EK Archery Vlad - Performance and challenges two months in

[@nigelhutt9921]

Thanks for your honesty, considering the cost of this in the U.K your opinions have kept my cash in my pocket. Shame as I liked the look of the Vlad.

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you for your comment! I am doing my best to give everyone objective information. I also had higher hopes for the Vlad, to be honest. Now these hopes are lodged in the Vlad 2.

[@eltontang9098]

Thanks for posting this update of an honest review = ) users really need to know the pros and the cons of a product, and companies really need to listen to their customers so they can improve. Really appreciate your discovery and information on the issue where the vanes get stuck in the latch, this is really an issue users have to be extremely cautious about. Cheers.

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you for your comment, I'm glad the video was helpful to you. I had really high hopes that the archery heavyweight could really top the Stinger, but they made a couple of poor design decisions (in my opinion). I hope they make a Vlad 2 and correct a couple of things, I still have hope! Cocking sounds different when a vane is in the latch like happened to me several times, so you can at least recognize it if you pay attention. Cheers

[@turbosnowy]

Nice review - I went the Stinger 2 route but have been keeping an eye on the Vlad, watching reviews such as yours to see how people are finding it. I did think the Vlad had the edge in a better trigger, more gubbins as stock (eg: 55/90 pound limbs as standard), and the idea of a folding stock was nice, but interesting to see the differences in the cocking action here, and your struggles with the Vlad v the Stinger. Of interest, Steambow have recently been releasing upgrades to the Stinger, so they now have a folding stock adapter, quick bow limb release and a new trigger mechanism as options, so that closes the gap for me on the wishlist for Stinger against what the Vlad offered (but all additions you pay for so makes the Stinger alot more expensive if you add the bells and whistles). I hope the Vlad is successful enough for them to make a Vlad 2 as if they sort out the cocking mechanism and the bizarre jutting foregrip issues I'll likely be wanting to pick one up.

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you! I also had higher hopes, especially given that they knowingly supplied the Cobras to Steambow for the Stinger 1, and then also had the Stinger 2 to look at. And they worked on this for at least 2 years. Steambow has closed the function list gap for sure with upgrades, but they do also cost money, so I hope they roll some things into a new package to reduce the financial damage there. But in terms of mechanical design, the Stinger is far ahead - but based on an EK Archery product in terms of the cocking geometry, this just blows my mind when I fight with the Vlad!!! I do hope that EK brings out an improved Vlad 2, choice is one of the most important things for use users, since it forces all the companies to get their ducks in a row, and we can choose among multiple good products.

[@disband_thebbc5933]

My experience with EK archery is that whilst they do innovative they rush their products to market quality is generally good but can some times have problems and they are slow to respond to feedback. Their accessories whilst affordable are of lower quality and generally end up needing to be replaced by third party accessories by the end user.

[@fletchedevolution]

@@disband_thebbc5933 Thank you for your insights here!

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Another great and informative vid. Just found out that my Stinger 2 shipped! Can’t wait.

[@TheJKDGuy]

Very Well Rounded Review perfect for anyone thinking of getting a vlad or stinger Crossbow 🏃🏻🎯

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you!

[@videogazer801]

Very informative video.

[@Jones-xx2gc]

Great review on this, specially the bolts. Looks like the Steambow ones are the way to go. I suppose EK Archery should have factored this in. Watching this in September 2023, there are a few more bolt options available. Probably still going to buy one though as I will just use it occasionally.

