Cobra RX Adder Arrow Building

[@johndunbar7537]

Thank you so much for making this video 🙏 I was absolutely gutted when the crossbow turned up and I realised just how rubbish the ammo was. I’ve only managed to get two shots out of each bolt supplied before the fletchings were destroyed. Then I saw just how much ek archery are charging for their rubbish bolts and I nearly cried. Thank god I came across this video. I will follow this video and make my own, thanks again 👍 so glad you uploaded this

[@mikeh7256]

Someone on this thread pointed out that you can buy the nocks from another source - CHEAP from AliExpress. They're out of China and will take several weeks for delivery. The below site is $7 for a pack of 50 in black or orange. aliexpress.ru/item/4000872788996.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.50a533edS7baqP&_ga=2.158353208.362202832.1591718091-47039119.1588448432

[@951rcguy]

@@mikeh7256 No longer available :(

[@jonwoodhousea.k.a.pistolcr3943]

I've just got one of these crossbows ( it was delivered yesterday) so the timing of this video is perfect! - Easy to follow instructions and very informative. Thanks.

[@mikeh7256]

You might also check out my other video if you haven't got everything together yet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aajPZaB4eZx5p5o

[@jonwoodhousea.k.a.pistolcr3943]

Just watched it and also subscribed to your channel 😀

[@mikeh7256]

@@jonwoodhousea.k.a.pistolcr3943 thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I don't do a lot of KZbin stuff, but I figured this would help some people out.

[@jeffsmith3350]

Mine should arrive Monday.

[@kicks92]

I was so disappointed, when I received my adder in the mail only to find out the bolts are proprietary and there was no way I could get anymore for a couple months. The nocks broke on 2 bolts and I was frustrated spending hundreds for a crossbow I wasn't going to be able to use. So, Thank you Mike. I am so glad I found your video and what a great job you did on getting me started making my own bolts. I got everything to start making my own. I made 16 new ones yesterday. The jig for fletchings took a bit of setting up but it works great now. I find it is easier to use an uncut, unaltered nock for the jig to get a more secure seating during the fletching process. Then go ahead and glue in a modified nock in place. Also, I don't have a bandsaw but a pipe cutter I got at Harbor Freight works perfect. Thank you again for the work you put into the video and the serenity I now have from being able to shoot my adder as much as I want.😊

[@quentintanpis2622]

Are the nocks still breaking? Im receiving my adder next week, but seems that s a common problem with this crossbow

[@kicks92]

@@quentintanpis2622 Yes. Don't count on them not breaking and learn to make your own. I stopped using the included ones. I have 1 left that hasn't broke yet and I am keeping one that I will never use as a sample for my home made ones.

[@quentintanpis2622]

@@kicks92 do you think its a design problem? Because it seems that the string is in fault. She s hitting the nocks not exactly engaged, and then break them, no?

[@kicks92]

@@quentintanpis2622 FYI, I have not broke one yellow nock that I have installed in my 16 homemade bolts. So even if it is the string not contacting properly, the included bolts have a weak nock and are unreliable.

[@quentintanpis2622]

@@kicks92 makes sens. And btw, is the Loading arm a little bit unsteady, when you re cocking (reloading)? Some said it felt cheap and loosy

[@24nikita]

Best build video I`ve ever seen, BRAVO Mike. Thanks to you, now I can go ahead and buy one.

[@markweron7667]

R9 nocks are now available on Ali Express.

[@RoadHogz]

Nice video Mike, I especially liked the recap you did at 13m20s 👍

[@vaporizer08]

Thank you. I started making my own bolts following your video. Great info.

[@mcdaddymcrae1587]

Great video & dedication on diy project.

[@MrTimmmers]

Just a thought. You set the rear end knock and fletches , then the tips. In the case of field or round tips that's no problem, but broadheads need to align with the knock and flights, so to ensure that wouldn't it be better to work from the tips back? The inserts can't be identically aligned to the rear end components after all.

[@peternettleton8156]

Just a thought, after doing the first one, wouldn't it have been easier to have made a little jig to cut the vanes to shape before attaching to the shaft?

