The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is a hunting crossbow manufactured by Barnett, a well-known brand in the crossbow industry for over 50 years. However, it has been reported to have some issues according to user experiences.
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR issues include the need for multiple returns to the retailer due to various problems, limb rockers requiring adjustment, tight fits causing noise during operation, and rail alignment issues. Some users have also mentioned issues with the arrow sitting off the rail.
Despite these reported problems, it’s important to note that experiences may vary, and many users have praised the crossbow’s performance, dependability, and accuracy. It’s recommended to consult the manufacturer or retailer for assistance with any specific issues encountered.
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is a hunting crossbow known for the innovative Step-Through Riser (STR) design that improves balance and stability by shifting weight from the riser to the stock.
It also allows for two additional inches of draw length, resulting in increased power and speed without the need to adjust the limbs. The crossbow is designed for full-sized hunters with an adjustable stock and Picatinny rail scope mounting system.
Specifications
Here are the specifications of the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR:
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Draw weight: 187 lbs
- Power stroke: 16.25 inches
- Speed: The crossbow can reach speeds well over 400 fps (feet per second) with proprietary HyperFlite arrows.
- Design: The Whitetail Pro STR features a Step Through Riser (STR) design, which shifts weight from the riser to the stock for improved balance and stability.
- Additional features: Adjustable stock, Picatinny rail scope mounting system, Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer, fiberglass composite step-through riser, pass-through foregrip.
Please note that specifications may vary slightly depending on the specific model or package.
Features
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow has several notable features:
Adjustable stock: The crossbow is designed to accommodate full-sized hunters and hunters of different arm lengths with its adjustable stock.
Picatinny rail scope mounting system:
The Whitetail Pro STR is equipped with a Picatinny rail that allows for easy and secure mounting of scopes and other accessories.
TriggerTech trigger system:
The crossbow features Barnett’s TriggerTech trigger system, known for its smooth and crisp trigger pull. It incorporates Frictionless Release Technology, which ensures a light and creep-free 3-pound trigger pull.
Nock sensors and ADF (anti-dry fire):
The crossbow is equipped with nock sensors and an ADF system, which helps prevent accidental dry firing by keeping a safety bar in place until the arrow is properly seated.
Power and speed:
The Whitetail Pro STR offers a power stroke of 17.75 inches and a draw weight of 187 pounds, resulting in high velocity and kinetic energy for effective hunting.
Additional accessories:
Depending on the package, the crossbow may come with accessories such as arrows, a scope, a side-mount quiver, lubrication wax, and a crank cocking device.
Step Through Riser (STR) design:
The innovative STR design not only enhances the overall balance and stability of the crossbow but also provides two additional inches of draw length without requiring any adjustments to the limbs. This results in increased power and speed.
Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer:
The crossbow is equipped with a Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer, which securely holds the arrow in place while reducing noise and vibration during shooting.
Pass-through foregrip:
The Whitetail Pro STR features a pass-through foregrip design that allows for a better hand position and improved control. It also helps reduce weight and increases overall maneuverability.
Lightweight and compact:
Weighing in at just 6.9 lbs, the Whitetail Pro STR is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. Its compact size makes it ideal for hunting in tight spaces or maneuvering through dense foliage.
Durable construction:
The Whitetail Pro STR features a durable fiberglass composite step-through riser that ensures long-lasting performance in various hunting conditions.
Recommended Arrows and Broadheads
Using recommended accessories for the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow is important to ensure optimal performance, safety, and durability. Here are some recommended accessories for the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow:
Arrows:
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR comes with arrows, but you may want to consider additional arrows for hunting or target practice. The Headhunter arrows are known for their accuracy and penetration, while the PileDriver arrows have a heavier weight for increased kinetic energy and penetration, making them suitable for hunting larger game.
Broadheads:
If you plan on using the crossbow for hunting, you’ll need broadheads. The Hypodermic Crossbow Broadheads have a 2-inch cutting diameter and are known for their efficiency, while the Crossbow X Mechanical Broadheads are optimized for high-velocity crossbows and are reliable performers.
Crossbow Case:
A crossbow case is essential for protecting your crossbow during transportation and storage. While Barnett may not offer a specific case for the Whitetail Pro STR, there are universal cases available that can accommodate the crossbow.
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Problems
Based on the real user reviews on Amazon, here are the problems reported by customers regarding the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow:
String Jumping Stops:
One user mentioned that while zeroing the crossbow at 40 yards, the string jumped the stops, resulting in over travel and damaging the string.
