Hunting with a crossbow is an invigorating experience. This weapon is accurate, fast, powerful and offers a clean kill. It is important to find out which laws apply in your local area before you go and purchase your own best hunting crossbow. Most North American states will allow big-game hunting like bear, deer, and moose with a crossbow while others like New Mexico will let you use a crossbow for Elk, cougars and various sheep. When you are on the hunt for a perfect crossbow, you want the best bang for your buck so to speak. best hunting crossbow
Something that is within your budgetary grasp but that is also reliable, sturdy, accurate and powerful. The majority of states only allow the large game to be hunted with crossbows, so you need something capable of meeting up with that challenge. We have examined some of the most popular brands available to you on Amazon in varying pricing categories to bring you some helpful summaries of customer reviews. We have compiled a list of the best hunting crossbows out there for various budgets in mind. best hunting crossbow
Best Hunting Crossbow Reviews
150 lbs Crossbow with Scope, Extra Arrows and Rope Cocking Device
This crossbow package is a compact, safe, lightweight and reliable hunting tool that is built to last. It is designed for the large game and comes with a scope and extra arrows. With a 150 lbs draw weight, you can easily take down a deer. This crossbow is economically priced but is coming in with mixed reviews from Amazon customers, earning it an average rating of 3.8 stars. best hunting crossbow
Happy customers feel that the equipment is a good value but that a crossbow is definitely an introductory unit for beginners. The accuracy and strength rating is bang on. Unsatisfied customers received broken units or units with pieces missing. best hunting crossbow
- Features: Durable Stock
- Features: Comes with Free Rope Cocking Device 24.99 Value
- Features: This item is exclusively sold by ASC Inc only.
Leader Accessories Archery Equipment Hunting Bow Crossbow
Leader Accessories is a company that prides itself on providing hunting enthusiasts with the highest quality products. This best hunting crossbow comes in at a reasonable price and has earned itself a whopping 4.9 stars from very happy customers on Amazon. Customers have stated that this package comes with everything a beginner would need in order to get started right out of the box.
Customers are happy with the durability and longevity of this equipment, indicating that even after 1000 bolts the original parts still work like new. The bow is balanced and ideal for beginners and intermediate users alike. best hunting crossbow
- Draw Weight: 150 lbs. Speed: 325 fps. Weight: 8.9 lbs.
- Power Stroke: 14.5". Trigger Pull: 5 lbs.
- Length: 33", Width: 22". Arrow Tip Weight: 125 grains
SAS Jaguar 175lbs Recurve Hunting Crossbow Deluxe Red Dot Scope
The SAS Jaguar is a heavy duty hunting tool that comes equipped with 175 pounds of draw weight. The package includes the crossbow, red dot scope, 6 bolt quiver and aluminum arrows. It is economically priced and Amazon customers have rated it at 4.5 stars. This crossbow has been purchased for beginner shooters in their teens and up. Customers are happy with its solid build, inclusive packaging, accuracy, power, silent operations, and more. Some customers were not satisfied with the scope and one customer’s buttstock came loose after approximately 5 shots. The package contains one Jaguar recurve crossbow, one 3-dot red dot scope, one 6-bolt quiver, and four 16” aluminum arrows. best hunting crossbow
This crossbow appears to be mostly well received, especially for beginners. A few people mentioned that it may need a locking mechanism because it can be a little difficult to load. Almost everyone seems very pleased with the quality of the crossbow, especially for the price they paid. Quite possibly a worthy investment if you’re looking for a well-priced crossbow. best hunting crossbow
- 175-pound draw weight
- Compression Molded Fiberglass Limb
- Auto safety cocking mechanism design
Barnett Crossbows
Barnett is a renowned archery company known for its innovations in design and reliability. Their crossbows are specifically designed with hunters in mind and Barnett has sold over one million. The company was established over 50 years ago. They pride themselves on quality products and customer service. We have covered three of their available packages in varying price categories. best hunting crossbow
Jackal Crossbow Package
The Jackal Crossbow Package is holding strong with a solid 4.2-star rating on Amazon. The package comes with a quick-detach quiver, bolts, and a red dot sight. It has a 150 lbs draw weight on its synthetic string and cable system. Whether customers were new to crossbow hunting or seasoned professionals, they are very pleased with this package. It is incredibly accurate but customers do recommend purchasing a roller cocker to assist in drawing the 150 lbs draw weight. best hunting crossbow
- Velocity: 315 FPS
- Includes 3 arrows
- Smooth 3. 5 lb. trigger pull
Penetrator Crossbow Package
This Penetrator Package is the most expensive option we have reviewed here for Barnett Crossbows. The package is averaging 4.3 stars on Amazon. Happy hunting customers are boasting about the quality, durability, and reliability of this unit. They have tackled large game every hunting season with quick, clean and ethical kills. best hunting crossbow
- Powerful, accurate crossbow has innovative design with shoot-through foot stirrup, and 12-inch power stroke capable of producing firing...
- Five-to-one safety factor; Crosswire string and cable system with high energy whiplash cams for faster, quieter shots; bow has new Anti-Dry...
- 175-pound draw weight, 116-foot-pounds of energy, 12-inch power stroke, and 350 feet-per-second firing velocity; 37 inches long and 24...
