So, the speed loader turns out in fact to be the fiddly loader? I fully intend to buy one of these at some point. The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if the UK didn't erupt in a state of civil war at some point within the next 40 years. I could do with one of these for... home defence purposes. I would rather have something with a bit of range and power in it, than a CQC farming implement from B&Q. No one's going to argue with the power of that bow, at relatively close range, when they have a Broadhead Bolt hanging out of their ball sack. Do you know, I've seen Crossbows, similar in power to that, penetrate full body armour.
Great review, very informative. Mine has just arrived and very impressed overall. As you stated the loose bolt points are annoying but don't seem to affect accuracy. The quick loader seems more hassle than it's worth but is a great way to store the bolts when not in use. Using a red dot the single biggest thing affecting accuracy is the stocks inability to provide an accurate repeatable cheek weld. A small cheap addition now has me hitting golf tees stuck into a foam target and for a pistol crossbow with on 2 vane bolts impressive groupings of bolts. All the best
The faramir variant of the 3d print mini adder does have changable magazines which would also solve the string maintenance issue. Its also way faster to cock and fire
It's really clever and the power looks pretty decent. Are you restricted in the arrow heads you can use? It would be interesting to see it over a chrono to get the ft lb's of energy.
Thanks mate, irs pretty decent and even comes with 60lb and 90lb limbs as standard, and yes you can use a broadhead with the magazine too, ill do a chrono soon mate, i got on a few months ago just for tests like that.
@@WeaponCollector Do a video comparing it to the redback with various weighted bolts to compare differents between 80 and 90 lb crossbow pistols out there today ft lbs momentium etc.. What do you think?
Cheers mate, its decent, yeah you can add a little bit of metal that takes the safety off automatically, and i reckon if you practice you could easily go quicker, 8 shot in 25 secs is decent for a crossbow though and that was me not going mad at it either.
Thanks Scout, thats very true, 100% true, i have lost 4 stone (56lbs) and working out regularly now, i feel so much better for it. cheers for the support mate, its appreciated.
Thanks mate, had some family illnesses and a bereavement so thought I’d have a break from TH-cam. I’ll be back soon though 😂…. Very best wishes brother 👍🏻👍🏻😎
If you use Blaster silicone spray from Walmart you can spray some in the cap then use a Q-tip to lubricate the string without taking the magazine off, this stuff is fantasticI I use PSE Viper and Redback XR crossbows, can I use the standard 6.3" plastic or aluminum bolts or the 7.5" PSE Fenzy Bolts with the Vlad, thanks
That looks really cool and fun for shooting cans etc I've just ordered a tomcat 2 pistol crossbow ( replacement of my old one that broke) maybe should have got one of these. The pistol ones are what i like my garden isn't big enough for full size ones but theres enough space and safe enough for smaller bows
Thanks Mikey, yeah smaller crossbow are defo better for smaller gardens, i can;t even shoot my 175lb one safely. You can't go wrong with the tomcat 2's, and this is a decent crossbow, but its £280
@@WeaponCollector yeah definitely better with smaller bows for my garden i have a jaguar mark 1 but only ever used it a couple of times it's finding places to go where it's quiet and no hassle don't want accused of poaching or something so it just sits there and 280 is a lot and out my price range it's really cool though
I have got one, the bolts are bit loose.. I bought glue to fix bolthead otherwise if I shoot some hard target they come off. Speed loader isn't quite helpful till now.. somehow I get stuck after few bolts going in.. cocking for me is not great so far, may be because I injured my wrist while playing .. Altogether it feels good while shooting .. the pre mechanism of loading and cocking is bit tough though until you practice few hours with it.
Good vid, but nothing that would make me spend hundreds im afraid, i still think with the redback xr, modified, it ticks all boxes, quiver to load bolts as they are shot, bayonet on end, plus mags in your pocket, shoulder stock, and very accurate with the open sights. It's decent but i think comparing the two, and the price, they still can't beat the redback xr
Alright mate, yeah i agree, for the price and power, plus accessories and all that the redback xr is bloody amazing crossbow and once i have some better bolts for it, which i will make soon, its gonna be even better!
@@WeaponCollector I was going to say that's the only con for it, but it's not really. I think horizone just nailed it with the redback xr, and everything else just isn't as good, then there's the price, the availability of spare strings, mags, botls, it's all cheap. I mean the vlad might, might have a bit more power than the xr? But at the expense of everything i mentioned. I've fired a good 2-300 shots on the xr and the string is like new, sure i've damaged a few bolts but it's going to happen. So just from you're experience, would you say the vlad has more power than the xr? Obviously you'll need to test it, but what you reckon?
Hey mate good video I just have one question can you use the fixed broadhead bolts for this crossbow like the bolts for the standard 80lb pistol crossbows?
