Yak Archery Terminator 3 vs. Stinger 2 Tactical
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- Fans and users of compact repeating crossbows that fire 6.3 inch bolts are getting more choices, which is a great thing. Here, I compare in detail a Yak Archery Terminator 3 offered by a company in Germany with a stock Stinger 2 Tactical. Pros and cons of both so you can make an informed decision if you are in the market for a bow like this.
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00:00 - Titel
00:14 - Intro, market history
02:34 - What's in the box
05:37 - Fundamental design
11:06 - Height over deck
13:18 - Sights
16:20 - Magazine
23:21 - Bolt compatibility
25:10 - Picatinny rails
28:46 - Length of pull
30:32 - Stock and foregrip
32:55 - Limbs
36:15 - Latch design and velocity
40:53 - Cocking mechanism
48:15 - Accessories and product maturity
50:03 - Accuracy, handling, and overall impression
1:01 - Closing 
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What a superb presentation. Practical, thorough, realistic, sober, clear, right level of detail. Prefer this to shouting and hype.
That is high praise, thank you very much, sir!
@@fletchedevolution
You're awesome and thanks to you I can see.
This is a comparison as you can only wish for, there is really no detail left out. Absolutely great. So thank you very much for this!
Great and very fair Video Review. Did you know the pink button is promoted as "red"? 😂
I'm very sad for YAK... But the T3 is not good. No true competitor for the stinger...
Had one of those for a test, but I'm not allowed to upload it, because they don't like the review. 150 Shot 3 x misfiring. And one misfired shot instantly destroys the magazin technique, because there is no backhold string like in stinger. Arrow wents to far in an break...
More functions are always more space for failure... And also, i dont recognised any advantage of the pressureless arrow.
All in all, I'll stick to the stinger. In my eyes the most reliable magazine-crossbow.
YAKs Background is EST Bogensport from Berin. They normaly don't shot crossbows. Just bows.
And as far as I know, the factory only runs monday's ;)
Thank you! Yes, I was excited going in, but disappointed in the end. I'm sorry that you had even more trouble than me with the Yak, and that they treated you the way they did, that sucks! Work down the drain...
Them not shooting crossbows (or firearms either, perhaps) makes sense based on the ergonomics they chose. I still wish them good luck, but I am glad we have Stingers!!
Excellent comparison video.
Thank you!
Quality review. Got myself the Steambow 55 lbs limbs for my Adderini build. Absolutely love the power and reliability. Those halloween bodkin sets on Steambow's website were a great deal, I hope you snatched some of them up as well. Better colors than standard ones imo. Take care.
For my system I just kept the MK TCS2 Alligator foregrip bit turned around to become both foregrip and cocking aid that works like a charm and won't come off, obviously you can still replace it with any quality foregrip like I did with my personal one.
Im so happy I found your channel. I was debating between the Adder and the Vlad due to JoergSprave.
But the Steambow is hands down the winner for me. Design alone.
And I love that the body can be converted into the pistol or carbine just by swapping them out.
Would just like to say that the bolts for the stinger are not 6.5 inches, they are 6.25 inches. I ordered bolts from somewhere else that were actually 6.5 inches and they would not fit except for the first one.
Oh, dang, you are absolutely right, I got that wrong! Thanks for pointing that out!
Really well thought out review and side by side comparing. I went with the stinger and agree with your findings. Happy shooting!
I recently updated my design to come stock standard with front side rails too
great video .we bought off Amazon and parts list
2 stinger pro s$285 ea .
we put newer buttstocks with ar15 side swing mounts ebay wich dont have buy cnc $200 one .they make cast version copy $30 .
duel tango sling buffer tube mount $11
minimalist magpul buttstock $56
buttstock mole pouch
$23 hold the extra string tools .
small 4inch bayonet$35 on front .
shake awake red dot $75. mag pull ergo forward grip$33
small light$26 wich helps at night shooting
bag small weaver rails for extra mounts $16
tango sling $12
Another great video. If you are having issues with the higher site deck of the Yak, just loosen the buffer tube nut and turn the stock 180 degrees so that it will be upside down. This should improve your shoulder contact, but of course but your cheek weld will be similar to the original position. It will then become a conversation piece or ice breaker to start conversations of why your stock is upside down. Thanks for the excellent review.