[@mikeh7256]

Components used to build Cobra RX Arrows: - Ms. Jumper Fletching Jig: $28.00 Amazon - Pine Ridge Insert Glue: $12.70 Amazon - Bohning Platinum Fletch Tite Glue: $6.99 Amazon - Musen 32" Carbon Arrows: $34.00 Amazon 12 pk (makes 48 arrows) - Bohning Blazer 2" Vanes: $14.38 Amazon 100 pk (makes 50 arrows) - Gold Tip Accu-lite Inserts: $9.00 Amazon 12 pk - Sansheng 20 piece field tips: $8.88 Amazon 20 pk

[@meccagold2009]

Will you sell me some?

[@Gk2003m]

$120 in material, plus the cost of labor (your time to do all that work).... it’s easy to see that while the factory bolts look expensive, they really aren’t.

[@disband_thebbc5933]

Best moment was at 19:00 when you wife came to check you where O.K after the Jorge Sprave impersonation. 👍🤣

[@mikeh7256]

Those are supposed to be private moments! 😆

[@КамиллСмицкой]

Мужик у тебя золотые руки!!!!!!!!!!

[@derekjohnson6527]

This is great thanks for doing this Mike!

[@micahpickering2068]

You can get half moon nocks from gogun, also from a manufacturer called viking crossbows who put put out a similar pump style crossbow

[@axistec]

Great instructional video buddy. I have my Adder ordered for June, with 15 factory blue vein bolts. Sure I have plenty time to make some bolts using your parameters. Cheers

[@mischifischi]

Awesome! Thank you very much for your Video! Im gonna build some bolts too! Greetings from Germany 😉👍🏼

[@mikeh7256]

Und Grüße an dich! Meine Frau ist Westberlinerin!

[@mischifischi]

@@mikeh7256 unglaublich, so klein ist die Welt! 😉 Schöne Grüße auch an deine Frau 😊 Keep it up Mike! 👍🏼

[@mikeh7256]

Tools used: - Band saw (or any saw that can cut carbon arrows) - Fletching or bohning tool - Utility knife - Quarter inch round file - Vice - Glue - Scissors - Grinder or file (if you build arrows with broadheads)

[@BHLCaptainDja]

Life saver Anymore good ideas or designs please upload them

[@mikeh7256]

Will do 👍

[@mikeh7256]

Someone made a good comment. I'm bad about safety equipment, so I didn't have any. However, when cutting carbon shafts, it's probably a good idea to have both a mask (apparently the dust is toxic?) and goggles. Safety first! :-)

[@jamestower267]

The video doesn’t show how you got around using the thick shaft of the standard shaft of the crossbow arrows, or did you use the gogun shafts?

[@Aereto]

I am thinking about ordering the RX Adder, and this video I will keep for reference. Though if I am to consider putting them to practical use in the Philippines or anywhere else as hunting and fishing equipment, I would consider making the bolt shafts from wood, heavier wood if possible, and just craft my own version from scratch, even if the vanes would be made of wood or left vaneless for striking underwater targets, using a different tip found in harpoon/bow fishing. It does deviate from the Adder's intended purpose, but resourcefulness does not respect proprietary mechanisms. Being a crossbow, non-proprietary items are still possible. Though the bow replacement itself requires more thought into making alternative mods since it is built into the runner. It will be a long while until someone creates a composite bow for the Adder to replace the recurve bow.

[@JosephAlanOliveros]

let me know how you go with your project. i have the Cold Steel Cheap Shot 130 and they, i think, are using the same bolts as the Adder only longer at 15" Local stores Forged PH and MDK have ran out of bolts and I'm considering buying raw materials from Shopee or Lazada then make my own bolts.

[@mikeh7256]

Arrows made for less than $2.50 each in about 5 minutes using industry standard readily available material that can be bought online and to your door in days through Amazon. All this can be done by ameteures (like me). At the time of this video, GoGun did not have any arrow stock for the Cobra (blue or red vane) and their order to arrival times are near 30 days US.