PSE Fang 350 Crossbow
This gem has fantastic reviews overall with many people saying it’s one of their all-time favourite hunting crossbows. The unit has an anti-dry fire trigger and a removable scope. It is a lightweight and versatile tool with a draw weight of 155 pounds. Customers are thrilled with the cost and value ratio, claiming that it is by far the best deal around. It is incredibly accurate, hitting bullseyes in clusters of 4 to 5 arrows. Many hunters are pleased with the clean and ethical kills they have made on deer and other large game animals. best hunting crossbow
- Upgraded with redesigned cams and shooting at a breakneck 350 fps
- Anti-dry fire trigger, removable 4x32 scope
- Versatile, lightweight and affordable
SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package
This crossbow package is for the more budget-minded users. It’s maintaining a wonderful 4+ star review rating on Amazon which is fantastic. The crossbow has a powerful 175 lbs draw weight making it a ready-to-hunt unit for large game. Customers were happy with the quality of the package additions like the scope and sling. Some customers warn that it can be discouraging to assemble the crossbow at first but that practice makes this quite a bit easier. best hunting crossbow
- Ambidextrous Auto Safety
- Large Boot Style Foot Stirrup
- Adjustable Weaver Style Scope Mount
Best Recurve Crossbow Reviews
Recurve crossbows boast simplistic designs that have been around for many years. Due to this simplicity, they have very few breakable and fragile mechanical components and therefore will experience few breakdowns and malfunctions. Recurve crossbows are designed to provide ease of mobility due to their lightweight nature. This allows a hunter to hike through the woods with an eased burden on their bodies. These bows are also incredibly accurate and powerful.
There is no knob tweaking necessary to allow your equipment to line up properly and you can easily take down big game. As with all things on the market these days, there is a plethora of designs and varying degrees of quality to choose from. Choosing the right crossbow for your purposes can be a daunting and intimidating task, especially if you are a beginner. best hunting crossbow
SAS Desert Hawk 225lbs Next G1 Camo Recurve Crossbow 4×32 Scope Package
This impressive equipment boasts an impressive 4.8-star review from happy Amazon customers. The Desert Hawk has a draw weight of 225 lbs and a 13 1/2 inch power stroke. The limb is made from compression molded fiberglass with a reinforced composite stock. The hunting crossbow comes with an auto safety cocking mechanism. Every single customer review for this crossbow is a 4 or higher. Customers are quite pleased with the quality, accuracy and draw weight. One customer does caution that it is necessary to polish the claw. If this is not done, the customer said that the strings will be easily worn out. best hunting crossbow
- Draw Weight: 225 lbs
- Speed: 330 FPS
- Power Stroke: 13-1/2"
150 Lbs Wood Crossbow with Scope and Pack of Metal Arrows
This attractive crossbow is economically priced and holds an impressive 4.2-star rating from happy Amazon customers. Some of the more common customer complaints about this unit are the strong kick back and cheap string hooks that ended up breaking. These unsatisfied customers were a minority with the majority of buyers being pleased with the price, high quality, power and accuracy. Many customers have used this hunting crossbow for hunting large and small game with great success. It should be noted that the arrows that come with the unit are for practice and not for hunting large game. best hunting crossbow
- 150 lb draw weight with arrow speed at 220+ FPS, hit your target with precision accuracy
- Features wooden stock and fiberglass limb that is nicely polished and offer excellent performance respectively
- Auto safety cocking mechanism
Inferno Trek Heat Recurve Crossbow Kit, 175 lb, Camo
The Inferno is a moderately priced crossbow kit that has earned itself a 3.7-star review rating from Amazon customers. Customers are very happy with the power packed by this crossbow, the easy to follow instructions and the accuracy. Positive reviewers did offer the following words of caution, the stock is fairly short, lock tight should be applied to all bolts on the body of the bow, the string and rail should be waxed every 10 shots or so and the 16” bolts that are included in the package seemed inadequate and it is recommended to opt for 20” carbon bolts. There was only one negative review of this product and the customer is assuming that they received a faulty unit. The customer had issues with the cocking mechanism malfunctioning.
Choosing a recurve crossbow is an exciting endeavor. It is important to choose a unit that can stand up to the power behind the shots. Choose a bow that is made of high quality, durable materials that are built to last. Whether you are purchasing this unit for target practice or pest control. best hunting crossbow
- 175 lb. Recurve Shooting up to an impressive 265 FPS
- The Inferno heat Comes completely Dipped in an Eye catching trek Camo
- Adjustable rear Stock, a ribbed front through grip, an extended thumb guard for added safety
Excalibur Matrix Mega 405
This Excalibur crossbow is the fastest recurve bow you will be able to find. Any crossbow review will boast that this crossbow is a phenomenally fast bow for serious hunters. It comes with a complete package, so you can start hunting as soon as you buy it and set it up.
The Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 shoots arrows at a velocity of 405 FPS. The speed of this crossbow is going to deliver a very powerful shot to any animal, but unlike other fast crossbows, it is relatively quiet. You’re also getting an overall high-quality package from the crossbow itself to the scope that comes with it. The crossbow also has a great anti-dry-firing device, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the bow. best hunting crossbow
As with most things, better quality means you’re going to be spending a lot more money. You’re also going to have to be able to handle a hefty draw weight and heavy bow weight if you want the benefit of the speed.
