A crossbow is possibly the most favored weapon of choice for every hunter since they offer a long shooting range along with a highly powerful output. In the last decade or so, there has been a substantial increase in the popularity of crossbows and thus, a similar rise in the production quality as well as their prices. Right now, you will find hundreds of options in the market for a crossbow. But, if you are looking forward to finding the perfect crossbow under your budget, make sure you keep an eye out for the following features.
- The Velocity of Arrow: Each crossbow has a specific speed rating which is given in FPS or feet per second unit. As you can imagine, a crossbow that has a higher velocity rating is capable of shooting an arrow at a much faster pace. For hunting a deer or other animals in this class, the basic requirement is at least 300 FPS. As the animal class speed increases, the necessity for a high-speed crossbow also increases.
- Draw Weight: The draw weight of a crossbow is basically the amount of strength or weight required to draw the crossbow strings into their cocked position. If you don’t have any assistance device to draw the crossbow, you should be careful about the draw weight while choosing the crossbow. Some powerful crossbows even require a heavy draw weight of about 12.4 lbs which is not easy without an assistance device.
- Axle to Axle Width: The axle to axle width is a fairly technical specification of a crossbow which you will find mentioned along with almost all professional crossbows in the market. The axle to axle width or A2A width basically represents the distance between one cam and the other. In general, it is provided to offer an idea about the overall width of the unit. Thus, you can have an idea about the portability of the crossbow by checking its A2A width.
Since a crossbow is not something you would buy every other day, it is fairly difficult to understand all the available options in the market for a particular budget range and choose the right option. To help you with that, we have gathered this list of the best crossbows you can find in the market right now that ensure a decent performance for the price. If you want to know more about the technical specifications of a crossbow, make sure you check out our “Buying Guide” for the best crossbow present later in this guide.
Best Crossbow Table
| Crossbow | Weight | Velocity | Axle To Axle Width | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnett Crossbow | 6.6 lbs | 375 FPS | 18.125 inches | Check On Amazon |
| Killer Instinct Crossbow | 7.2 lbs | 405 FPS | 14.75 inches | Check On Amazon |
| BearX Crossbow | 12.4 lbs | 400 FPS | 12.7 inches | Check On Amazon |
| TenPoint Crossbow | 6.4 lbs | 370 FPS | 9.5 inches | Check On Amazon |
| Ravin Crossbow | 6.8 lbs | 400 FPS | 6 inches | Check On Amazon |
| EXCALIBUR Crossbow | 5.5 lbs | 305 FPS | 15.5 inches | Check On Amazon |
Best Crossbow Reviews
1. Barnett Crossbow
If you are going to buy a sports accessory such as a crossbow, it would be a great idea to go with a brand that specializes in sports accessories and products. Thus, we are putting the following option from Barnett on top of our list.
In the 1st position, we have the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow. Since this unit is made by Barnett, you can rely on its build quality and reliability. This crossbow comes equipped with a 4×32 mm multi reticle scope that will surely be helpful for you while you are out hunting. Even though this is an ultra-compact crossbow, it manages to shoot the arrow at a fascinating speed of 375 feet per second
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow has the step-through riser or STR technology which manages to keep the overall length of the crossbow short as well as its overall weight below 7 lbs without compromising its performance. Along with the crossbow, you will also get two 2 inches long headhunter arrows, a lightweight quiver, a rope cocking device, and lubrication wax for maintenance.
Best Features
- Requires 6.6 lbs draw weight
- Offers 375 feet per second arrow velocity
- Axle to axle width is 18.125 inches
- Built-in safety mechanisms
Pros
- Comes with a 4×32 mm multi-reticle scope
- Equipped with STR technology
- Complete accessory package
Cons
- Only 2 arrows are included in the set
2. Killer Instinct Crossbow
Killer instinct is a brand that specially focuses on a wide range of varieties of crossbows. You will only find crossbows and other related accessories made by this brand, making its designs highly professional.
At the 2nd position, we are putting the Killer Instinct Lethal 405. This is also a professional-grade crossbow that we have selected for our list today. However, this option falls under the affordable budget category to ensure compatibility with all applications. Similar to our last pick, you will also find a 4×32 mm non-illuminated scope along with the crossbow. Once fired, the arrow from the Killer Instinct Lethal 405 travels at a speed of 405 feet per second, with around 134 foot-pounds of kinetic energy.
