Picking the best crossbow may seem like a simple task at first, but there are many things you need to factor in. Of course, price will play a major role for many, as well as what they will use the crossbow for. Whether it is hunting, leisure activities or archery, you need to choose a bow that fits your needs.
Luckily, we have you covered. Our reviews will inform you of everything you need to know about the top crossbows on the market. Read on to find out which crossbow is the best for you!
Reviews of the Best Crossbows
1. Barnett Jackal Package
Best Overall
Great price for excellent quality
Extremely durable
Great for hunting
Can get loud sometimes
No rope cocking mechanism
The Barnett Jackal is a crossbow where you get much more than you paid for. This product offers excellent quality, a great ergonomic design and good durability, all for under 500 dollars. Sure, there are products that do certain things better, but for our overall winner, we could not pick anything else but this crossbow.
You can use the Jackal as soon as you unpack it. It comes with easy to use instructions so you can assemble it quickly. You will also get a red dot sight, a quiver and some bolts included in the package. The only thing preventing you from going hunting right away is the fact that there are no broadheads included, but that’s a problem we were willing to ignore.
This crossbow has a separate grip and a military style stock. The design is sleek and the weapon actually feels like a pistol somewhat. Even though the body of this product is light, it is quite durable. The speed of this crossbow is 315fps, which should be enough for all types of users.
Generally, this crossbow excels at hunting, and should be used primarily for that. If you are looking for a product to use for deer hunting, you might want to try this one out. However, the Jackal is also excellent for beginners, so there is another thing it has going for it.
There are several small things we did not like about this crossbow. First of all, it does not come with a rope cocking mechanism, which is a feature we usually like to see. Also, some might think that this product is too noisy, which could become a problem while hunting. But that’s about it, everything else about this product is top notch and worthy of being our winner.
2. CenterPoint Sniper 370
Runner-up
Lightweight and durable
You will get plenty of accessories
Excellent safety mechanisms
The adjustable stock is noisy
Some accessories are lower quality
The CenterPoint Sniper is an extremely fast crossbow. The first thing that many will notice is the fact that it can achieve a speed of 370fps. This is great for more experienced users, while complete novices might not need something this fast.
This product is also a bit more expensive than our winner, which is something that should be taken into account. It is a quality product, without doubt, but one more suited for hunters that know what they are doing. Its total weight is 7.9lbs, which is on the lighter side, and should satisfy most archers, no matter the skill level.
The Sniper comes loaded with accessories, which means you won’t need to spend anything extra if you buy it. You will get three carbon bolts, a quiver, a rope cocker and a shoulder sling. However, there is a downside to this. The accessories are not of the best quality, so more demanding users might need to replace them.
This product also comes equipped with two different safety mechanisms. One is for anti-dry fire, and the other is the auto-safety trigger. We welcome these features since they will make life easier for inexperienced archers.
The build of the CenterPoint Sniper ensures that all shots will have extremely high precision. It features a CNC machined cam system, that ensures the highest possible speeds for your bolts. If you are interested in big game hunting, this is definitely one of the best crossbows on the market.
However, besides the low-quality accessories, we managed to find another flaw – the adjustable stock is a bit clunky and noisy. While the crossbow has excellent noise suppressing stops, the stock can make a bit of noise. This could be a problem while hunting, so keep that in mind.
3. Ravin R29X
Best for seasoned hunters
Extremely high speed
Has a silent cocking mechanism
All-around premium quality
Only for the most experienced
The price is high
Moving on, we have a premium crossbow aimed at more seasoned hunters. Ravin crossbows usually feature rifle-like accuracy, and this product is no different. It features an excellent unique design that will surely make any archer happy if they can pay the high price tag of the R29X.
It is a relatively new product on the market, so you can expect cutting edge technology. It is equipped with a Heli-coil system that gives you the option to rotate the cams up to 340 degrees. This allows the crossbow to achieve an extremely high power, meaning we are dealing with an excellent hunting crossbow here.
One of the main reasons this crossbow can achieve such high accuracy is the fact that the bolt has no contact with the barrel. It is supported through a nock and a rest placed up front on the crossbow. It truly is one of the most accurate products out there.