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

Great to hear your further thoughts on the Vlad, very professional video, as always. I have to say that I detest the way that designs (of whatever kind) are put on the market prematurely. It isn't fair on buyers. No doubt the Vlad design will change just as the Stinger has, but some of the flaws you highlight should have been spotted pre-production. You also highlighted a couple of the things I dislike about the Stinger, the magazine latch, and the way the speed-loader can damage the vanes. I like the Stinger speed-loaders and magazines generally, and have a number of them, but they're hard on the vanes. I like the stock you have on your Stinger, we're the same height. Thanks 👍

[@fletchedevolution]

Thanks for your comment and thoughts! I also had very high hopes that the archery heavyweight EK could really top the Stinger, but do not understand a couple of their fundamental decisions. The stock I use makes a big difference. Another option that I am using on my Survival is a Magpul CTR stock with a clip-on riser, that also works very well, I will shot my mods in a video at some point, my to do list for the channel is just rather long

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

@@fletchedevolution Thanks for the stock info my friend, that's very much appreciated. That sounds like it would be a very informative video 👍

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

@@fletchedevolution Thank you for all the work you put in, I am looking forward to your mods video a great deal 👍

[@brailwolf]

Vlad needs to drop their stock and go with an AR-15 style stock and front grip also add some rail systems for attachment. I shot a friends stinger and I love it planning on buying one soon.

[@michaelbariso3192]

My Alligator-Cobra fitted with a 7 bolt magazine works great with those cheap 6.3" aluminum or plastic bolts, using a spacer on the limb the FPS is probably faster than both the Stinger and the Vlad with their 55-60lb limbs, but I'd still buy the Vlad if I knew you I could use it without having to buy those flimsy rubberized vein bolts that are easily destroyed. The plastic and aluminum bolts go through coffee cans without a scratch. Love to see you do a review on the Redback XR, it's magazine doesn't place tension on the the bolt in the rail so the strings last longer.

[@fletchedevolution]

Yes, if you add spacers to any of these bows and move the limb farther forward, you get a bit more power stroke and thus velocity. With the Vlad and the bolts turning in the magazine, I suspect that if you add something thin to the insides of the magazine, you can guide the bolts better and they will no longer turn.

[@CrossTactics]

Your issue with the bolt vanes is because the cavity there is too big I think, I do not understand why they made it so difficult to cock with the weird geometry and 90lbs limb with only 5ish inch powerstroke

[@proteinman1981]

Purchase some thin carbon arrows and make your own bolts, thats what I've done

[@Man_fay_the_Bru]

Think I’ll just get the adder

[@CasaTolio-bd4vy]

You load the Vlad in wrong mode, it's a miracle you aren't injuried!. I work in An archery shop, and have tried this two baby, and your review is not at all impartial.

[@JoeAverage2006]

Your reviews are excellent - so much good information and very detailed. I was going to buy the Vlad but didn't after watching this. Do you find the string wears out faster on the stinger? What do you think of the cobra adder? Also I'm looking forward to the mey interceptor - let's hope that lives up to how good it looks :)

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you Terrence! In terms of string wear, the Vlad deck is rougher than the Stinger deck from the factors, but of course and be polished easily, which I definitely recommend. String life depends a lot on the string that you are using. Steambow has upgraded their center serving material since this review, and I especially like their heavier string for 90 lb and up. I also get good life out of the vlad strings, and the Redback strings. I have a video about reserving strings. It is easy and quick to do once you get some kind of jig set up and practice a couple of times, and the serving jig and even the best serving thread (BCY Halo or Dyneema braided fishing line) are not very expensive overall. Since have this routine, I have basically just accepted that the center servings will wear out and I will redo them in batches. We will see about the Interceptor, I am also very curious, but the delays so far have me wondering what design issues they are still working out.

[@blackhand9581]

I attached a handle underneath the vlad and the cocking became much more comfortable and easier. Don't know why they went with that bayonet style thing at the front.

[@trevormeijer5493]

Hi Eric, first, love your channel, keep up the good work sir! I have been thinking about the cocking thing. You train with an AR15, right? Okay, so hear me out, if you will. What if you cock the Vlad from a high ready position? If you look at the ergonomics of the Vlad, it almost looks like it's designed to do just that, or is it just me? It should be tight and locked under your arm, so you can't hit yourself in the face. Also, aiming is very fast from high ready. And it seems to me, the lever action should be way smoother, because you apply force with your whole upper body. Or at least the side you shoulder it. The "Stinger way" of cocking should probably still be faster, however, I feel like handeling should go a lot smoother and faster. Also less tiring. Maybe place some padding on the stock for comfort though. But I digress. Cocking it from a high ready position should give you an advantage and make the overall experience a lot smoother. Which makes it more fun. Or at least, that's my theory. I don't own a Vlad, so I can't test this theory. However, I am very curious about the outcome. Maybe you could give it a try? After you fixed it from the frost killing the safety thing of course. And then tell us if it worked? Anyway, thanks for reading. Keep up the good work!

