Review of the Archon crossbow – new from Interloper

What's new with the Archon crossbow?

How does the Archon crossbow produced by Interloper differ from other analogues like TEN POINT? At a price. First of all. Judge for yourself: it can compete almost equally with the above-mentioned models, and costs 3 times less. If we talk about the design, it is easy to notice the butt, which is lightweight with cutouts. The shoulders are reinforced with reinforcement, and the guides are elongated. There is also a proprietary camouflage pattern (the same “Next Generation” that distinguishes this series from the rest). The idle descent is still in place. This practice is not encouraged by Interloper developers (even to the point of being explicitly prohibited in the instruction manual). But for those who need it, there is such an opportunity. It came straight from the previous generation of crossbows from the company.

The lodge also reminds us of the glorious “ancestors” in the Archon. It is designed according to the principle of the Leopard crossbow (it repeats it in detail). The arms of the weapon are very stable. At least due to the fact that they are executed in the 43 kilogram version. This allows you to protect even inexperienced hunters from a number of stupid mistakes when using it. It is unlikely that the creators will encounter cases of replacing the corresponding module as a result of a break. The tension of the Archon with the included shoulders does not cause any difficulties when loading. Special devices are simply unnecessary. Thus, many questions arise regarding the listed enhancements. Dozens of owners are wondering why the manufacturer improved the weapon to such an extent if heavy-duty operation is not implied? However, as we all know, you can easily and simply buy reinforced shoulders for the Archon crossbow.

But there are no complaints about the way the guides are made in Archon. Their length (like the entire structure) is designed for 20-inch “super bolts”. Hence the cutout for the winch, and a standard one at that. With a new scope - the same story. No, of course Interloper has a special option for enthusiasts. It is allowed to order shoulders for 90 kilograms (translated into “Western” values ​​- 200 pounds). Such a bold policy is impressive. But it is better not to forget that Russian legislation is against maximum effort. The current ceiling (as follows from the text) is 43 kilograms. In addition, 90 conventional units will require a massive winch and will raise the Archon’s power to unrealistic values. The numbers are extremely redundant. Users are already joking that such large-scale improvements will leave no chance of survival for armored personnel carriers, mammoths and bears.

Review of the Archon crossbow – new from Interloper

INTERLOPER announced a new product – the “ARCHON” crossbow.

I want to continue my story about Interloper - the founder of the Russian projectile weapons market, the most famous and main player in the archery market (market share - 60%).

What is the secret of success? Virtually all of Russia buys what Interloper imports, but 70% of the revenue comes from goods under its own brand. Not just a brand has been created, but product lines have been developed and produced specifically for Russia. Interloper is the first and only manufacturer in our country to produce weapons and targets, equipment bags and arrows, constantly creating and applying technical innovative solutions.

This applies primarily to the top model “Interloper Arhont”, which is a serious competitor to most crossbows from leading American manufacturers.

At a third of the price of the best TEN POINT models, the Interloper Archon is the most powerful, high-quality crossbow in the entire Interloper line.

Technical features aimed at increasing the reliability and ease of shooting of the Archon compound crossbow include an elongated guide to increase the working stroke of the bowstring. Technological holes are made in the guide, which fits the structure. The size of the shoulder blocks has been increased.

By analogy with earlier models of crossbows from INTERLOPER “Cheetah” and “Leopard”, traditions have been preserved - idle release (the presence of an additional safety lock that prevents the shot from being fired if the arrow is not installed in the crossbow stock), fastening of shoulders and cables, “Next Generation” camouflage ” (brand name of the line).

The 43kg arms have a more secure attachment of the block to the guide. Made in a reinforced version to provide 100% stability – adjusted for the “teapot”. The shoulders are located parallel to the arches, which have a longitudinal division, which makes them compact and functional. The crossbow is equipped with a Weaver-type sighting bar, which can be firmly fixed after zeroing the crossbow. The frame stock with thumbhole is designed not only to improve the appearance of the crossbow, but also to reduce its overall weight. The stock is ergonomic and comfortable.