Not only is this bow precise, but it also achieves high speeds. The Ravin R29X can achieve a speed of 456 fps, which is expected of such a premium product. One of the most exciting things about it, however, is the cocking system.
It features a completely new system that completely reduces the noise that most other crossbows make. This cocking system is easy to use, which means that this product rates highly in the safety department. The trigger on this crossbow is excellent as well.
Despite having such premium quality features, this product manages to have a compact design. It also comes with nice accessories, but once again, the price is quite high. That is the biggest flaw of this product. You should only get it once you are experienced, because it is expensive.
4. TenPoint Stealth NXT
Best design
The AcuDraw technology
Great speed
One of the narrowest crossbows
The price tag
There are better options for the price
The Stealth NXT is another impressive product by TenPoint, one of the best crossbow brands on the market. This is another product where you get what you pay for, meaning it is characterized by a high price.
This crossbow presents an improvement over all of the previous models by TenPoint, which was not an easy task. It has a nice, sleek design, can reach high speeds and is accurate. The main downside is the price, but this is a crossbow aimed at seasoned hunters who know what they want.
The quality of the build of this product is extremely high. This comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with TenPoint, who have proven themselves as some of the best among crossbow manufacturers. The NXT has CNC machined cams and specially designed limb pockets and riser, making it easy to shoot.
The setup used on this crossbow is completely new, featuring a cable system with four cables, not two as is the norm. It also has a specific turnbuckle design. This one ends on the riser, which gives the crossbow much more balance. All of these features are responsible for the excellent speed and power of this product.
This crossbow has a really narrow design, measuring only 6 inches between axles. This makes it look sleek, but it will also help you squeeze in through narrow spaces. It also weighs only 7.3lbs, which is not really light for a compact bow, but most shouldn’t complain about it.
The maximum speed this crossbow can achieve is 410 fps, which is enough for all types of hunters. It features the new AcuDraw technology that has a complex rope cocking mechanism that basically halves the draw weight. It really does a good job and makes shooting this crossbow a breeze.
5. Barnett HyperGhost 405
The most silent
Extremely silent
Great for hunting big game
Nice speed
Might be too heavy for some
Extra arrows are expensive
Naming your crossbow ghost must mean you are certain it will be quiet. In the case of HyperGhost 405, manufactured by Barnett, that is definitely the case. It is equipped with special string dampeners that will make sure that your prey won’t notice you while hunting.
This crossbow is quite large, which might bothersome. It is 36.25 inches long, and weighs 7.7lbs, but if you don’t mind that, you will find another quality product. Despite its size, it is quite easy to maneuver, so you can remain mobile during your hunting trips.
The accuracy of the HyperGhost is quite high, and it can shoot at a speed of 405 fps. While it is not the fastest model on our list, that speed should be more than enough for the majority of hunters. It also has a step-through riser and special RUCS hooks that will help secure your grip. These are all nice additions that make this a high-quality product.
Other things that help with the accuracy are the CNC aluminum flight track and the Trigger Tech mechanism. This mechanism helps achieve frictionless release of the arrow, which also improves its speed. This product also comes with an illuminated scope of high quality. Read this article if you want to learn more about scopes.
This crossbow comes equipped with an anti-dry fire mechanism that prevents shooting by accident. This is something that beginners will appreciate, although some experienced hunters might like it as well. It is also quite easy to assemble, which will make novice hunters happy.
The biggest downside to this product is the fact that the arrows for it are quite expensive. It comes with three Hyper Flite arrows, and if you want to buy more, it will come at a price.
6. Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
Best for beginners
High accuracy
Multiple accessories of good quality
Excellent for female and teenage hunters
The quality of the scope
Not that fast
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is an ideal beginner crossbow. It is lightweight, weighing in at only 6.4 pounds and it measures a bit more than 16 inches. This makes it an ideal bow for female hunters, or those of a smaller stature.