[@fletchedevolution]

Hi Trevor! First thanks a lot for your comment, I'm glad you like the channel and that it is helpful! About the cocking: I will try out your idea specifically once I get a new latch mechanism (already talked to my dealer and I think he will be able to help me out). It is worth noting for sure that moving my hand to the end of the buttstock makes cocking easier due to the greater leverage. I have tried different cocking methods/positions on the Vlad (but not the one you propose), and the easiest in terms of effort is to actually move down to the hip and grab the buttstock out at the end. In other words to work at the center of the body, with little arm extension. But any movement out of the shoulder pocket is slower and/or degrades accuracy and precision compared with what you can do with a Stinger because of the greater overall movement involved and the need to reposition the stock in the shoulder. If you are using a semiautomatic rifle, you position once. Or with a bolt gun, you can mount the rifle and then cycle the action without taking the rifle out of your shoulder. All of this assumes that shooting fast strings of fire is important or desired, not everyone wants to shoot this way, and I think the Vlad was just not designed with this in mind. And yes, padding or rubber on the stock would make things nicer, more comfortable. I will try your idea once I get a new latch mechanism lined up!

[@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887]

given the choice, id sooner pay the extra on the stinger, with a metal mag. eric, try the op360 alligator front grip inverted, gives you much more leverage and because you wrist is facing the other way, better dyamics.

[@fletchedevolution]

Yes, the metal magazine is very, very sweet, and also consistently more accurate. I have had a lot of people shoot both back to back with the same arrows, and the tighter tolerances of the metal magazine make a difference. I have seen grips mounted like you describe, and that would definitely offer better leverage for cocking I would say. Personally, I want as much technique crossover between crossbows and rifles (or pistols) in terms of how I operate them. I am aiming at a unified shooting system for myself. That is why I use the medium-length rubberized vertical grip and generally ride up with my support hand and point my thumb forward. I have the strength (now at least) to cock 120 lb or even 150 lb that way on a Stinger. But even more important is options, and that everyone has viable choices for how they want to run!

[@KevinByrne-m5y]

Does anyone know where to get alternative but compatible bolts for Vlad? They are difficult to source and quite expensive where I live. Cheers

[@kampfwuffi]

Carbon-Bolts only! They don't bend. S&K, Boltzmaster Toxic, ....

[@rodagoose]

Thank you for the honest review! I'm a little disappointed with the Vlad myself. You stated about 3.5" groups with the Baale bolts in the Vlad. Are you consistently getting this result with these bolts?

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I am getting disappointing groups with my Baale bodkins no matter what I shoot them out of. The fletchings are also poorly glued, with a lot of excess glue between the vanes on 7 or 8 out of 10, so I think this might be part of the problem. I think they also need at least around 80 pounds draw weight, based on shooting a bunch of other heavy bolts at 55 lb and getting poor results. I have heard a lot of good things about Baale bolts from different people, so maybe mine are just an off bunch. Still disappointed, though.

[@rodagoose]

@Fletched Evolution thanks for the reply. I can'tseem to get decent groups with the Vlad. I'll get a few reasonable shots(maybe 3 inch group at 10 yards), then an erratic flyer that opens up the group to 6-10 inches or more. Very frustrating. Considering Ebaying and buying a Stinger 2 or maybe an Adder.

[@fletchedevolution]

@@rodagoose One thing that might help is making the inside of the magazine narrower where the fletchings are. The bolts have too little lateral guidance and do not always lay properly on the rail. I have heard of people using duck tape for that, for example, or fancier solutions. If you are otherwise happy with the Vlad and the ergonomics, it would definitely be worth a try!

