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Mankung

Man Kung Crossbows, Compound Bows and Bolts in South Africa

Man Kung is Taiwanese and covers the accessible end of archery, from pistol crossbows that cost less than a decent torch through to 150lb hunting crossbows and 70lb compound bows. The range is broad enough that a beginner and a more serious archer can both be served, and spares are stocked rather than being an afterthought. NeonSales carries 46 Man Kung products, from R55 for a fibreglass arrow up to R6,720 for a 70lb Thorns compound bow with optic sight.

What Man Kung products does NeonSales stock?

  • Pistol crossbows: 50lb recurve and metal-bodied MK-50A2, 80lb self-cocking MK-80A4PL
  • Rifle crossbows: 120lb MK-120 and 150lb MK-150A1
  • Compound bows: 25lb starter sets, 55lb MK-CB50G and MK-CB55SB, 70lb Thorns with optic sight
  • Recurve bows: 18lb sets suited to learning
  • Bolts: 6.5 inch pistol plastic, 14 and 16 inch aluminium, 20 inch packs
  • Arrows: 30 inch carbon, aluminium and fibreglass, field and rounded tips
  • Spares: crossbow strings, MK-CB55 limbs, cocking assist strings
  • Other: 40 inch .40 calibre blowgun with darts

Which type suits you?

Type Draw weight Best suited to
Pistol crossbow 50 to 80lb Target practice and plinking, one hand, easy to cock
Rifle crossbow 120 to 150lb Serious target work and hunting, needs a cocking aid
Recurve bow 18lb and up Learning proper archery form, simplest to maintain
Compound bow 25 to 70lb Cams reduce hold weight at full draw, so you can aim longer

Match the bolt to the crossbow

This is where orders go wrong. Bolt length is dictated by the crossbow, not by preference. Pistol crossbows take 6.5 inch bolts, mid-size models take 14 or 16 inch, and larger rifle crossbows take 20 inch. Firing a bolt that is too short is dangerous as well as inaccurate. Check the length specified for your model and buy accordingly.

Material matters less, though it is worth knowing. Plastic bolts are cheapest and fine for pistol crossbow plinking. Aluminium is the sensible standard. Carbon costs more, flies straighter and survives more impacts before needing replacement.

Common questions

What draw weight should a beginner start with? An 18lb recurve or a 25lb compound set is enough to learn form without building bad habits from fighting the bow. Draw weight can be increased later once technique is established.

What does self-cocking mean? The MK-80A4PL has a built-in lever that cocks the string, so you do not pull it by hand. On an 80lb crossbow that is a meaningful convenience, particularly over a long session.

Do I need a cocking assist string? On the 120lb and 150lb models, yes, in practice. Cocking those by hand is difficult and, more importantly, hard to do evenly, which throws accuracy off.

Are strings and limbs replaceable? Yes. Strings are a wear item and should be replaced when frayed. Limbs are stocked for the MK-CB55, which turns a damaged bow into a repair rather than a write-off.

Related: Arrows and Accessories · Blowguns · Accessories