It may be subjective, but with the points below, it seems that the Centerpoint Sniper 370 has more beneficial factors to consider. The firepower alone is a great reason to get this crossbow. It does seem that this is a crossbow you can rely on when dealing with all sorts of threats in the wilderness.
However, the Barnett Jackal is still a good choice. Although offering basic stats, this crossbow still gets the job done during hunts. Do take note that cocking the Barnett Jackal may be problematic, especially for hunters starting out in hunting.
The choice does depend on you. Remember, you'd want to get archery gear that will suit your preferences and needs.
- Trigger creep
- Hard to assemble
- Hard to cock
- Noisy
- Retainer spring durability is an issue
- Shoulder rest not wide enough
- Made of CNC Aluminum
- High velocity and kintetic energy
- Compact and adjustable
- Great safety
- Great design and construction
- Compact and lightweight
- Has automated safety release
- Trigger creep
- Hard to assemble
- Made of CNC Aluminum
- High velocity and kintetic energy
- Compact and adjustable
- Great safety
- Hard to cock
- Noisy
- Retainer spring durability is an issue
- Shoulder rest not wide enough
- Great design and construction
- Compact and lightweight
- Has automated safety release
Barnett Jackal Technical Specifications and Features
- Power Stroke: 13"
- Draw Weight: 150 lbs.
- System Configuration: Compound (X-Bow)
- Limbs: Quad style
- Velocity: up to 320 fps
- Trigger Mechanism: anti-dry fire, has an automatic safety switch
- String Length: 38.875"
- Crossbow Length: 32.5"
- Crossbow Weight: 8.5 lbs.
- Recommended Arrows: 400 grains
Reviewing the Barnett Jackal
Let's point out certain features on what makes the Barnett Jackal a recommended (or not!) crossbow choice:
Ease of Assembly
Assembling a compound bow can be complicated. Luckily enough, the Barnett Jackal does come with detailed instructions to guide you during the assembly process. Also, a set of hex keys and nuts and bolts are included in a Barnett Jackal pack - these tools are what's needed to set the crossbow up!
Safety Features
The Barnett Jackal is engineered with safety as a main priority. The crossbow comes with an anti-dry fire system that helps prevent misfires from happening. Engaged automatically, the safety needs to be released before shooting. Additionally, the trigger system comes with an appropriate resistance of 3.5 lbs. This amount of tension is enough to allow both smoother shots and misfire prevention.
The foregrip is also designed to focus on securing a shooter's hold to the crossbow. This is done to reduce incidents of accidental firing. The foregrip design also allows one's fingers to be kept far from arrow flight - a small but significant safety input that matters.
Barnett Jackal Firepower Check
The mentioned 3.5 lbs trigger resistance allows the perfect sensation for the power packed in this crossbow. Even at 60 yards, a pinpoint accurate shot from the Barnett Jackal has enough force to take down big game such as a moose or an elk.
Barnett Jackal Crossbow Ballistic Data
Let's get into detail on why the Barnett Jackal is a powerhouse crossbow. In terms of kinetic energy produced on each shot, the Barnett Jackal is capable of generating approximately 95 ft-lbs. Coupled with the type of arrow and the distance from the target, this crossbow does pack a punch on each shot.
Lets see how distance plays a factor for the force and kinetic energy for each shot made:
Yards |
Velocity |
Kinetic Energy |
---|---|---|
0 |
315 fps |
|
10 |
311 fps |
86 ft-lbs. |
20 |
308 fps |
84 ft-lbs. |
30 |
304 fps |
82 ft-lbs. |
40 |
300 fps |
80 ft-lbs. |
50 |
297 fps |
78 ft-lbs. |
Considering other factors such as weather and arrow type (such as a 400 grain crossbow bolt), the Barnett Jackal still produces enough power to take down all types of game in virtually any hunting condition. The drop of kinetic energy at longer ranges isn't that drastic - this crossbow has enough stopping power perfect for the wild.
Construction and Durability
The Barnett Jackal is built tough. Aside from safety, stability is one of the main considerations of this crossbow's construction. Given that compound crossbows are known for their durability (especially quad limb types), the Barnett Jackal factors in strength with the material used in its construction. Additionally, the crossbow is lightweight, making it a good choice even among novice or beginner shooters.
