Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by
Answered: What is the best crossbow in 2021?
| The TenPoint Vapor Crossbow | Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow | Excalibur Matrix 355 | Wicked Ridge Invader with Acu-52 | Barnett Outdoors Brotherhood crossbow | Barnett jackal crossbow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| 410 fps | 372 fps | 355 fps | 330 fps | 350 fps | 315 fps |
| 185 lbs | 165 lbs | 240 lbs | 165 lbs | 160 lbs | 150 lbs |
| 9.8 out of 10 | 9.5 out of 10 | 9.4 out of 10 | 9.1 out of 10 | 8.9 out of 10 | 8.5 out of 10 |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Looking for the best crossbow on the market? If the answer is yes, you are in the right place. We’ve compiled all you need to know in the article below.
Do you want to buy the latest and the best crossbow available on the market today? Are you a passionate lover of outdoor sports and adventures, such as wildlife hunting and need a weapon which is quite different from a traditional gun or a rifle? Do you want to buy the best crossbow on the market within your budget and is this the reason why you are looking for crossbow reviews online? If the answers to all these questions are yes, you have come arrived on the right place. Here, in this website, we give you a host of selected –honest and unbiased—crossbow reviews which provide the latest information about all the top crossbows which are presently available on the market.
But I am sure you are going to ask a very pertinent question now. Why, of all weapons, crossbows? Don’t you think that this is a retrograde step? Why are people living in the modern world looking backward and searching for a weapon which is known from the primitive age? It is obvious that such questions will fuddle your mind.
Best Hunting Crossbow
Really, there has been a revival of interest in this traditional hunting weapon because more and more companies in recent times are spending a huge amount of money on research and development to come up with very powerful—lethal and accurate– crossbows using sophisticated technology.
And hunters are having a field day because they love this traditional weapon with a modern touch, which has nothing to do with gunpowder, explosives or bullets. These are great weapons because they unleash a huge amount of force which is powerful enough to down a big game like deer or a bear or a wild boar. And this is why it is fast becoming a number one choice for both professional hunters and amateurs looking for some real hunting adventures.
There is also another reason for this strange resurgence of interest in this weapon, especially in the United States. Now that the US Govt is gradually taking strict gun control measures, it is widely feared that America is soon going to witness an over-militarized police force in every State and the Federal Govt is gradually going to create a situation where the police would be asked to brutally snatch the freedom of the US citizens and push them into FEMA camps in case an apocalypse or war visits the country!
Yeah, it may be anything—a comet or an asteroid hitting the coastal water or a sudden nuclear attack from a foreign country or an alien attack from outer space! Well, who knows? And those people preparing for end times know the importance of this weapon when they would be robbed of their guns in case there is a civil war following a natural calamity.
Truly, no guns mean no self-defense! In such a scenario, a weapon like a crossbow becomes extremely important and handy when it comes to self-protection. Are you prepared for this kind of a chaotic situation? Think twice.
It may be noted that crossbows have been around since the 4th century BC. But no one really knows for sure who came up with this idea first, but historians claim that the East Asians, especially the Indians, Chinese and ancient Greeks were the first to use them on a wide scale. But modern crossbows have come a long way thanks to rapid technological development in the field of weaponry.
The crossbow surely has a long history of use not only as a tool for hunting and but also a weapon for the army of many countries. One may presume that the crossbow today is purely used for recreational purposes like hunting, but the fact remains that this ancient weapon still maintains a strong place in the armed forces, because of its easy learning curve and its ability to hit the target with mind-blowing accuracy.
Now it is often presumed that choosing a weapon like a crossbow is not a difficult task at all. But when you start researching, you will gradually understand how complicated the work is. For one thing, there are so many brands and so many varieties of crossbows in the market that the customer is simply spoilt for a choice. And there is the rub!
Keeping this in mind, we have undertaken the arduous task of finding the best crossbow for you that suits your budget. When you go through the crossbow reviews provided here you will discover that these weapons come in various shapes and sizes, with different kinds of pulling mechanisms, calibers and shooting speeds. Complicated, eh?
