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Just 16.3" wide
Foregrip positioning for
balance
Thumb operated safety on both sides
Trigger pull |
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Ergonomics
Here is
another point where design quality is called in.
As you
can see the LeoPro is designed to please the eye,
its intriguing, sexy shapes may recall the
design of certain exotic cars. However design is
not there to please the eye, every single curve
is designed to serve a function. Take for
example the front grip: something that appears
as a very simple detail. The very simple, single
conical shape is designed to follow the natural
contour of your hand: larger on the back side,
smaller in the front, look closer, handle it ,
feel it: you will discover that the grip is
canted, again to follow the natural positioning
of your hand, why? Better grip, less fatigue!
You will also note that because of the grip
design it is impossible for fingers (even when
extended) to interfere with string or cables, as
a good safety measure. Again the stock molding
has a raised cheek piece that will help you
align with the eye with the scope.
The
safety lever is ambidextrous and it is
positioned above the trigger in order to be
moved into fire with a thumb movement: you will
be able to keep your finger in the trigger area
and your eye on the target, disengaging the
safety at the last possible second.
The
pistol grip is rather vertical; the hand posture
is more like that of a Varmint/sniper stock than
conventional stock.
But
wait… there’s more… this is something you will
soon forgot once you handle and shoulder this
crossbow. The compound design is rather
unconventional and at first quite shocking but
again there is a reason, and a good one, behind:
balance! This LeoPro is possibly the best
handling compound crossbow I have ever handled.
(to be honest also handles better than most
recurves).
The
layout of this crossbow calls for heavy
components placed very close to the center of
inertia so the crossbow appears surprisingly
light (despite falling into the 8 pound weight
category), not just that: swinging from side to
side or tilting it up and down makes very little
resistance, it is sweet! As the balance point
appears to be very close to the pistol grip you
are basically carrying the weight with your
strong hand that is also tucked close to the
body and I think this is the reason why this
LeoPro feels lighter than many other and handles.
Please do not take my word for it: as soon as
you can try one! It will change your mind.
Unfortunately you will then have a new benchmark
to evaluate handling: nothing else comes close.
The
LeoPro is supplied with a rope cocker that has
wrist straps instead of T handles (not as fast
to use) but is equipped with a horseshoe shaped
sled that fits and centers onto the flight rail
while grabbing the string,
keeps the load balanced as you cock the
crossbow. Thanks to the design the string is
very close to the foot stirrup and because of
the short (13”) power stroke you will work where
your muscles are stronger, the cocking effort
appears lighter.
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