
It's worth noting that such numbers can be different if you change the bolts. With time, you'll have to. Luckily, there's not much to worry about in terms of efficiency, as the differences are not notable.
Cocking and Drawing
The drawing weight is rated at 125 pounds. It's quite hard to cock the device, even for strong people. It's doable though, yet the manufacturer doesn't recommend it. In fact, that's one of the reasons wherefore you have a cocking mechanism.
The system can reduce the drawing weight by 50%, but that's not everything. It will also center the bolts and ensure your hits are straight. No matter how experienced you are, cocking the crossbow manually will alter the accuracy and have your arrows go in random directions.
Sizing and Aiming
The crossbow measures 34 x 8 x 24 inches. It's slightly larger than the average crossbow in this segment, but not by much. It's compact and comes with a rifle style. The rifle style allows resting the crossbow against your shoulder, which makes aiming much easier. Plus, it reduces some of its weight.
When completely empty, the Bear Archery model weighs 6.5 pounds. When everything goes on it, it weighs just under 10 pounds. It's one of the heavy crossbows in this range, but it won't feel heavy on your arm due to the rifle style.
According to a user's review, aiming is fairly simple due to the professional scope featured in the package. The XF425 scope is made by Trophy Ridge and allows a high accuracy, even under low lighting conditions.
Safety and Maintenance
Safety is critical when handling weapons. This unit features a 3 Times Safe technology for the trigger. What does it mean? When you cock the device, the safety will automatically be on, even if you leave it in the fire position. At the same time, the anti dry fire system works perfectly.
While it might feel unusual and uncomfortable at first, the two stage trigger feeling will prove helpful in the long run. The pull takes a while to release the arrow. You will get used to it eventually.
Maintenance is simple and general. You have a lubrication solution in the package. Use it for the rail. Blow away all the dust and small particles and try to keep moving mechanisms clear.
At the same time, the string should also be lubed every once in a while. Most specialists recommend doing it after every 10 shots. You may need to replace the bow strings once the string isn't performing well, watch out for the warning signs.
If you are looking for a similar crossbow in this price range, check out our list of models here that cost below $500.
Package and Assembly
The Bear crossbow comes with a full package. You should be able to try it out within half an hour only. The package includes the actual unit, as well as a professional scope and three bolts. You won't even have to buy your own arrows.
The picatinny mount quiver is excellent to hold the bolts, while the cocking sled can easily reduce the drawing weight. Each bolt measures 20 inches and carries the Trophy Ridge Insidious quality standards.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers overlook the importance of a cocking mechanism. Cocking manually is not just hard and almost impossible for some people, but it also kills accuracy, as arrows will fly in all directions. For many, it's considered a trick to sell cocking mechanisms separately. This crossbow, on the other hand, comes with its own device for an easy operation.
The same rule applies to its maintenance. While many crossbows come without a maintenance kit, this unit features a rail lube for regular care. Other than that, the package includes the lifetime warranty card, as well as an owner's manual.
If this is your first crossbow, the owner's manual will give you all the required instructions to successfully assemble it. Route the cables, affix the riser, mount the quiver and scope and you're ready to go. The manual also features small illustrations for an easier understanding.
Other Hunting Gears & Weapon:
The Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of arrows should I use with this crossbow?
The crossbow features three 20 inch arrows from Trophy Ridge. Once you start losing or damaging arrows, you can purchase any kind or size you want.
Keep in mind that different arrows come with different levels of performance, yet the difference won't be too significant. Ideally, you should still check the manufacturer's specifications to make sure that a particular type of arrow is compatible with the crossbow.
2. Do I need any tools to assemble the crossbow?
The crossbow is partially assembled. The loose parts don't require any special tools, so you won't have to buy anything. Basically, you'll only have to route the cables and mount the riser on the stock. Fit the scope and the quiver and that's it.
All the parts are included and nothing must be purchased separately for a full hunting experience out of the box. Assembly instructions are included in the owner's manual and feature detailed illustrations.
3. When and where am I legally allowed to use the crossbow?
The law varies widely from one place to another. Regulations are different from one country to another and even from one state to another. Check the local regulations before even ordering a crossbow.
FINAL VERDICT
BEAR X CROSSBOWS ARCHERY BRUZER FFL
Bottom line, this Bear Bruzer crossbow review should give you all the information you need about the Bruzer FFL model. It's certainly a front runner in terms of power, compactness and durability, yet it's up to you to determine whether it can raise to your expectations.
All in all, this model is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars – one of the highest ratings in this range.
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