[@vicsaunders9710]

Good video 👍👏👏🇬🇧

[@mrachase75]

I think my comment got deleted maybe cuz i left a link. Anyway, you stated at end of this video you still waiting for something better than the Stinger. I might have the answer for you. It’s called the Ballista Bat. They have a 150lb reverse bow shoots up to 400 fps and has a 5 bolt magazine. It’s a awesome little bow. If you get one plz do a review, pretty sure you will enjoy this bow. William Tell also makes identical bow called the Mini Striker. But i dont like their magazine cuz it is open so the bolts are exposed rather than a enclosed magazine. Good luck and keep the good videos coming.

[@fletchedevolution]

Thanks for your comment and your support! I have this crossbow on my radar for sure, so many crossbows, so little time!

[@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887]

vlad trigger, yes much better, so is the horizone red back, how ever, if the trigger or release fails in the field, the stinger cant be repaired with a piece of plywood and keep shooting, the others you cant. bolts, i make my own, Verger bolts, 300 grain, im partnered with elong archery, i also do longer carbon bolts ¨hornet¨ for long range accuracy. have a look in my bolts section butty :)

[@georgedixon8105]

How do you lube the string please give a demo, surely it’s not disassemble every 8bolts in the Vlad. Which I still like.

[@fletchedevolution]

I can do that! Until I make the video, I will describe what I do. First, why: I wax the string to reduce the friction between the strands so they do not fray, and to help prevent the string from collecting moisture. I wax the center serving and also deck slightly to reduce friction. Instead of waxing the deck and serving, you can also use DRY teflon spray lube on the deck. On the Vlad or Stinger, I just pop up the magazine so I can access the whole string. Massage some wax (you don't need a ton!) into the string, using the body heat in my fingers to get it soft. Rub a little bit on the deck especially and on the center serving to reduce friction. Just not too much, I don't want enough wax on the to attract dirt and debris. I just want the serving to slide nicely over the deck with low friction. I do the deck and center serving after about an hour of shooting, and put a little on the rest of the string after a two or three hours of shooting, especially if I am shooting outside and putting the bow down on the ground. I hope this helps!

[@tferguson222]

Thank you for the detailed video! Very informative. Where did you buy the device to turn the safety off automatically. I’ve looked for it but can find it. Thanks

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I don't have a safety deactivator installed, but one that I know of and referenced is described in this video (in German). l was under the impression that he sells it on ebay, but could not find it now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnW1cpqwg9WFe6c

[@Jones-xx2gc]

Thanks!

[@fletchedevolution]

Thank you for your awewsome support for the channel, I hope my future content continues to be helpful to you!

[@TycoTyrannus]

Can you cock the vlad by the following steps? Flip the release with thumb. Then instead of grabbing stock, grab the pistol grip once more. You want to end up there anyway. Then tuck the stock in your arm pit and crank with pistol grip and front grip into pit? Then reseat stock and flip safe. I feel with stock wedged in pit and hands on both grips you get more leverage and no slip. Tuck it in to pit tight. Being tall or long should not matter. Might be too painful i could guess

[@jackb1228]

I own a Vlad and with the 90lb limb it's quite painful to cock in the armpit and the mechanism pivots out the back of the grip which would make it near impossible to hold the pistol grip whilst repeating. Im not a particularly weak guy and the stock actually bruised skin under my armpit after and being thin metal is quite slippery even wedged tight in the pit, going to make a custom rubber cheek riser which I'm hoping will make it sit more comfortably to cock under the armpit. Its a great crossbow but feels like they got lazy with the stock design and the pivot point on the coking action just makes it feel quite awkward particularly with the 90lb limb. I'm sure if you dedicated alot of time to it you could become efficient with it, but got to admit it's slower than I hoped

[@davidkerridge3889]

Had the vlad for about 6-8 month now and I have to say, i too have never liked the front pull handle, and the 'slip-slap' as i call it when the stock bounces into your face is so common that i cringed every time your cocked waiting for it. I prefer the trigger on vlad over the stinger and the power, but i am aware that for that, i sacrifice reload speed. I also found that the handle split when reloading causes web pain over time which is not great. Alot of work to do on vlad but its a good start 😁

