On this page, our team ranks the best crossbows based on 155 reviewed models and 13 years of testing experience. You’ll find quick recommendations, side-by-side test results, and reviews of each recommended model. Our crossbow testing methodology is outlined further down the page.
Best Crossbows in 2025 According to Our Tests
- TenPoint Venom X – best overall
- Wicked Ridge RDX 400 – best value for the money
- CenterPoint Wrath 430X – best budget crossbow
- Ravin R18 – most innovative crossbow
- TenPoint Nitro 505 – fastest crossbow
- Excalibur Assassin 420 TD – best recurve crossbow
- Wicked Ridge M-370 – lightest crossbow
Our Testing Team
Learn more about us here, or scroll down this page to learn about our crossbow evaluation process.
Test Results For Our Top Crossbows
Crossbow | Listed FPS | Tested FPS | Accuracy | Kinetic Energy at 70 yards (ft-lbs.) | Weight | Width |
TenPoint Venom X | 390 | 392.5 | 1.22″ | 116 | 6.91 lbs. | 9.75″ |
Wicked Ridge RDX 400 | 400 | 401.1 | 1.35″ | 121 | 7.91 lbs. | 9.0″ |
CenterPoint Wrath 430X | 430 | 416.6 | 2.35″ | 130 | 9.3 lbs. | 9.0″ |
Ravin R18 | 330 | 327.1 | 2.10″ | 80 | 6.3 lbs. | 4.75″ |
Ravin R10 | 400 | 401.2 | 2.55″ | 121 | 7.1 lbs. | 6.0″ |
TenPoint Nitro 505 | 505 | 503.3 | 1.72″ | 190 | 6.2 lbs. | 6.5″ |
Excalibur Assassin 420 TD | 420 | 402.2 | 2.51″ | 121 | 8.2 lbs. | 24″ |
Wicked Ridge M-370 | 370 | 359.6 | 2.81″ | 97 | 5.8 lbs. | 9.5″ |
- Measured FPS is based on our average chronographed readings using the arrows provided in the package.
- Accuracy is averaged from three four-shot groups at 50 yards.
- Weight is based on our own tests.
- Kinetic energy was calculated using our arrow ballistics calculator. The numbers assume using the arrows provided in the package (or other arrows of similar total weight).
Are Those Crossbows Powerful Enough for Hunting Deer and Larger Game?
Yes, all of these crossbows generate enough kinetic energy (KE) to take down the largest game in North America. Refer to the chart below, which shows the minimum and recommended KE needed for taking down different types of game:
(Data based on tests by Easton Archery)
From this chart, you can see that to take down the largest game (such as grizzly bears and buffalo), you need to hit them with a minimum 65 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy on impact, though 75 ft-lbs. is recommended. Smaller game, such as deer, require much less energy (27-40 ft-lbs.)
All of our recommended crossbows shoot arrows with enough speed to deliver over 75 ft-lbs. of energy at 70 yards, making them safe and effective for hunting.
Refer to our kinetic energy guide if you’d like to learn more about projectile speed and energy, or use our kinetic energy calculator to quickly approximate the KE of any crossbow.
Best Crossbows: Reviews and Specs
Below are detailed reviews of the top crossbows listed on this page.
Editor’s Choice: TenPoint Venom X
Technical specs:
- Chronographed FPS: 392.5
- Weight: 6.98 lbs.
- Length: 33″
- Width: 13″ / 9.75″ (uncocked/cocked)
- Accuracy: 1.22″
- Trigger weight: 3.5 lbs.
Pros:
- Extremely accurate and smooth shooting
- Lightweight and quiet
- Easy to handle
- String and cables still in great shape after 500+ shots
- Easy cocking and de-cocking
Cons:
- None
Most crossbows make you choose: lightweight or high-performance. The TenPoint Venom X says, “Why not both?”
At just 6.9 pounds, it’s the lightest ACUslide model TenPoint’s ever made. It’s compact too – only 9.75 inches wide when cocked and 33 inches long. We found it easy to maneuver in tight ground blinds and especially up in stands where space is at a premium.
We averaged about a 1.2″ group at 50 yards. The 215-pound draw weight and longer 2.25-inch power stroke really help keep the trajectory flat. Shooting a 405-grain arrow, we clocked it at 392.5 FPS with our ProChrono.
