Best Crossbow Reviews

 

I’m a huge fan of the first one as it’s a solid entry-level and best recurve crossbow.  It’s great for both the beginner and the more advanced hunter.  It’s so easy to use and has great performance and sits at a reasonable price.

The second one of the compound crossbows I recommend.  This crossbow one is my personal favorite but it is for a more advanced hunter. It is a great crossbow for the money you pay and a great choice for the hunter who is ready to up their game.

 

Have you been looking for a crossbow that best suits you? Check out this article on the Top 10 Best Crossbows.

There are many things to consider when selecting a crossbow. Which are the best one for you?  We figure this out by asking ourselves: What are you mainly using it for? Will it be for deer hunting or target shooting? What body types are right for your frame, size, and strength? What is your budget?  What are your priorities in selecting your dream crossbow? Or is it a gift for someone else; if so what will they use it for…hunting or target practice…what might their priorities be?  In this article, I will break down each crossbow’s pros, cons, and features, so you will have a better understanding of what crossbow you will buy.

Before buying a crossbow, please remember to make sure you go over each feature of the crossbow you are looking at. Our best crossbow reviews are only a small portion of what is actually included when buying a crossbow. I always urge you to do additional research if necessary.

 

Top 10 Of The Best Crossbows

 

1. PSE ARCHERY FANG HD – TOP-RATED ENTRY-LEVEL CROSSBOW

 

Brand

PSE Archery

Model

Fang HD

Style

Compound Crossbow

Color

Tru Timber Western Viper

Specifications

• Mass: 7.3 pounds
• Speed: 405 FPS
• Power Stroke: 14.5 inches
• Draw Weight: 205 pounds
• Kinetic Energy: 134 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.225 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 18 inches (cocked)
• Total Length: 35.5 inches

Key Features

• Adjustable Buttstock
• Limb dampers & String Silencers
• Anti-dry fire & Auto Safety Trigger
• Cocking system winch device option is available for this model (part number 42472)

Material

• Carbon

Warranty

• Limited lifetime warranty
• All warranty work is performed by PSE or your local PSE crossbow dealer

Inclusions

• 3 x 22″ Carbon Arrows with Bullet Points (Weight: 125 grains)
• 5-arrow Quiver
• HDV 425 1.5-5X32 Variable Zoom Illuminated Scope
• Cocking rope
• Foot Stirrup

Price

• The price range sits around $400 – $500

When I first tested the PSE Archery Fang HD, one of the main things that stood out was how silent it was, and yet also managed to achieve smoothness and effectiveness after countless shots. It was extremely accurate too, which is a must for hunting any sort of game. It has an impressive bolt speed of 405 FPS. Many crossbow users and hunters like myself say those key essentials of speed, accuracy, and quietness when purchasing a crossbow.  This is one of the best crossbows if you are just getting into the sport.  Even though it’s a great crossbow for beginners, those who have been in the sport for a while won’t get bored.

Based on the results I gathered and testimonials from actual owners, this crossbow is perfect for the small game and all the way up to the big game. Rest assured that you will not have to worry about any failures. A downside is that it does have a hefty 205 lbs of draw weight, has 134 ft per lbs of kinetic energy, and has a reasonable light weight of 7.3 pounds, for its speed and power. This is a solid hunting bow; not only will it be easy to carry and even navigate through the woods, but it will also still have the power needed to reach and deal damage to the target.

The PSE Archery Fang HD comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, which gives peace of mind to the product. Please make sure to register your crossbow to be eligible for the full warranty period.

2. Barnett Blackcat – Best Beginner Crossbow

Brand

Barnett

Model

Blackcat

Style

Recurve

Color

Black Strike

Specifications

• Mass: 4.8 pounds
• Speed: 260 FPS
• Power Stroke: 12 inches
• Draw Weight: 165 pounds
• Kinetic Energy: 53 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.439 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 22 inches (cocked)
• Total Length: 35.5 inches

Key Features

• Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System
• Soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer
• Finger safety reminder
• 3 x Picatinny Rails
• Anti-vibration foot stirrup
• Metal injection molded trigger
• Ships mostly assembled

Material

• Blend

Warranty

• 1-year Manufacturers limited warranty

Inclusions

• 3 x 20-inch aluminum arrows (Weight: 380 grains)
• String and rail lube wax
• Lightweight quiver
• Red dot sight

Price

• Around $180

I’m a huge fan of the Barnett brand in general.  The Barnett Blackcat is one of the best recurve crossbows for a beginner and possibly the best budget crossbow currently on the market.  That being said it is still a fun bow for all experience levels to have a go on. It is a great cost entry-level crossbow, it doesn’t compromise on quality. The manufacturer, Barnett, is a leading brand in the crossbow field and has been providing quality crossbows year after year. The other reason I consider this as a great beginner crossbow is Barnett put together a whole package deal when purchasing this. When I had the crossbow delivered, it came with some great accessories like the quiver, red dot sight, and a few great target practice bolts. The crossbow was basically put together and it only took me about 15 minutes to finalize the assembly. Don’t let that scare you as even a first-time buyer should have no problem getting the crossbow ready for its first shot.

The Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package comes with a quick detach lightweight quiver, 20″ aluminum bolts, lube wax, and a quality red dot sight. You may want to purchase a rope cocking device for it.

One feature I noticed right out of the box was its ergonomic stock and its extremely comfortable pistol grip which allows total freedom in terms of the way you wish to hold it. The crossbow weighs roughly 7 pounds which is acceptable for many users. With that said the body and design are very lightweight and durable for almost any situation.  Given its simple and lightweight design, it would be a great choice for a youth crossbow.

To sum everything up, there is no better deal you can get in terms of an amazing yet affordable beginner crossbow. Between the great quality, lightweight and durable design, and its affordable price range, some might say this is a no-brainer. If anyone is looking to test the waters and dive into using a crossbow, this would be my top suggestion.

Sadly, this crossbow does not include a rope cocking mechanism which assists in the drawback of the 150-pound draw weight.

 

 

3. CenterPoint Tyro 4X – Most Affordable Recurve Crossbow

Brand

Centerpoint

Model

Tyro

Style

Recurve Crossbow

Color

Camo

Specifications

• Mass: 5 pounds
• Speed: 245 FPS
• Power Stroke: 10.5 inches
• Draw Weight: 175 pounds
• Kinetic Energy: 50 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.457 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 12 inches (cocked)
• Total Length: 29.5 inches

Key Features

• Adjustable Stock
• Auto-safety cocking mechanism

Material

• Compression-molded fiberglass limb
• Composite/aluminum stock

Warranty

• 5-year Manufacturers limited warranty

Inclusions

• 4 x 16-inch aluminum arrows (Weight: 420 grains)
• Quiver
• Rope Cocker
• Rail lube
• 4 x 32 mm Scope

Price

• Around $180

With this being one of the cheapest crossbows I’ve reviewed, it shouldn’t be mistaken for poor quality. For the price point this is one of the best recurve crossbows out there. It’s great that this crossbow comes as a package deal that includes everything needed to get started with target practice and hunting like a quality scope. For a budget crossbow, it’s a smart choice for beginners that are interested in getting into crossbows.

What causes this crossbow to fall on the cheaper side is the lack of power with its low 245 FPS. With that being said, I strongly advise against you to try and use this for big game hunting. Although it is possible to make contact with a deer at 25-30 yards, you have more of a chance to injure it which is something you should always avoid. If you do decide to purchase one for yourself, it will be perfect for target practice.

This crossbow comes fully equipped with 4-16″ Aluminum Arrows, Quiver, a 4×32 mm Scope, a Padded Sling, a rope cocking system, and Rail Lube.  The Tyro 4X could also be one of the best youth crossbow options out there given its lightweight design and other features.

 

 

4. WICKED RIDGE INVADER 400 – BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Brand

TenPoint

Model

Wicked Ridge Invader 400

Style

Compound Crossbow

Color

Peak

Specifications

• Mass: 6 pounds
• Speed: 400 FPS
• Power Stroke: 13.5 inches
• Draw Weight: 185 pounds
• Kinetic Energy: 140 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.734 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 15 inches (cocked)
• Total Length: 35.5 inches

Material

• Built-in America
• Scope 8.5-inch aluminum tube

Warranty

• Lifetime Manufacturers limited warranty; except for
• 5 years on bow limbs, scope, and cocking devices
• Strings and cables not covered by warranty

Inclusions

• Quiver 3-Arrow Instant Detach
• 3 x XX75 Aluminum Arrows with practice points (Weight: 435-grains)
• ACUdraw or ACUdraw 50
• 3 x Pro-View Illuminated Scope

Price

• The price range sits around $600 – $700

The Wicked Ridge Invader is another one of the best crossbows out there in my opinion.  I love compound crossbows because they can give you more power and speed. This compound crossbow is designed by the well-known brand  TenPoint, this crossbow is considered to be a great value at an affordable price. When I received the crossbow, it was very simple to set up with the included instructions.