If you are are not concerned with a budget and you feel you are strong enough to handle the 290-pound draw weight, then you will love the power of this crossbow. If you are smaller or you just want a bow for target practice, you will find much better and more affordable options elsewhere. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Complete package
- Fastest recurve crossbow
- Powerful
- Quiet shot
- Great quality
- Anti-dry firing device
Cons
- Heavy draw weight
- Heavier weight
- Expensive
- 290lb draw weight
- 405 feet per second
- Lite Stuff package
Scorpyd VTEC Extreme 175
The Scorpyd VTEC Extreme 175 is one of the fastest reverse crossbows on the market. This reverse energy bow will impress all of your friends on the target range, but it can also serve you well on a hunt. best hunting crossbow
You can purchase the bow in different packages to fit your needs. If you need something more basic, you have that option, but if you are looking for a scope, you will want to purchase the scope package for more money. You can also add on an Accudraw system to either package if you prefer a crank system. best hunting crossbow
This reverse limb crossbow can deliver shots at 440 FPS with just a 175-pound draw weight. While this is the heavier option of the VTEC Extreme Model, it is still considerably lighter than the Excalibur. This bow is going to cost you a lot of money, even if you stick with the basic package. You will easily spend $1,500 to $2,000 on this crossbow. You will also find that it is heavier than other crossbow options, and since it is a reverse draw crossbow, it is going to be more challenging to repair. best hunting crossbow
This is a great option for people who are very serious about shooting targets because the low draw weight makes it a little more accurate than other options, and the speed improves that accuracy even more. If you aren’t prepared to shell out the cash for this speed demon bow or you plan to hunt more, you’re going to want to look at other options. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- High-velocity shots
- Lower draw weight
- Package options
- Powerful
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Difficult to repair
- 410 FPS; 185 LB. Draw Weight; Quiver, 3 Arrows, Rope Cocking Device, Talon Sling and 3x32 Scope
- 185 LB. Draw Weight
- 20" Axle to Axle
Barnett Ghost 410
The Barnett Ghost 410 is easily one of the fastest compound bows that you will be able to find. This Barnett bow is the perfect compound crossbow for hunters looking for fast, accurate kill shots. This compound crossbow delivers a shot at 410 FPS with a reasonable draw weight of 185 pounds. It is difficult to find lower draw weights in a compound bow if you are expecting this kind of speed. For being such a powerful and fast bow, it is incredibly accurate. best hunting crossbow
You will also enjoy the fact that it is on the lighter end of the spectrum as far as compound crossbows go since it weighs about 7 pounds. It is also nice to see that this crossbow was designed to be very compact. The more compact and light the bow, the easier time you’re going to have to navigate dense cover and climbing tree stands.
Compared to some of the other crossbows we’ve looked at, this crossbow is less expensive, but it is still on the higher end, which makes sense for the quality you are getting. It is also a rather noisy bow, which you will want to take into consideration if you plan on using this for hunting. The noise often comes with bows that shoot at this speed, so if you can look past the price, you will be very happy with this light, accurate, and fast crossbow. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- High velocity
- Great accuracy
- Relatively lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Noisy
- 410 FPS; 185 LB. Draw Weight; Quiver, 3 Arrows, Rope Cocking Device, Talon Sling and 3x32 Scope
- 185 LB. Draw Weight
- 20" Axle to Axle
TenPoint Venom Crossbow for sale
The TenPoint Venom crossbow is a compound design. It is one of the faster models on the market, and while it has some great features, it also has some flaws for you to consider. best hunting crossbow
In comparison to other crossbows on the market, this is a fast shooting bow as it shoots up to 372 FPS. In comparison to the other crossbows we’ve looked at, it’s a little slower. However, it does come with a really nice feature called the ACU50 draw, which gives it a much smoother performance. You will also find that it is lighter and more compact than other compound bows, so you will have an easy time getting around the woods with this one.
This compound bow’s price tag is much higher than the other bows we’ve been looking at despite the fact that it doesn’t even break the 400 mark for velocity. It also has a moderately high draw weight of 200 pounds. With a draw weight like that, I would like to see this bow have a little more speed. best hunting crossbow
For the very high price, I don’t see this bow being any better than the other options. However, if you are a fan of the light, compact design or you have an unlimited budget, then I say you should go for it. You might find that this is the best bow you could add to your collection. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Smooth performance
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Moderate-high draw weight
- Venom combines TenPoint's popular FSB stock and a new shortened woven carbon fiber barrel
- Super light and ultra-compact
- Shoots up to 372 fps
The Winner is…
For me, the Barnett Ghost 410 comes in at the top of the list for best of the fastest crossbows. While it is not the fastest on the list, it’s manageable draw weight, accuracy, and overall weight makes it one of my personal favorites.
The Barnett Ghost 410 comes in ahead of the Barnett Ghost 360 because the speed is significantly higher. In my opinion, it is better than the TenPoint Venom crossbow because it is far more affordable, and it is still the faster option. It was a difficult decision for me to choose the Barnett Ghost 410 over the Scorpyd VTEC Extreme 175, but the Barnett is much lighter and cheaper even though it might not quite reach the same velocity. Lastly, I think the Barnett Ghost 410 comes in ahead of the Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 because the Barnett has a higher velocity, lower draw weight, and it is slightly more affordable.
While most of these crossbows are expensive, it is very difficult to get a high-quality crossbow to shoot the same speeds for any less money. These are my personal favorites, and my choice for the best of the fastest bows is based on factors that are most important to me. You should carefully consider which factors are most important to you and make a purchasing decision that is going to give you the best hunting or target experience. best hunting crossbow
Best Crossbow for the money
The problem with the latter is that they tend to put a dent squarely in their buyer’s budget. And most of us don’t have the luxury of simply cashing out our paychecks just for the sake of buying a new bow. best hunting crossbow
So what’s a man to do?
Luckily that answer is easy…you go ahead and purchase a crossbow suitable for your budget that still delivers top performance. You’ll find that this post acts as a helping hand, pointing out the best crossbow for the money.Most of the crossbows in our “best buy” lineup were made with adult hunters in mind. Some of them come with pretty good optics, but please keep in mind that x-bows fitted with sub-standard sights and scopes don’t mean they’ll perform worse than top-end models, remember you can always purchase an after-market sight to make the experience better! best hunting crossbow
CenterPoint Sniper 370
What you get for a very affordable price is serious speed and superb accuracy, which is pretty much the name of the CenterPoint Sniper 370 game. It comes with an adjustable stock and forearm, ensuring that hunters of roughly any height can step up to the plate with this crossbow. best hunting crossbow
With a draw weight of 185 pounds and 13.5-inch power stroke, the CenterPoint can achieve shots of up to 370 feet per second. The bow comes complete with 3 carbon arrows, a sling, a quiver, rope cocker, and an illuminated scope. best hunting crossbow
One downside of this crossbow is the fact that it feels a bit front-heavy at times and it felt a little less sturdy than some of the other top bows we compared it to. All in all, it’s still one of the best crossbows for the money in 2020’s compound market. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Has a fast shooting speed
- Comes with adjustable stock and forearm
- Very accurate
Cons
- A bit heavy on the front end
- Doesn’t feel very sturdy
- 370-Feet per second firing Velocity, 185-pound draw weight
- Fully Adjustable, tactical stock and forearm
- Lightweight & durable CNC Machined aluminum rail with shoot through riser
Wicked Ridge Invader G3
The Invader G3 from TenPoint comes in as the most budget-friendly hunting crossbow in our selection. best hunting crossbow
The reason why we adore this x-bow is that of its crammed full of great features that you’d normally find on the much more expensive models.