I own this Vlad and also EK Adder. They both are very good. Vlad is easier handle for a woman(60 and 90 lbs). Adder is 130 lbs and maybe is for an older person too heavy.
The Speedbow crossbow cocks with the forehand providing the ability to maintain target acquisition while the rear cocking method and numerous other cocking methods do not. Maintaining target acquisition is a critical need for hunting, not target shooting.
@@shockadellick difficult isn't it. On paper the vlad seems to include everything you could need and better value for money. I just really want to find out about arrow compatibility!
@@shockadellickStinger 2 is VERY customizable tho and overall more professional if you ask me. I only own the stinger tho and am from germany (austrian product and all 😂) Also, only use the aluminim caps if you want to shoot 90 lbs or higher, otherwise you can get a problem if you make a dry shot (shooting the string without a loaded bolt)
@@timh.7169 What do you think about the aluminum magazine. Like, is it better than the plastic mag? Totally agree, the Stinger seems to have stronger factory support and more options.
@@shockadellick I only have the plastic mag and to be honest, everything is absolutely durable. I bought the EK Archery Adder now and the heavy weight of it also has something nice, maybe the aluminium mag makes the stinger a little heavier which would be cool ngl I have seen it having a way better opening mechanic tho and also a way for quick loader to easier load the bolts in. Maybe ill get it one day, but again, the plastic one is absolutely fine. The whole crossbow is made from the same stuff as a Glock gun 👍🏻
A German bloke makes the adder v2 magazine but for the gator 2 but I think that will fit almost any pistol crossbow but he's not selling it I ve left messages I contacted him over a year ago before he made the v2 but the v2 is special I don't know how to give u his contact but he's nows the slingshot channel with jorg sprave
With broadheads this would definitely ruin someone’s day, but the 80 pound pistols just don’t have sufficient power to really take down an intruder. The Adder is about the minimum that will do it.
If that person has been unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of one of those, then the chances are that they have done something to deserve it. Just wait until a Civil War kicks in, in the UK. Sales of Crossbows like these will be off the charts, what with firearms being banned. I'm tempted to get one now, in the event of, just for home defence purposes, and stock up on Bodmin Bolts.
@@reed332 We don't all live in parts of the world where 12 gauge shotguns are legal to own. Besides which, this has certain advantages over a shotgun, namely in both sound and range.
Great video with demonstrations that matters all along. Well done, Sir.
thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it, cheers!
So, the speed loader turns out in fact to be the fiddly loader? I fully intend to buy one of these at some point. The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if the UK didn't erupt in a state of civil war at some point within the next 40 years. I could do with one of these for... home defence purposes. I would rather have something with a bit of range and power in it, than a CQC farming implement from B&Q. No one's going to argue with the power of that bow, at relatively close range, when they have a Broadhead Bolt hanging out of their ball sack. Do you know, I've seen Crossbows, similar in power to that, penetrate full body armour.
@@cadderley100 well civil war has started last week. Start arming yourselves Brits. Support from Flanders.
So it is.
Be prepared.
Greetz from germany🙋
GREAT video Mike... thanks 👍🏻 mate ....
Thanks Ste.
Great review, very informative. Mine has just arrived and very impressed overall. As you stated the loose bolt points are annoying but don't seem to affect accuracy. The quick loader seems more hassle than it's worth but is a great way to store the bolts when not in use.
Using a red dot the single biggest thing affecting accuracy is the stocks inability to provide an accurate repeatable cheek weld. A small cheap addition now has me hitting golf tees stuck into a foam target and for a pistol crossbow with on 2 vane bolts impressive groupings of bolts.
All the best
Impressive grouping and looks more than decent at 60lb, looking forward to see it at full power.
Thanks mate, yeah not bad for the distance was it, and i shall defo do some full power tests very soon! thanks for watching
Thank you … you’ve answered the question I’ve being wanted to hear about waxing the string 👍🏻
Glad it helped John
Good lad thanks for keeping us up to date with the latest crossbows that was a great review
I picked up a Vlad. Really nice crossbow. Great vid.
oh nice one, good ent they Tony, ill do some mods soon!
great testing, looks like a very handy weapon to have around. thanks Mike
Thanks Bob, its a decent crossbow mate, glad you liked the video.
Very nice Mike. Any thoughts on doubling up on the limbs? You can get a strengthened bit from old Joerge Sprave.
Would be interested to see you try out the Steambow Stinger 2 and review that, then compare with the Vlad - pros and cons and which you prefer.
Great review and tests Mike that looks really decent mate.
Hey man im looking forward to the draw tests as im curious to see what that 90 lb limb actually is.
