Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow

Name: Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow
Price: 199.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.6 (64 reviews)

Curated from 64 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 25, 2025

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow

Brand: Steambow

Price: $199

Snoop Score:

5.6

Sentiment

6.4

Popularity

7.4

Technical

4.6

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Snoop's Take

The Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow is a versatile and portable crossbow designed for both adults and youth. With a six-shot capability and modular design, it aims to provide an enjoyable shooting experience while maintaining a low profile for stealthy applications. Consumer feedback reveals a mix of opinions about the AR-6 Stinger II. Many users appreciate its compact size and fun factor, with one stating, "it’s very accurate at 10 yards so far as I’ve been practicing in the backyard," while others express concerns over quality control issues, stating, "there have been a lot of video reviews lately trashing their quality control." The modular design has garnered praise for allowing customization, though some users feel that the upgrades can significantly increase the overall cost of the product. Overall, the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II is recommended for those seeking a compact and fun crossbow for recreational use, but potential buyers should be aware of the quality control issues that have been reported and consider these factors before purchasing.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Crossbows

Eg Steambow sells 35lb limbs for their AR-series pistol crossbows, that are just like a small bow.
Positive Feedback

It's not going to be 'archery' as I'd recognise it anyway.
Negative Feedback

5.6

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow

Buy on Amazon for $199

Beginner-Friendly Hunting

5 / 10

Dense Cover & Tight Blinds

7 / 10

High-Power Long-Range Shots

2 / 10

Family & Youth Hunting

6 / 10

See how this compares to all Crossbows

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Compact size for portability

“Eg Steambow sells 35lb limbs for their AR-series pistol crossbows, that are just like a small bow.”➕

“So far, the thing seems very good.”➕

“it’s very accurate at 10 yards so far as I’ve been practicing in the backyard.”➕

“I understand this is quite a common thing in the industry, for the stated draw weights to not be true to the stated value.”➕

Fun to use

“Lots of fun. The only thing I’d suggest is to replace the screw that holds the top down with one you can remove easier.”➕

Modular design allows for customization

“That’s one pimped Steambow. How did you get the anti dry fire thing??”➕

Quick customer support response

“I had a question they answered quickly. I have two Steambows and while they are not TenPoint quality they seem decent for what they are.”➕

Fun to use as a toy

“It is a fun toy but in terms of practicality it's garbage.”➕

Basic functionality meets user needs

“I have a AR6 Compact and its ok as a basic product, but over the years the nickle and dime strategy of them selling improvements at rather high prices that ultimately make it double the price it normally came with.”➕

Better ergonomics than competitors

“But how do people feel with real world performance? Using, cocking, shooting, accuracy, etc.”➕

“The stinger is simpler with fewer moving parts, but more expensive and still needs upgrades to match the standard Vlad offering.”➕

Compact design for home defense

“I wouldnt recommend a big crossbow for home defense, there are lethal pistol crossbows for example the steambow ar6 stinger with a 6 bolt magazine and laser - compact, potentially deadly and fast firing.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Limited accuracy with small arrows

“It's not going to be 'archery' as I'd recognise it anyway.”➕

Potential for misfires with high-powered limbs

“AR6 is a good one.”➕

Quality control issues with limbs

“It’s been around two weeks and two emails, so far no reply from Steambow.”➕

“There have been a lot of video reviews lately trashing their quality control, but this is something else.”➕

“cracking noises and snap Maybe 3 seconds after loading it.”➕

Low draw weight limits effectiveness

“The draw weight is low as is the velocity even with the 150lbs.”➕

Quality concerns affecting brand perception

“They have painted themselves into a corner and now everyone else is ahead of them.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Bear Archery Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow	$59	7.6	Details	Buy
Barnett Wildcat CRX Crossbow	$229	7.3	Details	Buy
Bear Archery BearX Intense Crossbow Package	$334	7.2	Details	Buy
Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow	$399	7.1	Details	Buy
PSE ARCHERY Coalition Crossbow Package	$299	7.0	Details	Buy
TenPoint Turbo X Crossbow Vektra	$1399	6.6	Details	Buy
Barnett Demun Accu Strike Pro Mini Crossbow	$146	6.2	Details	Buy
CenterPoint Archery Sniper Elite 385 Crossbow Package	$292	6.0	Details	Buy
Xpedition Archery Trophy 410X Crossbow	$289	6.0	Details	Buy
Killer Instinct Rush™ 400 Crossbow PRO Package	$259	5.9	Details	Buy
Killer Instinct Rapid 420 Crossbow Package	$309	5.9	Details	Buy
Killer Instinct Boss 405 Pro Package	$256	5.7	Details	Buy
Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow	$199	5.6	Details	Buy
Generic Handmade Wooden Crossbow - Archery Set	$29	4.6	Details	Buy
Isaazon 80lbs Black Self Cocking Hunting Crossbow	$64	4.5	Details	Buy
Bear X Desire RD Self-Cocking Crossbow	$64	4.3	Details	Buy
Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Pro Package	$279	4.1	Details	Buy
SAS Fiberglass Crossbow Limb for 150lbs Crossbows	$39	2.8	Details	Buy
United Cutlery Avalanche Hellhound Recurve Crossbow	$153	2.2	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Interest in magazine functionality