The ACUslide is quiet, easy to use, and safe – you can literally stop mid-draw without any fear of it whipping back. Compared to some cheaper systems that feel like a loaded mouse trap, the ACUslide is smooth and almost effortless, like turning a good coffee grinder.
It came fully assembled and pre-sighted from the factory. After a quick check with the included Pro-View 400 scope, we were putting bolts right where we wanted them. The Pro-View isn’t some throwaway, either. Between the sturdy polymer scope struts and aim points stretching to 70 yards, it felt like a setup we could take straight to the woods without needing any upgrades.
The S1 trigger is another highlight. It’s a two-stage setup with a crisp, zero-creep break at about 3.5 pounds. It felt predictable and helped us stay consistent, shot after shot.
At around $1,100, the Venom X isn’t what we’d call cheap – but considering it includes a great scope, three arrows, a quiver, and that stellar cocking system, it’s an outstanding value. Plus, it’s built in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects. If you’re tough on your gear, TenPoint offers an optional Elite Warranty that covers just about anything for five years.
Best Value: Wicked Ridge RDX 400
Technical specs:
- Chronographed FPS: 401.1
- Weight: 7.5 lbs.
- Length: 29″
- Width: 15″ / 9″ (uncocked/cocked)
- Accuracy: 1.35″ groups
- Trigger weight: 3.5 lbs. advertised, 3.3 lbs. tested
Pros:
- Competes with crossbows costing hundreds more
- Very accurate
- Easy handling
- Great crank cocker
Cons:
- Tiny bit of trigger creep
Most crossbows in the sub-$1,000 range make compromises—speed, balance, or build quality. The Wicked Ridge RDX 400, however, delivers a 400 FPS reverse-draw platform that’s built like it costs twice as much.
The reverse-draw design shifts the center of gravity back toward the shooter, eliminating that nose-heavy feel common in cheaper setups. The 15.5-inch power stroke and Reaper Cam System generate up to 132 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, making it more than capable for big-game hunting. And with the silent ACUdraw PRO crank, cocking requires just 8.5 pounds of force – smooth and easy enough for youth or smaller-framed hunters.
The compact package includes a 3x Multi-Line Scope, three XX75 aluminum arrows, a quiver, ACUDraw PRO, and a pre-installed string stop system. It’s a true ready-to-hunt setup, no nickel-and-diming required.
We found that the trigger has a tiny bit of creep, and the included crossbow arrows could be better. But in this price range, you’re getting a hunting tool that outperforms many high-end crossbows in the $1,200+ range.
If you’re looking for a top-tier accurate crossbow without the premium price tag, the RDX 400 is a fantastic choice.
Best inexpensive crossbow: CenterPoint Wrath 430X
Technical specs
- Chronographed FPS: 419.6
- Weight: 9.0 lbs.
- Length: 32″
- Width: 13″ / 9″ (uncocked/cocked)
- Accuracy: 2.35″ groups
- Trigger weight: 3.5 lbs. advertised, 3.2 lbs. tested
Pros:
- Compact design
- Comprehensive accessory package
- Fast
Cons:
- Must be shot to be unloaded
- Loud
Most budget crossbows feel like they were built to hit a price point, not a target. But in the world of affordable crossbows, the CenterPoint Wrath 430X breaks that mold. This isn’t just a “good enough for the money” setup – it’s a serious hunting tool.
The biggest drawback is the lack of a de-cocking system; you must shoot the crossbow to unload it. Unfortunately, we know of no quality crossbows at this price point that come with a reliable and safe de-cocking mechanism.
Although the Wrath registered 419.6 FPS in our tests – somewhat below the advertised 430 – that’s still more than enough for big game hunting.
With 164 foot-pounds of kinetic energy and a 15-inch power stroke, the 430X offers great performance in a package just 9 inches wide when cocked. It’s compact enough for tight blinds but still hits like a freight train. The inverted cam design and CNC-machined aluminum rails offer speed and durability – the string and cables are still in great shape after more than 250 shots.
The Wrath 430X comes fully loaded: a 4×32 illuminated scope, three 20-inch .003 carbon arrows, a quiver, and a folding stirrup that doubles as a bipod. The adjustable stock and foregrip allow for a custom fit, and the ball-bearing retention spring ensures consistent arrow tension for good accuracy. Safety features include an auto-engaging safety and an anti-dry fire mechanism.
Overall, the 430X is proof that you don’t need to buy the most expensive option to get a good combination of performance and features.