As part of the low-price package, you get a Multi-Line 3-power scope, 3 twenty-inch Wicked Ridge carbon arrows, a self-retracting rope cocking system, and an instant release quiver. For its price, it’s also one of the bets lightweight compact bows on the market. best hunting crossbow
With a shooting range of up to 330 feet per second, this crossbow has a draw weight of 165 pounds, and better yet, it’s extremely accurate when fired and also very safe to use. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Very accurate
- Lightweight and safe to use
- Powerful
Cons
- It comes with a non-illuminated scope
- BEST OF THE BEST: Invader G3 is the safest, lightest, narrowest, and fastest Wicked Ridge Invader model to date
- COMPLETE PACKAGE from Ten Point's Wicked Ridge pairs their revolutionary Invader G3 Crossbow with the GEAR YOU NEED FOR HUNTING SUCCESS, no...
- PACKAGE INCLUDES: Wicked Ridge G3 Crossbow, TenPoint 3X Multi-Line Scope, ACUdraw Cocking Mechanism, Wicked Ridge Instant-Detach 3-Arrow...
Best Value Beginners Crossbow
The Barnett Recruit
Offering oodles of speed without the schlep of a massive draw weight, The Barnett Recruit comes in as one of our top choices for beginners looking for a budget-friendly bow that still performs.it allows for the integration of a crank cocking device, and is well-suited for women or small-framed hunters. The package comes with a quiver, 3 – 20” arrows, premium red dot sight, and a rope cocking device. Climate controlled storage and waxing the string every ten shots is highly recommended, as is reading the user’s manual thoroughly and watching safety videos.
You can expect shooting speeds of up to 300 feet per second thanks to the Recruit’s low draw weight of just 130 pounds. If you’re a small-framed fella, you’ll definitely appreciate the Recruit’s total weight of just 6.5 pounds.The buttstock is adjustable and although the unit is designed for a more petite user, it is fully capable of taking down all game. best hunting crossbow
Customers were very happy with the level of customer service they received whenever they encountered an issue with the unit. They are happy with the balance, lightweight, length and 130lbs draw weight.Included in its price tag are a quiver, three 20 inch arrows, a great red dot sight, and all the tools you’ll need to set you x-bow up. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Very easy to cock and shoot
- Suitable for small-framed hunters and younger archers
- Offers great speed and accuracy for the price
Cons
- Only comes with 3 arrows
- Red dot sights aren’t ideal for rookie archers
- Fit all size head circumference.
Best Crossbow Around $100
The Wizard
ASC’s The Wizard almost seems like it’s too good to be true. For a low price of roughly $100, would-be archers can step into the world of crossbow shooting without wrecking their budgets, just to make sure that they’ve got the right sport in mind. Since it’s a recurve crossbow, we really appreciated the fact that The Wizard has a draw weight of just 150 pounds which offers performance along the lines of 210 feet per second shots.
Another great thing about the deal you’ll get when you purchase The Wizard is the fact that it comes as part of a complete package. With 6 aluminum arrows, a foot stirrup, a 4×20 crossbow scope, and a string, we reckon this is solid value for the money. best hunting crossbow
We have to admit that the price doesn’t exactly pay for the scope – it’s definitely worth replacing if you decide to stick with The Wizard. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Very fast and accurate
Cons
- The scope isn’t good
Final Thoughts
We’ve shown you 4 of the very best crossbows for the money currently available on the market. The number one rule to keep in mind when you’re trying to find the best value crossbow is: be on the lookout for something that offers you a velocity of roughly 200 FS and a draw-weight of 150 pounds. This will ensure that you get power and accuracy, which is exactly what you’re looking for.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this post and that it has armed you with all the information you might need in order to make a solid and informed choice regarding the purchase of your next crossbow! best hunting crossbow
- Powerful 150Lbs draw weight
- Arrows travel up to 210 FPS
- High-tech fiberglass limb
Barneet Crossbows Reviews
Barnett Crossbows are a few of the most well-made crossbow options on the market. We’re going to take a closer look at what makes Barnett crossbows great options you. Barnett essentially defines everything you seek out of a Crossbow as they’re constantly striving to achieve perfection with every crossbow they produce. For example, the fit and finish of Barnett crossbows is a direct reflection of the quality craftsmanship the team at Barnett puts into every single bow. best hunting crossbow
As Barnett is one of the leaders in making crossbows, it’s no surprise that brands like Parker and Excalibur are constantly seeking ways to innovate in an effort to beat out Barnett. But even still, Barnett is still our preferred choice for most crossbow activities including hunting which I am sure is why many of you are reading this article on, While I had been hunting with rifles for a while, I wanted to change things up and challenge myself with bow hunting.
