Getting the right crossbow can be tricky. Sometimes, hunters opt to get choices that are packed with enhancements or complex shooting systems. But when it comes to actual hunts, the basics will always matter. This is why the Bear X Trek 380, a compact crossbow with a simple mechanism and construction, may just be the perfect choice. Let's see how this crossbow fares when it comes to its features and performance below.
- Manual may not be helpful
- Sighting may be an issue
- Cocking may be a struggle for some hunters
- There may be a problem with the arrow retention spring
- Multiple grab positions
- Durable and simple construction
- Consistent arrow groupings
- Powerful and accurate
- Manual may not be helpful
- Sighting may be an issue
- Cocking may be a struggle for some hunters
- There may be a problem with the arrow retention spring
- Multiple grab positions
- Durable and simple construction
- Consistent arrow groupings
- Powerful and accurate
Bear X Trek 380 Crossbow Basic Technical Specifications and Features
- Hand Orientation: ambidextrous
- Draw Weight: 175 lbs.
- Power Stroke: 13 1/4"
Bear X Trek 380 Crossbow Details
Using a crossbow shouldn’t be difficult. This is what most hunters hope to experience, given the other aspects needed to be considered during every trek. The Bear X Trek 380 hopes to provide a simple yet highly efficient option for hunters who’d want to focus more on the chase and results of a hunt. Let’s learn more of what this crossbow has to offer for shooters below:
Ease of Assembly
Don't be confused on how this crossbow is packaged or advertised. Although stated as "ready to shoot", the Trek 380 isn't exactly fully assembled. It's a minor issue, but actual assembly is fairly easy anyway for this crossbow. You'd need to make some quick adjustments on the arrow retention spring. Once that's done, some scope sighting needs to be done as well. In essence, the simple assembly process is really easy to suit a hunter's own shooting style!
Checking the Crossbow Technology
These are some of the shooting and hunting tech found in this crossbow:
Multiple Grab Locations
The Trek 380 is specifically designed to offer a simple yet highly-efficient way to hunt. The stock portion of this crossbow has multiple grab positions, offering shooters the chance to grab and position the crossbow as they see fit. This also means that the Bear X Trek 380 fits well on archers of all skill levels and age!
Efficient Trigger Tech
This crossbow incorporates a simple yet solid trigger tech setup. Basic when compared to other models, the Trek 380 still delivers when focusing on the essentials. Safety (more on this below) and shooting motion are both prioritized in this basic trigger orientation.
Focusing on Safety
The Bear Trek 380 comes with standard crossbow safety features, which should prove to be more than enough when out in the wild. The combination of the mount rail (which follows the picatinny setup), anti-dry fire inhibitor, and the string suppressor enhancement all work in tandem to keep the shooter (and crossbow itself) safe from harm. Additionally, the trigger setup of the Trek 380 comes with an auto safety feature, making sure hunters are safe and sound.
Bear X Trek 380 Crossbow Firepower Check
This crossbow offers solid firepower performance. Incorporating a power stroke of 13 1/4", this should result in more than enough force to tear through even the toughest layers of hide. Additionally, the combination of a draw weight of 175 lbs. and 380 FPS velocity will assure shooters that each arrow fired would deal significant damage. In essence, the firepower factor works great in tandem with the overall build of the crossbow, offering excellent performance that will suit well with any shooting style or level.
Construction and Durability
As mentioned, the simple and basic nature of the Trek 380 offers a versatile and convenient way of handling it. This can also be seen on how it is actually constructed. With an emphasis on the hunter, this crossbow's lightweight (the crossbow weighs only 7.5 lbs.!) yet durable build makes it really easy to use. The multiple grab positions found on the stock are ergonomical by default, with the composite material used in this component. The overall length is around 37", with an axle-to-axle width of 18". The black finish also offers a nice tactical aesthetic to it, which should blend well with any hunting getup. This makes the Trek 380 a compact yet highly durable choice.
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
The Bear X Trek 380 crossbow's speed as stated earlier is excellent with the 380 fps rating. Depending on the setup, average test chronograph speeds can go with the range of 376 to 382 fps. This shows consistency in shot speeds when fired. Additionally, arrow groupings are tight when set around a 40 to 50 yard testing range. For optics, the Trek 380 comes with a basic 4x32 multi crosshair reticle scope with an illumination feature. Although it works as expected, actual sighting and adjustment on desired yardage may take some time and fine-tuning. In essence though, the speed and marksmanship values of this crossbow are quite outstanding, creating a balance with the potential damage output.