The faramir variant of the 3d print mini adder does have changable magazines which would also solve the string maintenance issue. Its also way faster to cock and fire
It's really clever and the power looks pretty decent. Are you restricted in the arrow heads you can use? It would be interesting to see it over a chrono to get the ft lb's of energy.
Thanks mate, irs pretty decent and even comes with 60lb and 90lb limbs as standard, and yes you can use a broadhead with the magazine too, ill do a chrono soon mate, i got on a few months ago just for tests like that.
@@WeaponCollector Do a video comparing it to the redback with various weighted bolts to compare differents between 80 and 90 lb crossbow pistols out there today ft lbs momentium etc.. What do you think?
That's pretty accurate. Is it possible to up the rate of fire?
Cheers mate, its decent, yeah you can add a little bit of metal that takes the safety off automatically, and i reckon if you practice you could easily go quicker, 8 shot in 25 secs is decent for a crossbow though and that was me not going mad at it either.
Good vid Mike, hope you test it with your own bodkin tips and broadheads, (if they fit). That'd be an interesting comparison with the field bolts...
Thanks David, ill make some bodkins and broadhead bolts for it soon, and then you'll see some tests!
looks like you lost weight Mike, well done. Without good health, nothing is enjoyable, take care.
Thanks Scout, thats very true, 100% true, i have lost 4 stone (56lbs) and working out regularly now, i feel so much better for it. cheers for the support mate, its appreciated.
@@WeaponCollector fucken hell 4 stone go on son!
@WeaponCollector Well done, any diet tips? I enjoy ales a bit too much ha ha. All the best from Lancashire
Looks like it’s great fun to shoot . Can’t wait to see what you can do with it 👍👍
cheers mate, it defo is fun to shoot, and i'll mod this to a inch of its life soon, lol
I dunno if it has been asked or not but can you loob a small stick and quickly lube the rails and cord? Or is this rather pointless?
That would work mate, and defo worth doing too
Cotton buds loaded
How does the 60lb limb compare to the original EK Cobra 80lb (as advertised)?
seems similar to the old 80lb ones, but I shall test it soon mate, and let you know, keep an eye out for a video of just that.
@@WeaponCollector Will do, look forward to seeing it.
Looks good brother 👍🏻👍🏻😎
Cheers MadDog, thanks for watching, how you been mate?, not see you on for a while.
Thanks mate, had some family illnesses and a bereavement so thought I’d have a break from TH-cam. I’ll be back soon though 😂…. Very best wishes brother 👍🏻👍🏻😎
@@MadDogSurvival Sorry to hear that mate, yeah i dont blame you, its good to have a break isn't it.
👍🏻👍🏻😎
Did your tried Steambow Stinger 2 and which do you prefer?
If you use Blaster silicone spray from Walmart you can spray some in the cap then use a Q-tip to lubricate the string without taking the magazine off, this stuff is fantasticI I use PSE Viper and Redback XR crossbows, can I use the standard 6.3" plastic or aluminum bolts or the 7.5" PSE Fenzy Bolts with the Vlad, thanks
You been working out Mike? you are looking slick mate. Thats a nice crossy aswell. Thumbs up.
Thanks Murray i have mate, i have lost about 4 stone! and i feel so much better for it.
Have you done a review on the Adder? I'm thinking of getting either this or the adder
this hobby is so fun and therapeutic
That looks really cool and fun for shooting cans etc I've just ordered a tomcat 2 pistol crossbow ( replacement of my old one that broke) maybe should have got one of these. The pistol ones are what i like my garden isn't big enough for full size ones but theres enough space and safe enough for smaller bows
Thanks Mikey, yeah smaller crossbow are defo better for smaller gardens, i can;t even shoot my 175lb one safely.
You can't go wrong with the tomcat 2's, and this is a decent crossbow, but its £280
@@WeaponCollector yeah definitely better with smaller bows for my garden i have a jaguar mark 1 but only ever used it a couple of times it's finding places to go where it's quiet and no hassle don't want accused of poaching or something so it just sits there and 280 is a lot and out my price range it's really cool though
Do you have a video testing the sharp darts?
Great review. What broadheads can we use with the Vlad?
I have got one, the bolts are bit loose.. I bought glue to fix bolthead otherwise if I shoot some hard target they come off. Speed loader isn't quite helpful till now.. somehow I get stuck after few bolts going in.. cocking for me is not great so far, may be because I injured my wrist while playing .. Altogether it feels good while shooting .. the pre mechanism of loading and cocking is bit tough though until you practice few hours with it.