An unusually soft descent is ensured thanks to the unique design features of the Archon crossbow. The shot is silent, there is practically no vibration. In conclusion, I will cite a simple fact that in fact, all TOP models of crossbows differ little from each other in the manufacture of components. PSE, INTERLOPER, TEN POINT receive ordered components from “roughly” the same place.

Everyone knows the seven notes, but the melodies are different, sound different, and are intended for different listeners. So, the note called “Archon Compound Crossbow” by the Interloper company was quite a success!

Crossbow Archon - is it worth buying?

What can be clearly understood based on the results of the description is that the “colleagues” have no prospects in the niche that the Archon occupies. Peer-to-peer competitors are no weaker, of course, but three times more expensive. Why spend crazy money when Interloper offers a successful product at an adequate price?

Moreover, it is very unwise to become attached to one brand. Any specialist will confirm: leading brands assemble flagship versions of crossbows from virtually identical components. The “top” samples from TEN POINT, PSE and dozens of other companies are based on parts from the same suppliers. Only the accents differ. So why overpay for ephemeral matters such as brand prestige? In this light, the Archon crossbow looks like an excellent, balanced solution.

Andrey Shalygin: Previously, I have described new products in this market segment many times, so you will find them using the links below and searching the site, as well as in the tag tree for fresh materials (no more than 20% of all site materials are included in the tag clouds so far). However, many brands have recently had to seriously make room.

For example, Barnett Revolution (AVI PKG), well known to our readers, has long moved from the category of TOP models to the budget segment. Several factors contributed to this. Firstly , even 50,000 rubles for a crossbow in Russia today is far from TOP, but already “budget”.

Barnett Revolution AVI PKG - photo Olga Frunze.

Secondly , Sir Barnett's silumin shoulders do not tolerate a drunk client and idle descents. And for this reason, replacing shoulders at Barnet is, alas, a constant thing in Russia.

Thirdly , - The maximum permitted force of 43 kgf for Barnet is surmountable only in the range of 86 kgf for optional arms purchased by clients at their own peril and risk, which is still not very impressive for already sophisticated clients, and even less so for the winch on the Revolution in general is not provided, and for 86 kgf therefore it is necessary to use a corded “charger”, which requires considerable effort. And this is not a characteristic of an elite weapon.

Of course, everyone knows that long ago, the initially unsightly and utilitarian TEN POINT became the hunting elite all over the world. And who else can provide resistance to idle triggering at forces allowed in Russia, or such a guarantee - according to the requirements , all crossbows supplied to Russia legally are covered by a LIFETIME warranty on all parts that do not have a mechanical impact and for a period of 5 years on all parts with mechanical action. But how much does it cost... that is the question.

And therefore, the need to create a hunting crossbow as powerful as the Ten Point, but on a budget, is long overdue. And he was created... of course:

INTERLOPER - THE NEWEST CROSSBOW "ARCHON "

Introducing my previous material about INTERLOPER , I promised to talk about all the reasons why this company initially started as No. 1 on the Russian market of throwing weapons, and is still the locomotive of this segment of the Russian market.

Well, another significant reason for the success of INTERLOPER is that it is not just a distributor, seller, importer, but also the only MANUFACTURER in Russia. And the list of products includes not only targets, even 3D ones, bags for equipment, arrows and other small items. INTEROLOPER also produces good crossbows. The Leopard model range in 2011 was continued by the previously unannounced Archon.

INTERLOPER ARHONT - the newest model of a hunting crossbow is designed to displace the three times more expensive TEN POINT on the Russian market. Photo — Andrey Shalygin

A new product about which you will not yet find anything at all either on the Internet or on the official websites of INTERLOPER, you will not find it anywhere else from distributors (but you can only purchase it at the company’s central office - Moscow, Khoroshevskoe highway, building 9, (m. Running)tel.: +7(495) 66-202-99) - INTERLOPER ARHONT.

