Happiness for a crossbow hunter is sighting on your first arrow and watching the next shot practically touch fletch at 40 yards. I just received the new Stryker Katana prior to the Archery Trade Association Show where a host of new compound and crossbows will be launched. The Katana has a speed of 360 fps from a draw weight of 150 pounds. The compact bow is 35 inches long, weighs 6.5 pounds and has a power stroke of 13 inches. Here’s what I found:
Out of the Box- 
The Katana 360 comes as a kit with a three-arrow quiver, three arrows and target points, DeadZone scope, cocking rope, sling, and two-piece stock and riser assembly. Personally, I love this configuration because the bow can be disassembled allowing a standard bow or double-gun case for travel. I quickly learned that the bow is machined to tight tolerances and the pieces fit precisely. The bow quiver offers two mounting options so that arrows can store parallel to the stock or under the riser and limbs.
Easy Cocking
A bow that shoots 360 feet per second is powerful and I wondered how much energy would be required to cock it. Katana comes with a very solid cocking stirrup, large enough for a hunter wearing warm boots, and a cocking rope that is fitted for the bow. (I was surprised to learn from previous tests that some crossbows don’t come with a cocking rope or one that requires cutting and adjusting for top performance.) The Katana cocks in a manner similar to Excalibur and other bows, by doubling the rope and decreasing the “pull power” by 50 percent. Add the advantage of the compound cams and it cocked easily, ending with a solid click as the anti-dryfire engaged. The bow must be cocked on “fire” and the safety does not automatically engage, but the safety lever is large and easily operated by thumb.
Bow Design
The Katana stock is very similar to the Excalibur 360, dressed in camouflage that makes it nearly invisible when laid in leaves. The pistol-grip style of the stock gives the shooter full control of the bow and makes it easy to hold, shoulder, and aim. The forend grip is comfortable and the safety flange separates it from the shooting rail, making it nearly impossible to cause harm, even in times of great excitement. The bow is well balanced and the enclosed shoulder strap allows the bow to be carried over-the-shoulder like a rifle in a surprisingly comfortable style. The limb rests against your back and you barely know it’s there.
Quiet Performance– String stop silencers have become standard on many crossbow models and I expected them from a bow of this caliber. Additionally, Katana features dampening devices on each split limb and string leaches that maximize vibration and sound reduction. Also, a small rubber dampener rests on the arrow retention spring for a system approach to vibration reduction.
Overall I found the Katana to have all the elements of a top-performing hunting bow including the DeadZone scope that adjusts for arrow speed and showed a bright, crisp image with reticles out to 60 yards. It is modest in weight, compact and easy to sight and shoot, including a trigger that pulls smoothly. Luckily, my state has a late archery season and I can’t wait to climb into my stand. www.strykerxbow.com