Most Innovative: Ravin R18
Technical specs
- Chronographed FPS: 327.1
- Weight: 6.3 lbs.
- Length: 25″
- Width: 4.75″ / 4.75″ (uncocked/cocked)
- Accuracy: 2.1″ groups
- Trigger weight: 3.9 lbs.
Pros:
- Extremely compact and maneuverable
- Unique design
Cons:
- Very loud
- Expensive ($2,000+)
The Ravin R18 looks like it was smuggled out of a sci-fi prop department. With vertically stacked crossbow limbs, a 4.75-inch width, and an 18-inch length without the stock, it’s the most compact hunting model among modern crossbows.
At the heart of this design is Ravin’s VertiCoil Cam System, which rotates the cams 720 degrees, coiling the strings and cables around the cam and axle. This allows for an axle-to-axle height of just 1.3 inches when cocked, contributing to its ultra-compact form. We were initially concerned that the design might feel awkward to handle, but this wasn’t the case at all.
The built-in Versa-Draw cocking system requires 12 lbs. of force, which is on the higher side but still manageable for most. The Trac-Trigger Firing System felt crisp and with no creep. The Frictionless Flight System allows the string to float above the rail, which reduces friction and increase string life.
The R18 comes fully assembled with a detachable stock/quiver, three 16-inch arrows, and a 3-dot reflex sight. While the red-dot sight lacks magnification, it offers quick target acquisition, suitable for the R18’s intended close-range use.
At around $2,000, it’s one of the most expensive models we’ve tested, but for crossbow hunters needing a compact, maneuverable crossbow for tight spaces, the R18 offers unparalleled innovation, much like most Ravin crossbows.
Aside from the hefty price, and the fact that some feel it looks too much like a toy gun, the main downside is the crossbow’s noise level. One of our testers put it best when he said that it sounds like “a cannon going off.”
Fastest Crossbow: TenPoint Nitro 505
Technical specs
- Chronographed FPS: 503.3
- Weight: 6.0 lbs.
- Length: 30.5″
- Width: 12″ / 6.5″ (uncocked/cocked)
- Accuracy: 1.72″ groups
- Trigger weight: 3.5 lbs. advertised, 3.2 lbs. tested
Pros:
- Lightning-fast
- Great accuracy
- Shoulders very well
- Surprisingly nimble
Cons:
- Louder than most crossbows
- Expensive ($3,000+)
Clocking in at a blistering 503.3 feet per second with a 400-grain arrow, the TenPoint Nitro 505 is the fastest crossbow we’ve ever tested. This performance is achieved through TenPoint’s reverse-draw design and the RX-8 Cam System, which rotates 404 degrees.
Despite its power, the Nitro 505 remains user-friendly. The ACUslide cocking and de-cock design requires only 5 pounds of force to operate, allowing for safe and controlled decocking without the need to fire the crossbow.
Is it worth the money? If you’re planning to hunt some of the toughest game in Africa, like rhinoceros, anticipate plenty of 70+ yard shots, or just enjoy the idea of owning a super fast crossbow – absolutely. Otherwise, there are plenty crossbows that do everything the Nitro does, but at a much lower cost.
For another one of the fastest hunting crossbows, check out the Scorpyd VTEC Extreme.
Best Recurve Crossbow: Excalibur Assassin 420 TD
Technical specs:
- Chronographed FPS: 402.2
- Weight: 8.0 lbs.
- Length: 30.5″
- Width: 30″ / 24″ (uncocked/cocked)
- Accuracy: 2.51″ groups
- Trigger weight: not advertised; 3.1 lbs. in our tests
Pros:
- Mechanical cocking and decocking
- Recurve design means fewer failure points
Cons:
- Very loud
- Too unwieldy for smaller blinds and tree stands, like most recurves
In a world dominated by compound crossbows with intricate cams and cables, the Assassin 420 TD stands out with its recurve design – two limbs and a string. This simplicity translates to reliability and ease of maintenance in the field.
Despite its simple design, the Assassin 420 TD doesn’t compromise on performance. It launches arrows at 402.2 feet per second, delivering over 130 foot-pounds of kinetic energy – more than enough to take down the largest game.
The integrated Charger Crank System allows for silent and effortless cocking and decocking using 14 pounds of force. And if the system jams, you can manually cock the crossbow using a rope.
