2023 Killer Instinct Diesel X Review - Best Crossbow Under $500?!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Quick update: The promo code "DRAGGINDEER" for use on the KI website is now 10%.

[@michaelc3416]

Dang! Just found this video and was about to pull the trigger on one when I saw the 20% discount part. Then read the comments... At 10% off it's less compelling...

[@ehsush]

​@@michaelc3416even with the 10% discount Amazon is still cheaper...

[@philipmccullough7152]

Just picked up the SWAT X1 using the code .... Wish I was earlier but 10% is better than nothing! Thanks for the informative videos!

[@davehoward2791]

Watched this video a few weeks ago and ordered my Diesel X on your recommendation. This is my first serious crossbow and after putting it together I really like it. Finally got my target Block yesterday and plan to shoot the Diesel for the first time tomorrow. Being new to crossbows I’ve been watching a lot of your videos lately and am learning a lot, thank you for the really good, informative content. Liked and subbed. 👍

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thank you for the support, Dave! Glad this video helped, good luck this season!

[@phishtacosfishingandstuff2677]

Prices came down since then. I had an emergency surgery in July. 10 weeks before our archery season began. 12 weeks to recover? I bought the next model up. FatalX. $700 MSRP. Regular selling price at Dunham's $600. Special Sale price? $550. It has a rapid draw crank (RDC) and the manual draw is also very easy. Everything is as described by this gentleman. Light weight, smooth operation, quiet, fast (405fps) and super accurate. Easy assembly. Sighting it in took less than an hour.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Wishing your the best of luck this season!

[@cg_justin_5327]

I've been using the Bone Collector 370 for the past 3 seasons and took deer every year. I've been looking for an upgrade and I think Diesel X might be it. Thanks for the review!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

You’re welcome! I think this would be a great upgrade for ya.

[@masterofmanythings1]

Killer instinct service is awesome! I ordered mine on Saturday night and forgot to put in your discount. I emailed them and they refunded the difference with no issue! I'll tag you in my first buck this fall 😂

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

They’re great people 👍 thanks for sharing, enjoy your new bow!

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

New Sub and new to cross bows unofficially! I'm in the market, researching various crossbows in this price range, Accuracy, quietness, and vibration being key considerations. Thank you..appreciate your video.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thanks for your support, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@bowlwest73]

Nice looking bow. Great review Matt.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thanks for your support!

[@danieljm41]

Super helpful optics tips

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GrumpyGenXGramps]

I’ve had my Boss 405 for 3 yrs and it’s now got a 12 doe body count . After using a Barnett 200’ Panzer recurve for 15ish years, this was my first “modern” crossbow and I love it! I’ve gotten a Barnett Whitetail Hunter II with a body count of 3 but I MUCH prefer my Killer Instinct! The 405fps pushes my 600 grain hi FOC arrows to crazy speeds with 100% pass throughs! It doesn’t matter if it’s quarrying too, away or straight on! I’ve even got a brisket to @sshole pass thru on a big corn fed Tennessee doe with it! Can’t ask for mor than that! It’s just an amazing shooting and COMFORTABLE shooting bow!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Love it. Awesome setup!

[@one-eyedarcher]

Nice job Matt! Looks like a fantastic bow at a phenomenal value. Looking forward to you next video. Hopefully no skeeters! 😉😃

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thank you, Jim! Next video I'll make sure the thermacell is full ;)

[@boomerrangerron]

Very nicely done video review! It's an impressive crossbow for the money, and I'm sure that they'll sell a lot of these models. I just upgraded and picked up a Wicked Ridge M-370, and I'm impressed with the quality and accuracy of this crossbow! I'll have to work on my video techniques to up my content, but I'm confident that at the newly priced $499.97 at both Bass Pro Shops and CABELA's that TENPOINT is going to sell many of these as well. There's a limit for the need for speed that is matched with a practical price point!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thanks, Boomer! Sounds like you have yourself a solid rig as well! Wishing you great success in 2023!