However, the bow is equipped with plenty of goodies that would put the more advanced models to shame. It is equipped with TriggerTech technology that helps give it a frictionless release and has a three-pound trigger. This helps the crossbow achieve excellent accuracy, and it is something that will benefit experienced hunters as well as beginners.
There are multiple accessories you get with this crossbow. This includes two headhunter arrows, a 4×32 scope, a quiver, a lube wax and a rope cocking device. Seeing as how this product is not that expensive, especially when compared to others, we can safely say that this is a great crossbow for the money.
Other things you will get with the Whitetail Hunter II is an anti-dry fire mechanism and a nock sensor. This means that no accidental shots will happen, which is another reason why this crossbow is great for beginners.
Of course, this product is not perfect, and there are a few downsides to it. The first one is the quality of the scope. Since everything else about this model is of such high quality, we expected the scope to be better. However, it is fine for beginners.
One other thing we didn’t like is the fact that at 350 fps, it is not as fast as some other crossbows on the list. Still, if this speed doesn’t bother you, it is a fine product. Also, the speed is more than enough for beginner hunters, and this crossbow is primarily aimed at them.
7. Killer Instinct Speed 425
Highest power
Excellent speed
Makes almost no noise
Highly adjustable
High draw weight
Requires a lot of strength to use
With an exceptional speed of 425 fps, the Killer Instinct Speed 425 is a crossbow that offers a lot for its price. Not only is it fast, but it is extremely accurate, so you won’t have any problems hunting your prey. While it is not the fastest crossbow on our list, the speed is its main selling point. And it is much cheaper than others.
The first thing we should mention is that this product comes equipped with a Lumix Speed Ring scope, which helps expand the archer’s field of vision greatly. This is something that will come in handy while hunting, especially for targets that are far away.
It has a 15-inch power stroke and can generate 156 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, so you can be certain that this thing packs quite a punch. It has a draw weight of 210lbs, so you know that this is a weapon intended only for experienced hunters. Still, at 7.2lbs of weight, it is not as heavy as you would expect, which is a plus.
It is also not that big, with a width of only 14.375 inches. This crossbow comes with a plethora of accessories, including 3 HYPR bolts and a quiver that can hold 5 bolts. This means that you can start using it as soon as you buy it. The design is nice as well, it has a pattern that gives it a menacing look.
Still, keep in mind that many won’t be able to properly use this crossbow given its high draw weight. That is the biggest flaw of this product. It requires a tall, strong archer to get the most of it, so many might not like it. If you can use it though, it is an excellent value crossbow for the price.
8. CenterPoint Archery Heat 415
Best value
Great speed at a good price
Compact and silent
Easy to use
No illuminated scope
A bit heavy
The CenterPoint Heat is another compact crossbow that does not really excel at anything, but provides an all-around good performance. It has a speed of 415 fps, which makes it suitable for beginners and experienced archers alike.
Some other features worth mentioning are an AR-Style buttstock that can be freely adjusted, a pass-through foregrip and a custom riser. It is also equipped with the Whisper Silencing System. This system contains string stops, limb dampeners and string silencers, all of which are designed to keep your shots as silent as possible.
It also has automatic safety and an anti-dry fire mechanism, so you can rest assured that this crossbow offers plenty of safety. This should make all novice hunters happy. In the package you will also receive three arrows, a parallel quiver, a rail lube and a scope.
It is a sturdy and durable crossbow, which makes sense since it can shoot at a relatively high speed. You will also get a 5-year warranty if you buy it, so you know CenterPoint is certain about the high quality of the build. It is a narrow, compact product, so it is easy to maneuver, and it has a nice camo design.
The speed is the main selling point of this crossbow, especially given its price. If you are looking for a fast budget crossbow, this might be a good product for you. Since it is small but quite strong and fast, it fits a large variety of hunter profiles. Even complete novices can use this crossbow and achieve good results.
Our main gripe about the CenterPoint Heat is the fact that it does not come with an illuminated scope, which might be something many will dislike. Overall it’s a good product, but we believe some others on the list are better.
