After retiring from the navy, Chuck Matasic decided to build crossbows. The Kodabow crossbow is a wider than average, heavier than average bow that shoots at average speeds, and cost $1000. What would draw a person to buy one?
At first glance, it looks like somebody cut an AR lower off just behind the ejection port and somehow stuck a crossbow rail and bow into it. A more careful look reveals that they have taken the AR platform and transformed it for crossbow use. The safety is in the same place, and it works silently, the grip is the same (it actually is an AR grip and adjustable buttstock), and the trigger puts most AR’s to shame. My trigger breaks super crisp at 3 pounds 13 ounces with no take up or overtravel. I wish some of my rifles triggers were as nice. There is also a small lever on the left side for the anti dry fire device which gives a visual indication as to the arrow being fully loaded or not. It can also be disengaged to let the string down manually if wanted. Moving forward, the rail assembly is a thing of beauty. The machining is super nice (as someone who worked in machine shops for over 40 years, I know nice machining). I don’t know what tolerances they hold at Kodabow, but everything fits together like a Rolex watch – nice and tight. The bow itself was a bit of a concern for me. They are the only recurve bow maker I know of that uses split limbs. More surface area to torque, crack, splinter, and do all sorts of things that aren’t good for accuracy or longevity. Kodabow claims a less than ½ of 1 percent problem rate with their limbs, so guess there isn’t a lot to worry about after all. One thing about split limbs is that the string has nothing to “slap” at the shot, so the bow is quieter than many of the other crossbows out there. They also have a built in string suppression system which helps dampen noise even more.
The bow handles great, and does seem lighter than the 10 pounds listed weight. Balance point is just behind the front grip, and there is no front heavy feel as some crossbows exhibit. Cocking is a bit different, as you push the butt stock in and then out one click. A piece on the cocking rope fits a hole in the rear of the stock rather than the rope going in a groove at the top of the receiver area as most crossbows do. Pulling the string into place pushes the safety into safe position and activates the anti dry fire device. Accuracy is in a word SUPERB! The target included with the bow showed three shots in one hole at 20 yards. Sure – probably at ten yards from a machine rest. Well, my first three shots at 20 yards (bow comes pretty much sighted in) made one ragged hole. At 30 yards three shots went into 1”, and at 40 yards the group was 11/2”. Not bad for an old geezer with poor eyesight. The factory supplied arrows are running 306 fps, which is probably about right for their weight (I have not weighed them). My limbs may be a hair slow, but there are no complaints with the accuracy it produces.
The bow comes with scope, quiver, nine arrows with field points, rope cocker, stringing aid, sling, extra string and wax.
Just as a point of reference on price; one of the biggest crossbow companys’ sells a bow rated the same as the model I bought (330 fps). To be fair, it is lighter and narrower.This bow sells for $800. To equip it like the Koda (at their listed prices) would add $70 for string suppression system, $35 for string, $35 for stringing aid, $47 for stock extension kit, and $15 for wax. Add another $30 or so for five arrows, and $130 for a trigger to get to Kodabow’s level. A person would be out a lot more than the cost of a Kodabow. Kodabow does charge the same price for all their bows, from 125 to 225 pound draw weight. The other guys charge extra for higher poundage.
Is Kodabow for everyone? Just as some like Chevy over Ford, or chocolate ice cream over strawberry, we each have differing ideas of what we like. Some won’t like the AR styling. Some will balk at the weight or width. Some like compounds and don’t want to try recurves. Many today are speed freaks.Those who have bought Kodabows’ know that the company puts out a well engineered, well built product that has pride of ownership all over it.
Bravo Zulu Cmdr. Matasic, WELL DONE!
At first glance, it looks like somebody cut an AR lower off just behind the ejection port and somehow stuck a crossbow rail and bow into it. A more careful look reveals that they have taken the AR platform and transformed it for crossbow use. The safety is in the same place, and it works silently, the grip is the same (it actually is an AR grip and adjustable buttstock), and the trigger puts most AR’s to shame. My trigger breaks super crisp at 3 pounds 13 ounces with no take up or overtravel. I wish some of my rifles triggers were as nice. There is also a small lever on the left side for the anti dry fire device which gives a visual indication as to the arrow being fully loaded or not. It can also be disengaged to let the string down manually if wanted. Moving forward, the rail assembly is a thing of beauty. The machining is super nice (as someone who worked in machine shops for over 40 years, I know nice machining). I don’t know what tolerances they hold at Kodabow, but everything fits together like a Rolex watch – nice and tight. The bow itself was a bit of a concern for me. They are the only recurve bow maker I know of that uses split limbs. More surface area to torque, crack, splinter, and do all sorts of things that aren’t good for accuracy or longevity. Kodabow claims a less than ½ of 1 percent problem rate with their limbs, so guess there isn’t a lot to worry about after all. One thing about split limbs is that the string has nothing to “slap” at the shot, so the bow is quieter than many of the other crossbows out there. They also have a built in string suppression system which helps dampen noise even more.
The bow handles great, and does seem lighter than the 10 pounds listed weight. Balance point is just behind the front grip, and there is no front heavy feel as some crossbows exhibit. Cocking is a bit different, as you push the butt stock in and then out one click. A piece on the cocking rope fits a hole in the rear of the stock rather than the rope going in a groove at the top of the receiver area as most crossbows do. Pulling the string into place pushes the safety into safe position and activates the anti dry fire device. Accuracy is in a word SUPERB! The target included with the bow showed three shots in one hole at 20 yards. Sure – probably at ten yards from a machine rest. Well, my first three shots at 20 yards (bow comes pretty much sighted in) made one ragged hole. At 30 yards three shots went into 1”, and at 40 yards the group was 11/2”. Not bad for an old geezer with poor eyesight. The factory supplied arrows are running 306 fps, which is probably about right for their weight (I have not weighed them). My limbs may be a hair slow, but there are no complaints with the accuracy it produces.
The bow comes with scope, quiver, nine arrows with field points, rope cocker, stringing aid, sling, extra string and wax.
Just as a point of reference on price; one of the biggest crossbow companys’ sells a bow rated the same as the model I bought (330 fps). To be fair, it is lighter and narrower.This bow sells for $800. To equip it like the Koda (at their listed prices) would add $70 for string suppression system, $35 for string, $35 for stringing aid, $47 for stock extension kit, and $15 for wax. Add another $30 or so for five arrows, and $130 for a trigger to get to Kodabow’s level. A person would be out a lot more than the cost of a Kodabow. Kodabow does charge the same price for all their bows, from 125 to 225 pound draw weight. The other guys charge extra for higher poundage.
Is Kodabow for everyone? Just as some like Chevy over Ford, or chocolate ice cream over strawberry, we each have differing ideas of what we like. Some won’t like the AR styling. Some will balk at the weight or width. Some like compounds and don’t want to try recurves. Many today are speed freaks.Those who have bought Kodabows’ know that the company puts out a well engineered, well built product that has pride of ownership all over it.
Bravo Zulu Cmdr. Matasic, WELL DONE!