Jaguar Crossbow
85 | Amazon Price: $149.97 List Price: $252.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $191.79 List Price: $399.95 |
| Amazon Price: $149.97 List Price: $252.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $75.76 |
Jaguar Crossbow Review
If you are reading this then you are probably interested in the jaguar crossbow that you most likely came across on the sportsman's guide. Most people are interested in this crossbow because of its price. On the guide, the jaguar 175 pound crossbow is priced at 149 dollars which seems like a great price. That price also includes arrows and a 3 dot red dot scope as well.
At first site the jaguar crossbowseems like a great entry level crossbow for the price. It is listed as producing 310 feet per second speed which I would like to see. Most of the crossbows such as the Barnett wildcat barely do that kind of speed. From the reviews on the site the bow looks like it performs quite well, but those responses could be biased.
If you have been looking at the jaguar crossbow then you may also want to look into the Eagle Vi as well.The Eagle is similarly priced and produces 272 feet per second and is a 150 pound crossbow. The guide has a product video of each so you can see first performance first hand.
Quality of the Jaguar Crossbow
In my opinion, the jaguar seems like a good entry level crossbow that could harvest a deer. However, I would rather pay more money for a bow that is well known and has proven its worth. I personally like the Barnett crossbow's and would like ot purchase the predator bow. I know your probably thinking that the predator is a very expensive crossbow - and it is! But if you bought the jaguar crossbow and were unsatisfied with it and then you end up buying a better, more expensive crossbow, then it would seem like a good idea to just save your money and purchase the crossbow that you actually want.
I have a Barnett wildcat crossbow and am quite satisfied with it. The trigger pull on this crossbow is very smooth. It is not too loud and shoots pretty fast and is very accurate. I believe that it was in the 300 dollar plus range, but I am very satisfied with it.
Back to the whole review of the Jaguar crossbow that most of you have probably seen on the sportsman's guide. I know why this particular crossbow has caught most of your eyes - it is very inexpensive. We Americans are real big on getting high quality products for a low price. However, when it comes to products like these, it is usually better to go with a crossbow that you are going to be satisfied with. In defense of the jaguar crossbow it seems like a great starter bow, one that you would have a great deal of fun plinking around with. If you are going to get serious about hunting for deer then you will probably want to go with a more proven make and model.
Also, if you didn't know, there are two aspects of a crossbow that you want to look at that will directly reflect its performance. I am not positive, but I do believe that the power stroke of a crossbow is much shorter than that of a compound bow. When it comes to archery, the longer the power stroke the better - I think. Due to the fact that a crossbow has a short power stroke, it will drop faster than an arrow fired from a compound bow would Here is my point: why do the more expensive crossbows such as the bow tech or ten point have longer power strokes? If you understood the previous sentence, then you should be able to see why. If you check the jaguar crossbow's power stroke, you will find that it is much shorter. This is my point folks - the more power stroke the flatter the arrow will shoot, therefore the more distance you will bw able to achieve with your shot.
Also, I think that the arrow length has a direct effect on the accuracy. Again, ask yourself why all of the expensive crossbow's have longer arrow length - around 20-22 inches? IT would make sense that the longer the arrow the more accurate and consistent it will be. The jaguar's is around 15 inches I believe. Once again, this is all based on what I have heard and read in forums. If you want to learn about the jaguar crossbow, then try to find as many reviews as you can.
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I heard that it was a little on the loud side - so the buck didnt "jump the shot" ? 40 yards is a pretty good distance.
I have had one for quite some time now and it works fine and has good groups even at 50 yards. It has been a good coyote bow but initially I had to square the bow with a tape measure to make it work better.
How can you write a review on a crossbow you haven't tested or even shot?
Howard, I wrote this review at the time because I was really interested in purhcasing a crossbow. I was really enticed by the affordability that this bow had to offer and simply wanted to perform some research on it for reference. So what I have done here is provide some knowledge that I have found on the crossbow for others to read. You see, many people have no idea what they are getting into when they buy a bow - such as how arrow length affecting accuracy, and how power stroke effects the drop time of an arrow. As you can see, it attracted some comments from people that own the bow, so therefore it has done some good. Thanks for the comment
I think its funny how just on hear say an Item is judged to be sub standard. Turkish hand made shotguns, Taiwan crossbows, on and on. Junk is junk, but as an owner of a jaguar, I can tell you it isnt junk. Most of the time a bad review from someone that never owned or tried something, comes from people that spent lots of money on
a product and have to justify it to others somehow.