Thus, when you have a wide array of choices in front of you, it would be wise to make an informed decision about the crossbow you intend to buy. Does it suit your needs? Are you comfortable with its weight? No matter whether you are an outdoor sports fanatic, or an amateur adventure freak, or a serious hunter, this guide will help you proceed in the right direction. And help you buy the crossbow of your choice.
Finding the best Crossbow by price range
If you have an unlimited budget and not short on cash, purchasing a sophisticated crossbow is not perhaps a daunting task. You just have to find a fancy crossbow that is ultra-expensive and coming from a very reputed company, and you are good to go. After all, a crossbow which is well over thousand dollars has to be of superior quality to catch the fancy of the potential customer who is willing to pay that much amount of money! But even then you might be having problems with the crossbow.
However, when your budget is limited, you will have to be quite cautious about your buying decision. After all, you will have to find the best crossbow available on the market today and you have to do that within your budget.
Don’t worry. You won’t have to ferret out every local store dealing with crossbows or the amazon.com to research your product. In fact, we have done all that hard work for you.
Yes, after doing an extensive research on crossbows available on the market today, we provide you the latest information on the best crossbow for the money, which suits your pocket: we have everything for you—crossbows under $200 to the most expensive ones.
1. SA Sports Fever Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 7 out of 10
Though the Sports Fever Crossbow is just for the beginners who would like to try their hands at outdoor hunting, it offers many of the features a professional hunter would like to have. The crossbow has a 175 pound draw weight and produces a speed of 250 fps. It also contains a weaver-style scope, neat and adjustable in every respect.
A very important feature of this crossbow is that it contains an ambidextrous safety on it. And this safety is automatically going to get engaged as soon as a hunter cocks the bow. This feature is really important, especially for the beginners because it is going to ensure that the weapon will not go off all on a sudden to bring about an accident.
This crossbow is fairly well-made for its price. It does not appear to be cheap by any standard. Though the draw of this crossbow is rather heavy (175 lbs), it is quite easy to cock it.
The trigger of the crossbow is fairly impressive and it is even better than the trigger of an average rifle. The SA Sports Fever Crossbow is fairly easy to hold and lightweight, which means you will never feel uneasy with it.
This crossbow has a very high rating and is presently one of the bestselling crossbows in Amazon. The crossbow is so light and compact that even a woman and child can handle it with consummate ease.
A perfect purchase for a beginner, the SA Sports Fever Crossbow is a favorite of the tyros, the inexperienced hunters, and may definitely attract your attention if you are primarily looking for a safe and low-cost model suitable for a beginner.
Bottomline: it is an entry-level crossbow and you can have some great fun with it!
2. Barnett Jackal Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 8.5 out of 10
When you are on a hunting trip, you would like to carry a no-nonsense crossbow, which is powerful and well-built, durable and accurate, yet easy to go around with. Barnett has been dishing out some of the best crossbows in the market of late, and they have a solid reputation in this field.
The introduction of the Barnett Jackal Crossbow has put another feather in their cap, for the hunters get what they desire in this model.
The first thing that catches your attention is the highly sleek and sophisticated design of this crossbow. The Barnett engineers wanted to give it a military look, and they have done it with flying colors.
The Barnett Jackal crossbow is both for the beginners and the true hardcore professionals. Since it shoots bolts at a speed of 315 fps, it can easily take down a deer, or any medium-sized game quite comfortably.
The Barnett Jackal may not be one of the costliest products around, but it enjoys a sky-high reputation of being a great hunting tool for all hunters A very popular product on Amazon, it has earned a rating of 4.3 out of 5 and barely received any negative criticism.
The full package includes a detachable quiver, bolts, and a premium-quality red dot sight. The Barnett Jackal is highly accurate, quite easy to handle and you will just not stop talking about it when you buy this awesome crossbow.
3. Barnett Outdoors Brotherhood Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Hunting becomes an easy task when you are carrying the Barnett Brotherhood Crossbow, which is just about 160 lbs in weight. Fairly easy to carry around, the Barnett Brotherhood Crossbow has a velocity of 350 fps and is most suitable for taking down antelopes, small deer, rabbits, buffaloes and a host of other small animals.