😂My problem with the sight height is the cheek weld, and not really the shoulder contact. There is little recoil to manage, and as long as the stock is a bit grippy, it is fine.
I am also just picky about ergonomics, I shoot a lot of rifles, and set them all up to match my stature. I see a lot of Alligator 2 builds on the Internet with high magazines, and Jörg Sprave is also coming out with an even higher 12-shot magazine. So I am guessing a lot of people do not mind floating their head behind the sights.
@@fletchedevolution Have you tried the various clip on cheek pads made for the AR-15 style buttstock? But I do understand your wanting to to unify your armament to a common ergonomic standard. I use mine in various styles so a rifle used mainly for prone shooting may have a different form than one used for bench-rest shooting, and a different form factor than one used for off-hand shooting. We all have our different styles, but I do respect your opinion.
@@SilverShadow2LWB I use a Magpul CTR stock on my Survival, and there is a clip-on riser for it that I have. But I have rings that are low enough for the scopes I use on this bow so I can get a good cheek weld on the stock with my head in the proper position.
On my Tactical, I use an IMI TS1 with an adjustable cheekpiece. Mil-spec, but mil-spec tubes and castle nuts are cheap.
Excellent review. I am from the UK and so home defence is my requirement. For me, I have an adder RX for hadder targets woth bodkin, but for the more compact home defence pistol I went with vlad for the folding status and materials.
I think that the 3d printed mini adder may be next. Excited to see what comes of that, but if not, i may try stinger.Highly advise getting hold of a good copy of one of the mini adders and reviewing if you get the opportunity though.
Thank you for the tip, I have to admit that the good ideas and solutions in this segment lead to a massive to-do/idea bucket. A mini Adder is on my list!
@@fletchedevolution
1. If only the RedBack/TomCat -3 secured their trigger with inserts or had a billet aluminum body.
2. If only the RedBack/TomCat -3 had a magazine that did not cause power loss.
3. If only the RedBack/TomCat -3 had a functional stock.
If it had those items, it would be the best you could buy.
The pressure of the spring is a topic you touch on in this video and you will see with my magazine design (if you check my channel) has a retention arm that pivots from the back and is spring loaded so the pressure is consistent all the way through to the last bolt, I think the way the YAK mag releases the bolts is a nice concept it just means more moving parts and more loving parts means more potential for breakages and errors and failures.
Yes, I also agree with the complexity issue 100%. How is the spring pressure on your arm consistent if the spring is compressed more with 7 bolts in the magazine than it is with only one bolt on the deck? I have seen your channel, but not watched all videos.
@@fletchedevolution there is enough space in the channel in which my compression spring sits so it is never completely depressed, there might be a slight difference but it's is undetectable to me, you lift the pivoting arm with your thumb so you get good haptic feedback that seems to be seems consistent (I don't feel weaker pressure wen I lift or drop the arm)
The fact is that the YAK simply uses the same MK TCS2 Alligator crossbow fame as my RFX7 magazine does, the stinger 2 is a slightly modified version of that too just with longer rails and not "skeletonised"
I believe the Stinger 2 is based off the EK Cobra, that was the crossbow for the Stinger 1. But the Cobra is very similar to the Alligator in its design based on me closely comparing the two.
@@fletchedevolution everything on the stinger is the same as the alligator (except they gave it an AR stock and modified the front to be more solid and have a longer rail and removed the front horn or spike and they reshaped the trigger gate) that correctly also was based on the cobra, they are all based of the grandfather polangs cobra pistol crossbows which was an attempt to miniaturise the large Barnett commando crossbow (I remember you touching on this in the video too)
Thanks for the informative video, the choice can only be one. Steambow keeping things rigid and simple. No funny fidgeting. Hopefully Yak can adjust accordingly, since it's another interesting entry on the market. Competition is good. Subbed for quality and the amount of info.
Thank you! Yes, competition is great for us users. And the Alligator is a good platform to work off of in a lot of ways, so we will see what other good options we will get!
