Airgun archery is not new. Many companies have worked on different ways to use an airgun to propel an arrow or crossbow bolt down range. The idea is that you get greater velocity, energy, and accuracy. It’s always been a niche product area, but Umarex brought it mainstream back in 2020 with their Air Javelin and Air Saber. Now they have their Air Javelin Pro and Air Saber Elite X2. What makes up these products, and what sets them apart from other options on the market? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll get into with this article. Let’s get started.
The Air Javelin and Air Javelin Pro
The original Air Javelin was powered by an 88 or 90 gram CO2 canister. It delivered about 20 to 30 shots and propelled custom 170-grain bolts down range at up to 300 FPS. It is a very fun little airgun with an adjustable stock and ambidextrous cocking handle.
It’s bundled with adjustable open sights that mount easily to the slotted weaver top rail. As a result, Airgunners can easily mount optics on the top rail if they prefer an optic to the open sights. In addition, there are M-LOK slots on the forearm for mounting accessories.
Unfortunately, CO2 is sensitive to heat and cold. The Air Javelin pro exchanges the CO2 for a regulated 4500 PSI tank. Shooters can refill the cylinder with a hand pump or personal compressor. Additionally, shooters get a boost in power, up to 52 FPS over the original 34 FPE.
Both products have a place for backyard fun and hunting small game in the field. In addition, the arrows are reusable and can be fitted with broadheads for hunting.
The Air Saber and Air Saber Elite X2
Where the Air Javelin started out as a CO2 Arrow Shooter, the Air Saber was always a PCP-based platform. As a result, the Air Saber is a sleek package that delivers incredible hunting lethality. The Air Saber fills to 250 bar and can send 376-grain arrows down range at up to 450 FPS. That’s about 150 foot-pounds of energy on target. The stock is decked out with lower and side rails for accessories, and it’s available with and without an optic that mounts to the slotted weaver scoop rail.
The Air Javelin Elite X2 has a more traditionally styled Montecarlo stock and packs more punch with 2 arrows ready to go. There’s a switch on the side of the rifle that activates the arrow you want to shoot. Simply move the switch to the other position, cock the Air Saber Elite and take your next shot.
The Elite X2 has more power as well. Capable of producing up to 169 foot-pounds, there’s little that a well-placed shot couldn’t take down.
Let’s talk about the arrows
Umarex’s Air Archery Airguns use the same basic arrow system. The arrows are hollow, ridged, carbon fiber arrows that slide onto a tube. A rubber o-ring clicks when the arrow is in place. This ensures the arrows don’t slide off while walking in the field.
When fitted with field tips, they are reusable and great for shooting at appropriate backstops in the backyard. Once you put broadheads on them, everything changes. Broadhead arrows shot from the Air Saber will slice through the toughest bag like butter. You’ll want to only use broadheads when hunting. The arrows and the broadheads are expensive; consider them “single” use when taking game.
While not new, Air Archery is certainly becoming more mainstream. These airguns bring a level of lethality to the table that’s frankly unmatched by most other airguns. If it’s legal to hunt with these in your state and you like to hunt, you’ll want to take a look for sure.