The Quick-Loc Technology allows for quick assembly and disassembly without affecting accuracy – great for transport and storage. The fully adjustable Tru-Fit Stock and Pro-Shot match-grade trigger further enhance shooting comfort and precision.
Lightest Crossbow: Wicked Ridge M-370
Technical specs
- Chronographed FPS: 359.6
- Weight: 5.8 lbs.
- Length: 34.5″
- Width: 14″ / 9.5″ (uncocked/cocked)
- Accuracy: 2.81″ groups
- Trigger weight: not advertised; 3.5 lbs. in our tests
Pros:
- 5 lbs. of force to cock
- Accessible for hunters of different ages and physical abilities
Cons:
- Not the most accurate
Weighing just 5.8 pounds, the M-370 is one of the lightest models on the market, making it an ideal crossbow for hunters looking for mobility and ease of handling. Its compact design – 9.5 inches axle-to-axle when cocked – allows for effortless navigation through dense brush and tight hunting blinds
Despite its lightweight frame, the M-370 doesn’t compromise on power. It launches arrows at around 360 FPS – slightly below the advertised 370.
The integrated ACUdraw cocking system simplifies the loading process, requiring only 5 pounds of force to cock the crossbow. Just be careful not to let your hand slip when using the system – it can be a real knuckle buster.
The main downside: accuracy – it was the poorest performer in our tests. We wouldn’t recommend this crossbow for longer shots.
More Great Crossbows
While the crossbows above are best, there are many excellent crossbows on the market today. Here are some of the models that we used to rank prior to 2025 but no longer feature in our top picks. They remain solid options, however, some of them have been discontinued and can no longer be purchased new.
- Barnett Hyper Raptor – with Halo system that eliminates cable crossing
- TenPoint Flatline 460 – reverse-draw assembly with 14-inch power stroke
- Parker Hornet Extreme – exceptional accuracy
- Parker Tornado – very quiet
- TenPoint TX 28 – with floating TriggerTech trigger
- Ravin R26 – 340-pound draw weight
- Ravin R29X – bullpup design
- Barnett Wildcat – under $300
- Barnett Explorer – good value for the money
- Horton Explorer – superb accuracy
Our Crossbow Evaluation Process
Every crossbow we review is purchased independently, with no compensation offered by the manufacturer in exchange for a favorable review.
Here is a brief overview of our testing methodology.
1. Speed testing
We measure arrow velocity using our ProChrono chronograph (review):
We fire each crossbow five times and calculate the average speed to arrive at our listed specs.
2. Safety
We focus heavily on decocking, since one of the biggest safety risks is walking to or from your blind or stand with a cocked crossbow. We decock each model multiple times to see how easy and practical it is – because if decocking is a hassle, you’re less likely to do it, and that’s where accidents happen. We also comb through user reviews for complaints about limb splintering or breakage. Together, these factors help us assign an internal safety score that we use in our rankings.
3. Accuracy
Our testers shoot three four-shot groups at 50 yards with every crossbow. We use the average to come up with our listed accuracy specs.
4. Trigger weight testing
We measure the trigger pull of each crossbow using a digital trigger gauge to verify if it matched the manufacturer’s listed specs.
5. Cocking and loading
We evaluate how easy each crossbow is to cock and load, noting how intuitive the mechanisms feels, how much noise they make, and what safety features are in place.
6. Handling
We shoot each crossbow offhand, from a kneeling position, and off a tripod to simulate real-world crossbow hunting scenarios.
Top Crossbow Manufacturers We’ve Tested
Here are the various crossbow manufacturers whose products we’ve reviewed and ranked throughout the years:
How to Get the Most Out of Your Hunting Crossbow
No matter how top-tier your crossbow is, a lack of proper care and preparation could easily derail your hunt. Here’s how to ensure your crossbow remains in prime condition and make the most out of every hunting opportunity:
- Follow all maintenance guidelines as outlined by the manufacturer.
- Keep your crossbow clean and dry to prevent corrosion.
- Regularly inspect the strings, cables, servings, screws, and fasteners for signs of damage or wear.
- Have a backup set of strings and cables with you at all times.
- Periodically take test shots to verify your crossbow is working as expected.
- Carry a backup crossbow to make sure you never miss an opportunity in the field.
- Keep your crossbow clean and dry.
- Wax the string cable regularly to prevent fraying.
- Never dry fire, always use a proper bolt, keep fingers below the flight deck, and de-cock when on the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best crossbow for deer hunting?