Since I was just getting into it, I wanted to find a good, affordable crossbow. If you are in the same position, you probably know how overwhelming it can be to choose the perfect crossbow, but I hope that this Barnett Wildcat C5 review will help direct you in the right direction. best hunting crossbow
Barnett Outdoors Ghost 360 CRT Crossbow Review
Lighter than all the rest; the Barnett Ghost 360 crossbow is made of with a patented carbon fiber design, exclusive to Barnett. With superior engineering, the weight of the crossbow is only 7 lbs total. It’s compact and features customized laminated limbs make it a thing of beauty to hold and its performance is even better. With a velocity of 360 fps, you’ll be taking down the game in no time with Barnett 360 CRT Crossbow. best hunting crossbow
Another feature we really like about the Ghost 360 CRT is the Anti-Dry Fire trigger and safety bar which provides an extra line of safety before you hit your next target. And of course performance wise, the Ghost 360 has an impeccable balance of speed and weight making it one of our all-time favorite compact bows available on the market.
The only major complaint that I have with this particular model is that it doesn’t come with a locking mechanism. You will have to make that purchase separately, but you could easily afford one with all of the money you will save by buying this bow. best hunting crossbow
Included in the package you’ll be receiving the Ghost 360 CRT along with 3 arrow quivers, a set of carbon arrows and a fantastic illuminated scope which will be sure to impress your pals the next time you’re on the hunt. Consider adding a single pin bow sight as well for ultimate accuracy. This is one of the fastest crossbows you’re going to be able to get in this price range. It’s far from perfect, but it is a great starter bow for children or anyone wanting to add to their collection without breaking the bank. best hunting crossbow
- Draw weight: 165 lbs
- Anti-dry Fire trigger
- Crosswire String and cable System
Barnett Buck Commander Extreme Review
With the Barnett BCXtreme at your side, taking down any legal game is a breeze. With over 126 lbs of kinetic energy, the BCXtreme provides more than enough power to take down game humanely. Weighing in at only 7.1 lbs, the power isn’t going to slow you down if you have a decent trek on your hunt. best hunting crossbow
The crossbow itself is compact and fits snugly across your back; again allowing for easy maneuverability through any tight brush. Barnett also includes 3 20” arrows with the package but ultimately any 20” arrow will work fine with this crossbow but do check that they are at least 400 grain to avoid any cracking. best hunting crossbow
Cocking the bow is easy and the 3.5lb trigger pull makes it feel more like a rifle than a crossbow. The string moves back smoothly and will lock into place when set. To make the job easier, there is a hand-crank style cocking device as an accessory if required. So if you feel like the rope-cocking method is too much, you can easily add the hand-crank to make cocking the device a breeze.
As for safety, the Carbon Rise Technology offer by Barnett removes 43% of the riser weight, allowing for a much steadier shot. The crossbow itself feels extremely well made both for safety and durability made with a CNC aluminum flight track and CNC machined 7/8” Picatinny rail. Over the many time’s I’ve fired this crossbow, the safety has never released during cocking which is a big bonus as well. best hunting crossbow
- Speeds of 365 FPS
- Finger guard and pass-through fore grip
- Allows for the integration of a crank
Barnett Penetrator Crossbow Package Review
Meet the Penetrator by Barnett. Packaged with crosswire strings and whiplash cams, you’ll have a smoother, faster, quieter and even more precise shot with this crossbow. As with the majority of crossbows, assembling the Penetrator is fairly easy. After about 5 minutes, you’ll have the prod attached to the stock and scope installed. Easy!
The Penetrator powers hunting arrows at 350 FPS and provides roughly 109 ft. lbs of kinetic energy to penetrate your target. It’s not difficult to imagine how they came up with the name, is it? Accuracy wise, target practice showed that power was matched by accuracy as I was able to maintain 1.5” groupings from 35 yards. Pretty darn good if I do say so myself. best hunting crossbow
Ideal for the small, medium and most large game – the penetrator is bit heavier than it’s counterparts weighing in at 8.6 pounds. Again, it’s not TOO heavy where you’ll feel like it’s dragging you down on your trek but it is a solid pound heavier than the Ghost and BCXtreme.
Cocking the Barnett Penetrator is easy as it comes with a rope cocking device. If that is still a bit too much, you can make use of the hand cranking device which will have your crossbow cocked easily. Either method allows you to cock the crossbow in seconds and in my experience with this model; because it’s a bit heavier, is to use the hand crank provided. best hunting crossbow
And of course, since this is a PACKAGE it ships with three 20” 400-grain arrows. These arrows aren’t exactly ideal though as carbon arrows will provide much more durability and a smoother flight path. The arrows that shipped with the package did bend over time so it’s tested recommendation.
As for safety, Barnett takes pride in ensuring all of their equipment is built with safety in mind. This includes durability as it is a bow that is clearly well made. The safety is easily accessible and the ADF (Anti-Dry Fire) works seamlessly with the bow. best hunting crossbow
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Barnett Wildcat C5 Crossbow
The Wildcat C5 crossbow is one of Barnett’s best-selling compound crossbows, and it is a fairly affordable option. It weighs 8.5 pounds with a 150-pound draw weight, and its velocity reaches 320 feet per second (fps). The crossbow comes with a quiver to hold the three included arrows and a premium 4×32 red-dot sight. Barnett boasts that the Barnett C5 crossbow is comfortable while maintaining impressive speed and performance. This quality bow will easily hold its own against some of the best crossbows on the market. best hunting crossbow
Though this option is sold at an affordable price, you are not missing out on any of Barnett’s superior quality. This would be great for any hunter looking to try out a crossbow because its quality allows it to stick with you as you gain more experience. If you are already a very experienced bow hunter, you will probably want to save your money on this purchase and buy a higher performing bow that might come at a higher price. After you buy a Wildcat C5, you will be able to head to the woods or target field to start bow hunting or practice. best hunting crossbow
This affordable, high-quality crossbow will provide you with years of excellent experiences. With all of the great features that Barnett adds, this crossbow is far more superior than other affordable option, and you will be happy that you got the biggest bang for your buck. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Affordable
- Superior quality
- The long range of accuracy
Cons
- The included sight is of average quality
- Heavy draw weight
- Does not come with a rope cocking device
Barnett Coressbow Features
- Features and Benefits:- Since this is a Barnett crossbow, you’ll find that the Wildcat C5 has several impressive features that set it apart from other crossbows. Barnett does an excellent job of adding small details to the design of their crossbows to set them apart from other options on the market. This particular crossbow features a lightweight composite GAM stock, a thumbhole grip, crank-compatible design, and a new crosswire string and cable system.