Like many other crossbow packages, this one also includes a few bolts to get you started right away. With its built-in ACUDRAW 50 cocking mechanism, it reduces its 165 draw weight by 50% which makes for an extremely smooth draw that is quite easy to handle.  The LIGHTED OPTICS 3x Pro-View Scope is a lightweight 8.5” illuminated scope with 4 dots calibration and 3 crosshairs.  It’s calibrated for 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards.  

An upgrade from its successful predecessor, the Rampage 360, this model has redesigned risers made out of machined aluminum to increase its durability and strength while keeping it lightweight at only 6 lbs. This crossbow also has a built-in dry fire inhibitor which will prevent firing without a bolt loaded which helps keep the life expectancy of the string to the maximum.

In terms of performance, it’s very respectable at 400 FPS and can accurately hit targets and small games up to 40 yards with an impressive grouping. With it being lightweight and compact, it is perfect for deer hunting and also general hunting areas where you need to climb tree stands or maneuver through think terrain for long distances. If you are looking for the best bang for the buck, this is the crossbow for you.

I also love that you can add a crank handle device on this model and don’t have to use a crank rope.

 

 

5. BARNETT HYPERTAC 420 – Ultimate Hunting Experience

Brand

Barnett

Model

Hypertac 420

Style

Compound Crossbow

Color

Mossy Oak

Specifications

• Crossbow Mass: 7.9 pounds
• Speed: 420 FPS
• Power Stroke: 15.5 inches
• Draw Weight: 210 pounds
• Kinetic Energy: 149 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.225 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 9.1875 inches (cocked)
• Total Length: 32 inches

Key Features

• Adjustable Butt Stock
• Pre-Installed String Dampeners
• Anti-dry fire & Auto Safety Trigger
• Pass-Through Forend and multi-position pistol grip
• Frictionless release

Material

• Blend

Warranty

• 1 Year

Inclusions

• 3 x 22″ Hyperflite Arrows
• Premium Light Weight Side-Mount Quiver
• Premium 1.5-5×32 red/ green Illuminated Scope with Speed Compensating technology
• Integrated Crank Cocking System Device
• Lubrication Wax

Price

• Around $800 – $900

 

 

 

If you want the big game ultimate hunting experience then this compound crossbow has the power to take them down, this crossbow should be at the top of your list. The HyperTac 420 shoots at an impressive 420 FPS (yes, that number is correct), it is one of the fastest crossbows we have reviewed.  This is one of the best hunting crossbows out there for under $1000.

What makes this even more particular is its lightweight design which makes this crossbow weigh 7.9 pounds which is far below other crossbows in its price bracket. That being said, the HyperTac 420 is capable of taking down game of all sizes without hesitation at its impressive 420 FPS.  The crank handle is a helpful addition to this model.

When testing out this crossbow, the biggest thing I noticed was how easy it was to handle with its flip-down Verti-Grip which makes it perfect to use in almost any situation. Whether you are wanting to hunt small game in the plains, or a record-setting whitetail in the dense woods.

This crossbow is a great deal. It comes as a package deal that includes extras like the Premium 1.5-5×32 red/ green Illuminated scope that can compensate for Speed, lightweight side Quivers, Auto Safety Trigger, 3 x 22″ Hyperflite Arrows, and an adjustable buttstock.

 

 

6. Excalibur Micro MAG 340 – Entry Level From Excalibur

 

Brand

Excalibur

Model

Micro MAG 340

Style

Recurve Crossbow

Color

Mossy Oak Overwatch Camo

Specifications

• Mass: 6 pounds (8 pounds with all accessories installed)
• Speed: 340 FPS
• Power Stroke: inches
• Draw Weight: 135 pounds (12 lbs of effort with rope aid)
• Kinetic Energy: 64.16 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.377 Slugs
• Width: 22 inches (cocked) and 25 inches (uncocked)
• Total Length: 31.75inches

Key Features

• Guardian anti-dry-fire technology
• Premium trigger
• Recoil Energy Dissipation System (R.E.D.S) suppressors

Material

• Aluminum frame

Warranty

• Limited lifetime warranty

Inclusions

• Dead zone Overwatch 100-yard Scope
• 1-inch scope rings
• 4-Arrow Quiver
• 3 x quill 16.5-inch arrows (Weight: 250 grains)
• 3 x 100gr field points
• Rope Cocking Aid
• Foot stirrup

Price

• Around $700

This is another one of my favorite recurve crossbows on the market.  If you were a fan of the discontinued Excalibur Matrix 380 bow then this one might not be a bad option for you.  The Excalibur Micro Mag 340 is perfect for small game hunters, weighing just 5.5 pounds. Despite the lightweight, it packs the power to take down small games with a draw weight of 180 pounds. Excalibur has created a crossbow that is designed to fit comfortably against your shoulder and is also very easy to draw and fire. Assembly is simple- attach the stock and the screws for a bow that is ready for use.  Unfortunately, if you are used to the extra speed and power of the old Excalibur Matrix 380, then this bow might feel a bit light on for you.