9. TenPoint Vapor RS470
The fastest crossbow
The fastest crossbow
Built with cutting edge technology
Extremely accurate
Too expensive for most hunters
Might be too heavy for some
The TenPoint Vapor is the fastest crossbow currently available, capable of shooting at 470 fps. Naturally, this comes at a price, so you should expect this product to be quite expensive. Still, if you are a seasoned hunter and can afford it, this is the crossbow for you.
It is hard not to be impressed with the Vapor, since it can be considered to be the top rated crossbow in most categories. It features an innovative design that provides an excellent performance in nearly every category. It has the power and speed needed to hit any target, moving or stationary.
It has an excellent build that makes sure the performance of this crossbow isn’t affected in the slightest bit. It is stable thanks to the parallel design of the limbs, and the barrel is made of carbon fiber which makes it as accurate as possible. Interestingly, a crossbow capable of producing this power is not huge, it has a width of only 12.6 inches.
This crossbow uses the popular “mossy oak” pattern, so it even passes the design test with high grades. It looks professional, as it should be given its price. The draw weight of the TenPoint Vapor is 225lbs, meaning it is quite a powerful crossbow. It is equipped with the new ACUslide which makes it completely silent and provides hunters with a safe de-cocking mechanism.
It uses excellent technology all-around, and it is an overall elite product. Naturally, there are some downsides. It is heavier than most crossbows, but that won’t bother the intended audience of this product. The biggest downside is the price. It is a premium product, and you get what you pay for, but still, if you are a big hunting enthusiast this might be the crossbow for you.
10. Rocky Mountain RM-405
Best for those on a budget
The price is affordable
Great for beginners
Easy to assemble and use
Low-quality scope
Not the best accessories
The Rocky Mountain RM360 is easy to dismiss as just a cheap crossbow, but it is actually a great product for its price. Given its low price, it can be an excellent crossbow for beginners, while more experienced archers will likely look for something else.
The RM360 has a nice design and is lightweight, weighing in at only 6.9lbs. It is not the smallest crossbow, with a length of 35.5 inches and a width of 17.5 inches when uncocked. This means that it is a bit harder to carry it around. Still, most novice archers won’t mind, and it is a good weapon for them to get used to hunting.
The limbs of this crossbow are of good quality, and the entire crossbow is highly customizable. It has a buttstock that can be freely adjusted, meaning you can change the length of the pull to match your arms. This is a nice touch, since this crossbow can be freely used by smaller hunters.
It also has an interchangeable foregrip that is designed in a way that will keep your hand away from the string. This means that this crossbow is safe to use for beginners. It is easy to handle and well balanced. The grip is nicely padded and has finger grooves. You can store batteries, rail lube or other small accessories in the compartment inside of the pistol grip.
It can shoot at speeds up to 360 fps, and has a draw weight of 185lbs. It packs quite a punch for a product intended for novice hunters, which is a good thing. Naturally, there are downsides. We do not expect the best with a crossbow of this price, but some higher quality accessories would be nice to have. Also the scope is not the best.
How To Choose The Best Crossbow
There are several things you need to take into account when picking the best crossbow for you. We tried making a crossbow comparison featuring some of the products we thought were the finest on the market. Our picks include the Barnett Jackal package, which is our overall winner.
However, you might find a product not on our list, and are wondering how to pick wisely. Read on to find out everything that you should factor in when buying a crossbow. You should understand the different types of crossbows, how draw weight works and what speed you should go for, among other things.
Types Of Crossbows
We will cover this briefly here, but you should check out this article if you want to learn more about this subject. There are several different types of crossbows, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses.
First, we must make a difference between one-handed and two-handed crossbows. Most of the models we reviewed are two-handed, and those are generally best suited for hunting. However, you might look into some one-handed-models if you are interested in the pistol crossbow. They are suitable for target practice and resemble guns.
Next, we will separate crossbows into three large groups – compound, recurve and reverse limb crossbows. Compound crossbows are the most popular, and they are different from recurve crossbows because of the way the string is attached to the limbs.
Compound crossbows use cams to draw the string, which maximizes the stored energy. For example, the CenterPoint Sniper 370 uses a CNC machined cam system that makes cocking a breeze and ensures high speeds.