The best crossbow for deer hunting is the TenPoint Venom X. For a more affordable crossbow package, check out the CenterPoint Wrath 430X – it performed well in our test. You only need 30 to 40 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy to take deer, which is easily exceeded by all crossbows ranked on this page.
What is the ideal arrow weight for my crossbow?
The ideal hunting arrow weight typically falls between 400 and 450 grains, including the broadhead. This range offers a good balance of speed, kinetic energy, and accuracy for most hunting. In general, lightweight arrows offer a flatter trajectory and hence more accuracy at long distances, while heavier ones provide more penetration. Always check your crossbow manufacturer’s recommended bolt weight, as using arrows that are too light can damage the bow and void your warranty.
Who makes the best hunting crossbows?
Tenpoint Crossbow Technologies sets the industry standard for crossbow hunting equipment. Ravin and Excalibur are fantastic choices as well. For more affordable options, consider CenterPoint and Barnett.
What types of game can I hunt with a crossbow in North America?
With a crossbow, you can hunt a wide range of game across North America, including deer, elk, bear, turkey, and small game like rabbits and squirrels. Regulations vary by state, so be sure to check our crossbow regulations page for state-by-state overviews.
What’s a good inexpensive crossbow?
The CenterPoint Wrath 430X is a budget-friendly yet powerful crossbow for hunters. Compare it with other more expensive models on this page to see why we recommend it.
limbs on my recurve crossbow broke and new one’s , now bow isn’t as powerful ?
Now I can cock it by hand .
Hi John
You should not be attempting to shoot or even cock a crossbow with broken limbs, this could result in serious injury. Contact the manufacturer about this issue, they’ll sort it out for you.
I think John meant that he broke the limbs got new ones, and now he can hand cock it with little problem, My guess would be he hasnt got the string properly installed.
Most of the info was very good, however the full list of knocks was not there. Parker uses its own capture knocks, which to me appears as a modified half moon I personally have used the standard half moon knocks on my Thunderhawk for a year now with absolutely no problem. I have shot this xbow a great deal. I am very carefully & play close attention making sure my bolts are on the string correctly. I also like the heavier bolts if possible. They are quiter, seem to be more consistent @ 30 yds. plus, also according to physics it should have less ware & tare on the bow. I also use 22″ bolts instead of 20″. If I mess up a tip ,I cut the bolt, replace an insert & am good to go. I weigh all my complete bolts& they average out about 450 grins. This is equal to the broadheads. At 71, I can shoot 4 inch groups all day long @ 50 yds. off a rest. That should be good enough to get me a oinker @ 25 yds. which I consider max for my hunting range & experience.
Thank you for this Tom. I’ll update the article soon, taking your suggestions into account.
Good hunting!
You have a great website with a lot of information about cross bows that I was not aware of.
Greg Hince
good quiet hunting
first time i’ve seen this site absolutely brilliant very informative to a newcommer to crossbows
at 65 years old i need all the info and help i can get in order to enjoy my retirement better than watching tv or shopping.first week of my new hobby.
Thank you Mr. Keith, extremely appreciated and happy to hear that you’re getting started! Please feel free to drop me a line if you’d like to talk about crossbows or hunting in general.
I have a jackal xbow and I was wondering how much does the bolts weight in grns and which broadheads would be better mechanical or fixed blade and do you know of a video that shows how to lube a xbow. thanks
My jackal came with headhunter 20″ bolts & 100grn f/t what is the best combo to get 425 foc because there is no weight on the bolts. thanks in advance
Getting put out to pasture, gladly. Thank you for my first crossbow information.
You’re very welcome Bob, hope you enjoy the sport for decades to come.
Where can I get iron sights for my crossbow? Peep with yardage pins I assume.And will these
sights work on most of the scope mounts?
I bought a Horton Fury crossbow and dropped it on the foot stirrup, which broke it now I haven’t been able to find anything out there to replace it . I would very much appreciate any help finding a replacement
I been reading on your site (very helpful), and was about set on a “Carbon Express Intercept Supercoil” (CEIS) after reading your review. I believe it is the same as the CEIS LT.
Then I read your “Compound vs. Recurve Crossbows”; I am in my sixties, had a cheap x-bow 30 years ago and
never had a problem with it. So how much weight should I give to the malfunction factor?