The power you will get from this bow is phenomenal. Its quick and accurate shot can fire up to 360 feet/per second. This will reduce your chances of missing a shot and losing valuable arrows. This bow is great for people who require an easier drawback weight but doesn’t dampen the quality of the product. Its “entry-level” title shouldn’t take away from the caliber of this crossbow. Its five-star rating is true to purchase because this dependable bow won’t let you down.

Excalibur is one of the best crossbow manufacturers– selling crossbows and other top-rate hunting equipment for 39 years. This is why it’s a surprise to see Excalibur selling a crossbow for such an outstanding price. It comes with a cocking rope aid, a 3x Multi-Line Scope, and a 4-arrow Quiver.

 

 

7. Ravin R10 Crossbow – Top of The Line

Brand

Ravin Custom Crossbows

Model

R10

Style

Compound

Color

Predator Camo

Specifications

• Mass: 6.8 pounds
• Arrow Weight: grains
• Speed: 400 FPS
• Power Stroke: 11 inches
• Draw Weight: 270 pounds (12 pounds draw effort)
• Kinetic Energy: 142 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.71 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 6 inches (cocked) 10.5 inches (uncocked)
• Total Length: 33 inches

Key Features

• Comes Fully Assembled and Pre-tuned
• Limb Vibration Dampeners
• Ambidextrous Quiver Mount
• Built-in cocking mechanism
• Anti-Dry Fire and Auto Safety
• HeliCoil Technology

Material

• Aluminum

Warranty

• 5-year Manufacturers limited warranty

Inclusions

• 3 x Ravin .003 Illuminated Arrows (400 Grain) and field tips (100gr)
• Ravin 100-yard Red and Green Variable Illumination Scope
• Arrow Puller
• Padded Shoulder Sling
• Padded Soft Case
• Cocking/ Draw handle which can be removed
• 3-Arrow Quiver
• Built-in sling mounts

Price

• Around $1900

This is another crossbow I had a go of whilst target shooting on the range.  This is a top-of-the-line compound crossbow that uses HeliCoil technology to provide shooters with the most accurate smooth shots out there. Ravin is very well known for their extremely intricate high-end products that are made to last. There are endless pros to why the Ravin R10 is a top-of-the-line crossbow. After ordering this crossbow, it is shipped to you fully assembled and already pre-tuned ready for use. The built-in cocking mechanism makes it easy for you to reduce cocking time, while the Trac-Trigger Firing System helps keep arrows steady using the straight-line nock travel.

8. RAVIN R500- Lighting Fast FPS

Brand

Ravin

Model

R500

Style

Compound

Color

Slate Grey

Specifications

• Mass: 8.4 pounds
• Arrow Weight: grains
• Speed: 500 FPS
• Power Stroke: 15 inches
• Draw Force: 17 pounds
• Kinetic Energy: 222 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.639 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 3.6 inches (cocked) and 7.75 inches (uncocked)
• Total Length: 28.5 inches

Key Features

• Hexcoil Cam System
• Trac Trigger Firing System
• Silent Cocking
• Frictionless Flight System

Material

• Blend

Warranty

• Lifetime Manufacturers limited warranty; except for
• 5 years on bow limbs, scope, and cocking devices
• Strings and cables not covered by warranty

Inclusions

• Anti-Dry Fire and Auto Safety
• Built-in Sling Mounts
• Shoulder Sling
• Hardcase
• 6 x Ravin .003 R500 Series Arrows and Field Points (400 Grain)
• 1 x Removable Draw Handle
• 100 Yard Illuminated 550 FPS Scope
• 1 x Quiver

Price

• Around $$3300

This is one of Ravin’s flagship crossbows. Its extremely impressive lightning crossbow speed of 500 FPS makes it one of the fastest crossbows on the market.  I honestly can’t believe we now have crossbows that can produce bolt speeds of 500 FPS and higher.  It has an amazingly compact design at only 28.5 inches in length and 7.75 inches wide axle to axle uncocked.  It is very reasonable when it comes to the weight of only 8.4 lbs, but still so powerful with the kinetic energy of 222 Ft/lbs. It is perfect for the serious hunter who wants to take down the big game.