Delayed Service and Poor Customer Service:
A customer reported that after sending the crossbow for repair, it took a month for the bow to reach the service center. Additionally, they had negative experiences with customer service representatives, including unprofessional behavior and lack of assistance.
Limb Failure:
One user experienced a limb failure, where the right arm of the crossbow split down the seam before even going out on a hunting trip. The customer service representative informed them that the bow could only be repaired and not replaced.
String Fraying and Trigger Lock-up:
Another customer reported issues with the string coming apart after shooting the crossbow only a few times. They also experienced a trigger lock-up, where the trigger wouldn’t pull unless they tricked the anti-dry fire mechanism.
Scope and Rail Alignment:
Some users mentioned problems with the scope and rail alignment, requiring adjustments to achieve accurate shots. One customer lost a bolt while trying to figure out the alignment issue.
Arrow Quiver Holding Arrows Too Tight:
A user mentioned that the arrow quiver holds the arrows too tightly, making it difficult to remove them.
Cocker Assist Malfunction:
The crank cocker that was added to the bow worked poorly and came off the string at almost full cock. This made it difficult to cock the bow easily.
Rubber Bow String Stops Fell Off:
The rubber bow string stops fell off and even after being glued back on, they continued to fall off. This affected the alignment of the bow string with the string bumper stops.
Scope and Scope Mounts Are of Poor Quality:
The scope and scope mounts were described as junk and did not hold the scope in place properly. When trying to sight in, there was not enough adjustment available.
Defective Quiver Mount and Cocking String Roller Pin:
The quiver mount was defective and would not come off the quiver. The cocking string roller pin popped out after every pull.
String Wore Out Quickly:
The string of the bow wore out within a couple of months, which is considered to be a short lifespan for a bow string.
Alignment Issues with Power Head and Rail:
The power head of the bow did not align properly with the rail, causing the string to crawl off the upper edge of the cams. This alignment problem could lead to safety issues and potential accidents.
Bow Dry-Fired Unexpectedly:
The bow dry-fired without any reason, causing damage to the string dampener, scope, and wall. This incident raised concerns about the safety of the bow.
Cam Lean:
The bow had cam lean, which made the reviewer scared to shoot it. This issue affected the accuracy and reliability of the bow.
Ambiguous Assembly Instructions:
The assembly instructions provided with the bow were described as unclear and difficult to follow, making the assembly process challenging.
Manufacturing Mistakes and Defects:
The bow had various manufacturing mistakes and defects, including out-of-level and out-of-time cams, a scope rail that was not parallel with the track, and the possibility of string derailment. These issues made it impossible to properly shoot and sight in the bow.
Fragility and Unreliability:
Some customers expressed concerns about the fragility and unreliability of the crossbow, mentioning a misaligned cam that caused the string to break on the third shot.
Lack of Response from Customer Support:
Several customers expressed dissatisfaction with the customer service provided by Barnett, citing long response times or no response at all to their inquiries or concerns.
It’s important to note that these reported problems are based on individual experiences, and not all users may encounter the same issues.
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Features FAQ
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is a crossbow that offers a range of features designed to enhance performance and user experience. Here are some frequently asked questions about the features of the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR:
What is the TriggerTech trigger system?
The TriggerTech trigger system is a feature of the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow. It is known for its smooth, crisp, and safe trigger pull. The system uses Frictionless Release Technology, which employs a unique, free-floating roller between the trigger and sear. This results in an incredibly smooth and light 3-pound trigger pull with zero creep.
What is the ADF (anti-dry fire) system?
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is equipped with an ADF (anti-dry fire) system. This system keeps a spring-loaded safety bar in place until the arrow is properly seated. It prevents accidental dry firing, protecting both the user and the bow.
Does the crossbow have any safety features?
Yes, the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR has several safety features. These include the ADF (anti-dry fire) system mentioned above, as well as a Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer and Finger Safety Reminders. These safety features help ensure safe and secure operation of the crossbow.
Is the crossbow compatible with a crank cocking device?
Yes, the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR comes with an integrated Crank Cocking Device. This device allows for easier and more consistent cocking of the crossbow. It can be a useful accessory for hunters who prefer a more convenient cocking method.
Does the crossbow have a Picatinny rail scope mounting system?
Yes, the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR features a Picatinny rail scope mounting system. This system allows for easy and secure attachment of a scope to the crossbow. It provides hunters with the flexibility to customize their optics setup according to their preferences.