Although it has a rifle-like appearance, it is rather easy to handle and has little chance of injuring the user.
The Barnett Outdoors Brotherhood crossbow is one of the top-class products available on the market today. Highly affordable, this crossbow is less than $400 and offers incredible value for money. Little wonder it is one of the hot favorites of young hunters who are looking for some thrilling adventures in the woods.
The Barnett Outdoors Brotherhood crossbow is fitted with a scope sight of at least 3x 32. This scope gives you a much clearer vision of the target even from a distance of 50 yards. This feature makes it an awesome hunting tool.
This crossbow is fairly light weight and accurate, easy to assemble and does not vibrate easily. A very popular model in Amazon, this crossbow is going to make your hunting experience a real pleasure—safe, enjoyable and thrilling!
4. Wicked Ridge by Tenpoint Invader Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.1 out of 10
The Wicked Ridge InvaderG3 Crossbow is one of the best in the business. A winner of the best value award from Peterson’s Hunting, it has a solid and durable structure and an eye-catching design. Priced to suit most pockets, this crossbow performs extremely well. Easy to draw and silent, this crossbow can take down a buck, a deer or a buffalo from an fair distance.
Weighing about 6.6 lbs, this crossbow with an awesome design looks tough, lightweight and easy to handle. The scope is designed to be easy to sight, which is absolutely necessary; especially you are a tyro in a hunting ground. Capable of producing a speed of 330 fps, this crossbow, which has a draw weight of 165 lbs, shows remarkable accuracy and stunning performance.
As the bow is designed with safety as its primary concern, it is a great choice for rank beginners, but there is no reason why crack professional hunters wouldn’t love it.
The Wicked Ridge Invader G3 is a high-performance model having a fabulous design and anyone can handle it even if he is quite inexperienced. Priced around $480, this is a top model and you would not find another model which gives so much value for money.
5. Barnett Predator Crossbow Package Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.2 out of 10
The Barnett Predator is regarded as a top model in the crossbow world. It is fast and amazingly user-friendly. It is also a very accurate hunter. All in all, most of the reviews found online and in Amazon have been very positive. A powerful device, this crossbow offers a challenge to most hunters since it requires a greater degree of body strength to control the mean machine—heavy and powerful.
Priced between $500 and $600, the Barnett Predator, though not cheap, is one of the top class crossbows available in the market today.
There are 3 packages offered here: package one includes 4×32 mm scope. The second package includes a quiver, three 22 in arrows, as well as 4×32 mm scope. And finally the third package includes three 22 in arrows and a red dot sight.
6. Barnett Buck Commander Extreme CRT Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.3 out of 10
The Barnett Buck Commander Extreme CRT Crossbow is an excellent product and perhaps the best in this price range. As expected of the best crossbows for hunting, the Barnett Buck Commander extreme has a superb rope cocking mechanism included in the package. It means your crossbow can be loaded faster than usual and ready for many more target-hitting.
The product is designed using advanced CRT technology from Barnett which ensures that all the arrows/bolts fired from this crossbow are damn accurate.
The crossbow can shoot at a velocity of 365 fps, which is incredibly fast and perhaps one of the fastest in the business. This awesome speed is achieved by the draw weight of 185 lbs.
Besides, the crossbow comes with an illuminated scope, quiver, rope cocking device, and 3 arrows. To top it all, the Barnett Buck Commander extreme weighs only 7 pounds thanks to the carbon technology used—which makes it lighter than most crossbows available in the market.
Offered with a 5-year warranty, the Barnett Buck Commander Extreme is indeed any hunter’s dream and you can hardly say no to such a powerful and enticing product.
7. Excalibur Matrix 355 Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Excalibur is a household name when it comes to crossbows and their products are top-notch: fast and accurate. The Excalibur 355 is no exception. This crossbow is highly rated by hunters for its speed, performance, reliability and durability.
The Excalibur Matrix 355 provides a high velocity of 355 fps and it has a draw weight 240 lbs. This crossbow is eerily accurate even from a distance of 70 feet and produces a negligible amount of noise when fired.