My design doesn't have a speed loader but it exceptionally easy to load individual ones into it and to top up on the go.
I think speed loaders are maybe a niche thing, I don't use them all that much right now. But I think they are a great option to have if you see a need for yourself.
Depending on laws where people live, for example Germany where I believe you cannot store a crossbow loaded, and where it is fairly difficult to get a firearm to defend your home, they make sense. With the close ranges that these weapons would be used at in a horrible self defense scenario, I doubt that you would have time to empty the magazine and reload before an attacker is upon you in most cases.
@@fletchedevolution it's also illegal for them to attach lasers to their Xbows . . On the case that you can't keep it loaded up then a speed loader does make sense.
The Yak simply has a MK TCS2 alligator frame se as my Rapid Fire Crossbows that I sell in South Africa, my magazine has a capacity of 7+1 bolts, it also disengages the safety so you don't need to worry about that between shots. Have a look at my channel
eric, now you have tested the three main rivals, if you had to choose one, for home defence, what limb and what model, would you lean on most?
Draw weight 120 lb because I can cock it quickly, but 90 lb also has enough punch, and defense requires the ability for rapid follow-up. A bow does not impart the traumatic shock that a rifle can. The Yak T3 and the Stinger are both faster than the Vlad due to the leverage, cocking lever geometry.
The simple notch latch (T3 and Stinger) basically cannot fail, while there are many stories and my own experiences of the more sophisticated latch in the Vlad getting blocked with a piece of plastic or detritus during use. The trigger on the Vlad with the 60 lb limb is a dream, though! And I like the safety very much.
But defaulting to a primitive latch because the feces has impacted the fan and the crossbow must absolutely fire, the build quality of the Stinger is much better than the T3 that I tested, and the T3 has several more fine moving parts made out of plastic than the simpler Stinger. Added complexity is also added potential for failure.
Height over the stock line is important to me so I can get a cheek weld for consistent eye placement behind the sights/optic and an additional point of contact for stability. The magazine on the T3 is too high, even with a 3 cm riser, but the Stinger also requires an aftermarket stock if you want to use a red dot. The Vlad stock also does not allow a cheek weld, and there is no ready solution to that.
Overall for me now the Stinger, Vlad a second because of the better build quality than the T3, though I will buy a T4 if one comes out (or maybe even a T3 if they get back into stock again) to see how they have improved. And with a Vlad, I would put skate tape on the stock for better grip, not disable the automatic safety because your hand is out in front of the deck after the bow is cocked with a bolt on the deck, and I would shim the magazine on the inside to guide the bolts better and prevent vanes from falling inside the latch mechanism. And I would test different vanes exhaustively so I can be confident that my 8 shots will all fire.
@@fletchedevolution thank you for the comprehensive answer eric, exactly what ive come to the concluson of, ive converted several pistol bows to carbines, from the cobra, red back, op360 and alligator. i just couldnt bring myself to part with cash on the vlad due to the stock and front grip, or that other new pistol bow, with the compund pullys and straight pull. i think a quick string change is essential and compounds, you just cant do it.
Great content. I don't think the Yak is available in my area, but I'm curious about the Vlad by Ek archery too. I'm becoming a huge fan of this entire archery category. The Yak is interesting, but not a better option than the Stinger I already have (at least as I see it). It's such a mature product and well made as you've noted, so the Yak needs to be a lot better to get me to part with my money over a Stinger 2. I'd be interested in seeing if the Vlad is more accurate since it has a more traditional crossbow trigger mechanism instead of the cobra "ledge". I can't bring myself to preorder the Vlad until I see more info. The expected delivery date feels too far away too.
