Killer Instinct Fatal X Crossbow Review

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Today we review the Killer Instinct Fatal X. Killer crossbows are either hit or miss with us, leaning more towards hits with their latest models. I was excited to get my hands on the Fatal X so I also got the honor the write the review. I also reviewed the Killer Instinct Ripper 425.

The Pro package arrived including a LUMIX 4×32 IR-E Scope, Sled Rope Cocker, Quiver, (3) 20-inch HYPR Bolts (390 Grains) with Field Tips, Stick of Rail Lube. The crossbow comes with a lifetime limited warranty Included to cover standard, non-wearable parts for the life of the crossbow to the original registered owner.

Killer Instinct Fatal X Crossbow Specs

Killer Instinct Fatal X
Killer Instinct Fatal-X Crossbow Package Camo
Speed: 405 FPS
Full Length: 29.75 - 31.50
9.75"/6.25"
Weight: 7.2 lbs
Draw Weight: 195 lbs
Power Stroke: 13.5"
$498.00
Killer Instinct Fatal X
Killer Instinct Fatal-X Crossbow Package Camo
Speed: 405 FPS
Full Length: 29.75 - 31.50
9.75"/6.25"
Weight: 7.2 lbs
Draw Weight: 195 lbs
Power Stroke: 13.5"
$498.00

Assembly 

The killer instinct fatal X is very easy to assemble. The AR pistol grip and forearm are not on the barrel assembly and will need to be attached. The Lumix 4X scope is in a box and will need to be mounted. The quiver mounting bracket will also need to be installed onto the full-length Picatinny rail.

Size and Weight

The Fatal X’s AR-style stock collapsed measures 29.75 inches and with the stock extended it measures an overall 31.50 inches. The crossbow has a narrow width(axle to axle) of 9.75 inches uncocked and a mere 6.25 inches making it highly maneuverable.

The crossbow is also relatively lightweight, tipping our scales at exactly 7.2 lbs.

Holding the Killer Instinct Fatal X

Design and Durability

The killer instinct fatal X is a very well-designed crossbow. The first thing I noticed was how good the crossbow felt in my hands. It has an adjustable buttstock for a compact, multi-position design for a custom-tailored length of pull.

The crossbow’s synchronized highly efficient design with 50% let-off for an easier-to-cock crossbow that’s smoother and much quieter on the shot.

Optics

The Fatal X comes with a nice LUMIX 4×32 IR-E scope. It is a compact, slimline design for modern crossbows shooting above 300+ FPS. The scope features multi-reticle aim points that have rheostat brightness illumination (red or blue) for low light settings.

LUMIX 4x32 IR-E scope

The scope’s clarity is produced from multicoated optics with a 1-inch monotube construction and fast focus eyepiece.

The scope is nitrogen purged for water, shock, and fog-proof performance.

Cocking

Cocking the killer instinct fatal X with its integrated Rapid Draw Cran (RDC) system is very nice. It’s a great cocking crank. A downer is that the crossbow does not contain a decocking feature. The integrated RDC system makes it easy to cock this powerful crossbow at any moment quickly and quietly

Trigger

The killer instinct fatal X 3.5-pound trigger is heavy, more so than most of Killers crossbows but it offers great control and functions really well. I detected no creep.

Performance

The Killer Instinct Fatal X with RDC is rated at 405 FPS (feet per second) with the factory supplied 390-grain arrows. Powered by a high-energy 13.5″ power stroke and Killer Instinct’s new high performance, 50% let-off X Cams, the Fatal X rockets arrows up to 405 fps with 142 ft. lbs. of energy.

Killer Instinct Fatal X Crossbow In Action

The crossbow is also very accurate downrange and on longer distances. The crossbow can shoot out to 100 yards with deadly accuracy! 

Recommended  Accessories

Arrows

We recommend sticking with the Killer Instinct HYPR HYPR 20 Inch Carbon Crossbow Bolts. The crossbow bolts are made from lightweight carbon that’s manufactured with a dense grain for improved penetration, stopping power, and knock-down, making it ideal for large game animals.

Each bolt is fletched with 3-inch vanes that provide stability. Moon nocking fits snugly to the bowstrings and is designed to fit all Killer Instinct Crossbows.

Killer Instinct Hypr Bolts 390 grain
Killer Instinct Hypr Crossbow Bolts 20 inch (6 Pack). Measuring 290 Grains Without a tip, Use Your 100-150 Grain Field Tip or Broadhead to Pack a Ton of Kinetic Energy for That Deadly Blow!
Killer Instinct Hypr Bolts 390 grain
Killer Instinct Hypr Crossbow Bolts 20 inch (6 Pack). Measuring 290 Grains Without a tip, Use Your 100-150 Grain Field Tip or Broadhead to Pack a Ton of Kinetic Energy for That Deadly Blow!

Broadheads

If you want to pair the arrows with some nice hunting broadheads then we recommend Rage Crossbow X mechanical broadheads. These broadheads are optimized for high-velocity crossbows.

RAGE Crossbow X
RAGE Crossbow X, 2-Blade Archery Arrow Broadhead, 100 or 125 Grain with Shock Collar Technology (3-Pack)
100 grain, 125 grain
3pk
$30.32
RAGE Crossbow X
RAGE Crossbow X, 2-Blade Archery Arrow Broadhead, 100 or 125 Grain with Shock Collar Technology (3-Pack)
100 grain, 125 grain
3pk
$30.32

Storage and Transportation

We recommend Killer’s Slayer Crossbow Case to keep the crossbow secure. This case fits almost any crossbow that’s 22 by 36 inches in size.

Killer Instinct Slayer Case
Killer Instinct Slayer Rip Stop Fabric Portable Zippered Crossbow Case For Crossbows Up To 22 x 36 Inches With 4 Pockets and Padded Interior, Black
$77.99
Killer Instinct Slayer Case
Killer Instinct Slayer Rip Stop Fabric Portable Zippered Crossbow Case For Crossbows Up To 22 x 36 Inches With 4 Pockets and Padded Interior, Black
$77.99

We also recommend a crossbow sling. Killer Instinct doesn’t offer any slings for their crossbows but Southland’s universal crossbow sling works fine with this model.

Southland Archery Universal Crossbow Sling
Southland Archery Universal Black Padded Crossbow Sling (Camo)
$18.99
Southland Archery Universal Crossbow Sling
Southland Archery Universal Black Padded Crossbow Sling (Camo)
$18.99

Final Verdict

Killer Instinct Fatal X Crossbow Review

Scott Christensen

Fatal X Review Box pic
Speed
Accuracy
Durability
Value

Summary


Killer Instinct delivered a great crossbow with the Fatal X. The Fatal X is well built and offers excellent performance. Its ultra-narrow profile and light weight make it very maneuverable and comfortable to use for an extended time. The crossbow is very easy and fast to cock but doesn’t offer a decock feature. 

4

What we like

  • Very powerful and accurate. 
  • Ultra maneuverable
  • Great price-quality ratio
  • Safe fast silent cocking

What we don’t like

  • No decocking feature
Photo of author
Scott Christensen is the co-founder and COO of ForgottenHunter.com. He’s a wilderness/urban survival, disaster preparedness, awareness instructor. “Surviving in the wilderness is all about preparation. Follow this blog to learn how to survive in any environment, with any gear.”

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