Still, the overall performance of the Killer Instinct Lethal 405 is very quiet and vibration-free. Also, the composite stock of the Killer Instinct Lethal 405 makes the crossbow extremely lightweight and easy to handle. On top of that, there is an X-LOK foregrip on the Killer Instinct Lethal 405 which offers a full-length Picatinny rail, allowing you to use the crossbow with multiple holding options.
Best Features
- Requires 7.2 lbs draw weight
- Offers 405 feet per second arrow velocity
- Axle to axle width is 14.75 inches
- Set includes a 3 bolt quiver along with 3 bolts.
Pros
- X-LOK foregrip for multiple holding positions
- Ultra-light design
- Comparatively affordable than other options
Cons
- More bolts should have been included in the set
3. BearX Crossbow
BearX also has a highly-affordable option when it comes to professional crossbows. Apart from this, there is a wide range of options designed by BearX that you might find suitable for the given price range.
Our 3rd choice for the best crossbows is the BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow. As the name suggests, it is one of the best options you can find for a beginner crossbow which is perfect for practicing your skills. This unit measures about 10 inches in width when it is in the cocked position and 14 inches in the uncocked position, making it a decent choice in terms of portability.
Even with the compact form factor, the BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow delivers a powerful blow since it has a 12.7 inches power stroke. Once it is in the cocked position, it is capable of shooting an arrow at a pace of about 400 feet per second, marking one of the fastest crossbows in this selection. It also has an anti-dry fire mechanism that prevents misfire. It is a necessary feature for beginners.
Best Features
- Requires 12.4 lbs draw weight
- Offers 400 feet per second arrow velocity
- Axle to axle width is 12.7 inches
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
Pros
- Comes with 3 BearX TrueX arrows
- Illuminated scope included in the set
- A 4 arrow quiver included in the set
Cons
- The overall weight of the crossbow is higher than other options
4. TenPoint Crossbow
If you are strictly looking for a professional crossbow to be used in the wilderness, you should up your budget and go with a brand like TenPoint. It is a well-known brand in the market for many high-end crossbows as well as their accessories.
The TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow is one of the premium and professional options that we are including on our list of the best crossbows. Despite being a highly powerful option, the TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow measures only 9 inches wide, making it a hassle-free option to roam with. On top of that, the crossbow has 370 feet per second arrow speed with same-hole accuracy and precision.
You will also find a 3X pro view scope included in the set along with the crossbow offering a forward-draw design. Even though the power stroke of the TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow is not as long as other options, the VX-5 inverted cams on each side increase the impact behind each shot. It also has the T5 trigger which operates with lesser friction and delivers a consistent break needed for an accurate shot.
Best Features
- Requires 6.4 lbs draw weight
- Offers 370 feet per second arrow velocity
- Axle to axle width is 9.5 inches
- Weighs only 6.4 lbs
Pros
- Compact and lightweight crossbow
- Best suited for professional hunting
- VX-5 inverted cams to elongate the power stroke
Cons
- Overall shooting speed is lesser than other options
5. Ravin Crossbow
If you are planning to catch a quick prey such as a deer, you will have to be equipped with a powerful yet fast crossbow like the one designed by Ravin. It is also a brand that designs premium range crossbows designed for professional hunting.
The Ravin R10 Crossbow is also an all-in-one package designed for those who simply want the best crossbow for hunting. This crossbow comes equipped with Helicoil technology which ensures about 400 feet per second arrow speed even with the 6 inches wide axle to axle width in the cocked position. On top of that, the Ravin R10 Crossbow is extremely lightweight and measures only 6.8 lbs for easy maneuverability.
There is a built-in cocking mechanism present on the Ravin R10 Crossbow along with the anti-dry fire mechanism for the safety of the user. The scope present on the Ravin R10 Crossbow has about a 100-yard range which will be certainly helpful in the field. There are 3 Ravin arrows present in the set, each offering about 400-grain arrow-weight. The crossbow comes fully assembled in the package, making it ready to use right out of the box.