My question is related to the 90 lb. Stinger limb vs. The 80 lb yak limb. What type of speeds are you getting with similar arrows, let's say with those carbon fiber ones? I'm getting a pretty consistent 195 fps with those exact ones, with a standard deviation of around 2 fps. I wish I could get the CF bodkins Yak has on their webpage. Anyway, I haven't seen faster than 197 fps on the Stinger 2 using the Fx airguns radar chronograph (it seems right, but I have taken no measurements with a secondary method to confirm accuracy). That's with the CF field points that look identical to the Yak arrows. I know you saw over 200 fps with the 90 lbs limbs in some arrows in a previous video, but I'm not sure if that was on the survival or the Tactical. I don't know if they propel arrows at the same speed. I've seen both 220 fps and 190 fps specifications for the stinger on different websites, but I think 190 is more realistic. Sure I get faster than that, except with the heavier steambow bodkins, but that isn't an exaggeration. It seems the Yak is breaking 200 fps with a lower draw weight while shooting the same arrow as the Stinger? And Yak plans a 100 lb limb. That would be very powerful, but is that right? Is the Yak more powerful than the Stinger at a lower draw? And if it is, do you think that limb could actually work in the Stinger to upgrade it one more way?
Thank you! You ask a lot of good questions, and I am working on a video now that will answer most of them. I no longer have the Yak so can't compare any more velocities. The Yak practice bolts are indistinguishable from the ones you turned me on to, and they weigh about 5 grains less than the Stinger blue bolts, but with much more deviation. So this could explain the greater velocity, plus differences in chronographs. I read that Yak is working on a 100 lb limb. I have paired a 90 with a trimmed 55 in a Stinger to get to around 120 or so (then using aluminum end caps), but need to evaluate this more systematically and want to also do realistic penetration testing to judge for myself how much draw weight you really need to get the job done. With this higher draw weight, I think string dampeners also become a good idea. The big issue I see overall is that the aluminum bolts are just not designed for 90 lbs or even very high volumes of shooting at 55 lb (I think even there, if you have suboptimal follow-through and the bolt strikes the target at an angle, you can also get very slight bending in the shaft). And I have read about end caps breaking at 80 and 90 lb basically from fatigue. So the slightly ligher carbon bolts from Amazon hold up great, but I fear you are then just counting down to an end cap breaking sooner. We need carbon, and they need to be heavier even for 90 lb, but all the more so if we want to jack up the power. With the Yak, I had the nock break off one of these carbon bolts from Amazon and shoot out the side, which scared the crap out of me. I am testing some heavier carbon bolts now, fortunately. I do think that 120 lb might be a really sweet spot for a Survival for actual hunting purposes, for the greater range especially. And if someone can come out with a mechanical broadhead for these bolts with a greater cutting diameter, this could be a serious contender for fast kills on small game.
@@fletchedevolution Those are all good points. I look forward to the next video then. I do wonder what the 100lb limbs are like in a Stinger because the 90lb limb are plenty easy for me to operatel. I feel like it was much harder when I first got it, but I'm still getting good arrow speeds according to the chronograph. Actually, the 55 lb limb was hard to me at first too. I guess its all working the way it should. I don't necessarily think the 90lb is underpowered, but I'd like to see 200+ fps speeds. I'd probably be content with that. For sure, better range would be available with 100-120lb if it isn't too much for the lever and parts like the trigger over time. I can't complain about string wear, since I only sent about 60 arrows downrange with the 55s. The 90 is what I'm used to. I don't feel like there has been excessive wear. I have broken a set of endcaps, but there was a couple of dry fires in there and a misfired arrow or two that wasn't well lined up (my fault, not the Xbow). This is after hundreds of shots with 9+ gram arrows like the blue target and CF arrows. The 90lb Stinger should be happy as long as bolts lighter than about 9 grams aren't used.
I try to stay around 17-18 yards away from the targets with the 90, but it is still a lot of fun for me. It also lets me work on accuracy. I'm sure the 55 would have more holdover at that range, and it is already quite accurate under 10 yards. I haven't tried the new trigger yet, so it's as stiff as ever for each release. The tuning trigger seems out of stock these days, but I may just have to 3D print my own solution if they don't get some stock before long. I'd like to get that new aluminum Stinger magazine too.