[@shahamatalikhan1028]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video 👉

[@Tywno]

If you know someone that has a lathe, ask him to make a 1 inch outer diameter cylinder, 8.8 mm inside diameter, 4 inches long, flatten the sides of the cylinder so it can be gripped in a bench vise and taper one end of the cylinder to 15 degrees. Use carbon steel stock, because it is easily sharpened. Goal is to have a hollow sharpened tube to guide the bolt straight through. Mount the tube horizontally in a vise, insert the tip of arrow first and then simply pull through. Fletchings gone!

[@mikeh7256]

Super cool! Thanks.

[@Tywno]

@@mikeh7256 8.8 mm can of course be changed for any other arrow diameter you want to strip. Maybe add 0,1-0,2 mm on the diameter so the arrow doesn't get stuck while stripping the vanes.

[@rjonnyg]

can i just add a safety tip when using your knife always work with the blade away from your body saves loosing some blood and wasting plasters .. great video

[@ATMcrespo]

What Bow Arrows would you suggest, can you list the brand of components used to build these.. knocks, vanes, tip inserts etc...?

[@mikeh7256]

Musen 32" Carbon Arrows $28 Amazon. Just added a public comment showing all components and pricing. Great question.

[@ATMcrespo]

@@mikeh7256 Nice! I went ahead and ordered all the necessities, but for 15" bolts. GREAT TUTORIAL! ALSO.. I got in touch with cold steel, who's bolts will finally be available come August. They're CS13P Bolts will work with the Adder if you cut them to 7.5". And they're located here in California as opposed to freakin Germany.

[@alpha-male1959]

I just purchased the cobra siege 300 with magazine And I was looking for a cheaper alternative for the 7.5” bolts The siege uses the same bolt as the adder but the tips are 125 grains an a touch longer

[@zaskarclf]

You're just like Green Arrow from DC comics. 👏 I'm going to buy an added this year and wouldn't mind making my own bolts to save money and it'll give me something to do. So thanks for this video. Would you be able to list all the materials like the specific knocks, veins and arrows you used with links to buy in the description of this video?

[@mikeh7256]

It's been a minute since I made the video. I think the video will show you what I bought, enough that you can Google it if you pause it in time. Sorry

[@papayaman78]

How much for that jig for instaling the vanes?

[@angrygnome4779]

Mike I have a Viking Razorback which is essentially the same crossbow without the feed magazine. I was wondering if you could post a video of the magazine assembly and how it’s attached to the frame. I would like to make one for my crossbow and could use a few details. Thanks

[@mikeh7256]

I certainly can try

[@maximilian5988]

Very nice! Did you put your own bolts on a scale? Here in Germany you also can't buy arrows by now. Out of stock since February and will be back in June. Boarders are closed.

[@mikeh7256]

No, but they fired well! 😊

[@kelmitchell5467]

Hi Mike, I'm interested in ordering.

[@mikeh7256]

I'm flattered, but I don't sell them. I just wanted to show people how to make them since you can't buy them from the manufacturer at this time.

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

Thanks for the very informative video. The knocks are now available out of China. You need parallel sides to the narrowed knocks or they will bind occasionally in the magazine and cause a dry fire. Have you tried ordering bolts through the US GoGun site? Shipping may be quicker, although you are paying more for the bolts. But these are factory designed bolt shaped specifically for this rather specific crossbow. I compare this video to handloading ammo...it takes just one out of spec round to ruin your firearm. If the front of the bolt does not drop properly, you will bust out the lower front of the magazine. If the rear knock binds ever so slightly, you will get a dry fire situation which could ruin the prod. Try a four fletching jig and the detents should align properly. Even the stock bolts were having some issues with the knocks prematurely breaking if the bolt loaded a little forward on the rail. The extra 1/2 inch of slap will break the knock. How have yours been holding up to repeated shooting? Keep up the good work and keep us posted please.

[@warrioromarzthefirst5949]

Can the r9 or rx without the adder fire most bolts or arrows?

[@kelmitchell5467]

Have you tried the red arrows in the Adder? I just received 20 of these and thought they would be fine with the adder.

