Crossbow Review: TenPoint Havoc RS440 XERO

Two industry leaders join forces for a game-changing crossbow setup.

April 30, 2021 By Jon E. Silks

Crossbow technology is advancing at a quickening pace these days, and TenPoint is right at the forefront, forging industry-advancing partnerships and changing the way hunters go to the field.

TenPoint’s 2021 Havoc RS440 XERO not only features technologies such as Reverse Draw, Sling-Shot and ACUslide but is also home to the integrated XERO laser-rangefinding scope from Garmin. Let’s check it out!

Next-Level Sighting

The Havoc RS440 XERO is so-named because of the super high-tech Garmin XERO X1i sighting system that comes standard on this model. This unit features nearly instantaneous rangefinding out to 250 yards, and for all ranges 80 yards and in, the scope automatically displays a single, dead-on aiming point; no more “gap shooting” between the lines on multi-reticle scopes! Other highlights of the Havoc XERO include a ranging button built into the grip and a projected target waypoint through a wireless connection to compatible Garmin navigation devices. In other words, the XERO maps where your target was standing when you shot!

Other notable features on the XERO include Steady Aim that provides a visual indication of how steady you are holding on target, a built-in digital bubble level to help you avoid misses caused by tilting your bow and even a visual indicator of the apex of your bolt’s flight to help avoid overhanging limbs and other obstacles. Additionally, the XERO X1i sports 3.5X magnification, multi-colored display options, the ability to program aiming points for multiple bolt configurations and more. Honestly, I could devote an entire test to the XERO scope alone!

Balanced Power

The “bow” portion of the Havoc RS440 is mounted in the structural center of the unit to accommodate the reverse-draw platform and produce excellent overall balance. This configuration flips the entire bow around, placing cams toward the front of the bow, and forces the string to be drawn through the riser, which complements the over rotation of the cams, yielding a longer power stroke and faster bolt speeds. Additionally, the bolt nock stays on the string longer for enhanced accuracy.

TenPoint outfits the Havoc RS440 with its RX-7 cams that employ a spiral cable groove, making a full 360 degrees of rotation and a longer power stroke possible. Along with TenPoint’s Sling-Shot Technology that compresses the string through a slightly narrowed path and boosts speed by 10 fps, the cams generate speeds of 440 fps with a 400-grain bolt. Cams are driven in part by TenPoint’s Vector Quad Cable Technology that employs four individual cables anchored independently, resulting in a balanced cam load and straight nock travel for superior accuracy.

TenPoint’s Dual Flex limbs are double-hinged, measure 12 inches long and are made with Gordon Composites material. Tri-Lock limb pockets precisely align the limbs to the riser to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Silent Control

Cocking and de-cocking, or just unloading a crossbow, has been one of the biggest inconveniences in the sport and quite frankly could be a safety concern. TenPoint’s silent ACUslide, which is integrated into the stock, removes those issues and gives the shooter total control. No matter where you are in the process of cocking or de-cocking, you can simply let go of the handle and it will not move, thanks to an internal braking system. A special tool mounted to the telescoping crank handle allows the trigger housing unit to be disengaged from the string after the de-cocking process.

Compact TEC

TenPoint’s new TEC-TACTICAL stock is injection molded using a lightweight, glass-filled polypropylene material known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and ruggedness. The two-piece unit runs almost the entire length of the Havoc and is home to a rubber butt pad, elevated soft cheek piece, pistol grip, trigger guard and pass-through foregrip. Plastic safety wings are mounted just above the foregrip to keep shooters’ fingers/thumbs below the flight deck and out of harm’s way. The stock features pistol grip finger grooves, a nest to house the crank handle and is available in Hydro-Graphic Graphite Gray or Veil Alpine camo finishes.

Triggered

TenPoint uses its Micro-Trac fluted rail/barrel, which employs a groove on either side of the center cutout that guides the sliding trigger box during the cocking/de-cocking process while also cutting the surface area by 50 percent to reduce friction and string wear. An 1,800-pound test nylon strap connects the floating trigger box to the ACUslide. The trigger housing is home to the company’s auto-engaging trigger safety and Dry Fire Inhibitor (DFI) that physically blocks the string from being released unless a bolt is properly loaded. A bolt-retention brush is mounted atop the trigger housing. When cranked to full draw, the Trigger Lock-Latch audibly clicks, removes tension from the strap and securely anchors the trigger box in place.

TenPoint also outfits the Havoc with its proven, match-grade, two-stage, S1 Trigger that allows the shooter to take up the slack in the first stage and then crisply fire the crossbow in the second stage with only 3.5-pounds of pressure and zero creep.

What’s in the Box?

The Havoc RS440 XERO comes as a kit that includes the Havoc crossbow, Garmin XERO X1i scope, six Evo-X CenterPunch bolts and a six-bolt Tech Quiver.

Our speed testing showed the Havoc actually outpaced its advertised speed rating by 4 fps; I give TenPoint a lot of respect for that! I’m also a fan of the S1 Trigger’s two stages and crisp finish. And the Garmin XERO X1i scope is an incredible piece of technology that will make you feel as though you are closing in on your target with an F16 fighter jet. The only drawback I can see to the XERO scope is that it does add notable weight.

Shot noise was within the expected range for a crossbow producing these bolt speeds, and the ACUslide makes shooting the Havoc truly hassle-free. One word of advice; do not shoot this beast into just any target. Targets used with the Havoc must be tough and built with easy-pull material!

The Specs

Manufacturer: TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, 330-628-9245; tenpointcrossbows.com
Model: Havoc RS440 XERO
Safety Features: Dry Fire Inhibitor, auto trigger safety, safety wings
Riser: Center-mounted, machined aluminum, black anodized
Cam System: RX-7, Dual, Spiral Groove
String: BCY X99, 34.125 inches
Cables (x4): BCY X99, 13 inches
Limbs: Dual Flex, Split, Gordon Composites
Draw Weight: 270 pounds
Power Stroke: 13.5 inches
Grip: Pistol style, with built-in rangefinder button
Stock/Forearm: TEC-TACTICAL Stock, glass-filled polypropylene
Finish: Veil Alpine Camo
Advertised Speed: 440 fps with a 16-inch, 400-grain bolt
Minimum Advertised Price: $3,599.99
Comments: A high-performance, quality-built rig packed with cutting-edge technology.