- Lightweight Composite GAM Stock:- Hunters will be most interested in the lightweight composite GAM stock on the Wildcat C5. As I mentioned before, the overall weight of a crossbow is very important. Though the Barnett Wildcat C5 is on the heavier side, that is not unusual for a compound bow. Knowing that compound bows are typically heavier, Barnett designed the Wildcat C5 to be as light as possible by developing a lightweight composite GAM stock.
- Ergonomic Thumbhole Grip:- Barnett recognizes the big difference small changes can make between an average bow and a high-quality bow, so they add nice little features like an ergonomic thumbhole grip. While it might seem unimportant compared to the draw weight and velocity of the bow, comfort, and ease of use is just as important, especially if you plan on hunting for long hours. The thumbhole grip on the Barnett C5 Wildcat will give you a much more comfortable grip on your crossbow.
- Crank-compatible Design:- Since the draw weight of this Barnett Wildcat crossbow is very high, you’re going to want to add an attachment to assist you in drawing your arrows. This particular crossbow is designed to be compatible with a crank cocking mechanism. While it doesn’t come with the crank, it has an area for attachment built in, which will make any installation much easier. While these types of attachments typically have a negative impact on the bows overall profile, Barnett’s design allows the bow to maintain its sleek, low profile.
- Crosswire String and Cable System:- On a compound crossbow, the crosswire string and cable system is very important. As I mentioned before, the complexity of the systems can make your life much more difficult if any strings or cables break, but the Barnett crosswire string and cable system is worth the headache of visiting a repair shop on occasion. The crosswire string and cable system are designed to fire arrows accurately at unbelievable speed.
These are just a few of my favorite features on the Wildcat crossbow, but I encourage you to go to a crossbow retailer, where you can handle the bow and see if you like these features as well. best hunting crossbow
Alternatives
This wouldn’t be a fair Barnett Wildcat C5 review without comparing it to some other options, so before you go out and buy a Barnett Wildcat, you should consider some of these crossbows. best hunting crossbow
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro
The Whitetail Hunter Pro is Barnett’s top-of-the-line compound crossbow. It retails for $600, weighs just 6.4 pounds, has a 160-pound draw weight, and reaches a velocity of 380 fps. This package includes a rope cocking device and just two arrows. best hunting crossbow
This option is for someone looking for someone who is more experienced and looking for that extra power or someone who just has more money to spend. If you are looking for a reasonably-priced, good-quality crossbow, the Wildcat C5 is your best option. best hunting crossbow
Similarities to Wildcat C5
● Comes with quiver
● Comfortable
● Durable
- 380 feet per second. Draw weight: 160 lbs Kinetic energy: 122ft lbs. Trubark HD Camo
- Overall weight 6.4 lbs. Axle to axle 16.125 Inches. Dimensions 35.25L x 17.75W in Inches
- Made in the USA and ships mostly assembled. Power Stroke 13.625 Inches. Single Bolt Assembly. Magnesium Riser
Barnett Recruit Terrain
The Recruit Terrain is one of Barnett’s cheapest compound bows. It weighs only 6.4 pounds, has a 140 pound draw weight, and reaches up to 330 fps. Unlike the Wildcat C5, this option comes with a rope cocking device, but it only comes with two arrows. It also is the only Barnett crossbow that comes in tan and no patterns. best hunting crossbow
This is a great option for people looking for a lightweight and affordable crossbow. If you are looking for something with patterns to blend in, you might want to stick with the Wildcat C5. best hunting crossbow
Similarities to Wildcat C5
● Affordable
● Comes with quiver
- 330 feet per second. Draw weight: 140 lbs Kinetic energy: 91.9 ft lbs
- Overall weight 6.4 lbs | axle to axle 16.125" | dimensions 34.25"L x 18.25"W
- Ships mostly assembled. Anti-Vibration Foot Stirrup
Arrow Precision Inferno Fury
The Arrow Precision Inferno Fury weighs just 4.84 pounds, has a draw weight of 175 pounds, and shoots 235 fps. This package also comes with a rope cocker.
If you are looking for a very affordable option or lightweight, this is the most affordable and lightest option in this review. If you are looking for something for something with more velocity and durability, the Barnett Wildcat C5 is still your best option. best hunting crossbow
Similarities to Wildcat C5
● Comes with quiver and arrows
● Affordable
● High draw weight
- Package comes fully equipped with 4-16" bolts, Quick Detach Quiver, 3 Red Dot Sight, Padded Sling and Rope Cocker, Free Extra String
- Anti-Dry Fire Trigger Mechanism, Thumb Guard for added protection
- Extremely Lightweight and Compact with Fully Dipped Camo Pattern, Aluminum Rail and Barrel with Compression Fiberglass Limbs
Jaguar Crossbow Review
So you’ve decided you want a new crossbow, and you’re thinking about acquiring a Jaguar. Since a new crossbow is a large purchase, you’ll need to research them thoroughly and put quite a bit of time and effort into the search – which can be a daunting task. Here, we’ve gathered together several of your options, to try to help you save some of that time. We’ve put together a small list of the available options, along with the product summaries and reviews, so that you can feel confident in your choice of Jaguar crossbow.