[@mikeh7256]

I have! I think they work fine. I shortened all of my red vane arrows and put broadheads on them. They shoot great, but I did find them coming a bit high into the right of the target.

[@kelmitchell5467]

@@mikeh7256 That's a relife to hear!

[@Gk2003m]

I’m using the red vane arrows with mechanical broadheads. They work just fine. I think the issue with these arrows is they are very light, and so might act like a “dry fire” in stressing the bow. Adding a broadhead increases the arrow mass.

[@kelmitchell5467]

@@Gk2003m Did you just cut the tip off in order to add broadheads?

[@Gk2003m]

@kel: yes. Use a dremel, do it gently, and rotate it as you go to minimize damage to the fiber,

[@peternemeth817]

This vs the Sen x ar 6 which one please for self defense weapon?

[@dawoodleeson1241]

Great video, thanks for the walk through on this as well. I was wondering if we could make these arrows stronger as my factory blue and those Amazon red arrows are prone to breaking and this Cobra can really pack a punch. Have you tried making these with other than official arrow materials, like using steel rods or something like another type of metal pole? Thanks

[@Coulterculture]

Tho I agree the arrows need to be heavier considering the strength of the prod, this can be achieved by using heavy steel inserts when assembling your custom bolts. A solid steel bolt would run the risk of bending/warping plus the issue of balancing the weight to be front-heavy. lest it was tempered and hollow, but that would increase the risk of shattering/chipping if you struck something hard. It’s a difficult balance to strike if you’re making them yourself

[@mikeh7256]

Someone on this thread pointed out that you can buy the nocks from another source - CHEAP from AliExpress. They're out of China and will take several weeks for delivery. The below site is $7 for a pack of 50 in black or orange. 7.6 diam or .244 inside aliexpress.ru/item/4000872788996.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.50a533edS7baqP&_ga=2.158353208.362202832.1591718091-47039119.1588448432

[@walterarauz2818]

What size are the inserts ID? What size are the knock inserts?

[@t3scobag]

Have you thought about modifying the magazine so it takes normal bolts instead?

[@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887]

The barrel of the bow is to narrow. It wont nestle a standard bolt nice, ive tried on my prophecy pistol. Youd have to use a router on that, as well as the magazine :)

[@user-wz3jk4tp6x]

Will those yellow halfmoon knock fit into the cobra adder bolts I blew out a few of them I while breaking in my crossbow.

[@mikeh7256]

Yes. You have to modify them like I did. However, you can buy them in bulk through a Russian shopping site already made. However, it'll take about a month to get them.

[@elliot2857]

I swear you say near the beginning that the 32inch bolts you brought the shafts are too thick but you proceed to use them. I'm confused did you have to thin the shaft down or did I miss something?

[@raminmoylamov4936]

Salam əla arbalet.Necə sifariş edə bilərəm

[@popscola2574]

Do you take orders?

[@uberwayz]

Could you not just take the gogun half moon noc to a 3D printing place and just get them to print a few 100 for you?

[@ATMcrespo]

Great information bro! I have a Cold Steel Cheapshot Need bolts and can't find em anywhere!!! I can definitely use this procedure!!! THANKS

[@homerbartshow3101]

You said those arrow tubes are to fat what happened

[@matthenderson8731]

U can buy all the parts u need to make own arrows or buy complete arrows from aliexpress

[@mikeh7256]

Thanks Matt! The only thing I don't like about that platform is that it takes weeks to get your stuff..

[@killbot2006]

@@mikeh7256 I bought 12 orange flight 7.5inch carbon arrows from wish for £9, they work without alterations in both the original 5 shot magazine and also the after market 7 shot mag and the quick reload clips. Saying that though, being able to make your own arrows/bolts is a very useful skill to have as well as being very therapeutic. I would make a jig though with all your measurements marked out, would make the cutting out and setting up parts much quicker.

[@111WhiteEagle111]

@@killbot2006 you have a link? and still happy with them?