This crossbow has a 5 star rating and the scope attached to it is of extremely good quality. If you are toying with the idea of buying a crossbow with an incredible performance, which is strong yet lightweight, you should settle for the Excalibur Matrix 355, which is a great looking product, modern and elegant, powerful and accurate.
8. Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.5 out of 10
The Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow is widely regarded as one of the best crossbows in the world. It is tough and powerful and though the original price of this product is around $1200, you can get the crossbow at a discounted price somewhere in between $800 and $900.
The Barnett Ghost crossbow is narrow enough to squeeze in through a small area, which makes it very handy for hunting. And boy it is so fast that before the twinkling of an eye, it is capable of hitting the target. This crossbow has received very favorable responses from the buyers. And everybody knows that Barnett is a solid company with a very high reputation.
Having an amazingly fast speed of 410 fps and a bow weight of 185 lbs, this super model includes CRT technology to make the shooting machine more lethal, smooth and usable.
Though rather expensive, Barnett Ghost is lightweight, lightning fast, quick to assemble and easy to use. If you are really serious about crossbow hunting, and ready to fight it out in the open with a fantastic weapon to back yourself, the Barnett Ghost is right for you.
9. Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.6 out of 10
The Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow kit is designed for all types of hunters –amateurs and professionals. It is a crossbow that exudes exquisite craftsmanship and high voltage performance. Each bow is manufactured using state-of-the-art technology—carbon-infused limbs, premium alloy cam sets, formidable synthetic strings and cables for achieving maximum speed and precision.
This lightweight model boasts of a good number of safety measures. There is also a 4×32 glass-etched reticle scope, a quiver with 3 bolts, a rope cocker and rail lubricant.
The build of the Carbon Express Intercept Axon is such that everyone may not find it to his liking. In fact, it is more geared towards crack professionals, who are ready to sweat it out in the open through a grueling hunting season.
The compact shape and customizable features of the crossbow make this crossbow very attractive to hardcore hunters. And the power and accuracy it displays make it a great choice for woodland hunting.
Needless to say, the Carbon Express Intercept Axon is a top class product which is preferred by the experts in crossbow hunting and this is one product which is fairly expensive but gives you great value for money. You can certainly go for this product without wasting time, dilly-dallying about your choice. It is indeed one of the best in the business.
The top 3 crossbows above $1000
Now you may ask: what are the best crossbows available in the market today? To answer, this question we are providing you information about the best 3 crossbows available at present.
If you have an unlimited budget, and really want to go the whole hog with crossbow hunting—or pamper yourself by getting yourself the best crossbow which is not only expensive but also a silent destroyer, you can choose anyone of the three given here.
1) Tenpoint Stealth FX4 with ACU Draw Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.7 out of 10
The Tenpoint Stealth FX4 with ACU Draw is one of the top-class items in Amazon in the Outdoor hunting category. It is such a good product that you can seldom find a negative review of this crossbow searching the internet.
Whether you are just an inexperienced beginner or a real pro, this crossbow is for you. It is powerful enough to take down the biggest game in North America, ranging from black bear to a buffalo.
Most crossbows are being offered as a package deal, the Tenpoint Stealth FX4 kit includes the crossbow, multiplex scope, 4 arrow quiver and four fire-bolt arrows with field point.
All in all, the Stealth FX4 is a top-class hunting equipment within a fairly reasonable price. Like all Excalibur products, it offers a life-time warranty. This fantastic crossbow is lightweight, accurate and super fast.
The crossbow is engineered to precision and the company has used state-of-the-art technology to produce this super weapon. It has a velocity of more than 305 fps and boasts of pinpoint accuracy.
The Tenpoint weighs only 6.7 lbs and it is so lightweight that you will never get tired even you carry it for long hours hunting outdoors. All in all, this crossbow is a super weapon engineered to give you ultimate satisfaction.
TenPoint Stealth FX-4 comes with Pro-View 2 Scope and ACU draw. Its perfect size, light weight compact design, and superior maneuverability will appeal to those who are looking for a user-friendly dynamite in a small package.
2) The TenPoint Venom Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.7 out of 10
The TenPoint Venom Crossbow is one of the latest offerings from the Tenpoint arsenal and is regarded as one of their high-end products.