[@boomerrangerron]

@@draggindeeroutdoors Yes I'm finally gaining more confidence than I've had with the Barnett Raptor FX, and I'm hoping to get to your level this Fall!

[@Sparkle_Nutz]

Great video and the promo code was a bonus. I just ordered the Diesel X crossbow and got it last week directly from KI. Got it all together and have had two range sessions with it. Unfortunately, I think I may have gotten a bad one because it won't shoot consistently at 30 yards. I bought new KI bolts and it stayed the same all over the place. This is my 3rd crossbow in past 12 seasons so checked all the regular stuff(scope screws, screws, etc.) and there doesn't appear to be a reason its so in accurate at this point. Put an email into their Customer service tonight. Hoping they can resolve quickly for me based on others experience with KI. Love the compactness of the bow, but being up to 6" off in no consistent pattern at 30 yards for no obvious reason, seems like something is off with it. As mentioned below, it seems to have a lot of string down pressure on the rail unlike my other bows. Not sure if this can lead to inaccuracy. But this review was great! Thanks!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Hmmm, sorry to hear you’re having trouble. Definitely touch base with KI, they should be able to get you the info you need. Only this I would is try tuning your arrows and see if that cleans up the accuracy problems. Good luck 👍

[@Jamesjgt]

Went to the site to buy and only gave 10%. Cabela's has it right now cheaper than the 10%. Thanks for the video.!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

The Draggindeer code changed a few weeks ago to 10%. If there are better deals out there by all means take advantage of em!

[@JasonVerdi-o4h]

Owned 2 killer instinct crossbows both were dead on and had couple deer taken with each but by end of 1 year on both the limbs started fraying and cracking

[@jamesnix4805]

Matt been wondering if you were going to test the diesel. Sounds like a sweet shooting good deal. Thank you for the great review

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thank you, James! It’s a real solid bow, I think this one will pleasantly surprise most shooters 👍

[@jowhi9296]

So which riser is beter? Aluminum or composite 😊 thanks

[@shanepipkin4041]

you like the old Parker cross bow?

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

I’ve never shot an old Parker.

[@timbo749]

Hi Matt, alot of us Diesel owners were curious about two things, 1.there seems to be downward pressure of the sting onto the rail, does yours have that?, is it supposed to be that way? 2.the safety is a bit noisy for hunting, do you find that to be the case?, is there a solution to it?, i tried oiling the mechanism but didn' work.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Mine does seem to have a decent amount of down pressure. As for the safety, grip the level firmly and slowly take it off. You should be able to switch it to fire quietly with a little practice. Hope that helps!

[@timbo749]

@@draggindeeroutdoors Hey Matt, are you concerned about the down pressure,? it has caused quite a ruckus over at cross bow Nation

[@dougvuillemot8670]

After owning a couple 1grand and over excaliburs. I would simply buy there cheapest one that is around 600 bucks. There lifetime warranty and customer service is great.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thanks, Doug!

[@yasinbugraylmaz8976]

Bearx saga 420 vs Or is this something I'm new to, I don't know what features I should look for?

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

I’m confused by your question. Are you looking for general crossbow info or info on the Bear X Saga 420?

[@yasinbugraylmaz8976]

@@draggindeeroutdoors Thank you, I want to start from scratch and I have no knowledge.

[@DownSouth21]

Will any bolts work with this or just the provided hypr bolts?

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Anything 20” or longer, 390 grains total or more, and uses a half moon nock will work.

[@patrickgraves-rv5sf]

Can i get the link for the tripod you use ?

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

There’s a link in the description!

[@johnkuderik5167]

Hey Matt, new to your channel. Excellent video and very informative. What other brands have you shot / owned to compare this Diesel to. I have an older Parker Tornado, and I'm looking to use that as a back up to whatever my new xbow will be. Very interested in this, especially with that discount code, hard to pass up.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Hey John! Glad you liked the video and thanks for reaching out! Instead of writing a long comment, shoot me an email at draggindeer@gmail and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have!