Jaguar CR-013 Series Crossbow Kit
This crossbow has two color options, priced differently. It has received 4.3 out of 5 stars. It has a draw of 175 pounds and fires crossbow arrows at speeds of 245 FPS. It has a slotted cast-magnesium barrel for accurate bolt flight tracking, a single dot 30mm red dot scope with 7-level brightness adjustment, and comes with a six-bolt detachable quiver, four 16” aluminum crossbow bolts, safety glasses, and a shoulder sling. Most people seem to like this bow for the price. best hunting crossbow
Several people mentioned not caring for the red dot scope and recommended buying a different sight. People especially seemed to like this as a beginning crossbow. All in all, for the price, this crossbow appears to perform to expectations. best hunting crossbow
Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting
Sorting the best from the rest to help you find the ultimate crossbow for deer hunting applications!
The mighty crossbow…a weapon suitable for those just entering the world of bowhunting, but also something used by the most professional of hunters, it’s arguably one of the best ways to get with into the swing of things when it comes to archery! best hunting crossbow
With so many varieties and models out there, how do you know which one to pick? What crossbow will work best for your specific needs and the kinds of uses you have in mind for it? best hunting crossbow
Well, that’s easy. You just follow our advice!
We’ve compiled a list of the best crossbows for deer hunting currently available on the market. Have a look at our picks; hopefully, you’ll spot something that sparks some serious interest.The current market for crossbows seems to be endless, and prices vary for these weapons, selling from as little as $50 for basic models, all the way up to about $300 for top-end weapons. The best crossbows for deer hunting often come with their own kits but expect to pay anything in the $400 price class for these. best hunting crossbow
With that being said, let’s kick things off with our number one crossbow for deer hunting… best hunting crossbow
- Hunting crossbow designed with accuracy, safety, and durability in mind
- 175-pound draw; fires crossbow arrows at speeds of 245 FPS (feet per second)
- Slotted cast-magnesium barrel for accurate bolt flight tracking
Barnett Brotherhood
The Barnett Brotherhood is arguably one of the best and most potent crossbows on the market. It comprises of a high-energy cam system, supported by the ADF trigger system. This ensures that shots are fired straight and true, not to mention fast.
We reckon that one of the biggest issues with this Barnett crossbow is the fact that it needs you put in some effort in order to draw, but that can easily be overlooked given this weapon’s design and high-quality materials.
To help you get the cocking done with less effort, you’ll also get a foot stirrup. In order to help keep your crossbow in tip-top shape, you’ll have to wax the string on a regular basis, think along the lines of once every ten or so shots, just to keep the consistency where it should be. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Complete crossbow kit with purchase
- Very accurate, reliable, and fast
- Has a high-energy cam system and ADF trigger
Cons
- Drawing requires a considerable amount of effort
- It’s not exactly a budget crossbow
SDN Black Metal Hunting Corssbow
Coming in at our runner-up position is the SDN black metal hunting crossbow, which is a stock-standard entry model. We reckon that this is a great pick because it’s affordable and doesn’t require heaps and bounds of knowledge or effort to be operated.
We had some beef with the not-so-great arrow speed of 220 FPS, but that wasn’t a train smash since the SDN had other cool features picking its rep back up, like for instance the fact that it’s very lightweight and also super easy to use.
As part of the affordable price tag, we also got a 4×20 scope as well as a dozen bolts, although we fitted the crossbow with a laser sight to improve the results we were getting. This crossbow is perfect if you’re considering a shooting range of 30 yards or less. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Very lightweight
- User-friendly and easy to operate
- Very affordable
Cons
- Entry model
- Slow arrow speed
- Not as durable as high-end models
- 150 lb draw weight with arrow speed at 220+ FPS, hit your target with precision accuracy
- Features black stock and fiberglass limb that is nicely polished and offer excellent performance respectively
- Auto safety cocking mechanism
SAS Jaguar
The SAS Jaguar comes in as our best mid-range deer hunting crossbow. With its auto-safety cocking mechanism, we found this weapon to perform exactly the way we imagined it would. It has a functional design and with a 175-pound draw weight, it should be suitable for a wide range of hunters. best hunting crossbow
We liked the idea that the SAS Jaguar has a compression molded fiberglass limb, because it was relatively silent when used and the composite stock was also very comfy and easy to handle and fire.
If you’re a lightweight hunter or a little young, you might need some help with cocking this crossbow. On the plus side, the SAS Jaguar has some serious power over a range of 40 yards, making it one of the best beginner bows out there. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- It’s affordable
- It’s comfortable and relatively easy to handle and carry
- It has effective power over a range of 40 yards
Cons
- Younger hunters may need help with the cocking mechanism
- Doesn’t have a lot of power over long ranges
- Not for professional use
- 175-pound draw weight
- Compression Molded Fiberglass Limb
- Auto safety cocking mechanism design
PSE Fang
Last but definitely not least is the PSE Fang crossbow. Pound-for-pound, it totally measures up to the awesomeness that you can expect from our number one pick, the Barnett Brotherhood. For its price, you’ll get brilliant speed, versatility, and most importantly, accuracy. Want to know the best part? This thing weighs in at less than 7 pounds! best hunting crossbow
The PSE Fang has a power stroke of 14.25 inches, making it perfectly suitable for deer hunting applications. The Fang also comes with an anti-dry fire trigger as well as a removable scope. best hunting crossbow
We found the 155 draw weight a little weird, but you kind of get used to it after a while. We recommend removing the scope it comes fitted with and replacing it with something more in line with your intended uses for the crossbow. best hunting crossbow
Pros
- Accurate up to 75 yards
- Very accurate, lightweight, fast, and versatile
- Comes with anti-dry fire trigger and removable scope
Cons
- The scope that it comes fitted with isn’t amazing
- A draw weight of 155 pounds feels odd
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Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read through this post, you should be armed with all the information you’ll need in order to purchase the best crossbow for deer hunting. We hope that you have enjoyed the information we gave you and that you’re amped to take on the new hunting season armed with an excellent weapon! best hunting crossbow
Barnett Recruit Crossbow Reviews
If you’ve decided you want to purchase a Barnett Recruit Crossbow, you may have realized your journey has just begun. There are a few different types, and you’ll need to take some time and figure out which one is the best choice for your needs and wishes. We’ve summarized several of the different options for you here in order to help you make your selection and take some of the time and effort out of your search for the best crossbow. best hunting crossbow
Barnett – The Company
Established in 1962, Barnett has spent over 50 years designing crossbows that are better and better at aiding your hunt with accuracy and speed. With developing technology, they have refined their designs over and over, resulting in some of the best crossbows on the market. Beginning with innovations such as the Commando “Self-Cocking” Crossbow, it continues today with a fully integrated crank cocking device attachment, and a quick detach front-end feature on each and every crossbow they produce. best hunting crossbow
All of the Barnett crossbow main lines are manufactured in the US, and they make both re-curve models and compound models. Their crossbows are designed to meet the needs of both the enthusiastic and novice hunter and are regarded highly by everyone who uses them. There’s a good reason why they’re one of the top manufacturers of crossbows! best hunting crossbow
Some of the features on Barnett crossbows include an anti-vibration isolation system for extreme wear and tear resistance, a light trigger pull and a pistol-like grip. It has an ergonomically designed adjustable stock and cheek piece. No matter what kind of crossbow you’re searching for, chances are that Barnett has exactly what you need! They design their crossbows with every kind of archery sportsman in mind and can help you on your way to achieving your hunting and archery needs.