Barely weighing 6.5 lbs, it shoots an arrow at a velocity of 370 feet per second, and it is endowed with a XLT –type front end and cocks down to axle-to-axle 13.5.
It is a very short model, only 34.6 inches long. And it is fitted with a Range Master Pro Scope along with the six-pack of Pro Elite Carbon Fiber Arrows.
You can buy it with the ACU-draw, or, if you so desire, you can have the ACU-draw 50 cocking system.
The Tenpoint venom crossbow is compact and lightweight, and it is accurate without losing speed and performance. The Venom crossbow is the perfect choice for limited space operation and it is quite easy to carry with the rest of your kit.
The sight is accurate up to 30 yards so you can easily focus on your target. It also comes with a Bowjax dampening system that acts efficiently to muffle any noise that might alert your prey. The ACU50 ensures a smooth draw and release, along with plenty of power to eliminate your target.
This crossbow is one of the best crossbows around and backed by Tenpoint technology, it becomes one of the most coveted products available in the market, though a bit pricey.
3)The TenPoint Vapor Crossbow Review
Editor’s Rating: 9.8 out of 10
The TenPoint Vapor is indeed the one of the best crossbows that money can buy. This is an exceptional product with an exceptional price.
It has the ability to shoot with rifle-like precision. And you will just need less than 20 seconds to be ready to shoot another arrow at the target in case you miss the first one.
The first thing that strikes you about this product is that it is incredibly lightweight, compact and accurate. You won’t find another crossbow in the market which can excel this model in terms of portability, speed, and accuracy.
The lightness and compactness of the crossbow make hunting a breeze. It is obviously a top notch model that has a blazing speed of 372 fps and it can shoot at the target consistently at this speed without any lag.
The package includes 6 carbon arrows that will not break without penetrating the target, and the quiver makes sure that you bolts always remain close to your hand. It can also be detached if necessary, so you don’t need to worry about the fact that it might interfere with your shots. The precision scope makes it easy to line up with your target, and it can be adjusted to ensure that you always hit the target with super accuracy.
So, if you are really looking for the best possible crossbow for hunting and have the budget, there is no reason why you shouldn’t grab this super weapon. The Tenpoint vapor is an incredibly fast crossbow, compact and lightweight, and it is a real pleasure to go on a hunting expedition with this crossbow.
If you are a professional hunter, you can always look to purchase this top class model, which is widely regarded as one of the best available in the market today. We would, however, like to point out that the price is a deterrent for many, especially the beginners, but if you want the best, you have to pay the best.
Everyone will not be able to afford the Tenpoint Vapor crossbow, but if you can you will surely be a proud possessor of a crossbow which one dreams to have in his lifetime.
Do you know the difference between a Compound and a Crossbow?
If you are just a beginner, before you make a buying decision, watch this video carefully to understand the pros and cons of both the type:
Are you getting The Best Crossbow for the Money?
If you are searching for the best crossbow that suits your needs, you must consider carefully what features you want in your coveted crossbow. Crossbows have become popular nowadays thanks to the recent television serials and movies where crossbows with weird designs and motifs are displayed and the audience loves it.
It has indeed become a very difficult task of late to choose a good crossbow for yourself because most of the crossbows dished out by various companies now look exquisite and fanciful in terms of designs. But do they deliver?
You must remember that you are going on a real outdoor hunting trip where you are expected to sweat it out in the open and hunt down a game. And sometimes these hunting adventures can even turn out to be risky and dangerous.
So, it is always better that you concentrate on the functions, weight, power, and workability of the product and not on the fancy motifs it displays on its body– or whether it looks like the one carried by Hollywood movie stars in some blockbusters. Don’t get easily swayed by all of the options available now in the crossbow market.
As you are spoilt for choice, it easy to get carried away and make a hasty decision. We have constructed this list of things to help you separate the good from the bad ones. After all, many of you would buy only one crossbow which would give you service for a long period of time. Hence, nobody would like to be an owner of a crossbow which is useless or cumbersome.
Safety of the Crossbow
First thing first. You must ponder over the fact that you are going to buy a weapon, and safety should be the primary concern. You must ensure that the product you have chosen is one of the safest weapons around. For, you would like to avoid a situation where the crossbow explodes or gets fragmented at a critical point and your life may be in jeopardy.