[@JosephAlanOliveros]

can anybody weigh on if the spine is an important factor to consider. looking at the listing at Amazon, the Musen 32" Carbon Arrows has a 550 spine. I've found a suitable alternative from our local online store and the spine options given to me are from 400 to 600. what spine should I consider? thank you!

[@naturallawprinciples]

Hey Mike H, excellent video. Nice creative ideas > practical usability. Q : As you show, the Adder magazine won't accept the larger diameter standard bolts how did you over come this issue? Watched vid twice & didn't see how. Disclaimer : I'm a bugger for FF vids 10, 20, 30, etc secs & as such i could well have missed it & so apologise in advance if that be the case 😁👍 P.S - Mike H, regarding time, are there not US outlets that stock the EK Adder bolts? P.P.S - Regarding propriety ammo, the time factor is not the only issue as the expense soon becomes one when taken over the lifetime of the crossbow. P.P.S - The application of propriety features on common/ubiquitous products is akin to being held hostage 🕶 lol

[@tomtolentino7575]

Here’s a thought......instead of vanes, use 1.75” or 2” feathers. They’ll feed much better, and they’ll fold down through the cocking cycle. You’ll probably need to trim just a little off the tips, if needed....I use Gateway’s “ batwings “ to solve that problem in my Cobra Seige 300.....plus my arrows seem to pick up a little more FPS through the chrono. You might give it a try 😎🏹🏹👍

[@georgewashington1621]

Mike, there absolutely is a better way to cut the vanes off. There are special knives for that, like the Bohning vane stripper

[@Ottomojo]

Is it possible to detach the magazine and shoot bolts without it from the crossbow?

[@mikeh7256]

Yes

[@Ottomojo]

Mike Hockett Does it still hold down the arrow with a spring that way or will it fall out when holding the crossbow sideways?

[@mikeh7256]

@@Ottomojo I would guess not.

[@mryamaha2986]

Take the Crossbow nocks out from the bolt make a mold out of it and you can make the nocks easy to do

[@RenatoBacteria308]

may adder crossbow bolts nocks keep breaking

[@kicks92]

I have been drilling out the broken nock and putting in one of these new modified ones you see in this video. I have had the same problem with breaking. The stock ones do not seem to hardy.

[@Tywno]

Maybe put a disclaimer in front of the video, stating that proper personal protective equipment should be worn while working with carbon composites. You don't want to inhale the carbon dust, get it in your eyes or ingest it, while sawing/drilling/sanding or similar material removing operations. Since it appears you're not wearing it yourself at least warn your audience. That being said, awesome video. Do you take orders ;)?

[@mikeh7256]

You're right, I'm horrible about wearing safety equipment. Didn't know about the hazards of the carbon dust. Thanks for the info! ... and no, I don't sell them. I just wanted to help some folks out since the manufacturer appears to be having inventory problems and you can't buy the arrows anywhere. and it was fun learning something new! 😊

[@Tywno]

@@mikeh7256www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=19756794&postcount=9 When processing carbon fiber composites, microscopic, sharp, needle-like fibers (similar to asbestos) are released into the work area. You're probably fine after limited exposure, but protect yourself better if you plan to do it more often.

[@torelethain3848]

Might want to use a actual pipe cutter, they only run about 10 bucks and you wont have the dust issue. Have to ask, why buy premade arrows to cut them up and strip the veins when you could just buy blank arrow shafts, could also get an even lower spine that way as well, like 250 and accomplish the same thing? Thanks for the video by the way, been seriously thinking of getting one of these, will be cheaper than buying the bolts from GoGun, the price seems a little steep for these guys, but I guess if you have to mass produce a proprietary bolt it is going to add to the costs a bit.

[@benverret7968]

Please, no music next time.

[@andydefrain8955]

Yes !!!

[@abonnong4974]

Elong outdoor product from china got carbon 7.5 inch, 12~13gram bolt that can fit with the adder mag.... Has anyone tried it?