The Interloper Archon is a crossbow designed to compete with the best TenPoints, but at a third the price. If you look at the photo above, you will certainly notice the elongated lightweight guides, reinforced shoulders, and a lightweight buttstock with a cutout for a winch. Judging by the fact that earlier models of crossbows from INTERLOPER, such as the “Cheetah” and “Leopard”, can withstand a dry release (although this is strictly prohibited by the instructions), as well as the cables and fasteners of the arms, the tradition has not been broken here either. The lodgement repeats “Leopards”, and this is the right decision. “Next Generation” camouflage is the trademark of the line.

The Archon initially even has 43-kilogram shoulders made in a reinforced version, which gives the standard set hunting operational stability at the level of 100% “correction for a fool.” Of course, no one has yet tried to perform a dry release with the just arrived samples, but it can be assumed that there will be no applications for replacement of arms due to their fracture with such a diagnosis. The winch and bracket for it come optionally with the crossbow and are clearly not designed for 43-kilogram shoulders.

One may not be particularly serious about the 43 kgf marking on the standard shoulders of this design, otherwise the manufacturer’s desire to so improve the entire design, which was then marked with the design name NEXT on the stock and buttstock prints, would be incomprehensible. Indeed, why all these visible reinforcements, if in fact it is only supposed to work with shoulders at 43 kgf. Definitely not. And the optional winch, as well as the butt plate for attaching it, are generally meaningless for a 43-kilogram force. Crossbows with this tension can be loaded easily without any equipment.

The “Archon” guides, extended for the use of “superbolts” with a length of over 20 inches, like the entire standard design, are designed in such a way that INTERLOPER did not bend his heart at all by installing a new sight on his new brainchild and making a standard cutout for the winch.

Of course. And all because, optionally, you can purchase shoulders for the “Archon” for... 200 pounds, that is, more than 90 kgf... And here a pause arises, not at all according to Stanislavsky. At the end of which everyone says something of their own, sometimes inarticulate, but always boiling down in meaning to “no shit.” Perhaps 200 pounds is even somehow eccentric, considering that the maximum force allowed in Russia is 43 kgf. And the massive winch now seems not at all redundant for the Archon, and not at all so massive compared to TenPoint ACUs.

200 pounds is already somewhere beyond good and evil. This is, indeed, somewhere in the area of ​​the RPG "Archon". Now name education no longer exudes its fantasy. Probably, it was created in order to bring down the legendary Russian bears that wander around Red Square in hats, or some mammoths in Siberia. Or maybe they were created as a complement to the photograph of Mr. Valuev, beloved in the West as a hunter. Or maybe the creators had a task along the way to solve the problem of breaking through Hummers - it’s not known for sure. Those wishing to obtain additional information can do so in Interloper itself.

But it is already known for sure that “Archons” in Russia, being three times cheaper in terms of characteristics of TEN POINT models of their peers, will be able to create effective competition for them. Russians really love something that allows them to save about 100,000 rubles. Significant figure? That's what I'm talking about. Even the TOP segment will not be able to cope with such benefits. These days, it’s not the 90s—stupidly throwing money around is no longer fashionable now, because if you only throw money around, it means you don’t know how to handle it. This has long been the bad taste of boors. Smart people do smart things in everything. The British eat oatmeal in the morning not because they are saving on scrambled eggs and sausage, but simply because it is healthier.

If anyone still doubts anything, then I probably won’t surprise experts at all with the simple fact that in fact all the TOP models of crossbows differ little from each other in the manufacture of components. And that PSE, that INTERLOPER, that TEN POINT - all receive the ordered components “from approximately” the same place. And this “approximately” is actually quite accurate. So it’s stupid to pay three times more for something that is actually assembled from parts from the same factory. Well, of course, this is not a secret either for smartphone or TV sellers. For example, both Toshiba and Panasonic will have exactly the same matrices in peer-to-peer models. At the same time, no one is interested in the quality of the tuner, since everyone inputs a signal from a cable or from a DVD tuner, but their prices are different, and also differ significantly. Brand fee. Who will say that Sony is the best? Few will say. But the fact that their computers and televisions are much more expensive than others with very modest characteristics is absolutely certain.

