BAT User Manual

Crossbow Safety Rules

• Always point the crossbow and loaded arrow in a safe direction.
• Only load an arrow when it's safe to shoot.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Be sure of your target and what is in front of it, immediately behind it, and beyond it.
• Check the travel path of the crossbow limbs to ensure they will not strike tree limbs, blind windows, or other objects when you shoot.
• Never shoot over a ridge.
• Only shoot when you have a safe range or shooting area, and a safe backstop or background.
• Avoid dry-firing a crossbow (pulling the trigger without a loaded arrow). It may cause serious damage to the crossbow and can injure the shooter.
• Do not shoot an arrow straight up in the air.
• Handle arrows carefully. Protect yourself and the arrow points with a covered arrow quiver.
• Follow the instructions for stringing, cocking, and decocking a crossbow.
• Do not use incompatible arrows, tools, or accessories. Compatible bolts are included with the crossbow and can be purchased on the Ballista website (look for bolts compatible with the BAT Reverse crossbow). Regular diameter crossbow bolts are not compatible.
• Immediately repair defects in equipment.
• Prior to each use, check your crossbow for cracks, dents, breaks, separating laminates, peeling glass, and defects in mechanical parts.
• Check the bowstring regularly and replace it if it becomes worn or frayed. Frequent use of bowstring wax and recommended rail lubrication can extend bowstring life.
• Check arrows for cracks, dents, or bends; discard any with permanent flaws.
• Store your crossbow uncocked and in a case or backpack.
• Store arrows in quivers and accessories in a sturdy box or padded bag.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes during assembly, servicing, cocking, decocking, loading, or shooting.
• Keep emotions under control and prioritize safety.
• Do not drink alcohol or take mood-altering drugs before, during, or after shooting.

Getting Started

Congratulations

You are the proud owner of a brand-new crossbow!

This manual serves as a guide for all crossbow owners, providing essential safety and assembly instructions. Familiarize yourself with crossbow operation and handling to prevent serious injury, damage, or poor performance. For clarification or further questions, contact support at info@ballista.co. Keep this manual for future reference.

Maintenance and Care

Maintenance

Regularly apply lubricant to the crossbow rail. Use string wax on exposed string strands to prevent drying and brittleness. Keep the rail and trigger assembly clear of obstructions. Inspect the rail and nocks for burrs that could damage the string. Grease cams regularly.

Additional Advice

Store your crossbow in a safe, dry place, away from extreme humidity or heat (e.g., hot cars, heat sources). Check cables and/or string for wear and tear. Apply light machine oil regularly to the moving parts of the cams.

Warranty Information

The rail, trigger mechanism, and limbs have a 1-year manufacturer's warranty (unless otherwise specified). The warranty excludes cosmetic wear (scratches, paint damage), strings, cables, damage from abuse, modification, failure to service, consequential/incidental damage, property damage, or personal injury. DRY FIRES WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. Ballista is not liable for damage caused by using too-light plastic, wood, or aluminum bolts.

Safety Guidelines

Safety Lock

The crossbow features an automatic safety lock that engages when cocked. This lock must be disengaged before each shot. Remember that no safety mechanism replaces common sense and safe handling. Do not operate the trigger with a bolt inserted while the safety is engaged. Never attempt to modify the trigger.

Operating Safety Rules

• Always keep fingers below the rail, clear of cables and string during shooting.
• NEVER shoot the crossbow without a bolt. Dry firing can damage the crossbow and cause personal injury, voiding the warranty.
• Ensure a safe target and use a suitable target.
• Always use suitable bolts with manufacturer-recommended nocks. Do not use bolts that are too soft or have an unsuitable weight, as this can damage the crossbow and void the warranty.
• Bolts lighter than 140 grains can cause damage similar to dry firing.
• Check the crossbow and bolt before each shot. Discard bent or damaged bolts.
• Verify the safety lock is functioning correctly before shooting to prevent unintentional shots.

Assembly Instructions

Mounting the Grip

Loosen the two flat-head screws on the side and the round-head screw below the trigger. Place the grip onto the crossbow body and tighten the screws with an Allen wrench.

Mounting the Front Grip

Loosen the three round-head screws located below the rail. Position the front grip onto the crossbow and tighten the screws with an Allen wrench.

Mounting the Optional Fish Roll Holder

When attaching the fish roll holder, loosen only the middle of the three screws. The two outer screws secure the bow unit and must not be loosened to avoid injury.

Important Assembly Note

The crossbow features an internal pulley-assisted cocking system. The screws for the foregrip and stirrup are precisely sized to avoid interfering with the sled movement. Ensure the foregrip and stirrup are installed and do not fully tighten their screws until they are in place, as this can obstruct the sled and damage the cocking mechanism.

Operation

Safety Mechanism

When cocked, the crossbow's string is automatically secured by a lock pin visible at the rear end of the rail, above the cocking aid. To unlock, push in the safety pin. The crossbow is then ready for firing.

Cocking the Crossbow

Hold the grip with the trigger in one hand. With the other hand, pull the cocking aid rope back in a straight line until the string engages the trigger mechanism. For optimal grip, place your index finger on the left string holder, middle finger in the loop, and ring finger on the right to prevent slippage (reverse for left-handed users). Always hold the main grip (not the foregrip) and keep your finger off the trigger during cocking or de-cocking.

De-cocking the Crossbow

Hold the grip with the trigger mechanism. Pull the cocking rope straight back until it contacts the string, maintaining a firm grip on the cocking aid rope throughout. Unlock the crossbow. As you pull the trigger, the cocking rope holder will be under tension from the string's force. Slowly guide the cocking rope forward using the holder to release the tension on the crossbow.

Inserting the Bolt

Ensure your hand stays clear of the string area when inserting the bolt to prevent injury if the crossbow fires unexpectedly. Insert the bolt so its nock makes direct contact with the cocked string.

Shooting

Point the crossbow in a safe direction. Verify the bolt is correctly positioned and contacting the string; if not, push it fully into the trigger mechanism. Keep fingers below the rail to avoid injury from the moving string. Disengage the safety lock by pushing the safety pin. The crossbow will fire when the trigger is pulled. A bolt must be inserted for every shot to prevent damage and injury.

String and Cable Replacement

Replacing the String and Cables

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Attach the crossbow press as illustrated.
2. Remove the cables from the pulleys.
3. Unclench the press bars. Replace the string.
4. To replace the cables, unscrew the bolts that secure them to the cams.
5. Fasten the press and attach the free ends of the cables to the pulleys.
6. Unclench the press bars. The crossbow is ready for use.
7. If only replacing the string, attach the press on the opposite side.

Magazine Loading (BAT Reverse with Magazine)

Loading the Magazine

Angle the crossbow body at more than 45 degrees relative to the ground. Load arrows one by one into the magazine.

After loading 5 arrows, ensure the arrow tips are aligned in a straight line and positioned higher than the nocks.

Press the compression spring and check the loading status from the side. Nocks should be orderly with no gaps. The first arrow should be visible on the rail for complete loading.

Support and Warranty Activation

Warranty Activation

To activate your warranty, scan the QR code provided and register your product.

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Video Tutorials

Explore helpful video tutorials and demonstrations to learn how to use the crossbow for various activities like hunting and bowfishing.