They generally have more power. Cocking compound bows is extremely simple because of the cams. Compound crossbows also have shorter limbs than recurve crossbows. This can be good for people that like their weapons to be easily transferable through various terrain. You can maneuver them more easily.
Compound crossbows have complex mechanisms in their front part, and have strings that are harder to replace. They are also louder in general.
Recurve crossbows are generally more suitable for beginners. They are lighter and much easier to carry around. They are also generally cheaper than compound crossbows. You can get the best recurve crossbow for a much cheaper price than you would a compound. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that recurve crossbows have far less parts in them.
Recurve crossbows do not make much noise when fired and do not require a lot of maintenance. Still, they are harder to cock because the archer is the one pulling the weight entirely. This is why some hunters use a string cocker.
Finally, we have the reverse limb crossbows. They are relatively new and use a reverse draw technology that reverses the limbs of the crossbow. This makes their appearance unique, but it also affects their performance. They are much more balanced because they shift the center of gravity closer to the hunter.
They have a larger power stroke and produce the smallest amount of vibration and noise. Their design gives them the option to become even narrower than compound crossbows, which makes them easy to transfer.
Crossbow Draw Weight
The draw weight of a crossbow has a different relation to its final power than in regular compound bows. In general, crossbows have extremely high draw weights, mainly to balance out their short draw lengths. For example, the TenPoint Vapor 470 has a draw weight of 225lbs, the highest on our list.
Because of their short draw lengths, crossbows are equipped with hard cams and curved limbs that help store their energy. This is why the power of the bow is determined by the energy it can create, which depends on the speed. This means that the draw weight does not actually determine the final power of a crossbow.
It only helps achieve higher speeds, but crossbows that use heavier arrows that fly slower can be even more powerful. You need to make sure that you can easily cock the crossbow when picking the right one for you, and hopefully we managed to provide you with some of the best deals on crossbows.
Crossbow Speed
The speed of a crossbow cannot be overstated. This is why we generally mention it quite often. First of all, it is important because with a higher speed you get more penetration, which is important when hunting. Also, higher speeds give you a flatter trajectory, meaning you can hit your targets more easily.
However, the weight of the arrow can also impact your speed. If you use heavier arrows than the manufacturer did when testing, you might get a slower speed than advertised. You should not worry if this happens.
Heavier arrows can penetrate the target more efficiently than lighter ones, meaning the power can be even higher despite lower speed. Crossbows allow you to use scopes, so it is much easier to aim than when using a regular bow.
Choosing a crossbow with a speed that fits you is quite important. Test out each product if you can, but remember that comfort should be your number one priority. You may sacrifice speed if everything else about a crossbow suits you perfectly. Our list features models with various speeds, such as the Barnett Jackal, a relatively slow product but still the overall winner.
The Sound Of A Crossbow
If you plan on going hunting, you want your crossbow to be as silent as possible. Every crossbow makes a sound when it goes off, but you want to minimize it in order to be efficient. Even the fastest bows are still slower than the speed of sound.
Once you fire your arrow, the animal might hear your shot and have the time to move or run away. This can completely mess up your hunting trip, so picking a crossbow that makes the least amount of noise can be crucial.
Generally, compound crossbows make less noise than recurve crossbows because their shots are smoother and make less vibration. The Barnett HyperGhost 405 is an extremely silent crossbow equipped with string dampeners. The limbs and the string are generally the main sources of noise.
You can add various accessories that will reduce the noise your crossbow makes, so no matter the product you end up buying, those should be on your list of priorities.
FAQs
Conclusion
There you have it. Our picks for the best crossbows. Our overall winner is the Barnett Jackal Package, a product that is affordable, but offers high quality at the same time. It will provide you with everything you need to hunt, and will make newbies and experienced hunters happy.
The runner-up is the CenterPoint Sniper 370, a crossbow that can rival the Jackal with its availability and quality. Overall, both products have a universal appeal, which was important to us. If you are an experienced hunter and budget is not an issue, you might like the TenPoint Vapor RS470.