The Umarex NitroJavelin NitroAir is an accurate, easy-handling entry into the air-archery market that delivers up to 450 fps without requiring a traditional PCP filling system. Its biggest limitation is shot consistency as NitroAir pressure drops, but at a $319.99 MSRP, the combination of accuracy, speed and simplicity makes it an appealing option for target shooting and legal hunting applications.
The arrow-rifle market is still a relatively new addition to the outdoor industry. Hunting regulations remain somewhat vague in some areas while already well established in others, but more shooters are beginning to use air-powered archery rigs.
Umarex entered this category with products such as the AirJavelin CO2-powered arrow gun and the AirSaber PCP platform. The company has continued expanding the lineup, and the NitroJavelin NitroAir Powered Arrow Rifle offers another approach.
Rather than relying on a traditional refillable PCP tank, the NitroJavelin uses 32-gram NitroAir nitrogen cartridges pressurized to 3,600 PSI. After spending time shooting and evaluating the rifle, accuracy proved to be its strongest characteristic.
Review Snapshot
How We Tested the NitroJavelin NitroAir
Testing focused on accuracy, consistency, velocity, handling, trigger quality, loading, shot count and overall ease of use. The NitroJavelin was shot at normal archery ranges and farther distances, including approximately 50, 60 and 70-plus yards. It was also evaluated from field shooting positions rather than exclusively from a bench. The rifle was not tested on game.
Setup and First Impressions
The NitroJavelin arrives largely assembled. Initial setup consists of installing the bolt handle, attaching the extra arrow holders and mounting an optic.
Once assembled, operation is straightforward. The adjustable butt-stock accommodates different-sized shooters, while the grip, bolt and overall controls feel familiar and intuitive.
At 31.75 inches with the stock collapsed and a listed weight of 1.8 pounds out of the box, the NitroJavelin is exceptionally compact and easy to maneuver.
Accuracy and Performance
Accuracy is where the NitroJavelin really separates itself. The arrow rifle proved incredibly accurate at approximately 30 to 35 yards.
It also remained capable of consistent shooting at 50, 60 and even 70-plus yards. At those longer ranges, significant holdover or optic adjustment was required, but the rifle continued to produce impressive results.
Even when shooting from field positions rather than strictly from a bench, the NitroJavelin remained easy to handle and accurate.
Accuracy was the strongest part of the NitroJavelin’s performance during testing.
Umarex rates the NitroJavelin at 450 fps with a 187-grain arrow setup and 400 fps with a 235-grain setup. With the heavier 235-grain setup, the first three shots produce approximately 84 foot-pounds of energy.
That energy level is lower than some modern crossbows and more powerful air-archery platforms, but the NitroJavelin counters with impressive accuracy, low recoil and a relatively affordable price.
For comparison, our testing of the TenPoint Nitro 505 shows just how much speed and downrange performance a premium modern crossbow can deliver.
How the NitroAir System Performs
The NitroJavelin uses Umarex 32G NitroAir nitrogen cartridges pressurized to 3,600 PSI.
Umarex lists 10 total shots per cartridge, with approximately five at full-power hunting levels. During testing, the first three shots proved to be the most consistent. A fourth or fifth shot can remain usable, but velocity, energy and point of impact eventually begin to change as cartridge pressure drops.
The advantage of this system is convenience. Unlike a traditional PCP air rifle, the NitroJavelin doesn’t require a compressor, hand pump or external high-pressure tank.
We saw the same convenience with the Umarex Komplete NCR .177, which also uses disposable NitroAir cartridges to eliminate the need for separate high-pressure filling equipment.
The downside is operating cost. Once a cartridge is depleted, it needs to be replaced rather than simply refilled.
Trigger, Handling and Shooting Experience
The NitroJavelin is comfortable to shoulder and operate. Grip angle, cheek weld, weapon balance, stock shape and bolt operation all contribute to a straightforward shooting experience.
