ModelDraw WeightStrokeVelocitySuggested Arrow LengthCrossbow Length / Weight Barnett Droptine Crossbow Check price on Amazon.com 160 lbs.13.5″350 FPS Crossbow Academy: ballistics, sighting, tuning20″35.75″ / 7 lbs. Pros: – Magnesium riser provides durability while reducing overall weight – Redundant safety systems prevent misfires and dry fires – Highly accurate tack driver Cons: – Included scope is not illuminated – No rope cocking device included – Shorter-than-average warranty periodSmall Game Hunting? Deer, Elk Hunting? Moose, Bear Hunting? Target Shooting? Today’s Online Prices:Compare Prices Also Recommended:Best Barnett Crossbows
Thanks for stopping by my review of the Barnett Droptine crossbow. New for 2016, I was eager to get my hands on this puppy and try it out. While Barnett has had a checkered past when it comes to the quality of their products, they’ve gotten much better in recent years. Let’s see if the Droptine maintains that improving track record.
What Comes With This Crossbow?
The first question people usually ask about a crossbow is what comes with it. Well, here’s what you can expect to find in the box when you order the Droptine new:
- The Barnett Droptine Crossbow itself, including riser and stock
- Assembly hardware and tools
- Multi-reticle scope
- Three-arrow quiver
- Three 20″ Headhunter arrows
- Owner’s manual
- Warranty card
I was surprised at the lack of a rope cocking device, and had to double-check to make sure one wasn’t supposed to come with it. Nope. Fortunately, I have several, but you’d think Barnett would include one in the box.
Once you’ve unpackaged the crossbow and accessories, it’s assembly time.
How Difficult Is It to Assemble Your New Crossbow?
When you get your crossbow, assembly will be a pretty simple affair. Like almost all compound crossbows, the riser is already strung and it’s just a matter of guiding the cables into the proper place. The instruction manual is quite good with this regard, so you should be up and running in no time at all.
What’s the Accuracy and Power Like?
The 160 pound draw weight and 13.5″ power stroke will deliver your arrows at speeds approaching 350 FPS. Assuming your arrows weigh in at 400 grain (the minimum recommended for this x-bow), you’ll see kinetic energy readings of around 109 foot pounds. That’s powerful enough to knock my compressed foam target over after the arrow has passed clean through and into my backstop. Fun times!
Accuracy with the included scope is also quite good, once you are properly sighted in. Barnett has done a good job of minimizing the front heaviness of this x-bow, although it’s still there. I was able to maintain 1.5-inch groupings from 30 yards, and 2-inch patterns when I backed up to 50 yards. This tool has both accuracy and power for the hunt.
Use our arrow ballistics calculator for more valuable information.
Ballistic Data For The Barnett Droptine
Your actual results will vary slightly depending on weather, and significantly with arrow weight change. See our Crossbow Ballistics Guides section for a complete understanding of how we conducted our tests and why this data matters.
Will Hunters Enjoy the Droptine?
This crossbow has all of the power and accuracy you need to take on any legal game in North America. Think about it this way – the recommended kinetic energy for Cape buffalo and grizzlies is 65 foot pounds, and this baby delivers 109. Since it’s new for this season, I haven’t had the opportunity to test it in the hunting field, but I expect excellent results out of it this fall when I do get it out in the bush.
For those of you who hunt from tree stands or ground blinds, you’ll be glad to know that the Droptine is short and thin – 35.75 inches long and 19.5 inches wide when cocked. The only way you’ll get any thinner is with forward-facing limbs, honestly.
How Difficult Is the Crossbow to Cock?
The 160 pound draw weight isn’t light, but using a rope cocking device makes the job much easier and safer. I wish Barnett included one in the box, but there’s not much point to keep beating that dead horse. If you prefer crank-cocking devices, the Droptine is set up for integration of one. The draw is smooth and easy, without any stacking.
What’s the Included Scope Like?
Barnett bundles this crossbow with a 4×32 multi-reticle scope, which is fine for daytime use. Unfortunately, it’s not illuminated, so if you hunt in the early morning or late evening hours, you may want to purchase a different scope. It sights in easily, though, and seems to hold zero even after several bumps and falls.
See our detailed guide on how to sight-in your crossbow
What Kind of Bolts Do I Need?
When you buy the Droptine, you’ll get three 20“ Headhunter arrows, which are decent enough, I guess. Barnett uses a moon nock, so if you prefer different arrows, make sure you choose 20” bolts weighing a minimum of 400 grain, with that style nock. For more help choosing arrows, check out our guide on bolt selection. Since the Droptine’s arrows only come with field tips, you should also see our broadhead recommendations.
How’s the Safety and Design?
Barnett has built the Droptine around quad custom composite laminated limbs, with a magnesium CNC machined riser. The metal-injected molded trigger has tight tolerances, and breaks very clean. Safetywise, the x-bow has well-placed finger reminders to keep your hands clear of the string, and the anti dry-fire mechanism works flawlessly. The spring-loaded redundant safety bar remains in place until your arrow is fully seated, preventing misfires or dry fires even further. Finally, the Droptine is built to allow the integration of a crank-cocking device, if the rope cocking device isn’t what you prefer.
What Kind of Warranty Backs This Crossbow?
This is where Barnett fails to shine. Its closest competitors back their products with either a ten-year or limited lifetime warranty, but Barnett only offers a five-year warranty. With that said, Barnett’s customer service representatives are very helpful and informative, eager to guide you to making the most of your investment.
Crossbow Review – Summary
Thanks for reading my review of the Barnett Droptine crossbow. This is a great, economical choice for hunting just about anything you might dream of taking home as a trophy. The only drawback, really, is the short warranty and the lack of an illuminated scope.
Make sure to check today’s Amazon.com price on the Barnett Droptine Crossbow if you’re interested.
