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

Henned Up Try One Of These Tips
Henned Up Try One Of These Tips

Early Spring Turkey Tactics that Work

A hunter strokes the paddle on a box call emitting a loud yelp into the predawn air. The thunderous reply has blood boiling at both ends of this dance. What now? Read on for some early spring turkey tactics that work.

New for 2026: Imperial Whitetail Sorghum Select

Hunters and land managers looking to add additional feeding opportunities now have a new option: Imperial Whitetail brand Sorghum Select from the Whitetail Institute. This blend combines two premium hybrid sorghum varieties to deliver a high-yielding, palatable, nutritious grain crop.

Hunting Adventure: Pursuing the Prince of the Plains

A veteran of many safaris finally hunts the game atop his wish list. Follow along with Scott Haugen as he stalks sable through South Africa.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig

Always scrambling to find the right call in one of a thousand pockets? The Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig eliminates that problem by putting everything front and center, exactly where it should be.

First Look: Mossberg Special Edition 590 Bliksem

Mossberg has released its 590 Bliksem, a Special Edition pump-action firearm created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and his brand, Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You: Part III

Somehow, more than ten years has gone by since we had the second installment in this series. With a multitude of requests for another go-round, I am more than happy to oblige. We’ve had some interesting new developments in the cartridges world in the last decade, and there are some classic which are still being championed. So, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, I present Part III of What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.