Barnett Recruit Recurve
This crossbow has received an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. This crossbow produces 245 feet per second, is lightweight and easy to assemble, comes with a quiver, 3 – 18” arrows, and red dot sight. This appears to be a well-liked crossbow for the price. People mentioned liking its simplicity, and accuracy. People mentioned that it was easy to put together, and they liked that the limbs were pre-strung. A few people did have complaints that the centering was off center by small margins, which is an issue that would need to be addressed, but this seems fairly rare. Quite a few people recommended this highly as a beginner bow. Several people didn’t care for the red dot sight and replaced it with a different one, but this would be an easy fix if you didn’t care for it. All in all, this seems to be a great crossbow for the price. best hunting crossbow
- Made of the highest qualitiy materials
- Archery crossbows with scopes packages
- Another quality Barnett product
Barnett Crossbows Bar-78610 Recruit Compound Package
This crossbow package has received 4.8 out of 5 stars. Some of its features include Barnett custom composite laminated limbs, anti-dry fire trigger safety system, metal injection mold tight tolerance trigger, a crosswire string and cable system, and a 5-year warranty. The reviews for this crossbow are very good. While it appears to have been added to Amazon recently, so there aren’t too many of them, everyone who has purchased this package seems ultimately satisfied. The only real complaint was about the quiver, and not the bow itself. It’s lightweight, and good for beginners and younger archers. It was mentioned that it’s sturdy and well-built, and one even mentioned that it was much more powerful than they expected it to be. This may be the perfect crossbow not only for beginning hunters, but also someone looking for a lighter crossbow that still packs a good punch. best hunting crossbow
- Barnett Crossbows 78610 Recruit Compound Package
Barnett Recruit Youth 100 Crossbow Package
This crossbow package built for younger hunters has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. It comes in both black and pink. It features an adjustable butt pad, finger reminders, and pass-through foregrip, composite flight track, is 17” limb tip to limb tip, and Barnett custom composite laminated limbs. The reviews for this little bow are great! Everyone said this was a wonderful starter bow, but is also perfect for an experienced archer who needs a smaller bow. The accuracy was mentioned as being fantastic, and there isn’t a negative review among the bunch. This crossbow appears to be an excellent buy if you’re looking to start a younger person in archery, or just find yourself needing a slightly smaller crossbow.
If you’re unsure which brand to buy your crossbow from, Barnett is a great place to start your search. All their crossbows are crafted with thought and pioneering technology, and there is a very good chance that they have exactly what you need. You can trust the quality of their product, and enjoy it for years. Hopefully, we’ve narrowed your search down some, and you’ll be able to locate exactly the kind of crossbow you’re looking for.
- Adjustable butt pad
- Finger reminders and pass through fore grip
- Composite flight track
What is a Recurve Crossbow?
A recurve crossbow is based on some of the oldest designs for standard recurve longbows. The term “recurve” is indicative of the small “curves” at the ends of the bow that will point away from the archer. Recurve crossbows have been around for a long time. Their design was taken from the early longbows of Egypt, Greece, and China. The longbow was shortened and mounted on a handle with locks and triggers. Often times recurve crossbows were designed with hard, flexible wood. Modern recurve crossbows are now made of wood, aluminum, carbon fiber or magnesium alloy.
Recurve vs. Compound Crossbows
The biggest difference between a recurve and compound crossbow is the size and strength. Recurves have a longer bow and draw length. Because of this, recurves allow for more acceleration. The compound crossbows, on the other hand, are shorter and offer the advantage of reloading more quickly due to the shorter draw length.
Another mark difference between the two types is the sound that they make when fired. Recurve crossbows are louder due to their size and compounds can be quieter. This, of course, depends on the design of your equipment. For hunting purposes, one would think that the quieter compound crossbow would be more desirable. This allows you to keep your prey at a safe distance without worrying about them discovering your presence in their territory. Contrarily, the recurve will offer more power and speed as well as longer ranges and acceleration.[/wpsm_titlebox]
Conclusion
Crossbow hunting is an exhilarating sport. Due to the power behind the bow, it is better equipped to take down large prey animals quickly and ethically. Before you go ahead and pick up your new best hunting crossbow, ensure that you have double checked on your state laws regarding crossbow hunting and it is a great idea to register yourself for a safety course. After taking those few steps, have a fantastic time practicing on targets in the off-season so that once hunting season is upon you, you can hit your target every time!
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