Tenpoint Vapor RS470 Review - you need to know this one small issue!

Ease of Assembly

As one of the most recent crossbows from Tenpoint, the Vapor RS470 is indeed packed with the best features and accessories. And given its specs, assembling and tuning this crossbow is relatively easy in nature.

However, that may not be the case for novice shooters. Although the Tenpoint Vapor RS470 does come with instructions (and even assembly hardware), it can be a struggle for beginners to set the entire crossbow up. Worse, potential damage may occur if a hunter doesn't really know what he or she is doing. Visiting a pro shop may be the safest bet for assembling this crossbow. Although, we'd hope that this crossbow comes pre-assembled like other crossbows in the market.

It's a subjective observation, but the risk of damaging the crossbow (even before use) is fairly high among new shooters.

Safety Features

The Tenpoint Vapor RS470 integrates some of the latest and most innovative safety features in the archery scene. The highlight in providing safety can be found in its ACUslide tech, which is primarily known for its fast and efficient cranking action. But more than that, this crossbow's ACUslide tech now has an auto brake gear system. This further improves on the cranking motion, by making it a more silent and safer process.

The internal brake feature found in the ACUslide prevents the risk of dry firing. So much so that by even removing your hand during the cranking motion, the ACUslide will stay put - it wouldn't spin out of control! This also keeps shooters away from harm.

Also, the Vapor RS470 features a new trigger system - the S1 trigger. We will discuss more about its boost on accuracy below - but for its safety features, the S1 Trigger includes an innovative trigger lock latch. This nifty feature assures you that the crossbow's trigger box is locked in place each time that string is cocked. This not only improves accuracy - it makes the entire crossbow safer to shoot too! Additionally, a new nylon strap can be found on the trigger box, which has a really impressive load capacity of up to 1,600 lbs. Talk about this being a really safe crossbow!

Of course, the Tenpoint Vapor RS470 also comes with an auto-engaging safety release, dry-fire inhibitor, and safety wings - all standard as seen on its previous crossbow models. This crossbow is packed with safety features indeed!

Tenpoint Vapor RS470 Firepower Check

It's in the name itself - able to dish out a fast and powerful 470 fps (with a 370 grains arrow), the Tenpoint Vapor RS470 is a beast in the wild. The force generated by the crossbow is satisfying and strong - best of all, the Vapor RS470 is built to withstand (more about the construction below). With this amount of power, expect that this will be your crossbow of choice when going up against the largest and most dangerous prey when hunting.

Tenpoint Vapor RS470 Ballistic Data

Since it's a fairly new release, ballistic data on the Tenpoint Vapor RS470 is limited. Still, let us make the most out of what's available (don't worry - the numbers do reveal wonderful expectations for this crossbow).

Let us break down just how much kinetic energy is generated by the Vapor RS470 using different types of arrows:

As shown on the table above, the lower the grains of the arrow, the faster the arrow goes. Additionally, the extra weight of the arrows also produces an equally impressive amount of kinetic energy produced.

With the figures mentioned above, it can be stated that this crossbow does pack a punch - even without the massive generation of kinetic energy. This also shows that with the right kind of arrow, you can confidently take down in a clean and ethical manner even the biggest game found in the wild. Do take note though that distance and weather conditions still need to be factored in when making a shot (however with the really impressive kinetic energy output, it can be seen as overkill!).

Construction and Durability

Previous Tenpoint crossbow owners should notice something when they first get their hands on the Vapor RS470 - the new crossbow is noticeably lighter! The new stock (TEC-X) that the Tenpoint Vapor RS470 incorporates reduces the overall weight by at least half a pound. This does offer an advantage when lugging the crossbow around during the hunt. It also opens up new opportunities for beginners to try out this impressive piece of archery gear.

In terms of construction, the Vapor RS470 does have some impressive bits of tech mixed into the whole package. The crossbow makes use of a state-of-the-art Vector Quad Cable system and RX-7 cams.

The Tenpoint Vapor RS470 uses a compact reverse draw design and construction, offering a compact and smooth shooting experience. Durability is excellent, as expected from Tenpoint releases. Expect this crossbow to last a long time outdoors, with its capability to endure even the harshest weather conditions.

Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks

The Vapor RS470 greatly enhances the string life.

This is where the new S1 Trigger shines. This new tech is a 2-stage construction device that needs just  3.5 lbs. to trigger, and has zero creep. The S1 Trigger also incorporates a roller sear system that also offers zero-creep when shooting. We've mentioned the Trigger Lock Latch system that the S1 Trigger has. This system also helps improve accuracy, by improving down range marksmanship by as much as 48%.

The Tenpoint Vapor RS470 also makes use of a micro-trac barrel. This nice enhancement reduces the string to rail tension on the crossbow by as much as 50%. This, of course, results in better marksmanship and longer string life!

The Tenpoint Vapor RS470 also comes packed with a unique Marksman Evo-X scope. This nice accessory is installed with coated topics to give you a clearer view on your target.

Tenpoint Vapor RS470 Crossbow Cocking and Aiming Information

Perhaps one of the best improvements seen on the Tenpoint Vapor RS470 is the ACUslide cranking system. Now, ACUslide has always been known to be an efficient enhancement on Tenpoint crossbows. But Tenpoint went beyond what's expected by improving the already-great cranking mechanism to a more spectacular experience.

The ACUslide cranking mechanism is not only safe and quiet - it is really easy to operate as well. A new crank handle has also been integrated into the crossbow's construction, a subtle yet well-appreciated enhancement to improve the cranking experience.

Aiming is excellent with the Vapor RS470. The foregrip on the stock allows you to comfortably aim this crossbow the way you want to.

Practical Hunting Usage

The Vapor RS470 is compact with great power, thus extremely good for hunting.

Although new, the Tenpoint Vapor RS470 has the stats to back it up during hunts. The new S1 Trigger showcases the excellent focus of the manufacturer on improving marksmanship. The improved ACUslide system offers an even better cocking experience. The new TEC-X stock offers a more compact and variable take on hunting. Overall, this is a crossbow you can definitely rely on when out in the wild.

EVO-X Marksman Scope

As mentioned earlier, this accessory comes with coated optics. This scope is mounted on a 7/8 machined aluminum dovetail mount (fixed).

Hard Case

Store your Vapor RS470 in the official TenPoint STAG hard crossbow case.

Quiver

The Vapor RS470's quiver holds up to 6 arrows.

Sling

You also get a TenPoint Neoprene Sling.

Broadheads

You get to have 3 EVO-X CenterPunch broadheads.

Arrows

You get a total of 12 arrows in this pack: 6 Evo-X CenterPunch premium carbon arrows; 6 lighted variants of the Evo-X arrows.

Where is this crossbow made?

All Tenpoint crossbows are made in the USA (Mogadore, Ohio). Please support your local archery manufacturers!

You've mentioned better string life above. How different is this from other crossbows?

At an average, it would take approximately 200 shots before you'd need to inspect and replace your strings and cables. Tenpoint improved its system in such a way that you can go up to 1,300 shots before replacing any parts.

Does this crossbow come with warranty?

Yes. The Tenpoint Vapor RS470 comes with a limited lifetime warranty.