Of course, the picture of the description of the TOP models of crossbows on the Russian market would not be complete if I did not mention the TEN POINT itself.

TEN POINT – CARBON FUSION, XTRA

I will not talk again about the unfortunate situation in the Russian distribution market, but, alas, the first brands in Russia sometimes get far from the first distributors. This is what we did with Mares for divers and tricksters, and this is what we did with TEN POINT for crossbowmen. As an organizer of 3D youth competitions, this is normal, but the lack of a sane network, sane sales volumes, a central representative office in a prestigious location in Moscow, or holding competitions in strange very budgetary conditions, not first places at exhibitions, very budgetary company stands... is abnormal. This is like Mares - the brand accounts for 70% of global sales, and the representative office of Sten Polyakova invites everyone to go to Kukuevo - somewhere on Kastanaevskaya, and not a single serious competition in founding sponsorship, and not a single place in the TOP equipment sales . It’s the same here with TenPoints. Who will go to Mytishchi for Points? Nobody, they’d rather take it from resellers. Who will go to some industrial warehouses for 3D archery? Well, only students and teenagers. The level of representation does not correspond to the level of the brand at all. I’m generally silent about pricing - from the lantern. Can’t we read the manufacturer’s website and find out the selling prices? And it’s no wonder that there are no sales. It would be ridiculous. Therefore, people most often do not buy Points from a distributor. Well, they are doing the right thing.

So that I don’t have to explain for a long time anything superfluous and well-known, I will first refer you to the official visual illustrative material that will explain to you all the features of the Ten Point 2011 technology . Of course, on the offsite you will find answers to all questions in general. In addition to indicating the official distributor in Russia.

So, the “Point” TOPs are known - “Carbon Fusion” and “Extra” - they are essentially the same thing, the same model, just in a different design - one just has “plastic” on the stock and butt, the other has laminated wood . You will find the characteristics of the Points anywhere, and you will learn everything about the model itself from their proprietary video presented below.

Let’s not repeat the manufacturer - let him speak for himself: “The TenPoint company is a leader in crossbow manufacturing. Our main consumers are hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. We do everything to make the use of TenPoint crossbows as convenient and safe as possible. Accuracy. Convenience. Service. These are the main tasks that we set for ourselves. Investments in innovative developments based on the latest technologies have allowed us to remain a leader for more than 10 years. TenPoint Crossbow Technologies (TenPoint) was founded in 1994 in the USA (Suffield, Ohio) and during its existence has achieved worldwide recognition as a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech modern crossbows for hunting.

Each crossbow released by TenPoint differs from similar products from other crossbow manufacturers in the highest level of quality, thoughtful safety system, ergonomic and attractive design. It was possible to achieve this result because in the production of crossbows the company has always strived to meet the highest world standards, sensitively listening to the requirements and suggestions of hunters and athletes - all those who use TenPoint crossbows . Currently, the company already has twelve patents on its balance sheet, and applications have been filed for several more.

During its 14-year history, TenPoint Crossbow Technologies has never missed an opportunity to introduce the most advanced materials and technologies into production. Every year the company offers its customers crossbows of new models, and also modernizes existing ones, taking into account any little things that contribute to more convenient handling of the crossbow.

TenPoint does not compromise on the quality of its products. Here we are confident that the success of an enterprise is based on strong business relationships, ethical behavior, mutual respect and trust between the company and its clients. That's why TenPoint invests millions of dollars every year to develop, test, implement and improve crossbow technology to meet today's demands. All financial investments of the company not only pay off, but are also further embodied in new series of high-quality crossbows.