Practical Hunting Usage
The Trek 380 shines bright during hunts, mainly because of its maneuverability and versatility features. The compact design makes this crossbow easy to transport and shoot, a nice benefit to have in mind when hunting in harsh conditions or in tight spots. The speed and power combination are also fairly excellent, giving hunters assurance that prey will fall with ease. Of course, the marksmanship aid offered by the Trek 380 should prove to be beneficial when going against even big or pesky targets. Best of all, the basic nature of this crossbow and the safety aids offered by it should serve well for hunters of all skill levels. In fact, this crossbow could both be a good entry level choice or a trusted option among veteran hunters.
Bear X Trek 380 Accessory Check
Here are the accessories that come packed with this crossbow:
- Carbon crossbow bolts (3 pieces, comes with field points)
- Multi crosshair illuminated scope (4x32)
- Manual
- Allen wrenches
- Quiver (can hold up to 5 arrows)
- Rail lube (works as a string wax as well)
- Rope cocker
Miscellaneous Information on the Bear X Trek 380
Here are some nice details to know about to make the most out of this crossbow:
Does this crossbow require bolts with a unique nock?
Although other Bear X models require a specific nock, this choice doesn't need to meet that requirement. Standard moon nock types would suit this crossbow.
What are the specs of the arrows that come with this crossbow?
The Bear X Trek 380 comes packed with 20" carbon bolts (3 pieces).
What is the suggested arrow length for this crossbow?
20" is the recommended length to be used for this crossbow's bolts.
Does the Bear X Trek 380 come with warranty?
Yes. The Trek 380 is covered with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Coverage is applied to the crossbow's cam system, riser setup, and the limbs configuration.
Why the Bear X Trek 380 is Recommended
There are some of the important reasons why you ought to get this crossbow:
Versatility is the Name of the Game
The Trek 380 makes a point to offer excellent solutions for all sorts of shooters. Its nice and functional design caters to both novice and veteran shooters. The construction and actual design also works best on all sorts of hunting scenarios, a nice touch when facing up on unexpected situations. It may be a simple enhancement, but the multiple grab locations this crossbow has does make it a really good option when considering shooting in tough spots or expecting long treks in the wild.
Speed and Power are Excellent
Perhaps one of the most important aspects in choosing a crossbow, the Trek 380 does excel when it comes to shooting power and speed. The velocity and force generation are outstanding, able to match up even against expensive or complex crossbow setups. Coupled with the accuracy and trigger system setup found in this crossbow, hunters are bound to take down hard targets with relative ease.
Consistent Performance
Aside from offering the essentials in an outstanding manner, the Trek 380 offers consistent performance as well. This works well for hunters in need for something that will offer expected results no matter the situation.
Simple Does it Best
It has to be emphasized, but the simple and essential nature that this crossbow has brings so much benefits to the plate. There is no need to work with complicated and many moving parts with this crossbow. This helps hunters focus on an important aspect - shooting!
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the Bear X Trek 380
Have these potential problems in mind before choosing this crossbow:
You May Need to Get a Good Carrying Case
As much as hunting maneuverability is a benefit, the Trek 380 unfortunately lacks an official carrying case. It may be a minor issue, but having an actual case will help not only in transporting the crossbow to hunting grounds, but in actual storage as well. Consider getting a quality case for the Bear X Trek 380 to keep it in tip-top shape.
Cocking It May Be a Problem
Although the crossbow does come with a rope cocker, loading arrows properly with it may be a cause of concern among hunters with a smaller build or lacking arm strength. For convenience and safety, consider getting a crank for an easier way to cock this crossbow.
Manual Seems to Leave a Lot of Important Details Out
Although fairly easy to assemble and to operate (there's a misleading statement that this crossbow is ready to shoot, though), the manual that comes with this crossbow seems to lack the proper information on the little details. And most of the time, the smallest details matter a lot! Consider getting help from a pro shop or online guides if you need more help to maintain or use this crossbow instead.
Might be Hard to Sight
As mentioned earlier, adjusting and sighting the scope may be hard with this choice. Although the scope does deliver the basic requirements when it comes to shooting, a better optic may be something to consider when getting this crossbow. Aside from the accurate reading, the convenience of a faster and better way to adjust the scope should be considered when choosing another option for the Trek 380.
Potential Jamming Problem
There have been some reported incidents that an arrow can't be loaded properly in this crossbow. This may be because the retention spring needs to be adjusted. Please seek help from a pro shop in case the same issue occurs with your Trek 380 crossbow.
Read More
Need to know more on the Bear X Trek 380? Check out these nice resources:
- This Crossbow Nation forum thread points out why the Trek 380's manual is lacking essential information.
- If you need it though, here's the online version of this crossbow's manual.
- Bear Archery released a video on how to properly cock its crossbow releases! Check it out here.