The safety latch is a must in every crossbow, but the best crossbows available on the market are equipped with automatic safety latches. This safety will automatically engage as soon as the crossbow is cocked, and hence you will not be required to engage it manually. This also helps prevent dry firing of your crossbow, which can cause major damage to your limbs as well as that of your crossbow.
Is your trigger system strong enough?
If you carefully check a crossbow, you will find a single hook holding the string back under pressure. When the trigger is pulled, the hook folds down and releases over 150 lbs of pressure to send the arrow flying towards the target. However, the huge increase in demand for crossbows of late has led to manufacturers to compromise in many areas to stay in the competition.
A cheap crossbow generally has a plastic hook that could dismantle at any time, while the best crossbow will boast of a metal trigger system to keep you safe. These crossbow manufacturers will mention in the package that they provide a metal trigger system which will send a message to the potential customer that here is a professional product and it means business. So, before you decide on a crossbow, make sure that it has a metal trigger, strong and durable.
What about weight and size?
Do you want to buy a crossbow that is huge in size and limits your mobility to a great extent? Absolutely not.
The weight of the crossbow is also very important. First of all, you wouldn’t like to carry a burden for hours when you are out hunting. Hence, when you are out looking to buy the best crossbow for hunting, you must consider that you will have to carry it for hours at a stretch if required and fire whenever necessary.
Surely nobody would like to carry too much extra weight for hours in the woods looking for the game. Besides, you must be able to keep your crossbow up and straight, when you are shooting at your target. So, a weighty crossbow is always going to pose a problem, if you are not physically well-built and athletic.
The scope is an important component—don’t ignore it
Some crossbows have a good scope and some are without it. You must ensure that the crossbow you are buying is fitted with a high-quality scope. Otherwise, it becomes very difficult for a hunter to shoot at its target.
If you are looking for value in your search for the best crossbow, you need to find one that includes a scope. A high-quality scope will ensure accuracy and save a great deal of your time and energy.
A good crossbow is known by speed and power
You would also want to ensure that the crossbow you are buying is powerful and has the necessary power to hit the target with a bang. Think of a scenario that you are on your own in front of a wild buffalo or a huge polar bear and you suddenly realize that your crossbow lacks the necessary firepower to take down the game.
In such a situation, you may even risk your life if you carry a crossbow below potential. So, just don’t ever think that your crossbow is just for target practice. When you are on a hunting expedition, you must take a weapon which is good enough to kill your target and at the same time save your life.
Crank or cocking tool–Is it good enough?
A muscle power of 150 lbs is required to cock a crossbow in the field. That may not sound much, but just think of trying to hook the string on a little hook when you are holding that much pressure! That is why you need to have a device that gives you some mechanical advantage over the crossbow.
You can find anything from a variety of cocking tools on the market, and if your crossbow comes with one, you will be able to save some money.
Is your crossbow full of noise?
It is really quite difficult to find out how much noise your crossbow is going to make just by looking at it from outside, so you may need to research this online before you purchase one. After all, you will never want to buy a crossbow which produces a lot of noise when it is fired.
This is extremely important because if a crossbow is noisy, and if you are close to your target, it will just vanish from the scene if you miss the target at your first shot.
Is your manufacturer providing the right warranty?
Any well-known crossbow manufacturer will give you a warranty on the entire crossbow. Obviously, this will not cover the string because they need to be replaced periodically, but everything else will be covered by them. So, when you buy a crossbow online, you must also ensure that they give you at least 2 years of coverage without having to pay an extra sum for your warranty. No buyer would like that. Isn’t it?
Top six crossbow manufacturing companies
Searching for the right crossbow can be a cumbersome job since the number of crossbow manufacturing companies has proliferated these days. Though the new companies can offer eye-catching discounts that might sound very attractive, you should keep in mind that you should not take any risk by purchasing a weapon from a newly-arrived manufacturer. It is always better to rely on some company that has earned a solid reputation in this field.
For one thing. They all specialize in their field and they cater to both the real pros and the rank beginners in this field without compromising on quality.