9. BARNETT WHITETAIL HUNTER STR – Mix Between Power & Precision

Brand

Barnett

Model

Whitetail Hunter STR

Style

Compound

Color

Mossy Oak Bottomland

Specifications

• Mass: 6.6 pounds
• Speed: 375 FPS
• Power Stroke: 15 7/16 inches
• Draw Weight: 165 pounds
• Kinetic Energy: 118.6 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.505 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 18.125 inches (cocked)
• Total Length: 34.875 inches

Key Features

• Integrated Crank Cocking Device
• Anti-dry Fire trigger tech trigger
• Ships mostly assembled
• Single-bolt
• Step-through Riser (STR) technology reduces the length of the crossbow by integrating the foot stirrup directly into the riser.

Material

• Fiberglass composite

Warranty

• 1 Year

Inclusions

• 4 x 32mm Multi-Reticle Scope
• 2 x 22inch Headhunter Arrows (13.78 grains per inch)
• Lightweight Quiver
• Lubrication Wax
• Rope cocking device

Price

• Around $400

A very accurate crossbow with all the power you need to get the job done. This bow immediately takes you incognito, which makes it another one of the best crossbow for deer hunting. It’s hard to hit those moving targets if they can hear you coming. In my opinion, it is one of the best crossbows out there. With its stealthy smooth shots, the hunting game will never be easier. The Whitetail Pro shoots at a whopping 375 feet per second one of the fastest bows on the market. This bow is unlike any others in the market because of Barnett’s patented Step-Through Riser that integrates the foot stirrup directly into the riser. This makes STR crossbows lighter and more compact as a result, making them easier to handle, carry, and shoot.

10. Ravin R29X Sniper –  Crossbow For The High Rollers

 

Brand

Ravin Custom Crossbows

Model

R29X Sniper

Style

Compound

Color

Predator Dusk Camo

Specifications

• Mass: 6.75 pounds
• Speed: 450 FPS
• Power Stroke: 12.5 inches
• Draw Weight: 300 pounds (draw effort 12 pounds)
• Kinetic Energy: 180 Ft-Lbs
• Momentum: 0.799 Slugs
• Axle to Axle Width: 6 inches (cocked) 10.5 inches (un-cocked)
• Total Length: 29 inches

Key Features

• Hilicoil Technology
• Innovative silent cocking system
• Built-in cocking mechanism
• Anti-dry fire and auto safety
• Comes fully assembled and pre-tuned

Material

• Aluminum

Warranty

• 5-year Manufacturers limited warranty

Inclusions

• Tactical scope
• Quiver with jack plate adjustable elevation mount
• 6 x Ravin .001 Premium arrows (400 grains) with field tips

Price

• Around $2900

This is a serious crossbow for deer hunting or any other game hunting, and I believe another of the best crossbows out there on the market at the moment.  The Ravin is well-known for advertising rifle-like accuracy up to 100 yards, and accuracy is a must for hitting moving targets. Their crossbows are ultra-compact and designed to be accurate while maintaining balance and level. The overall mechanics of this R29X is impressive. The R29X is one of Ravin’s flagship crossbows. Ravin is big on its HeliCoil technology that when drawn coils the cables away from the cams in a helical motion promoting balanced releases. The design eliminates excessive vibrations enhancing accuracy.  With a bolt speed of 450 fps, this is another one which will feature in our future article of the fastest crossbow.

Top Crossbow Brands

Throughout the years, crossbow manufacturers have come and some of them didn’t stay around for long. When buying a crossbow, here are the top brands that we know are all about quality, and some also offer hunting affiliate programs.

• Excalibur
• Barnett
• Tenpoint
• Parker
• Wicked Ridge
• Horton
• Arrow Precision
• Carbon Express
• Pse
• SA sports
• Diamond Archery

 

It’s Time to Choose The Best Crossbow For You

To pick an appropriate crossbow, first, you need to know the basics of what to look for when buying the best crossbow for the money. Some things to consider are your budget, intended use, and even anticipated features.

In this list, there isn’t a “best crossbow”. That is why there are 10 different ones to review and choose which one is best for you and your use of that’s hunting small or large game or just target practice on the weekend. Of course, if you decide to hunt big game, it’s best to go with the more expensive options to secure the kill and limit the chances of injuring the animal.

I’m always here in the comments to help you find the best crossbow for you. Feel free to drop a comment or question anytime!