The Barnett Jackal compound crossbow is an affordable, reliable crossbow. A large number of users speak a lot about it and give it outstanding reviews. Let’s take a look at some of the features that inspire such positive feedback. See also our recommendations on the best compound bow, best crossbow for hunting, crossbow safety tips, and different types of crossbows.
Power
Even though it may not be among the most effective crossbows on the market, it still retains its own by providing enough power to handle much of the game. This has a velocity of around 315fps and sends arrows to about 90 FPKE. It will indicate that, even under less than favorable weather conditions, the target would still be hit by a force greater than the required 75 FPKE. This is also safe enough to target all animal types up to and including grizzly bears.
The optimal range of distance is up to around 40 yards, although if you have a high level of precision, you’ll notice that you will reach 50-60 yards. This kind of precision is not the norm for crossbows within its price range.
User Comfort
This comes with a really detailed installation manual, so the setup does not take more than 20 minutes. You have to take into account the reality that the compound crossbows are usually a little more difficult to assemble the recurves.
The Jackal build is absolutely excellent, beginning with the quad split-style limbs that are incredibly stable: providing great protection so that you can take the right target and create the perfect shot. Such limbs are not only visually attractive, but the architecture makes a slightly faster rate of acceleration due to a significant reduction of air resistance. It also helps with the overall speed and it’s a major plus with this bow.
The model is lightweight and thus means that there would be no strain in the arm during your hunting expedition and that you will keep going for hours to the end. However, the retainer is not of the highest standard and is likely to have to be replaced in about a year if you use the weapon frequently. Considering the price of the bow, this is not surprising.
The Barnett Jackal has energy wheels conveniently placed on the sides of the limbs to make it easier to draw. The stock is designed under the influence of a military model weapon and gives the bow a stylish feel. The stock also offers foregrip flexibility that is best designed for a comfortable and firm hold.
The riser is built of machined aluminum – one of the finest materials available – to maintain good efficiency and durability while keeping the weight to a minimum. The shoulder rest is not the worst in the market, but it lacks a little width that will otherwise render it really comfortable.
The three bolts on the box are relatively good performing and weigh a minimum of 400 lb. Their field points are not attached to: that is, they may be removed if you choose to use a new broadhead. You wouldn’t break the impact easily, so you just need to buy some so that you don’t run out of choices when you’re right in the middle of hunting.
With a total weight of only 7.7 lbs, the Jackal can be used by nearly all, including younger hunters, in training. There is no front-heaviness for this crossbow because the weight is uniformly spread, making it comfortable to use. The only downside to its other excellent features is that it does not come with a rope-cocking assist. It ensures that you’re going to have to keep drawing the 150 lbs of draw weight any time you make a point to get one, so we strongly suggest it.
Noise Suppression
Like every other crossbow compound, the Barnett Jackal is very noisy when the arrows are shot. This does not have any noise suppression devices in the package and hence it is strongly recommended that you buy a vibration system to enable you to do some actual hunting. Else, you could only wind up scaring off any goal you put your sights on and go home empty-handed.
Quality of Optics
The scope used is post-viewed, giving an accuracy of up to 20 yards, but enabling the distance to be doubled when modified. Sighting is not a problem, so after only five shots or so it’s supposed to be dead zero so ready to go. Since the first observation, the scope holds zero for a very long period and does not need any adjustment.
Since the scope is referred to as a red mark, it has both green and red lights, each of which has five brightness levels. These can be conveniently changed to match the lighting and environmental conditions. Keep in mind, though, that this might kill the battery pretty quickly, so it’s still a god’s idea to have the backup batteries right at hand.
Unless you simply must have a reticle scope, this one comes with most of the relevant features needed and should last you for quite a reasonable duration.
Safety
The positioning of the foregrip helps to secure the hold on the bow, minimizing the risk of accidental firing. It also helps to keep your fingers out of harm’s way by making sure they ‘re not in the direction of a string when you draw on it to release an arrow.
The trigger device gives around 3.5 lbs of resistance, being firm enough to ensure that you can not pull it by mistake, while still providing a reasonably smooth experience to deliver you efficient results every time.
More importantly, it includes a dry-fire deterrent, a device that is common with most models and tattoo that will guarantee the safety and that of the arm for as long as it is in operation.
Durability
Most of the features on this crossbow suggest that it was built to last. Any of the parts should last you way past the 5-year guarantee period as long as you take good care of it. Often note to clean and condition the string for optimum performance and to ensure sure it lasts a long time. Without this diligent attention, the strings will quickly begin to separate and will not give you their maximum support of approximately 800 arrows.
PROS
- Lightweight and compact
- Decent fps & penetration (most game)
- Energy wheels enhance performance
CONS
- No rope cocking device included
- Really loud
Final Thought:
It is evident from the above specifications that the Barnett Jackal delivers so much more than one might expect from its low price point. It’s a sleek build and lightweight design that makes it simple to bring around and provides enough power to take down every kind of game. Apart from being a little loud and not including a rope cocking device, all of which are things that can be easily addressed, this weapon is truly amazing and certainly deserves all the glittering tributes it has received.