Barnett Crossbow
Barnett Crossbows has already earned a high reputation in this field. Selling over a million crossbows within the last 5o years, they have established their name in this field. So much so that whenever people think of buying a crossbow, the first name that comes to everyone’s mind is Barnett. They offer all types of crossbows for your requirement. What makes them a respected name is the fact that they never compromise on quality. They make copious use of sophisticated technology, comes up with innovative designs every year. Last but not least, all their crossbows are made in the USA.
Darton Archery
Darton Archery has been manufacturing some great crossbows for the last 60 years or so, and they have already made a name for themselves in this field. Their products are used by crossbow lovers all over the world. Of late, they have lost a bit of their reputation because of the stiff competition offered by the new entrants. But still, you cannot rule them out, which is why we have included their name in our list of top manufacturers of crossbows.
Darton prides themselves on the use of top quality materials and assembles their products with exquisite workmanship. They offer lightweight and heavy crossbows and their products have withstood the test of time. Customers all over the world love their products.
Diamond Archery
Acquired by Bowtech in 2004, Diamond Archery shifted its focus from archery supplies and equipment to high-quality crossbows. The technology they use is some of the best in the industry.
One of the salient features of a Diamond Archery product is the great stabilization and balance achieved by the use of Center Pivot technology. They also use the FLX guard to enhance the aiming accuracy of their products.
Eastman Outdoors
Rob Eastman founded Eastman Outdoors in order to cater to the outdoor adventure lovers, but their manufacturing of crossbows has also come of age.
Although a late entrant in the crossbow manufacturing business, it certainly knows how to make good hunting equipment. The Xforce, a popular model, is geared for the beginner-level crossbow hunters. The features are basic but the quality is quite good, and the product single dot red dot sight, and a weaver scope base. It also offers SilenTech technology which is used to decrease the noise and the vibration of the crossbow.
One of the major features of Eastman Outdoors crossbows is that they are pocket-friendly and their products are generally aimed at the beginners, though they have certain models for the crack professionals.
Excalibur Crossbow
Excalibur is a major crossbow manufacturer which produces crossbows keeping the hunter in mind. Their crossbows are designed exclusively for the professional hunters. Their aim is to produce hunting crossbows which are durable, efficient and accurate. Because of this, they do not offer heavily-stylized models loved by amateurs, but instead, aim for reliability and workability —two qualities loved by real hunters.
Because their crossbows are manufactured to withstand tough conditions, their products are the no-nonsense types. Their advanced composite technology allows the crossbows to withstand wear and tear as well as produce bolt speeds faster than the compound bows manufactured by their competitors.
Other technologies employed by Excalibur are recourse limbs, adjustable cheek piece and an electronic sighting system. The sound suppression system ensures that the prey will not hear the sound of the crossbow, which is a great advantage.
If this is not enough, for the last eight years Excalibur has won the US National Crossbow Championships award along with the Canadian 3-D Championship.
Tenpoint Crossbow Technologies
Tenpoint Technologies has been in this business for the last 16 years. A company growing rapidly and thriving in such a competitive atmosphere, the company has secured more than 30 patents and 19 more are pending.
No other company in this industry has a record of technological achievement that can compare with Tenpoint. The company has always focused on the use of modern technology in their products, which is why their crossbows are often regarded as the best in the business.
Compound or Recurve crossbows?
It is often asked by many people which one should they buy: a compound or a recurve crossbow?
The primary difference between a compound and a recurve crossbow is in the way the string is attached to the limbs or prods. A compound uses cams or pulleys to draw the string up, allowing let-off, which is a term applied in order to describe the decreased draw weight that comes from the cams, thus making it less noisy than a recurve.
Moreover, a compound requires shorter limbs than a recurve. This might be useful to you, depending on the hunting area where you operate as it may be necessary for you to manoeuvre your crossbow through narrow and limited space.
Since all the mechanism exists in the front part, a compound crossbow may become “front heavy”. The additional front weight may reduce your ability to aim and hold it in a shooting position for a longer period of time.