The Barnett Jackal's limbs also have energy wheels installed. As part of the crossbow's design, these wheels help in smoother and easier draws. Machined aluminum is used for the riser - a reliable material considering its lightweight yet strong elements.
The design is based on the military or tactical look - definitely an appealing look especially outdoors. The stock seems to be directly inspired by rifles used in the army! Additionally, the grooves in the crossbow's grip are built with comfort in mind.
But if there's a thing that can be improved upon on the Barnett Jackal's construction, then it would be the shoulder rest. It may be as part of the compact design of the crossbow, but the width of this part does seem lacking (which can be a bit awkward to adjust to when shooting!).
Another part that can be improved is the arrow retainer spring. Although it’s a minor detail, the material used in the retainer isn’t of the strongest quality. You may need to get a replacement, especially if you plan to hunt with the Barnett Jackal a lot!
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
Accuracy is excellent in this crossbow. Made with picatinny rail guides, arrows are mounted on the crossbow with ease - and are more than likely to get where they are supposed to be. Aside from the mentioned velocity, the shooting motion of this crossbow is smooth and fast - the quad limbs showcase its strength by allowing this quick and smooth motion.
Barnett Jackal Hunting Cocking and Aiming Information
Although the Barnett Jackal follows the generic process of cocking, it does lack one crucial tool to make the entire flow happen: a rope cocking device. No rope cockers come packed with this crossbow!
The quad limb design and overall construction of the Barnett Jackal makes aiming an easy action. The rail guides also help in improving arrow flight.
Practical Hunting Usage
The Barnett Jackal is an excellent choice for both beginner and pro shooters. The crossbow's power and construction are both outstanding. Able to produce a high power output, with the advantage of being stable, helps this crossbow to be a great consideration when hunting all sorts of game.
However, a major issue that needs to be recognized is the noise that the Barnett Jackal produces. This crossbow is quite loud during shooting. Although it can be expected that a hunter needs to be in close quarters to use this crossbow, it does defeat the purpose of hiding when noise can let prey know where you are! It doesn't also help that dampening systems aren't included with this crossbow.
Barnett Jackal Accessory Check
Here are the accessories that come packed with the Barnett Jackal:
- Manual
- Barnett Lubewax
- Lock Washer
- Nose Bolt
- Hex Key
- Three Easton Carbon Bolts (20" with screw-in field points)
- Warranty Card
- Quiver
- Red Dot Sight
FAQ about the Barnett Jackal
Here are some common questions asked about the Barnett Jackal:
How long is the warranty for this crossbow?
Coverage is for five years, for limbs, trigger mechanism, and stock. Part and labor is included in the liability. Take note that dry firing this crossbow will void the warranty!
What is the preferred shooting range for this crossbow?
Although it is possible shooting a target 60 yards away, the suggested range is anywhere from 10 to 40 yards.
Is this made in the USA?
Yes. Barnett crossbows are manufactured and assembled in the USA. Support local firms!
Centerpoint Sniper 370 Technical Specifications and Features
- Power Stroke: 13.5"
- Draw Weight: 185 lbs.
- System Configuration: Split Limb
- Velocity: up to 370 fps
- Trigger Mechanism: dry fire inhibitor
- String Length: 37.2"
- Crossbow Length: 36"
- Crossbow Weight: 7.7 lbs.
- Recommended Arrows: 370 grains
Reviewing the Centerpoint Sniper 370
We will now be featuring the other technical aspects that makes the Centerpoint Sniper 370 a good hunting crossbow consideration. Doing so will also help us compare on which crossbow will best fit your needs.
Ease of Assembly
Assembly is a breeze for this crossbow - only if you are an experienced hunter dealing with compound crossbows. Beginners may find themselves confused setting this crossbow up. Even with a manual and assembly guide packed with the crossbow, the instructions seem to be rather vague. This proves to be detrimental for an otherwise great hunting crossbow.
In a nutshell, though, assembling the Centerpoint Sniper 370 follows these basic steps:
- Installing the limbs towards the stock – this may be where the problem lies. Even if the instructions have some pictures as reference, attaching moving parts using nuts and bolts may prove to be a struggle for novice shooters (consider consulting with a pro shop if you're having trouble – you'd want to prevent incidents of you damaging the bow).
