How I Used the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow and What I Found
The quest for dependable broadheads that perform consistently is a familiar one for any serious archer. My own search led me to the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow, a mechanical broadhead designed to handle the punishing speeds of modern crossbows. I’d heard whispers about their aggressive cutting diameter and spring-clip retention system, features that promised both devastating effectiveness and reliable in-flight security. My previous experience with lesser mechanicals had unfortunately left me with a healthy dose of skepticism, making me eager to put this particular design through its paces.
My initial impressions upon unboxing the trio of broadheads were mixed. The New Archery Products are clearly built with a focus on aerodynamics and penetration, evident in their compact profile and sharp, fixed blades. However, the presence of a small pin and retaining nut, while a common mechanism for mechanicals, immediately raised a flag for me. I’d considered a few other options, including fixed-blade broadheads for guaranteed simplicity, but the allure of the broad cutting diameter and mechanical design was too strong to ignore. My first thought was a cautious optimism, hoping this design would overcome the common pitfalls I’d encountered before.
Real-World Testing: Putting New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local indoor range, a controlled environment perfect for dialing in crossbow performance. I meticulously sighted in my crossbow with standard field points, noting the impact point with precision. The transition to the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow was intended to confirm their field-point accuracy. I expected minimal, if any, shift in point of impact, a hallmark of a well-designed mechanical broadhead.
During this initial outing, I observed a concerning trend. The tiny nut securing the small pin, crucial for holding the blades in their retracted position, exhibited a tendency to loosen. This happened after each shot, regardless of whether I retrieved the arrow by pushing it through the target or pulling it out. The consequence of this loosening was the loss of these small nuts, a frustrating experience that rendered multiple broadheads unusable.
Extended Use & Reliability
My extended use was unfortunately cut short by the reliability issues encountered during the first session. The problem with the loosening nut meant that I couldn’t confidently assess the long-term durability or maintenance requirements of these broadheads. The design’s reliance on such a small, easily lost component proved to be a significant vulnerability.
Comparatively, my previous experiences with other mechanical broadheads, while sometimes involving tricky blade deployment, never presented this fundamental issue of component retention. The New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow, in its current iteration as tested, did not inspire confidence for sustained use without significant modification or concern. Cleaning was also a non-issue, as the critical component that failed was the retention mechanism itself.
Breaking Down the Features of New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow
Specifications
The New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow is engineered to meet the demands of high-speed crossbows, boasting a capability for shooting up to 400 FPS. This is a critical specification, ensuring that the broadhead can withstand the extreme forces generated by modern crossbows without deforming or failing prematurely. It features a substantial 2-inch cutting diameter, a significant advantage for maximizing wound channels and increasing the likelihood of a quick, ethical harvest.
Each pack contains 3 broadheads, a standard quantity for this type of archery equipment. The weight of each unit is a precise 100 grain, a common and effective weight for balancing penetration and flight stability in a wide range of hunting scenarios. The manufacturer is New Archery Products, a company with a long history in the archery equipment market.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function – delivering a devastating cut – the broadhead should excel due to its impressive 2-inch cutting diameter. This broad cutting surface is designed to create significant tissue damage and hemorrhaging. However, the functionality of the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow is severely hampered by the aforementioned issue with the retaining nut on the deployment pin.
When the nut comes loose, the pin can dislodge, leading to the blades opening prematurely or falling off entirely, compromising the broadhead’s ability to function as intended. This failure point significantly undermines its performance and reliability in any real-world hunting situation. It falls short of expectations due to this critical design flaw, especially considering the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow is visually sleek, with a focus on an aerodynamic profile that should theoretically translate to excellent flight characteristics. The spring-clip design is intended to ensure that the blades remain securely closed during flight until impact. The materials appear to be robust, typical of archery components designed for durability.
However, the ergonomic aspect is severely compromised by the insecure retention mechanism. The small pin and nut are fiddly to handle and, as discovered, prone to loosening. This design element, while perhaps intended to simplify blade deployment, creates a point of significant weakness that overshadows any positive ergonomic considerations.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow is called into question by the issue with the retaining nut. While the blades themselves and the ferrule may be durable enough for impact, the overall integrity of the broadhead is compromised if the retention system fails. It’s difficult to assess long-term durability when the basic assembly can come apart after just a few shots.
Maintenance is minimal, as one would expect from a broadhead, but the design itself presents a maintenance challenge due to the risk of losing essential components. If the nut can unthread itself during target practice, it’s a clear indicator that it may do so during the high-stress environment of a hunt. There are no specific maintenance tips that can overcome a fundamental design flaw in the retention mechanism.
Accessories and Customization Options
The New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow typically comes as a 3-pack of broadheads, with no additional accessories or customization options included. These are designed for direct attachment to an arrow shaft. There is no scope for swapping out components or adapting them for different arrow types beyond standard inserts.
The focus is solely on the broadhead’s design and cutting ability. While the 2-inch cutting diameter is a key feature, the lack of any supporting accessories or customization options means the user is entirely reliant on the product as-is. This is common for broadheads, but the core functionality issues make this lack of flexibility even more apparent.
Pros and Cons of New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow
Pros
- Impressive Cutting Diameter: The 2-inch cutting diameter offers the potential for significant wound channels and quick harvests.
- High-Speed Compatibility: Designed to handle crossbow speeds up to 400 FPS, making it suitable for modern archery equipment.
- Field Point Accuracy (Intended): The design aims for accuracy comparable to field points, which is a crucial feature for any broadhead.
- Compact Aerodynamic Profile: Its streamlined shape should theoretically aid in stable flight.
Cons
- Critical Retention System Failure: The tiny retaining nut on the pin has a tendency to loosen and fall off, leading to blade deployment issues and loss of the component.
- Poor Customer Service Experience: When faced with this issue, manufacturer customer service was reportedly unhelpful, stating the product is not designed for target practice and therefore not warrantied.
- Questionable Durability in Real-World Use: If the retaining nut can fail during target practice, it is highly likely to fail during the stress of a hunt.
- Limited Usability After Initial Issue: The failure of the retention mechanism renders multiple broadheads unusable after only a few shots.
Who Should Buy New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow?
Based on my experience, the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow is not recommended for any serious hunter or target archer at this time. The fundamental flaw in the retaining nut system makes it unreliable and potentially dangerous to use. I would advise anyone seeking dependable broadheads to look elsewhere, perhaps at proven fixed-blade designs or other mechanical broadheads with more robust retention mechanisms.
Those who insist on trying this specific model should be prepared for potential modifications or understand the risks involved. It might be suitable for extremely limited, single-shot scenarios where failure is not an option and the bow is shot very infrequently. However, even then, the risk of the nut coming loose is too high. I would not recommend purchasing this broadhead without understanding the significant risk of component failure.
Conclusion on New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow
The New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow presents a design with promising specifications, particularly its 2-inch cutting diameter and compatibility with high-speed crossbows. However, in practical application, the product suffers from a critical design flaw: the insecure retention nut on the deployment pin. This issue leads to premature blade opening, loss of components, and an unacceptable level of unreliability.
The value proposition is severely diminished by this failure. While the price of $45.89 for a 3-pack might seem reasonable on the surface, the inability to consistently function even during target practice renders them a poor investment. I cannot recommend the New Archery Products Killzone C.O.C. Crossbow based on my testing. Potential buyers would be better served by investing in broadheads that have a proven track record of reliability and robust design.