By 2007, the company released the CLS series crossbows with a reduced front part to simplify hunting in densely planted forests, while the speed indicators of such a crossbow exceed those of crossbows with a standard arc span. This is achieved due to the latest materials used in the production of the CLS series crossbow and thanks to the unique technical development of the eccentrics, which allows the arrow to be pushed out at a much higher speed.

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies not only specializes in producing the highest quality crossbows, but is also rightfully the world leader in the crossbow manufacturing market. Crossbows for hunting from TenPoint Crossbow Technologies have repeatedly become winners of various competitions organized by hunters' societies, as well as sports and hunting magazines. Thus, in 2003, Aventure Chasse Peche, a popular Canadian hunting and fishing magazine published in French, published the results of a comprehensive accuracy test of various brands of crossbows. Elite crossbow models from all major American and Canadian manufacturers have been rigorously tested at ranges up to 150 feet (46 m). The test result clearly demonstrated that none of them could compare with the TenPoint crossbow, which had a shot spread of no more than 7/8"/2.2 cm at 100 feet (30.5 m) and 1.5"/3.8 cm at 150 feet. Moreover, unlike its competitors, the TenPoint crossbow withstood these strenuous tests not only without any breakdowns or signs of premature wear, but without even a single malfunction! And in 2004, the TenPoint Titan TL-4 crossbow, the simplest model of the TenPoint series, won an award from the American magazine Inside Archery, becoming the best product of the year. It was he who was preferred by leading companies selling bows and crossbows.

In 2005, the same award was awarded to a crossbow of the highest category (premium class) - TenPoint Pro Elite.

It is not surprising that each new series of crossbows from the company is in great demand all over the world, because the TenPoint brand crossbow is an accurate and powerful hunting crossbow with high efficiency, characterized by amazing strength, reliability and safety in handling. As for the originality of engineering and design solutions, workmanship, performance and reliability - there is no doubt that there are no competitors to TenPoint crossbows. They are 100% worth every penny you put into them! The company offers a diverse price range for different categories of people. The cost of a crossbow can vary from one thousand to eight thousand dollars, depending on the series and configuration.

Today, the main goal of the company is to increase interest in TenPoint products legally supplied to the Russian market and create high-quality service in servicing TenPoint Crossbow Technologies crossbows. In 2008, an office is opening where everyone can take a test shot from a crossbow before purchasing, as well as carry out repairs and service. . Thus, all clients of the company will have the advantage of being able to consciously select a specific crossbow model.

And finally, TenPoint Crossbow Technologies cares about the protection of the environment - land, water and air, advocating a humane and responsible attitude towards wild animals, for the preservation of their populations, without which sport hunting with a crossbow would not be possible.”

TenPoint crossbow - one shot and you are killed on the spot!

What impresses me most about TenPoint's packages, of course, as it does anyone else, is their presentation and extravagance. Each crossbow is packed in wearable boxes with embroidery, the package is filled with everything from hunting tips to a branded baseball cap, and has weapon shock absorption. But, of course, I feel a second surprise when I find out that such a TOP package starts from 150,000 rubles. A little expensive, you know, for a crossbow. I would like it to be cheaper though.

Of course, such little things as wax, grease, bolts, etc. are included in the package in full understanding of the level of packaging and the consumer. But the best part is what you see when you look into a chic sight with crazy numbers for adjusting the sight depending on the speed of the arrow - a unique sight with an adjustment dial indicates that the standard combination of arms is far from the only one in the capabilities of this model, but the maximum speeds of this weapon are very impressive. Although... who is stopping car brands from installing speedometers with slightly inflated indicators?

Perhaps the 500 feet per second scale is slightly adjusted for the future and future TEN POINT models, but the ability to adjust the scope to different interchangeable arms and the type of “ammunition” is a very useful thing. Perhaps, in practice it should be used simply when using different bolts in different hunts. But Points’ ACU winches are beyond competition. Very portable and very effective. There's nothing to be said here. But you will have to pay well for this.

Andrey Shalygin

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Andrey Shalygin PhD, DBA, Editor-in-Chief of National Explorer