In this review its totally from hearsay from non owners, with a twist. The real owners of the Jaguar's, who like the performance and quality are dismissed as biased. Ok?
Does the jaguar work deer and pig hunting (most hunting with a crossbow will be used for) well others have taken deer and pig with them, is it fun to just shoot? you bet, is it a toy or junk? ahhh no, its well made and its 129.00 bucks. Sorry anyone doing a review of of item they never saw or tried is silly. Good or bad.
Mike
I bought one of these bows last year to start bow hunting. This little bow is great! 1" groups at 30 yards! For the price it dosen't get any better. I took 2 pigs and a doe with it with no problem. The string does tend to wear out but at just $10 to replace it.....It's a bargain. I couldn't have asked for any better for the price. I also shoot 20" carbon bolts with 100 grain broad heads out of it and they shoot real flat. So your not just limited to the 16" bolts.
Have a good one,
Rich
Rich,
You are right, with that sort of grouping at 30 yards, you really cant ask for more! The fact that you used 20 inch bolts with the jaguar is also very interesting. Thats definately something very useful to the folks that are skeptical about this one. Thanks for reading and congrats on the 2 pigs and doe.
Mikea,
I am not here to argue with folks, so I am just going to clear a few things up. For starters, I have not had the chance to shoot this bow. Secondly, the contents of this article are actually quite accurate due to the fact that I actually was thinking about buying one. I spent several days searching forums and websites looking for all of the reviews, comments, and information that I could find. The truth of the matter is this - is this crossbow capable of getting the job done? Yes. Is it the best or most reliable c bow out there? No. I have talked to several archery shop experts that say they will shoot nothing but an excalibur, tenpoint, or bowtech. I wonder why they said that? They said that because they actually work with so many different crossbows that they know which ones are quality or which ones arent. Several of the guys have had crossbows break on them or had the strings snap on them. I will say this, it only has to happen once for someone to become weary of those models and brands when something like that happens. When a person that I truly trust looks at me with a serious face and tells me that they wouldnt shoot a barnett or a horton because of this, then I usually take heed to their warning. There is a lot of potential energy stored in those limbs when they are pulled back, so that is something that you will have to think about. I think I might just wait and save a little extra money for that added piece of mind. I appreciate the comment though. I do not want to leave any ambiguity here folks, so read through the post, take a look at the comments, and decide for yourself.
It seems like a great xbow. I was just at a friend of mine's for a week and I forget what model he has but we were hunting deer of course and we kept missing the shot until we figured out it was the tip we had on the arrow was too light and causing an errant shot. Anyway, thanks for the review.
"I think its funny how just on hear say an Item is judged to be sub standard. Turkish hand made shotguns, Taiwan crossbows, on and on. Junk is junk, but as an owner of a jaguar, I can tell you it isnt junk. Most of the time a bad review from someone that never owned or tried something, comes from people that spent lots of money on
a product and have to justify it to others somehow.
I couldn't agree more
i recently purchased one of these crossbows, i havent had the chance to get it out bush yet but look forward to seeing how it handles goats or roo's i reckon it will do the trick, it has been fun for plinking, i have a nickron 4x40 scope on it too. ill let you all know how it stands up to aussie conditions.....
Looking forward to your review james.
I am a freelance writer who won't get published if my article contains biased commentary. Yes, you are reviewing a product and this is your opinion. I get that. However I find it very odd that you haven't even fired one bolt from a Jaguar before you are singing the praises of the Barnett you own and your plans to purchase another model.
"Quality of the Jaguar Crossbow
In my opinion, the jaguar seems like a good entry level crossbow that could harvest a deer. However, I would rather pay more money for a bow that is well known and has proven its worth. I personally like the Barnett crossbow's and would like ot purchase the predator bow."
"However, when it comes to products like these, it is usually better to go with a crossbow that you are going to be satisfied with. In defense of the jaguar crossbow it seems like a great starter bow, one that you would have a great deal of fun plinking around with. If you are going to get serious about hunting for deer then you will probably want to go with a more proven make and model."