I basically use those carbon fiber field point arrows exclusively for all my target shooting now, other than a few penetration tests to see what would happen at range. Unfortunately, I ruined 2 Steambow Bodkins that way and some other off-brand broadheads in other tests. I didn't think carboard with be an issue at that range, but it was too hard for the aluminum shafts using the 90. I had higher hopes for the bodkins, but even at that range they smacked a hard target dead-on and bent even though it had enough momentum to turn the target slightly. I kept the bodkin tips, but they won't fit the carbon fiber shafts without some filing. I couldn't do anything with the bent aluminum parts. I've only got a couple of those CF bolts without tips and wouldn't mind upgrading them to bodkin tips to see how they go. That just shows how good the CF bolts are for target shooting. They have been nearly indestructible for me too. There is one broadhead arrow that is carbon fiber on Amazon. I haven't found any others. That would be a good one to have in the event that one had to hunt, based on how the others have performed. A miss wouldn't necessarily mean a unsalvageable arrow. Steambow should jump in on the CF arrows.
@@a.j.7476 The bolts I am testing are still preproduction, I hope I can show them in a couple few weeks because they have been great so far and are far better made than the Chinese ones off Amazon. Solid bolts that are also heavier will let us really play wtih higher draw weights, which definitely have their uses. I am playing with a doubled-up limb set that gets me around 120 lb, it is nice to shoot with the tuning trigger and hits with authority. But I run it on a Survival, I don't trust the cocking lever on the Tactical over time especially.
Steambow has also said in a video that they are working on a semiauto Stinger, and that is the point where I think that draw weights of 100 or 120 would be superb in a Tactical format. I think 55 lb will penetrate a lot on an animal, but that you have little room for error in shot placement. Seeing how my cobbled together 120 does in comparison, holy moly!
One thing I am concerned about with 90 lb but especially 120 (or more) is the end caps. I have not broken any yet at 90, but I inspect them frequently. I am using some prototype aluminum end caps from Steambow for the 120 to be safe. Of course, if we get bolts that are heavy enough, the plastic end caps should be fine.
So yes, we need readily avaiable and good CF bolts, and the new Premium Slydarc foam target I am testing has also reduced my bending of bolts when shooting at 90 pounds.
guten morgen, vas est das magazine unt ek archery? danka mark
Hi! I hope I understand what you want to ask correctly, and since I see English being used on your channel, I will keep these comments here in English if possible. The Stinger 1 from Steambow was an EK Archery Cobra with a milled aluminum magazine and Picatinny rail with a vertical front grip on it, that is what I show in this video.
@@fletchedevolution morning, thanks for that, great video :)
@@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887 Thank you!
hiya skipper, i havent a clue how german come up lol but thanks for the reply :)@@fletchedevolution
I think the wobble you have might be because the buttstock they use is not the original from manufacturer so there might be a bit of play in the measurements by micro millimetres
Yes, I suspect you are right. I also know of a case where a manufacturer slightly changed the water content in the polymer mix for injection, which slightly changed the final dimensions of the component. Lots to go wrong in micro millimeters with injection molding, I think.
@@fletchedevolution I was checking all my alligator Xbows (I have about 4 laying around that i use for various tests like testing my magazines) and none of them had that wobble, I mean there is a bit of movement wen you force it but not enough that it would affect the stability when shouldering it.
I also just kept the standard stock on mine and it's fine, not sure why people are so fanatical about the shape of the sock and how you adjust it, there is no practical reason to constantly be adjusting your buttstock . . So mine is still extendable but you need an Alan key to do it
I am "fantical" about the shape of the stock because a good cheek weld improves my shooting, on rifles and crossbows alike. The following is just my personal opinion and practical experience, so take it with a grain of salt, and do what is right for you no matter what.
I came into these repeating crossbows from the context of shooting carbines, bolt guns, and pistols. I like to do carbine and pistol style drills with a Stinger, since it is quiet and cheap, and basically just fun.
Quick, accurate shooting is easer if you have the tactile reference point of the stock, your head is moving around less in relation to the bow/sights that way. It is also another point of contact with the weapon that adds more stability.
Having a cheek weld also allows me to brace the bow against my cheek when I cock a Stinger on my shoulder, cocking 120 lb on my shoulder is really, really hard without bracing with my cheek. And cocking 90 lb while bracing with my cheek is a bit faster and more reliable.
However, I only adjust the length of my stock for storage, or if I am wearing body armor or a heavy coat/multiple layers and a backpack.