The two-stage trigger is another bright spot. First-stage travel, second-stage travel, creep, over-travel and reset all performed well, while the crisp break helps support the rifle’s accuracy.
The safety is easy to locate and operate. Recoil, vibration and muzzle movement are also minimal, while perceived report and mechanical noise were lower than expected during testing.
There was one isolated instance in which the rifle did not fire. Outside of that occurrence, operation was normal during testing.
NitroJavelin Arrows
The NitroJavelin requires arrows specifically designed for air archery. Standard bow and crossbow arrows should not be used because they are not built to withstand the same internal pressure.
Always use the arrows specified by Umarex and inspect each shaft for structural damage before shooting.
The compatible NitroJavelin Arrows use a 75-grain tip, weigh approximately 235 grains total and measure 14.75 inches without the tip.
They also feature stiff, low-profile fletching, which likely contributes to the platform’s accuracy. The same arrows are compatible with the AirJavelin and AirJavelin Pro.
Umarex NitroJavelin NitroAir Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Umarex |
| Model | NitroJavelin NitroAir |
| Power | 32G NitroAir nitrogen cartridge |
| Cartridge Pressure | 3,600 PSI |
| Action | Bolt |
| Shot Count | 10 total; approximately five full-power shots |
| Velocity | 450 fps with 187-grain setup; 400 fps with 235-grain setup |
| Energy | 84 ft-lbs during first three shots with 235-grain setup |
| Overall Length | 31.75 inches with stock collapsed |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds out of the box |
| Trigger | Two-stage |
| Safety | Button-style |
| Optics Rail | Picatinny |
| Sights | Not included |
| Stock | Adjustable |
| MSRP | $319.99 |
Pros and Cons
- Excellent accuracy
- Up to 450 fps
- Straightforward setup and operation
- Crisp two-stage trigger
- Adjustable stock
- Compact and lightweight
- Minimal recoil and vibration
- No compressor or external PCP tank required
- Peak consistency is limited to the first several shots
- Replacement NitroAir cartridges increase operating cost
- Lower energy than some crossbows and arrow rifles
- Optic is not included
- Requires air-archery-specific arrows
- One isolated failure-to-fire occurred during testing
Who Should Buy the NitroJavelin?
The NitroJavelin is best suited to shooters who want to enter the air-archery category without investing in a compressor, hand pump or external air tank.
Its compact dimensions, adjustable stock, low recoil and straightforward controls also make it approachable for a wide range of shooters.
For hunting, potential use includes small game and whitetail-sized game where arrow rifles are legal. Always check current state and local regulations before taking an air-archery platform afield.
How the NitroJavelin Compares to Other Umarex Arrow Rifles
AirJavelin Pro PCP Arrow Rifle
The AirJavelin Pro PCP uses a 7.4-cubic-inch tank with a 4,500 PSI maximum fill pressure. It fires a 176-grain arrow at approximately 370 fps, produces 52 foot-pounds of energy and provides around 15 full-power shots per fill.
AirSaber
The Umarex AirSaber is the more powerful option. It can launch a 376-grain arrow at up to 450 fps and produce approximately 169 foot-pounds of energy during its first five shots.
AirJavelin CO2
The AirJavelin CO2 is the lower-powered option. It fires a 170-grain arrow at approximately 300 fps with roughly 34 foot-pounds of energy and offers approximately 20 shots from an 88-gram CO2 cartridge.
Final Verdict
The Umarex NitroJavelin NitroAir does what it is designed to do well. Its strongest attributes are accuracy and consistency during the first several shots, backed by a compact design, crisp trigger, adjustable stock, easy cocking and minimal recoil.
The primary trade-off is the NitroAir cartridge system. Performance begins declining as pressure drops, and replacement cartridges add an ongoing cost.
At a $319.99 MSRP, however, the NitroJavelin provides a relatively affordable way to enter the air-archery market with a platform that is accurate, straightforward to operate and easy to handle.