The Jaguar you are referring to isn't the "usual". I purchased this bow on a whim and as a life long female hunter, I wanted a challenge to conquer one more thing. It works and I have taken Axis doe at 40+/- yds with it just as it came. I have shot it from trees, ground and on the stalk without a problem. I also have used the 20in bolts that my husband uses with 100grain tips. It has seen a lot of action in the year I have had it and yes I have replaced the string once already. MOST crossbows would need it replaced when approx 45 feral hogs, 3 whitetail and 7 axis have been taken in less than 9mos. If you call that "plinking around" I would like to know how many freezers of meat you have. We manage the wildlife and hunt for our meals and the meals of charitable organizations near us. A dink of a gun or bow wont last long around us and I say once again this isn't your usual cheap product. While I am on my soapbox, let me say also that any piece of equipment not properly taken care of is going to be junk after a few uses.
I have used the 150lb version of the Jaguar crossbow to take out feral rabbits and foxes. I have shot it accurately from 20 yards to about 45. I bought a plain, no frills version and added a Nikko Stirling 4x scope. The bolts were 16 inch Gold Tip carbons with two bladed broadheads and 4 inch elite plastifletches slightly offset to the right to enable the bolts to spin in flight while fitting nicely into the crevice between the rails. It shoots very well, and while I would not compete with it, I could hunt small to medium game with it well enough. I intend to take it goat and boar hunting up in Australia's Northern Territory soon.
Owning a crossbow here in Australia can be difficult. Two States (New South Wales and Tasmania) consider it illegal, as does the Australian Capital Territory. Victoria and Queensland require licences. South Australia allows crossbow ownership, but only after one has demonstrated something called a 'lawful excuse.' The only 2 places where they are still completely legal without hassles are Western Australia and the Northern Territory. I could have bought the more expensive Excaliburs, but I thought if the laws around here become more restrictive and I would have to give up my crossbow, or if I have to move interstate to Tasmania or New South Wales, then a cheap but effective Jaguar would not be too difficult to resell or surrender. At the moment, it is serving me quite well. Perhaps if I moved to Canada, I would have less to worry about governments and restrictions on the fun things in life, but as it stands, I am in Australia, and my Jaguar is not a bad crossbow for the price I paid. In fact, when not hunting these pest animals and doing my farmer friends a few favours, I shoot it regularly for target practice. I have never missed a 40 cm FITA field bulls eye from as far as 45 yards, standing.
I have a 150 lb. model similar. Built well, shoots well, and didn't cost an arm and a leg. Killed a deer with it 1st time last Dec. at 32 yards. Penetrated both sides but did not pass all the way through. That deer is just as dead as if it had been killed by a Barnett. There are a lot of bow snobs that have to have the newest, fastest, or most expensive, but this bow works and kills. Read some of the crossbow forums about Barnett and Horton and that might open your eyes, too. Only drawback with this bow is availability of parts, but for what I paid, I can buy another bow and still be ahead. JMO
I also bought a Jaguar 175# CB and am as happy with it as very many of the more expensive CB's out there.My Jag will kill just as many deer ,just as dead as your barnett will and at 1/3 the price.People seem to get to caught up on names as with the saleman that only recommends what he sells and comes up with some cock and bull story about the Jag breaking.Probably never shot a jaguar CB in his life either? I've also read some reviews about the speed not being 310FPS.as claimed.Don't really know, as probably the ones writting the reviews,if it does or not shoot that fast,but it shoots fast enough to get the job done well for me.I usually shoot deer from my blind at no more than 20-25 yrs. and I personally don't care if it will shoot 50 plus yards or not.Bottom line is that the Jaguar is a very good crossbow,not only for the price,but for what it does well ! If you want to spend a ton of money more on what your buddies shoot or keeping up with the Jones,then by all means go for it.Me I'll kill my deer with the little cheap Jag and spend my money on the other things I like.
I am looking to purchase one of these crossbows and found the comments on this page to be very useful. One thing that I would like to point out is that Sportsmans Guide has a lifetime warranty on all their product as long as you have the original or a copy of the original recipt. So if I don't like this crossbow, I can send it back for a full refund.
I dont think that the jaguar is made by guide gear(sportsmans guide)
I bought one from Sportsmansguide when I heard NYS was going to allow limited crossbow hunting. Haven't hunted for many years with a compound bow because I lost upper body strength as I aged (female) so I purchased the Jaguar because it was cheap, just to see if I could use it. Unfortunately I discovered I can't draw this 150 pound bow back and doubt even a cocking rope would help since I was having great difficulty with the 50/60# compound bow. Does anyone know where I can get a cocking winch to fit this bow? I don't want to give up yet. thanks!
Rich,
Awsome Review Man. Thats What I Like To Hear!