@@fletchedevolution you are right that a check weld stabalizes shooting but also just having that third point of contact itself (even if your cheek can't get a nice seating) is still a massive help in having a stable platform to shoot from. I know for the alligator with standard stock there are options for buffer tube adaptors for other stocks so I leave that up to the client, I try keep my packages affordable as possible (currently about half the price the stinger 2 and Yak T3 is) so if the clients want to personalise theirs they can (and personalization is part of the fun with these compact repeaters)
@@fletchedevolutionYes, a good cheak weld (or chin weld for those who prefer that) is 100% essential for consistant, accurate, and comfortable shooting, particularly if shooting at longer range.
I am yet to see a competition rifle that does not allow for a good cheak weld to be achieved.
I would never buy a rifle or crossbow that did not allow either a repeatable cheak weld or chin weld.
PS,
I was told by a competition rifle shooter years ago that if you wish to find your natural shooting position, close your eyes, pick up your rifle, and with eyes still closed shoulder it in the most comfortable firing position. Then open your eyes. Where you are looking is where your sights should be. Adjust stock comb or sights if required but not your head and body position.
@@of-qo9nv Yes, that is very good advice!
The reason you have issues with the aluminium bolts that stinger 2 uses is because the aluminium is thin and the tips are connected horribly, I recommend using the ones with thicker aluminium shafts and tye solid polymer fletching and knocks, "half and half" is what we refer to them as, they are your best bet if you aren't using carbon shafts, I shoot half and halfs without any trouble all te time
Yes, the aluminum bolts in general are too thin, especially if you are shooting 80 or 90 lbs. A lot of people also shoot these bows at fairly close ranges, I also do sometimes, depending on what I am doing. People are also shooting a variety of targets, and some are too hard for aluminum bolts.
I am basically swearing off aluminum bolts and just going to carbon, we are getting more options for that now.
@@fletchedevolution oh yes I shot 80 lbs exclusively, have used the same 24 aluminium shaft bolts for over 1000 shots (I personally test every magazine I make before it leaves my premises so I shoot almost daily) also I use home made targets and make them soft enough not to damage the bolts put still firm enough to slow tye bolt down as it penetrates so it stops before the fletching goes in to tye target. I hope carbon bolts this siz becomes more popular and available to us in South Africa too eventually.
Real weapons are made of metal
While I would prefer a milled aluminum Stinger for the tolerances and feel, this statement is way too simple. First, the most important weapon is your mind, everthing else is a tool in this context. Second, wood, sinew, and bone bows have killed lots of people and animals, as have wooden sticks and clubs, spears, and all kinds of things. Heck, hands, elbows, and feet. Partially polymer firearms are no less lethal or reliable than full steel firearms. Modern bows of various non-metal materials are also lethal. So no, real weapons are not ONLY made of metal. But no matter what, buy and use whatever you want.
@@fletchedevolution Yes thats all very true but i stand by my statement. Its not just a weapons ability to kill. A pencil could kill. Metal is not only superior in strength and durability, its also beautiful and exciting and adds sooo much more to the overall experience. You said it yourself the metal version just feels better.
A metal pistol crossbow can be taken to heights the plastic ones can only dream of.
@@jviolanza5354 I respect your opinion entirely! As for my opinion (since the whole world can read this exchange) the "experience" is secondary to pratical accuracy and reliability. I have used expensive hunting rifles (action all high quality steel) that seized up in the field. So an all metal Stinger or whatever that delivers all the time: sign me up! But metal is no guarantee for that. The Chinese make 1911s out of old train tracks. Lots of countries make crappy AKs out of steel. And companies like Barnett and Excalibur make top notch hunting crossbows that put literally tons of game in the freezer every year, and they are not made of metal. Just my observation.
@@fletchedevolution "an all metal stinger that delivers all the time" oh boy do i have a crossbow for you! I will be posting a vid on it in the next few weeks. When you see it you will understand where im coming from. I will be sure to send you the link.
I enjoyed the video and ts been good talking to you. Cheers from eastern Massachusetts !!!
@@jviolanza5354 Looking forward to the video!
ARE THESE BANNED FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE FELONS TOO?