Good vid, but nothing that would make me spend hundreds im afraid, i still think with the redback xr, modified, it ticks all boxes, quiver to load bolts as they are shot, bayonet on end, plus mags in your pocket, shoulder stock, and very accurate with the open sights. It's decent but i think comparing the two, and the price, they still can't beat the redback xr
Alright mate, yeah i agree, for the price and power, plus accessories and all that the redback xr is bloody amazing crossbow and once i have some better bolts for it, which i will make soon, its gonna be even better!
@@WeaponCollector I was going to say that's the only con for it, but it's not really. I think horizone just nailed it with the redback xr, and everything else just isn't as good, then there's the price, the availability of spare strings, mags, botls, it's all cheap. I mean the vlad might, might have a bit more power than the xr? But at the expense of everything i mentioned. I've fired a good 2-300 shots on the xr and the string is like new, sure i've damaged a few bolts but it's going to happen. So just from you're experience, would you say the vlad has more power than the xr? Obviously you'll need to test it, but what you reckon?
can u do a demo on re string the vlad please with a draw stringer you get in the purchase kit
Hey mate good video I just have one question can you use the fixed broadhead bolts for this crossbow like the bolts for the standard 80lb pistol crossbows?
you can if you need to hunt..
I own this Vlad and also EK Adder. They both are very good. Vlad is easier handle for a woman(60 and 90 lbs). Adder is 130 lbs and maybe is for an older person too heavy.
you can get 110 lbs and 90 lbs for Adder too
The Speedbow crossbow cocks with the forehand providing the ability to maintain target acquisition while the rear cocking method and numerous other cocking methods do not. Maintaining target acquisition is a critical need for hunting, not target shooting.
Just bought mine
Can the steambow stinger bolts be used in the vlad?
I almost purchased the AR6 Stinger. I'm now looking at the Vlad. I wish he would do a comparison between the Stinger and the Vlad.
@@shockadellick difficult isn't it. On paper the vlad seems to include everything you could need and better value for money. I just really want to find out about arrow compatibility!
@@shockadellickStinger 2 is VERY customizable tho and overall more professional if you ask me. I only own the stinger tho and am from germany (austrian product and all 😂)
Also, only use the aluminim caps if you want to shoot 90 lbs or higher, otherwise you can get a problem if you make a dry shot (shooting the string without a loaded bolt)
@@timh.7169
What do you think about the aluminum magazine. Like, is it better than the plastic mag?
Totally agree, the Stinger seems to have stronger factory support and more options.
@@shockadellick I only have the plastic mag and to be honest, everything is absolutely durable.
I bought the EK Archery Adder now and the heavy weight of it also has something nice, maybe the aluminium mag makes the stinger a little heavier which would be cool ngl
I have seen it having a way better opening mechanic tho and also a way for quick loader to easier load the bolts in. Maybe ill get it one day, but again, the plastic one is absolutely fine. The whole crossbow is made from the same stuff as a Glock gun 👍🏻
A German bloke makes the adder v2 magazine but for the gator 2 but I think that will fit almost any pistol crossbow but he's not selling it I ve left messages I contacted him over a year ago before he made the v2 but the v2 is special I don't know how to give u his contact but he's nows the slingshot channel with jorg sprave
Jorg everybody knows jorg. He designed the whole magazine thing sweeping all archery now.
The sling shot channel.
This bow Is capable of taking large pigs. # 90 lbs is enough for hunting.
@@john9147 you know, will that be enough to go through someone's skull ?
Bell video
Can anyone recommend any good websites for buying bows
try Merlin archery mate
@@WeaponCollector thanks mate good to have different sites to check out
I really didnt want to like this but it seems that beauty comes 2nd to useability
its shoot pretty good and has some decent features,
You can have a go on it when you here next my queen.
@@WeaponCollector ill look forward to it :)
Только вчера смотрел как заряжать без переворотов стрел. Причём с бродхэдами.
Got one on the way. Looking forward to it. I’ll have to find a torch for it now. Thanks 👍
With broadheads this would definitely ruin someone’s day, but the 80 pound pistols just don’t have sufficient power to really take down an intruder. The Adder is about the minimum that will do it.
It’s a toy for fun get a 12 gauge to protect your life. Your silly
If that person has been unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of one of those, then the chances are that they have done something to deserve it. Just wait until a Civil War kicks in, in the UK. Sales of Crossbows like these will be off the charts, what with firearms being banned. I'm tempted to get one now, in the event of, just for home defence purposes, and stock up on Bodmin Bolts.
@@reed332 We don't all live in parts of the world where 12 gauge shotguns are legal to own. Besides which, this has certain advantages over a shotgun, namely in both sound and range.
@@cadderley100 ya it must suck where u live!
Would not be allowed in western australia nanny police state
Junk. Just get the cobra single shot it cant be beat for garden parties.
Please stop shooting people at garden parties...
Do you have a video testing the sharp darts?