[@tacticaladvantage2983]

you can find them on aliexpress for cheap price

[@MrTimmmers]

Ever fired a bolt into a target that went in too deep and stripped the vanes? Then how about you drill a hole that the shaft just slides through in a piece of metal, then pull and tap your arrows through it to strip off the vanes? Heat gun them first to soften up the glue and it will be even easier. A paper guillotine would make flight cutting easy and repeatable. Just set up a stop and do a run of them. You can trace round the adder vane, make a vane template to mark new ones to be cut before fixing to your bolts.

[@TheLastDamnGamer]

I’m just going to use Razor blade to cut mines

[@John_Henry83]

Thanks for this video. This shows me what I suspected about the Cobra RX Adder all along. That is it and interesting concept and nice toy but not a serious SHTF/Survival Hunting weapon or self defense tool. If you have to go through all of this to get extra bolts without ordering from Germany its too much effort. I will stick with the Cheap Shot 130.

[@parallelsandtangents938]

The cobra adder is the cheapshot 130 with a multishot magazine.

[@james123stewart]

yup...it is a problem. bout $92 for 10 by the time delivered... Got some of the cheaper Orange? veins ordered now... Then read they are shit....(no insert glued in tips).... This is an issue...starting to feel ... Now they came out with new mag (7 bolts) and clips.... Think there may be a market for quality reasonably priced bolts... 👃$👀

[@TrollingHistory]

You can get the flectes and the half moon nocks or just buy the China bolts their very cheap. Orange flights jus search 7.5in crossbow bolt on ebay or 15in bolt.

[@mryamaha2986]

You can but i make and sell tham but good job bro

[@meccagold2009]

You make and sell bolts for the adder?

[@mryamaha2986]

Yer but all sold out i did have like 2000 all gone sorry

[@jaimetorresjr.9884]

@@mryamaha2986 where do you sell them please I will buy

[@kingofthebridge8339]

Lol you should sell them as the site never have them in stock.

[@TrollingHistory]

Check ebay for the orange ones their made in China and cost less than half the ek price and there's tons in stock. Short and long bolts.

[@parallelsandtangents938]

I make my own adder bolts out of aluminum shafts, they are more durable.

[@james123stewart]

soooo.... who is ready to sell some bolts??

[@GTA-qv8pk]

I guess you're just better off buying a cheap shot crossbow.

[@jbignJesus]

100% agree

[@michaelgonzalez1041]

Too bad I don't have tools lol

[@CrossTactics]

Live in South Africa? Get one of these X7 shot fast repeating tactical crossbows : kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHPMpKWYabiHgsk

[@teichkeim1241]

Cutting a Carbon shaft the wrong way (Band saw, etc) is quite dangerous!!! The carbon arrow/bolt can split from bottem to top and injure your Hand. You made some mistakes in your Video. The Chart you have, you might have read it wrong. I guess it is about the weight of the arrow displayed in grain or gran. Left side you look up the lbs of your bow and on top the lenght of your arrow, and you get the weight. By the way, it is a Chart for bows. The red Bolts are Not made of plastic, it is carbon. They come along with the normal cobra r9, the Blue ones with the adder. The Bolts are nearly the same, the only difference is the weight. Red 155 gn and the blue 190 gn The adder and the r9 are both shipped with 90lbs, so red bolts no Problem. With the 130 lbs upgrade, better shoot the blue ones. Gold Tip traditional spine 600 shafts should fit the adder.

[@chippi09]

China is working making that arrows now, will be available soon.

[@steve-fc6mc]

Good video 👍 but really,if your prepared to spend $400 dollers on the adder,why cut corners on the bolts? Just buy the bolts that fit. They are not even expensive,ive got 100s.

[@GTA-qv8pk]

Because there comes a time when stuff goes out of production or gets discontinued or go out of business for some reason.

[@steve-fc6mc]

@@GTA-qv8pk good point 👍

[@Aw3someOpZ]

I think im just straight canceling my order. Update: I canceled my order. They were cool about it, but thats some shady shit right there. UsE OuR ArRowS OnLy. SHTF and a weapon with rare ammo is useless.

[@addison4206]

@Jacob Sorensen were they any good?

[@fredlesigne9160]

It won't be easier to buy it in a shop, why make it simple when you can make it complicated