Best Features
- Requires 6.8 lbs draw weight
- Offers 400 feet per second arrow velocity
- Axle to axle width is 6 inches
- Weighs only 6.8 lbs
Pros
- Built-in cocking mechanism and anti-dry fire
- 100-yard scope range
- Includes 3 arrows in the set with 400-grain weight
Cons
- Very expensive option for a crossbow
6. Excalibur Crossbow
Excalibur is also a brand that designs professional crossbows along with accessories that can be your best companion in the field. However, it is one of the affordable choices compared to other professional crossbows.
The Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow is one of the budget options we have that can be a decent crossbow for actual hunting applications. This is a 5.5 lbs crossbow, making it one of the most portable options on this list. It also has a fixed power scope on the crossbow with 1 inch rings on either side. Unlike most other options, the Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow comes with rope cocking aids so that you can quickly reload the crossbow in the field.
With the Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow, you will be able to get about 305 feet per second arrow speed along with incredible impact, enough to immobilize a fast animal. There are 3 diablo arrows included in the set, each offering 150-grain field points that you can carry in the 4-arrow quiver. The overall design of the Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow is skeletonized so that it has less weight than its competitors. But, it still has great durability and high build-quality assured by Excalibur.
Best Features
- Requires 5.5 lbs draw weight
- Offers 305 feet per second arrow velocity
- Axle to axle width is 15.5 inches
- Weighs only 5.5 lbs
Pros
- Comes with a cocking aid
- Feather lite stock design
- 5 inches draw length
Cons
- Draw weight is too high and requires rope cocking aid
Buying Guide For The Best Crossbow
There are a lot more brands than you would imagine that are offering a decent option for a professional crossbow. However, not all options can be the best pick for you since crossbows vary in terms of a lot of features and specifications.
Although the main function of a crossbow is to shoot an arrow in a precise direction, you will find a lot of varying features on a crossbow such as the axle to axle width, arrow speed, draw weight, cocking mechanisms, etc. In order to get the best option, one has to take into account all of these features and make an informed decision based on the importance of these features. Therefore, we are presenting this helpful buying guide which will surely help you find the best option in your budget. You can also recommend a decent option to someone else if you have knowledge about these specific features
1. Axle to Axle Width
The axle to axle width of a crossbow is probably one of its most important features since it directly deals with the overall size of the unit as well as its portability in various applications. Basically, this is the distance between one cam or axle of the crossbow to the other.
So, the axle to axle width is basically the width of the crossbow while it is in use. If you are aware of the A2A width of a crossbow, you can make sure whether it is the right option for you not before even checking other features. You can also get your hands on a decent case to help you carry the unit while you are planning a hunting trip.
As for the overall accuracy, travel speed, or the travel distance of the arrow, the A2A width of the crossbow does not play an important role. You can find premium options that offer a high traveling speed as well as accuracy even with a compact A2A width measurement.
2. Power Stroke
If you haven’t used a crossbow before, the term ‘power stroke’ might be new to you. However, it is the same as draw length if you are familiar with the terminology of a compound bow. For a crossbow, the power stroke represents the distance between the initial resting point of the bowstring and the final, fully drawn position of the same.
Since it is provided in inches, you can easily imagine how much time and effort you will need while drawing the crossbow up to its final position. This is one of the major factors of a crossbow since it affects the traveling speed of the arrow shot from the crossbow. Usually, the potential energy stored in a crossbow is more if its power stroke is larger. But, you can also find the same performance with a shorter power stroke if the crossbow has a higher draw weight.
3. Draw Weight
Since we have mentioned the draw weight of the crossbow in our last point, let us try to understand what this draw weight is and how it affects the performance of a crossbow. Even though the term specifies weight, it is basically a representation of the effort needed to draw the crossbow into a fully cocked position. Most professional crossbow users carry an assistance device that helps with the transition on heavy-draw weight crossbows.
But if the draw weight of your crossbow is lesser than 8 or 6 lbs, you probably won’t need an assistance device at all to draw the arrow. But, you also need to keep in mind that crossbows that require a higher draw weight, also offer a powerful output since the amount of potential energy stored while drawing these crossbows is much higher in comparison. And if the draw weight is higher, you can expect the power draw to be significantly smaller in comparison. This allows faster reload of the crossbow which can be the difference between a successful or failed hunting trip.
