First Look: TenPoint Nitro 505

by
posted on December 17, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Tenpoint Nitro 505 Lead

New for 2022, TenPoint has announced the introduction of its new Nitro 505 reverse-draw crossbow, which the company says is the fastest crossbow on the market today—delivering speeds of 505 fps with a 400-grain arrow—and features the revolutionary ACUslide silent cocking and safe decocking system. It measures an ultra-compact 6½ inches wide and 30.7 inches long, and delivers and impressive 227 ft.-lbs. of kinetic energy.

TenPoint Nitro 505 Crossbow

TenPoint’s patented reverse-draw bow assembly is the heart of the Nitro 505. It is powered by the new RX8-Cam system that rotates 404 degrees. The updated system features deeper cable grooves and improved cable spacing which allows for an increased strand count on string and cables for added strength and durability at these unprecedented speeds.

“The Nitro 505 is the fastest, most accurate, and most powerful crossbow ever manufactured,” said TenPoint CEO Rick Bednar. “To exceed 500 fps and maintain the durability you’ve come to expect from TenPoint, our engineering team was denied no expense in the research, design and testing phase of this crossbow. All major components were designed to handle this level of power. The Nitro 505 is the most tested TenPoint crossbow ever—with over 25,000 shots put through the design.”

TenPoint Nitro 505 Crossbow RX8-Cam System

The crossbow’s revolutionary Vector-Quad cable technology utilizes four cables instead of the traditional two which eliminates cam lean and generates straight-nock travel leading to increased downrange accuracy.

The Nitro 505’s ACUslide features the company’s Auto-Brake Gear System, which allows for silent cocking and safe and controlled de-cocking of the crossbow. The System features a new brake pad designed for more robust braking power, eliminating the potential of losing control which can lead to injury or costly bow damage during the cocking or de-cocking process. While cocking and decocking, the user can remove their hand from the handle at any point with no other action required, and the handle will stop in place. The cocking system features a new Dyneema cocking strap which has been upgraded to handle over 2,000 pounds of force—two times stronger than the previous generation strap. The 7½-inch XTEND Adjustable Crank Handle reduces cocking effort to 5 pounds and stores securely in buttstock.

TenPoint Nitro 505 ACUSlide Cocking and Decocking System

The reverse-draw Nitro 505 features a 17-inch powerstroke, which TenPoint says is the longest in the industry. The increased powerstroke generates more speed with less draw weight, creating a smoother, quieter shot. The elongated powerstroke also keeps the arrow nock engaged with the string for an additional 4 inches compared to traditional crossbow before release—this is a critical component in performance. The center-mounted riser provides superior balance, eliminating the “nose heavy” feel and making it easier to hold steady and increase accuracy.

The company’s two-stage S1 trigger features a zero-creep design and an advanced roller-sear system that delivers a consistent crisp, 3½-pound pull. The trigger is equipped with a DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor) and is fitted with a nylon-filament arrow retention brush that improves arrow grip and alignment to reduce noise and vibration. An integrated string stop system is also included to further reduce noise and vibration.

TenPoint Nitro 505 Crossbow Trigger

The 20-inch Micro-Trac fluted aluminum barrel reduces the flight deck surface by 50 percent.  The minimal string-to-barrel contact increases accuracy and provides longer string life. The barrel is fastened to the ultralight, two-piece Tech-X stock that features multiple weight reducing cutouts and houses the ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system. The stock provides the shooter with ideal length-of-pull and combines with the EVO-X Marksman Elite Precision Scope to yield perfect eye level alignment.

The Nitro 505 is available covered in Veil Alpine camo ($3,149.99) or solid Moss Green ($3,004.99), and ships completely assembled with a Ready-to-Hunt package, which includes:
• ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system
• EVO-X Marksman Elite variable-speed scope with external adjustment turrets
• 6-pack of EVO-X CenterPunch premium carbon crossbow arrows (.001” straightness)
• Integrated string stop system
• 6-arrow Tech quiver

For more information on the new Nitro 505, visit tenpointcrossbows.com.

Latest

Web Lede Burris Fullfield
Web Lede Burris Fullfield

Hardware Review: Burris Fullfield Riflescopes

Now in its fifth generation, Burris’ Fullfield riflescope line has been completely redesigned to be lighter, shorter and stronger than its predecessors. Check out our thorough review of the lineup here.

First Look: Gritr Multi-Caliber Cleaning Kits

Engineered to replace multiple kits with one streamlined solution, new Gritr Gear multi-caliber gun cleaning kits promise to make firearm maintenance easier, faster and safer.

More than $1.2 Billion on the Way to Support Conservation and Access

 On Feb. 13 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced more than $1.2 billion in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration apportionments to support states, commonwealths and territories in their efforts to fund conservation and outdoor opportunities.

A Question of Quarterbores

With the release of the .25 Weatherby RPM, it's worth taking a step back and looking at some of the best quarterbores that graced chambers and fields throughout history. How will this new release measure up to its forefathers?

New for 2026: Avian-X Shotgun Cases

Building off of decades of innovation in the waterfowl-hunting industry, Avian-X is entering the soft-goods space in 2026 with a purpose-built lineup of waterproof and floating shotgun cases and neoprene gun sleeves designed to deliver in harsh hunting conditions.

Story of a Lever Gun—The Red Plaid Project Part 2

Andi Bogard continues her quest to build, test and hunt with a classic lever gun in a classic way. Check out the second installment of the project here.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.