- Inserting the stirrup – perhaps the most simplest step in the process, the troublesome part would be aligning the screwing the stirrup into the stock.
- Quiver Assembly and Installation – a single picture shows two steps (assembly and attaching the quiver to the stock). Another problematic instruction.
- Scope Attachment – simple and basic process of installing a scope.
- Stock Length Adjustment – simple and basic step.
- Foregrip Adjustment – simple and basic step.
Safety Features
This is where the Centerpoint Sniper 370 shines. The manufacturer places a lot of effort in making this crossbow safe. By default, a safety switch is engaged as ON, preventing pesky dry firing situations. Also its construction is done to promote shooting safety. Both the foregrip and butt stock is adjustable, giving you the assurance that your fingers are far from harm's way whenever you will shoot.
What's also impressive with the safety release is that it is ambidextrous. The crossbow definitely adjusts to your shooting stance, by allowing you to release the safety switch using any hand. This feature may be a minor detail, but it's actually a very rare safety mechanism not found on compound bows.
Centerpoint Sniper 370 Firepower Check
Another great reason to get the Centerpoint Sniper 370 is the power it has on each shot. The massive 370 fps this crossbow has packs enough punch to take down even the biggest and most dangerous games. And even if 370 bolt grains are the recommended arrows for this crossbow, the Centerpoint Sniper 370 can actually handle up to 423 grains.
What does this mean? The Centerpoint Sniper 370 has enough force (even more than the recommended kinetic energy) to deal even with bears!
Centerpoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Ballistic Data
Let's get a better view on how powerful the Centerpoint Sniper 370 is when distance and kinetic energy are factored in:
Yards |
Velocity |
Kinetic Energy |
---|---|---|
0 |
370 fps |
|
10 |
366 fps |
126 ft-lbs. |
20 |
362 fps |
123 ft-lbs. |
30 |
358 fps |
120 ft-lbs. |
40 |
354 fps |
117 ft-lbs. |
50 |
350 fps |
115 ft-lbs. |
Of course, weather conditions and arrow type need to be considered. But as seen on the table above, the Centerpoint Sniper 370 still releases an impressive amount of kinetic energy even at 50 yards. The power of this crossbow may overwhelm beginners - but it's a great factor for experienced shooters, especially those after the most dangerous games in hunts.
Construction and Durability
The Centerpoint Sniper 370 excels in both aesthetics and functionality. Incorporating an AR-style stock, the crossbow has a tactical design that looks great. The crossbow is also built with CNC-machined aluminum, making it a sturdy construction able to withstand all sorts of elements encountered during hunts.
This crossbow is also lightweight, which even novice hunters may find easy to manage. Although weight distribution may not be even, given that the crossbow tends to be heavier at the front. Another nice design feature that the Centerpoint Sniper 370 has is that it has integrated suppressors on the string. Additionally, the compressed fiberglass material used on the limbs and the composite stock construction makes this a solid and reliable crossbow to have out in the wild.
An issue that needs to be pointed out is the adjustable stock. Sure enough, the compact nature of the crossbow and the option to adjust to your preferences are nice points to have in any archery gear. However, adjusting the stock does seem to generate some unwanted noise. Make sure you do the adjustment before the hunting session, otherwise this noise could chase your prey away!
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
Aside from being powerful, the Centerpoint Sniper 370 is constructed to be accurate. Even at 50 yards, groupings are excellent and consistency is standard during shots. The cam system of this crossbow prioritizes and maintains accuracy.
Additionally, the rail (which is also made out of CNC-machined aluminum) is essential in getting those pinpoint shots done. This feature, similar to the mentioned ambidextrous safety release, isn't a common factor found among the Centerpoint Sniper 370's line of competitors.
However, the Centerpoint Sniper 370 does seem to suffer from trigger creep. It may be a minor issue, but pro archers may notice this subtle distance - and it may reduce accuracy, especially if a shooter has a certain feel on how a trigger should react.
Centerpoint Sniper 370 Hunting Cocking and Aiming Information
Considering that this crossbow has a draw weight of 185 lbs., cocking the Centerpoint Sniper 370 may just be a struggle for most shooters. It is a good thing that the manufacturer included a helpful rope cocker in the pack. Using this rope cocking device can reduce almost half of the weight, making the cocking process an easy and manageable experience.