“That's what caught my eye. If that extra build quality translates into better repeatability/more accuracy then I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of power.”➕

“The 3 shot magazine works well if you make 100%. Sure that you have the bolts in perfectly.”➕

Comments on design aesthetics

“The three shot magazine version will have reduced velocity & accuracy due to the design.”➕

“It definitely looks good... Going to have to try my hand at DIYing one.”➕

Discussion on power and performance

“I also have the Barnett raptor 2 330fps”➕

“Looks like the one I got is just a 50lb and rated at about 180fps?”➕

“I have the accu strike pro it goes at 210 fps and 80lb”➕

Discussion on bolt material for durability

“Good to know thanks.”➕

Discussion on crossbow design and mechanics

“The design is a crossbow pistol which means it uses the smaller minature bolts, has a relatively low velocity despite its draw weight, the magazine design does not allow for the use of modern broadheads, does feature a magazine which seems easy to top off, features a lever cocking mechanism which may decrease the effort needed to cock the string, and seems somewhat complicated due to all the moving parts in the weapon.”➕

Discussion about magazine tweaks and reliability

“Any feedback is appreciated.”➕

“They for sure did tweaks to the magazine.”➕

“Did the consumer a favour for sure, wonder if that was joergs master plan all along or whether he held some ill will towards them.”➕

“It might have been an problem with the M10’s first batch, but was corrected.”➕

Comparison of crossbow performance

“Mey Interceptor = ergonomics are top tier, 18 rounds, feels amazing quality wise, more power than a stinger AR-6 tactical with the default 60lbs limb.”➕

“Absolute fastest is Revo. Hands down.”➕

Discussion comparing build quality of Steambow and competitors

“I personally wouldn’t buy any crossbow that has the word “tactical” in the description.”➕

Inquiry about bolt compatibility with magazine system

“Does the redback xr uses proprietary bolts or does it accept regular pvc/aluminium postol crossbow bolts?”➕

Interest in tactical repeating crossbows

“Would you buy a "tactical" repeating crossbow? Why or why not? *Note: Apologies in advance to all the poll haters, just doing a quick poll on a topic I couldn't find in the search*”➕

“Wanted one of these for awhile! There is a newer version of the Adder out too now with an even larger magazine and speed loading clips, heard nothing but good things about it.”➕

“For target shooting I think the repeaters are appealing, if you are hunting you might want a higher speed single shot bow.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Discussion on using crossbow limbs as small bows

“Using crossbow limbs as a small bow? Obviously would need to be on the lighter side, I see there are crossbow limbs being sold that are 20, 30, 40lb, and have ok draw length, made for pistol crossbows.”➕

Interest in posting crossbow reviews and tests

“Thank you 🙏🏻 I intend on posting more reviews, just getting the hang of cameras on laptops.”➕

Discussion on crossbow usage and preferences

“crossbow, bow, or neither [deleted]”➕

“Yeah real crossbows.”➕

“I bought a 175lb jaguar crossbow and a few strings that is still stilling in its box 5 years later.”➕

“Yeah I don't think I'd send up getting much use from a crossbow, so bow would be better for now.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Discussion on crossbow string maintenance

“Always best to have a few spare strings as these are consumables in the crossbow world.”➕

General enthusiasm for Steambow products

“Gotta love the steambows”➕

Discussion about limb compatibility

“They are compatible. I forgot Joerg used a Stinger limb in the Interceptor when he couldn't find his early prototype limbs.”➕

Waiting for new models to become available

“I'm waiting for the Demun to make it across the pond.”➕

Discussion on alternative crossbow options

“Is the performance difference sufficient enough to make the leap in price to any of the options that you listed?”➕

Legal considerations for crossbow ownership in Canada

“just wondering if anyone knows if it’s legal in canada?”➕

“This has a stock on it so it should be legal.”➕

“I just find laws like this so funny.”➕

Discussion on entry-level crossbows

“Horizone Redback VS Redback XR (Penetration Tests + Steambow Stinger comparison)”➕

“You seem like a knowledgeable dude - and in the UK too, nice to see an enthusiast not just focused on guns.”➕

“Merlin Archery are good all round for crossbow stuff, £200 should get you a decent entry level crossbow, i'd go for a recurve and as you said 150lb draw weight or less.”➕

Legal considerations for owning crossbows

“I just wanna be able to keep something beneath my bed in case someone breaks in and makes a go at me.”➕

Discussion about budget for self-defense options

“Mama ain't got that kinda dosh. Fer a crossbow? She can make it rain.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Concerns about product reliability

“I wouldn’t honestly bother with these.”➕

General dissatisfaction with Steambow's recent quality

“There was definitely something faulty about that, don't worry the other ones won't break.”➕

Discussion about magazine concerns

“Recently made it yes. Here is the link to my M10 unboxing video.”➕

“There have been instances of bolts popping out but they're popping out doing things you would realistically be doing with the magazine.”➕

Concerns about string wear in reverse draw designs

“Reverse draw designs have a very sharp angle in the string when cocking/cocked.”➕

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow

Curated from 64 real Reddit conversations

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow

Snoop's Take

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Repeating Crossbow

Beginner-Friendly Hunting

Dense Cover & Tight Blinds

High-Power Long-Range Shots

Family & Youth Hunting

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Hidden Hero Hacks

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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