[@johnkuderik5167]

@@draggindeeroutdoors I did email you, from my phone. It may have went to your junk mail

[@coreygilstrap2822]

Have you notice any string fraying or limb splintering with this crossbow..i know some of the fatal x have had these problems

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

No issues on the Diesel X thus far

[@Jimmy63568]

Are the bolts flat or half moon?

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Half moon

[@danr8787]

I bought this bow last week. Have shot this about 30 times and started to notice plastic shavings coming from the plastic piece on the cable slid. It’s dig into the plastic and formed grooves. It no longer hold the cables and the bottom cable drags on the stock instead of above. Is this normal?

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

I would have that checked out.

[@danr8787]

I’ve been to two different mom and pop bow shops here in Michigan today and neither would touch it. They said they no longer sell or repair them because they have to many quality issues. Can’t get ahold of anyone at killer instinct so I am going to use this as a $500 wall mount and buy something else.

[@kurtglo]

do you find this crossbow hard to cock with the somewhat long power-stroke? Thanks

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Not at all. The X-cam system has 50% left off, very smooth/easy to cock IMO.

[@kurtglo]

@@draggindeeroutdoors thanks much. I'm debating on this crossbow or the Wicked Ridge M-370 which Cabelas has on-sale as we speak. I like the speed and KE better on the Diesel X personally.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

@@kurtglo Both are very good bows, IMO you're getting more bang for the buck with the Diesel X.

[@kurtglo]

@@draggindeeroutdoors THANKS FOR YOUR IMPUT

[@myronchamberlain7734]

Watch the reviews on killer instinct cross bows many of them end up with cracked limbs

[@timbo749]

Cool bow but alot more front heavy than my Wicked Riidge Warrior HL

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

A lot of tech for the money in this bow, though!

[@JohnnyP_outdoors]

Damn thats a flat shooter out to 60

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

It’s a solid bow 👍👍

[@JohnnyP_outdoors]

@draggindeeroutdoors I'm thinking about upgrading from a old Excalibur smf and Barnett Recruit that I just missed a doe with at 40 . Way to slow and the Excalibur way to wide .

[@RamaChandran-sr5ik]

price

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

check the KI website for updated pricing! You can usually find them for under $500

[@DownSouth21]

Is the buttstock loose a wiggly?

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

I’d say a little, but it’s what you would expect from an adjustable, AR style stock. I didn’t have any concerns with it.

[@genbud78]

You're going to make me spend some money if I keep watching these videos...😂

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Glad ya liked it!

[@JerryWhite-ee5hy]

Go get you 2 5 packs of the head hunter BTS from Wally world. You will be amazed.

[@debrabailey8933]

Tried using your code for the discount and its only offering 10% off not 20%. Why is that? That was the only reason i was going to buy one that way i coule get the cranking device for almost free. That suck man!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

KI updated the code to 10%. Still a generous offering from KI!

[@paultrimble9390]

Nice 60 yarder. I got two don't laugh jaugar last year around sept.for 100 bucks both are 175lb. Got speed ring on mine gave other ro my son . Think im get something little better. What would you suggest on 4,5 hundred budget. Thanks .ur ole hillbilly buddy stay safe

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

I'd be looking at Killer Instinct's Diesel X, Vital X or Fatal X. I'm a big fan of their X-cam system, smooth, easier to draw, low sound/vibe, plenty fast. If I had to pick one bow out of those 3...it would be the Vital X due to its weight and balance. And...with the discount code (can be found in the description of this video) the Vital will be well within your price range.