Also, please take note that when cocking the crossbow, the safety release should be engaged as ON. This is because this mechanism is set automatically - cocking the crossbow properly should engage the safety from OFF to ON. Also, applying lube wax will make sure you're keeping your crossbow in tip-top shape during the cocking process.
Aiming the Centerpoint Sniper 370 is easy. Given that the compact design is adjustable, you can be sure to get a setting that will best suit your style. Considering as well the focus on accuracy, the crossbow's aim stays true in getting where an arrow should be.
Practical Hunting Usage
Overall, the Centerpoint Sniper 370 is an excellent crossbow to have during the hunts. Given its high firepower, compact design, and focus on safety, both novice and pro hunters stand to gain much from this gear. However, the noise it can generate when adjusting the stock needs to be addressed - the subtle change in a setup may make you lose the advantage you have when hunting.
Also, there are several really subtle factors that may be bothersome for veteran shooters. The trigger creep may need some major adjustments from the shooter’s side to get used to the sensation. Also, the front heavy weight distribution of the crossbow may feel off for some.
Still, if it’s a wallop you’d need for your hunts, the Centerpoint Sniper 370 may just be the crossbow for you.
Centerpoint Sniper 370 Accessory Check
These are the accessories that come with the Centerpoint Sniper 370: Although the pack does come with the essentials, consider replacing some of the accessories (such as the scope). There are far better gear available in the market that are better suited for the Centerpoint Sniper 370. Having some alternative addons should maximize this crossbow’s usage.
- Manual
- Warranty Card
- Cocking Rope
- Quiver
- 4x32 Scope
- Shoulder Sling
- Three Carbon Arrows (20")
- Two Hex Wrenches
- Rail Lube
- String Wax
FAQ about the Centerpoint Sniper 370 Crossbow
Here are some of the most common question asked for this crossbow:
What is the coverage for this crossbow’s warranty?
The Centerpoint Sniper 370 comes with a five-year warranty. Coverage is limited to the original owner only. Modifications done on the crossbow and dry firing will void the warranty.
Barnett Jackal vs Centerpoint Sniper 370
Which is the better crossbow? Let’s compare pros and cons of the Barnett Jackal and Centerpoint Sniper - doing so will give you a good idea on which should best serve you well out in the wild.
Pros and Cons of the Barnett Jackal
What Makes the Barnett Jackal a Great Crossbow
- Excellent and durable Construction
- Great crossbow design
- Compact and lightweight – able to squeeze in tight spots
- Comes with energy wheels for improved draws
- Automated safety release promotes and maintains good shooting habit
Issues Encountered with the Barnett Jackal
- Cocking is an issue – this crossbow isn't packed with a rope cocking device
- Crossbow generates loud noise during shooting
- Arrow retainer spring isn't durable
- Shoulder rest design seems to be lacking in width
Pros and Cons of the Centerpoint Sniper 370
Here's the summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Centerpoint Sniper 370 crossbow.
What Makes the Centerpoint Sniper 370 a Great Crossbow
- CNC-machined aluminum construction assures of durability to withstand all sorts of elements in the wild
- Impressive velocity
- High kinetic energy output
- Compact and variable – can be adjusted to suit a shooter's preference
- Impressive focus on safety mechanisms
- Ambidextrous safety release is a well-thought out feature
- Rail is tough and built to promote excellent marksmanship
Issues Encountered with the Centerpoint Sniper 370
- Trigger creep may reduce accuracy
- Assembly may be a struggle due to vague instructions
- Design tends to be heavier at the front
- The crossbow is not compatible with hand-crank devices
- Variability tends to also be a disadvantage – adjusting the crossbow tends to generate a loud noise
Read More
Need to know more about these crossbows? Check the links below!
- Crossbow Nation has an excellent video on the Centerpoint Sniper 370.
- This Reddit thread discusses several observations on what makes the Centerpoint Sniper 370 a crossbow worth having.
- This Behind the Barrel video details the Barnett Jackal’s features.
- This Crossbow Nation forum shares several opinions on the Centerpoint Sniper 370.