4. FPS and FPKE
So far, you might have noticed a certain FPS rating available with each of the crossbows that we have included on this list. The FPS in this terminology stands for feet per seconds which denotes the maximum traveling speed of the arrow once it has been shot from the crossbow. Apart from the speed, it also gives the user an idea about how far the arrow can travel without compromising the effectiveness of the shot.
Even if you are planning to hunt a prey under 50 yards range, a faster arrow will certainly inflict more damage than a slower one within the same range. As for the FPKE rating, it stands for foot pounds of kinetic energy which denotes the power of an arrow shot from a crossbow. Unlike FPS, the FPKE is a rather complicated terminology since it deals with the conversion of energy from potential to kinetic energy from a crossbow.
While some manufacturers will offer the FPKE rating with the crossbow, it gives the user a great idea about how far the arrow can be lethal for the prey once shot from the crossbow. If it is not provided, you can use the following formula to get a rough estimation about the FPKE.
FPKE= mass of arrow (gr) X square of velocity at which the arrow is fired (FPS) / 450240
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: It is not necessary that the most expensive option available for a crossbow is going to be the best one according to your need. But, it is certainly true that you will get better features and specifications if you increase your budget for a crossbow. As you move towards a premium range, you will get a lot of attractive as well as beneficial features on the crossbow such as a better scope, faster arrow travel speed, and lower draw weight.
Ans: Even if you are getting the best crossbow present in the market, you still need to have a set of special hunting skills in order to hunt your prey with ease. As for a crossbow, the most important feature of hunting is the travel distance of the arrow. In general, a mid-range crossbow is capable of firing an arrow as far as 100-yards. But since it is not a firearm, the punch behind the arrow will keep on decreasing as it travels forward. Also, the speed of the arrow is a feature that majorly affects the arrow’s travel distance.
Ans: The overall maintenance of a crossbow is not that different compared to other similar tools like a compound bow. The very first thing that you should do is closely observe various parts of the crossbow like the limbs, cams, strings, etc. and make sure that they are in a perfect shape. If you find problems with these parts, you may need to find a replacement since they can degrade the performance of the crossbow. As for the crossbow rail, you should use a rail lube for this part to keep the string friction at a lower level.
Conclusion:
In the last decade or so, we have noticed a fast growth in the popularity of hunting as a sport. If you are also an experienced hunter or looking forward to getting into the sport, we will recommend you check out our picks for the best crossbows provided here. On this list, we have gathered the best options we could for a crossbow. And since we have covered a wide range of options, you can easily find the best option for your requirements. To help you further, we have also included a buying guide for the best crossbow to give you additional information about the features of a crossbow. If you still can’t make the call, take a look at our top recommendations and see if these options suit your needs.
If you are planning to buy a crossbow to use as a hobby, we will suggest starting with a basic and cheaper option like the Snake Eye Tactical Self Cocking Crossbow. This is the cheapest option we have for a crossbow and it still offers many great features that you would love to have on your crossbow. First of all, it comes with 15 regular arrows that can be a great set for practicing with the crossbow. Also, the Snake Eye Tactical Self Cocking Crossbow is an 80 lbs crossbow that works great as a starter unit.
- Although, if you are looking for more of a professional choice, we will suggest the Ravin R10 Crossbow since it is the most feature-rich option of our picks. The Ravin R10 Crossbow is capable of firing an arrow with an approximate speed of about 400 FPS, even with the 6 inches cocked axle to axle width thanks to the helical technology. The crossbow itself weighs only 6.8 lbs, making it easy to carry.
- The Intense ReaBearXdy to Shoot Crossbow is also a great option from our list as far as shooting speed is concerned. Within a highly affordable price range, the BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow offers capability of up to 400 FPS arrow speed which is simply magnificent for such a cheaper option. This crossbow measures about 10 inches in width and 14 inches in an uncocked position. It also ensures a highly powerful impact with a 12.7 inches power stroke.
- The Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Pro is also a great pick present on our list since it is more of a set available under a highly budget friendly price tag. The package includes a 4×32 non-illuminated scope, a rope cocker, string suppressors, 3-bolt quiver, 3 hyper-lite bolts, and a stick of rail lube for maintenance. Once fully cocked, the Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Pro is capable of shooting an arrow at a speed of 405 FPS with around 135 foot-pounds of energy.