I got one for Christmas last year and have obtained a permit from the State of Missouri to use it during bow season due to problems with my left hand. I plan on using it starting in September to turkey and deer hunt. I did take it to the range and it shot 1-2 inch groups at 30 and 40 yards. My wife shot it and did about the same. We have a very long season here in MO for deer, from September 15-January 15. You can take two bucks and as many does as you can shoot. With my work schedule it just gives me more chances to hit the woods.
i have one of china junk crossbow it is not fast but i can shoot 40 yards 3" groups with it foras good as my horton at it is a lot lighter and quieter the coking rope reduser the weight by 50% and you can buy one on ebay
i have just bought a jaguar 175lb crossbow from the sportsmens guide an want to know what the best bolt an broadhead to use with it i feel like an longer bolt would be better cuz it cums with only 16in an what the weight of my tip should b i am new to archery an just need a direction
I too bought one as a starter x-bow. I couldn't be happier with it! It is very accurate and fast. My state will only allow it during our gun and muzzleloader season. So I want to take it to Ohio. As a buyer's club member of the S.G. I paid $135! Ignorance is bliss, but I don't know what else you would need in a x-bow. It's simple,solid and accurate. Even at 175lbs.,it cocks pretty east with a rope cocker.
Dave
having trouble sighting in mine what size arrowers or you useing
20" carbon express. In my bow, they hit the same place as the 16"aluminum bolts that come with it. Just a wierd coincidence, I'm sure. 20" is the minimum length in my state for hunting.
Dave
I live in New Zealand where all forms of bowhunting are very common. The 175lb. Jaguar recurve is my first crossbow, and it is absolutely fantastic for the price. I bought a decent scope for it to replace the red dot which I don't really like, and it has been an awesome hunting weapon. I have been taking plenty of goats with it, as well as a few feral hogs.
i'm planning on getting the jaguar 175 or the arrow precision inferno fury , they r in the same price range and features , this site has been very helpful , thanks William , i will update my review once i get my crossbow.
William look what you just said. You went to an archery shop to get ur info. If I were the one working behind the counter and u came in asking questions like that, I'd degrade the cheaper one just to sell you something more expensive too. That's how they get your money. Seems like more people like the Jag than not. MY OPINION is as long as it works for the user, why go to anything else? Kinda like the saying if it's not broken, don't fix it.
it depends on where you go..........most of the "big box" stores such as Bass Pro degrade the cheaper crossbows, like you said, just to sell you the more expensive one. I also agree that just because it is cheap, that doesnt mean that it doesnt work.
On a second note, I just read on a forum that the "jaguar" crossbow is essentially the Arrow Precision brands "inferno fury" that was simply stamped with another name. I dont know how valid the statement I read was, but there is no mistaking the similar resemblance. Check out the similarities by looking at pictures of them.
Read the reviews not the forium
l just got one, i love it.could not ask for anything more fun than this. plan on hunting with it later on.
Update on my last post 12 months ago:
Bagged a goat with my Jaguar 150lb crossbow. Neat broadside shot at 20 to 25 yards (more like 23). Accuracy remains as good as ever, and I did not lack power. The goat was dead, though it managed to run about 30 or so yards before expiring. On a sad note, Western Australia has banned crossbows recently, so that leaves on South Australia and Northern Territory as places for crossbow shooting without too many hassles.
interesting note,bow hunting with a friend this year,when his parker tornado crossbow broke an axle pin.i was using my eagle 6 cheapo that i love!,i had the jag in the back of the jeep,and offered it up for use.after the days hunt,my buddy wanted to know where i got this well balanced,recurve crossbow that shot so accurately!,when i told him what i had payed for it,he bout fell off the four wheeler! shows that when you dont know the details,opinions change.....he had bagged one doe,and a nice 6-pointer. using his 20"bolts and broads
just got a jaguar 175 lbs. shot it 4 times and the sting broke. got it used so it's to be expected for crap like that to happen. from 50 ft. can hit bottom of a soda can not bad for never taken a shot ever, with practice tips.
dan 2 years ago
I bought and used the Jaguar last year for deer hunting. I found it to be easy to sight in and very accurate. I shot one time all year at a buck that was 45 yards out. Nailed him right where I was aiming. I had my sites set for 20 yds, 30, and 40. I comtemplated buying a more expensive model but wanted to make sure I like shooting one first. I am happy with the bow, will continue to use it this year, and recommended it to a fellow hunter. Also, will be taking to Maine to bear hunt with it in September.