[@paultrimble9390]

@@draggindeeroutdoors thanks. I'm seasoned hunter , fisherman not the best definitely not worst. My cousin's hunt to. Lol. No but I'm right at 50 been in these ole WV hills my hole life hunting fishing except few years journeyed down south took ole lady kids few years my pops was there for about 5,6 years. Any did catch 4 foot black tip out n gulf on charter all his work buddies chartered one couldn't go so I ask could by his spot. I know most of fellows good ole dudes. Especially George, dad's ole fishing buddy had ranger with a 200 hp outback yeah pretty green nice one . George took us to Okeechobee, lake Russo, few other places him and pops fish armature tournaments. Do ok well anyway built a crossbow n 7th grade second year I didn't listen to good back then either. Lol. Kit shop teacher order 20 bucks had metal prog or bow. 2 al. Rectangle stock for bolt to glide on the rails. Trigger pot metal spring under it stock was nice piece oak. Lot sanding, filing cutting. But other than making another one in 10th grade until coach putting in front lag bolt didn't drill it and split stock. Walnut. Yeah . I was playing hooky and missed few days and I guess he didn't want me get behind idk like say making in jr. Hi. Lol but oh well packed it up brought home. That my experience with crossbows. Until that jaguar. It's dead on 20,25 yards with speed ring but ain't got enough power go up on speed but it's ok I guess for my son and grandson ha ha. I'm getting something. Like fatal x . And diesel x. Was nats butt from getting the 425 killer instinct last year's poplar model ripper but local bow shop had one 399.plus tax I had 387.in pocket. He wouldn't budge told him he could keep the scope I had speed ring already before had crossbow slapped it on crossman dpms. To let grand baby and me have little pop can revenge. He wasn't budging it Saturday evening 4pm closing, wasn't opening til Monday at 5 eve had some things to do. Monday morning. I found them 2 175 lb jags at pawn shop, 55 each one had sling no guiver other had quiver no sling. Look brand new brown mossy flauge. Both had 3 dot red n other was red n green. Takes um down 90 plus tax so took um so me and my boy could go. We been gun hunting together now few years he wasn't to interested until got about 16. Me in woods with 410 at about 4,5 daddy had me out squirrel getting cleaning . Biscuits n squirrels, gravy, mash potatoes. Mmm mm. I have 6 brand new blood lines think. Blood zone. IDK got 7 new mossy oak all 20"same weight. From the mart of walls.. looking at Patriot with crank on it . till seen diesel x. And I liked the fatal x when it came out . Looking at 400 ki rush think, $299.with crank cocking mechanism. Now all that to tell yeah this lol shaking my head. I'm talker. Ole says talk any in stores. Before get n store she says. Pops says it to. Who was that I say idk , he grin shake his head. But I'm around 265,270 don't go n tree stands . Not scared height. Just bad knee and not made be n trees unless it's got sturdy support's. But yeah ground hunt , and Little in air if up buddy's farm got little platform with steps . And ole water tower hunt off of. 25,30 foot ladder going up side no problem. Oh Honda 300 4x4 some. So that's my seniros. U like vital x . I'll check it out. If get one here next few weeks I'll use ur affiliates things . Hate to order when can go down and put my hands on it same day. But oh well. Least it ain't last minute like i was last year. Lol. What about Excalibur with air cocking system. Here me out . Couldn't get air this year but could after first year. They worth a Darn or do u know anything about them. Just throwing that out there. Or wicked ridge with decocker mech. One 500 600 ish one's and the skeletonized stalk kinda non adjustable non ar style is not deal breaker either. I do like ar style to so either way. I want get 4,5 one each. Lol shoot done wrote a book. Take that utube algorithm. I'm go check out them ki they were some of my first choices. Fatal with case is nice set up. Ok thanks for letting me bug ya little. Stay safe. From ur ole hillbilly buddy. Keep um in the center. 🎯

[@DownSouth21]

I bought one and it wont hold a group for nothing. Its completely inconsistent. im pretty sure its just bad quality control but still.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

You check to make sure nothing is loose? Like your scope rail or rings?

[@DownSouth21]

Yea nothings loose

[@Gballpikker]

Made in Taiwan.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

You are correct.

[@jerry07dx55]

DISCOUNT CODE DOES NOT EXIST.... 9 DAYS LATER. Also, string stops are NOT included

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Hey Jerry. I just tried the discount code on the KI website and confirmed it does still work. EDIT: I also just followed up with KI and confirmed the Diesel X will come with string stops 👍