BAT

Let me first say that I have close to zero previous archery experience, so I have nothing to compare this product against. Having said that, I believe this is a serious weapon (definitely not a toy). I have set up an "archery range" in my basement and am able to shoot about 30 feet from my target. Practice bolts that came with the crossbow sink 4-6 inches into the target. I am very sure that this crossbow would do major damage to any living target. My primary reason for buying this product was for home protection. I am convinced it would stop anyone on the receiving end. Of course, if you were to use this against another person, you had better make the first shot count, as even with practice, it will take 5-10 seconds to cock the crossbow and load the next bolt. The quality of this crossbow seems excellent. It is easy to cock (and de-cock if needed). Cocking is very easy, you simply pull back on the cocking handle until it locks in place. When you cock it, a "safety" button pops out at the near end. You can't fire a bolt until you press the safety button back in. This is a great safety feature to prevent a dry fire or accidental shot. Once it is cocked, your choices are to either fire a bolt or to "de-cock" it, which is also very easy to do. The instructions warn you in no uncertain terms to never "dry fire" (fire without a bolt), as this can do serious damage to the string or the crossbow itself and will void the warranty. Once I got the sight aligned, I found I can hit within an inch of the bullseye with about 90% of my shots from 10 yards (in my basement with no wind). I can hit within two inches 100% of the time. So the repeatability of shots seems to be very good. Having no previous archery experience, I didn't take into account the extra costs associated with this crossbow. I needed to also buy the sight, an extra string/cable, a "press" (to replace the string/cables), a target, and some hunting bolts (it comes with three practice bolts). So, it was very easy for the total cost to come up to $500 or more once I take into account those additional, but very necessary, accessories. Aside from its main purpose that I bought it for (home protection), it is a lot of fun to shoot. The power is incredible. I'm sure larger crossbows have more power, but this seems to have all the power I need for my purposes. As I mentioned above this is NOT a toy, so I would not allow a child to use it without close supervision. But it is a lot of fun to shoot.

I did not expect this to be such a powerful weapon. It was exactly what I was looking for, even better!! I live in New York, I just moved into a new area, low security and wanted something on hand that I can use to defend myself with. I did not want to go out and get a gun license since there are so many laws around it, especially if I even had to use it in a moment of need. Using a gun in New York, regardless of self-defense in your home is a very sticky legal subject, and I would not want to be penalized for defending myself This was very easy to put together. I fired a few practice rounds in a secluded piece of land, that I own with capture targets, and the arrows were unrecoverable. That’s how serious and strong this weapon is. It’s not your basic bow and arrow set up. It’s a real weapon, I’m kind of surprised they sell this on Amazon but I am grateful. Having this gives me such a sense of security and defense. Any single woman, living alone should definitely buy this item and get comfortable firing it. It goes beyond pepper spray and a taser gun.

I did order and receive the Ballista Bat and have shot it dozens of times before and after adding a combination holo & laser site. I wanted to let you know it meets or exceeds my expectations. I would say it is the finest crossbow pistol in all the land. The smooth trigger pull helps ensure incredible accuracy and the clever cocking system makes it a pleasure to shoot over and over again. Those features combined with the incredible power and silence make it my choice for one of the best survival and defense weapons on the market. I just ordered more arrows and extra string and restringing tool from Amazon. This is my third crossbow pistol and it is an absolute marvel of technology and craftsmanship combined. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I love this crossbow. Easy to use and so funn to shoot. I have to remind myself that it is NOT a toy. But I have one major reservation. I have shot this weapon about a hundred times and have already seen significant fraying on the cables. Other crossbow manufacturers state that strings and cables should be changed every two years. I am wondering now whether it is safe shoot this again. A snapped cable could easily damage the pulleys and risers.