The B08 – our first crossbow that fires something other than an arrow.
Why you might need that and what it can do is what you’ll learn in this blog post.
With the “AR-6 Stinger 2 Tactical”, we not only created a real bestseller in 2021, but also made the crossbow accessible to a much broader audience than ever before. Thanks to its simple and comfortable handling and its comparatively low energy and range compared to hunting crossbows, the Stinger 2 is easy to use. Countless hobbyists and recreational shooters have a lot of fun with our AR-6 or M10 and use them in gardens, apartments, or even offices. But an arrow – even a blunt one without a hunting tip – always poses a significant danger, and a sufficient safety zone as well as an appropriate backstop are absolutely necessary.
From time to time, our products are also used as self-defense tools, and here too, there has been a recurring demand for more stopping power but less lethality. Yes, a hunting arrow will stop virtually any attack, but it is often lethal, especially when you want to reliably end an attack and have to score what is called an “effect hit.” Many users wished for a way to achieve this without deadly consequences – “less than lethal,” as they say in America.
So we spent a long time thinking about how we could “defuse” or soften our arrows. At some point, the idea finally struck: instead of putting a padded tip on our arrows (like LARP arrows, for example), why not fire a ball? A ball is round and therefore inherently safer.
Ball-firing crossbows have existed for ages and are often called “bullet crossbows.” In the Middle Ages, they were used mainly for hunting birds. As usual, we took this old concept and catapulted it into the 21st century: A repeating crossbow with an 8-shot interchangeable magazine, compatible with our selectable-strength limbs, and usable with all modern projectiles currently available.
The size of the balls was also clear quickly: it had to be .68 caliber, with its large projectile diameter of 17.3 mm!
In this caliber, a huge variety of projectiles is available: paint-filled gelatin paintballs or powder-filled marking balls for games and fun, solid plastic or rubber balls for target shooting, and for more intense scenarios, irritant-filled Pepperballs™ or even solid steel balls.
With the B08, we mainly want to provide fun and increase customer safety, which is why playful use is our top priority.
Therefore, the B08 is initially delivered with our 35 lbs CQ limb and lightweight plastic balls. In this configuration, the B08 poses no significant danger. With proper protective equipment, such as a paintball mask, it can even be used to shoot at people — provided soft projectiles like paintballs or ReBalls™ are used. This makes paintball games or tactical scenario training possible and safe.
Installing stronger limbs changes the character of the B08 crossbow and increases the danger. Since a crossbow is normally not subject to the energy restrictions that air rifles are, it may be legally permissible to install stronger limbs. Technically, this works perfectly as well. But the effect and danger level of the B08 increase drastically.
Especially with strong limbs and heavy balls like steel balls, the impact of the B08 becomes extreme and potentially lethal. Moreover, the balls behave very differently from arrows: with hard balls, ricochets must be expected, and there is also a risk of projectiles bouncing back.
What exact effects and dangers can be expected is something we are still investigating. Corresponding research and studies are underway. Until we have precise information about the performance of the B08 with different limbs and projectiles, we will offer the B08 exclusively with our 35 lbs limb and soft plastic balls.
As soon as we know which power levels are reasonable and necessary, we will offer equipment packages with stronger limbs. Until then, customers will have to purchase stronger limbs separately.
In its delivered configuration, the B08 is a fun device – easy to use, precise, and reliable. It requires no external energy like batteries or compressed air and works in all weather conditions. But it is also very versatile and powerful. We’re excited to see what you will make of your B08!