I do want/need a good scope and like your review of the “Tenpoint Vapor”, but have a bit of trouble talking myself up to $2,000.00. What do you think of the “Tenpoint Stealth FX4”?
Every single crossbow you mentioned in your post is a fantastic hunting tool. The malfunction factor is becoming less of an issue as compounds become better every year, with more reliable cam systems. If the Vapor is out of your price range, the FX4 is an absolutely fantastic bow to have.
Question, have an opportunity to trade for a crossbow actually two. the First is a Barnett Recruit and the second is a Parker Enforcer, out of your experience which one would you trade for? Barnet is a year old shot less the 20 times. Parker is brand new.
If money is no object, I’d go with the Parker.
I’m shooting a Barnett 400 Quad. I have sighted it in at 20 yds. Nice tight groups. But if I back up to 25 yds. I have zero consistency. It has a Barnett 4x32mm crossbow scope. Any idea what I’m doing wrong?
Thank you for all your reviews – it’s a big help. My question is does the Excalibur Ibex smf crossbow have a anti-fire mechanism? If not, can I get an aftermarket put on it? Thank you for your help.
Will you please review the SA Sports Aggressor. I am looking to replace my Jackal with one.
Hi John, will do my best to review it in January!
EDIT: here’s the review https://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/sa-sports-empire-aggressor-review-compound-crossbow/
what are your thoughts on the pse tac-15? I hear that thing is insanely powerful and has a kill range upto 100yards
Any draw weight over 200lbs is illegal in Illinois!
I have been thinking of becoming a hunter and a crossbow seems to be the most logical weapon for me because a rifle would be too expensive in my country(Brazil) and a bow would be too difficult to use and it is not very lethal. I am loving this website, it is giving me a huge amount of concise information and it is really teaching me exactly what I need to learn. Thank you guys so much for creating this website, it is being of great help to me, this website is just perfect.
You shouldn’t have any problem using recently made compound bows taking game as large as whitetail deer. I don’t know what you are planning to hunt so I could be wrong. Actually, at longer distances most arrow shots (from bows) keep more kinetic energy downrange than bolt (from crossbows). I have taken a whitetail buck with my Mathews Q2 at 25 yds and the broad head arrow went clean through. The Q2 is maybe over 10 years old now.
I have rifle hunted since I was about 10. Now that I am disabled an in my 40s,I would like to return to hunting but using a crossbow instead. I am on a fixed income from disability and prefer to keep my initial investment to around the $300 mark. Which compound would you recommend I be on the lookout for, keeping in mind my startup price range?
Hi Niki,
The Barnett Jackal (https://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/barnett-jackal-crossbow-review/) is the only reliable compound crossbow that fits your budget. If you were willing to pay $150 more, you’d have a much wider range of products to choose from. For below $300 though, I’m afraid this is the only option (it’s a good option though).
This website is Awesome!!! I’m fixing to buy my first xbow a Excalibur matrix 355 Thank you so much for the wonderful info!!! Very settling to me to know someone else’s idea and experience with a particular bow. Thanks again
maintenance of the bow and strings even not in use ?
So im looking at a Barnett Recruit. I want something that can still take down deer possibly bear (kentucky). What would be the recommendations on this? (Yes or No) and should i zero in at 20 or thirty yards? (Used to rifles and shotguns at 100.) What heads should i get and what stems/arrows…fairly new to xbowing.
Hi Dave,
Did you buy the Barnett Recruit yet. Thats a nice xbow. Should have no problem taking a white tail or a bear with that. For that bow I would zero at 20 yds. I really like the Rage 100gr. for crossbow. Use what eveer size arrow Barnett recommends.
Anthony
Wow wish I would have found this site 4 hr ago. Just got back from Dick’s Sporting goods where I bought a BArnett Game Crusher 2. Hmm you have any info on this xbow?
Great source of knowledge and valuable information. I am looking to buy my first ever crossbow and came a across this site through a search. The detail for the recommendations as well as the testing & rankings, are very helpful. Thank you for posting and sharing!
Hi How come you did not review the Scorpyd cross bows. I own 9 cross bows. 4 of them are high end. The Scorpyd 175 I will put it up agaist my Ten Point. The scorpyd out preforms by accuracy, speed and trigger pull.