[@fletchedevolution]

A lot of the issues on the Vlad can be improved with a little work, like skateboard tape on the stock (thought that makes it even less comfortable on the web of the hand) and shimming the inside of the magazine for better arrow guidance. I like the Vlad trigger a lot, and also do not mind the manual safety. Or better said actually want it so my hand is not out in front of a loaded and cocked crossbow with no safety at the end of the cocking cycle. I think the lower cocking leverage compared with a Stinger cannot be changed, but if you can handle cocking the Vlad, that is not really a problem. And the Vlad is slower to reload, but that is also not important for everyone.

[@c.m5043]

Can I confirm that the steambow bolts will work in the vlad please? Do they have the same nocks etc? Even if they are different widths they still work well?

[@fletchedevolution]

The carbon fiber Steambow bolts will work in terms of length, but are around 0.1 mm narrower. All the bolts I have tested in my Vlad with an unmodified magazine, including the factory bolts, sometimes move laterally too much and a vane will get caught in the latch. I have read about people placing shims in the magazine to keep the arrows aligned properly. I would expect more erratic performance with bolts that are narrower than the original Vlad bolts, and would look into shimming the magazine to be on the safe side. Or get thicker carbon bolts. I was not at all satisfied with the aluminum Vlad bolts, they are fairly thin-walled, and vary widely in weight.

[@c.m5043]

@@fletchedevolution thank you ever so much for your detailed response it is really appreciated. I actually ordered the vlad, realised how pathetic the bolts were and have since swapped for a cobra adder!!

[@dragonaz7]

I agree 100% Stinger wins hands down. I am an 80 year old man handicapped and I can use the stinger better than Vlad. Even the 150 pound limb is useable in the Steambow. I own 4 of them .

[@evropapagan5551]

Which foregrip do you have installed on your stinger?

[@fletchedevolution]

IMI OVG, link in the description 👍

[@evropapagan5551]

@@fletchedevolution Should have looked in the description first, didn't think to look there in a video about the vlad. In the description you also have links to two videos from the Vierzylinderdiesel youtube channel about safety mods for the vlad. The same channel has a later video featuring a simpler 3D printed safety mod from Reini Rossman.

[@fletchedevolution]

@Evropa Pagan Nah, probably not intuitive to expect a Stinger-related link in a Vlad video. I get a lot of questions about that stock (edit: and will get them about the foregrip), though and figured I could just start putting a link in the description. Thanks for the heads up on the later video, I can't keep up with all this content 😀

[@disband_thebbc5933]

The bolts are the weak point with most of the Chinese import crossbows. IMO they are designed to fail (soft thin walled aluminium) for commercial purposes, if you can can find quality third party ones or make your own bolts you will notice the difference.

[@fletchedevolution]

Yes, they probably anticipate a bunch of business in selling more bolts. I also think they are trying to "wow" the consumer with a bunch of stuff. In terms of the functionality, the inclusion of two limb weights, the quick detach function, and more pic rails, the Vlad is a good value. I just discount the bolts and red dot for sure in my price assessment.

[@c.m5043]

Such a shame about the bolts. If they just made better bolts that weren't the steambow ones for stupid money!

[@fletchedevolution]

Yes, I think they could easily offer better bolts, they are such a big company.

[@mikeb5063]

@@fletchedevolution i would like to see a solid aluminum bolt

[@fletchedevolution]

@@mikeb5063 I would expect the weight distribution (FOC) to be off with a monolithic bolt, meaning that accuracy would probably suffer, but it would be cool to try out. I know a guy who has shot nails out of a Stinger, at close range, he said it worked great.

[@waltercarnot4058]

I Like adder.. sorry

[@YusTus-h9s]

screw loctite WELD it

[@YusTus-h9s]

lol u really nvested n them bows!

[@sapperRE]

This test seems very irrelevant, and this man seems to pick up in some stupid points ... Zombies !! Pointless presentation.