We did review Scorpyd, see here please: https://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/best-scorpyd-crossbow-reviews-scorpyd-accessories/
These are excellent crossbows. The reasons we did not include them in our top rankings are the following:
1) We felt that With Scorpyd, you are paying a lot for the additional FPS. While it’s cool to have as much FPS as possible, it’s completely unnecesarry in terms of hunting, and so we felt it did not justify the steep price of the product.
2) Overall, we felt that Scorpyd’s were more or less on par with TenPoint’s products. TenPoint, however, won out in terms of safety features and faster customer support (We found Scorpyd to be somewhat slow to respond at times).
Again, Scorpyd crossbows are fantastic and there is absolutely no reason one should not go for one if they can afford it. It’s just that we wanted our rankings to include a large variety of recommendations, so we had to make a choice between TenPoint and Scorpyd to avoid being repetitive, what with the two products being fairly similar. We ended up with TenPoint, which won by a small margin.
Thanks for the question.
I have a Barnett Quad Edge, 340fps, 125#. MY xbow comes with a 4×32 scope which is great in Florida, but I will be hunting elk in Colorado where scopes over 1x are not allowed. I am looking at an EOtech 512 xbow, a bit pricey but has a built in rangefinder for a deer size target. I’m looking for ideas and recommendations on what to use. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
buy a 130 dollar pro chronograph
Barnet ghost 410 my favorite. i am in love with it.
The Centerpoint 370 seems to be one of if not the only bow that’s equipped with a fully adustible stock. Have two young girls that require a shorter stock to properly shoulder a weapon. Sure, I’d have to do the drawing but even shooting from a rest is impossible for them with a standard length stock, including the youth models you mentioned. With that, feel the big name bow makers are missing the mark, think I’m going with Centerpoint.
Looking to buy first crossbow. Woman with shoulder issues so want recommendations for cranking device please.
Would like to have seen warranty and trigger pull information for all of the crossbows tested.
I have shot some crossbows that had triggers that were so bad, it wrecked an otherwise nice crossbow. I believe a good long warranty is important also, for something you carry around all day under stress in the cocked position.
I purchased a bear fisix ffl shot it about 20 times and the last bolt (factory insidious bolts) i shot went about 10 feet and the string went flying i inspected for any damage saw none and put it back on it still shoots fine but feels slower according to my scope its only shooting at about 355fps now instead of 375 how can i get my speed back?
I have a Barnett game crusher 3.0 I recently bought do you have any information on this crossbow?
I did not see Mission crossbows mentioned. They can have their speed adjusted and the strings and cables can be replaced without a press.
I have a jackal xbow and I was wondering how much does the bolts weight in grns and which broadheads would be better mechanical or fixed blade and do you know of a video that shows how to lube a xbow. thanks
I have a Bear Kronicle xbow. Any idea what bolts I should use? And what broadhead for deer? Can’t find arrows that came with it.
I just got a Bowtech Stryker Katana crossbow it came with 20 inch bolts
I have an Excalibur Matrix 405 which is extremely accurate with field points, they hit exactly where aimed.However it will not shoot any broad heads accurately. I have tried I think every brand and weight and it makes no difference, they go where they want not where aimed. I haven’t been able to hunt with it as a result. It is the perfect target bow but useless as a hunting bow. Any known reason why it will not shoot broad heads accurately? Excalibur hasn’t been helpful so at this time I can’t recommend any of their products.
Has anyone had a problem with broadheads not flying straight? I have an Excalibur Matrix 405 that fires field points perfectly every time. You can split arrows it is that accurate with field points. I have tried every broadhead I can find and they all seem to go where ever they want. I have not been able to get it to shoot a broadhead accurately enough to hunt with it.
Is a viking fx1 ok to deer hunt with
Last year, I made my first crossbow kill with an old Excalibur priced to sell, and was I ever impressed at it’s accuracy and power downrange! Shooting from a rest, the bolt hit the leg bone twice in one afternoon. The first shot was low and bounced off. When the doe gave me a second chance later, it snapped the leg bone, passed through the heart, and the broadhead exited the offside. And the bow was 175# and 305fps. The only downside was that the doe went nearly 200 yards before expiring. But heavy bone was a little rough on a stock bolt cutter.
The only change I might make would be to try a quality two blade, which could take that kind of punishment better. But for their least powerful crossbow, I was sure impressed!
Can you let me know what your thoughts are on the Excalibur Ibex?
Best information I ever received on Crossbows and I am not new to them.
However the explanations of what each item is and what id is for is great.