Another disadvantage is that in the unfortunate case of the string breaking, you are finished with hunting for the day, as a trip to your local dealer or a crossbow repairer is required to replace it. For this reason, you must keep an extra string on hand and check the pulleys and cables from time to time. Replacing a bad string is surely much easier if you have it in your kit bag, instead of trying to find one from the market.
Using a recurve crossbow instead of a compound has its advantages
A recurve has tips that curve away from the person shooting at the target. They are lighter and hence much to carry if you have to travel a long distance to reach your hunting ground.
It is also easier to pick up quickly and aim at your target. Besides, the reduced weight of a recurve is a major attraction for both women and young children.
A recurve is usually cheaper than a compound crossbow since it has fewer parts.
They are quieter when they are fired since they are devoid of cams and a cable in motion.
They require very little maintenance. As long as you can keep the trigger clean, the rail lubed, and you change the string from time to time, and put on a new serving if required, a recurve will last you for many years.
The primary disadvantage of using a recurve crossbow is that you may find it harder to cock. You are the one would pull the weight all the way until it is in the cocked position, which can be quite an arduous task.
Many hunters, in order to avoid this, use a string cocker, which helps reduce the amount of power needed to cock them up. However, even when cocked, recurve limbs are still longer than a compound, which often makes it harder to manoeuvre the bow in narrow spaces and take your shot.
Many experienced hunters, therefore, suggest that beginners should always use a recurve crossbow. We, however, consider it a matter of personal choice. Take your time and have a close look at the crossbows, compare both the varieties and shoot a number of bows and then finally make your decision, since both the versions have its own advantages and disadvantages.
Reverse limb crossbows
Reverse draw technology (RDT) has arrived of late, which essentially reverses the limbs of a conventional compound crossbow, in order to give the RDT crossbows a unique appearance apart from improved performance.
Because of this recent success with efficiency and design, many manufacturers have started adding RDT models to their assembly line, and a few companies solely focus on RDT crossbows, highlighting it as a modern innovation.
Crossbow Scopes
Pin and Peep Scope
This is the basic model scope for most crossbows bought by amateurs. You will have a round hole at the end of the crossbow to peep through and a pin cutting it in half vertically. You place your eye up to the peep sight at the back of the crossbow and put the pin in the middle of what you are looking at and aim at your target.
These crossbow scopes are low-cost items and useful if you know how to set them up and use them properly. The problem is that it takes time to make sure that you are in the same position and have the same sight picture every time your fire.
Red Dot Scope
The red dot scope was originally designed for soldiers to help them in combat situations. The idea of a red dot scope evolved because, with its help, you raise your crossbow up, put the dot on the target, aim, and fire. The site is supposed to adjust the dot accordingly so that you are always accurate without having to do anything out of the ordinary. In other words, aiming at the target becomes a breeze if your crossbow is equipped with a red dot scope.
Optical Scope
An optical scope uses more advanced technology which gives you more options. You will find that this type of scopes can add light, subtract light, zoom, and capable of doing so much more. This is the same type of scope you would find on a hunting rifle. You can even find optical scopes capable of giving you up to 5x zoom on your target.
If you are ready to spend money on the best crossbow, you should also get the best scope to go along with it! You will get a huge advantage using an optical scope in adverse weather conditions. Most scopes, however, nowadays come with fog and streak proof glass which will enable you to aim at your target effortlessly.
Crossbow Reviews and what you can expect in ours?
We tried to touch all aspects of crossbow hunting so that both the professionals, as well as the beginners, would find it interesting. In fact, it has something for everyone, no matter whether you are an inexperienced hand or a real pro, so that you may buy the best crossbow according to your budget.
Crossbow Performance
Performance is the first thing we look for in a product review because it is of utmost importance. Who would care to buy a crossbow if it can’t deliver?
The second thing we look at is the FPS rating of the crossbow model in question. It is up to you to decide how much power would you like to have in your crossbow. Though we are not sure how much power you need, we know that it has to be more than at least 100 fps to make it a meaningful product.
Another important aspect we consider is the accuracy of the product. Accuracy has a lot to do with how well the hunter is at shooting, but if you have a good crossbow by your side, you can certainly expect that it would provide accuracy.
We also look at the comfort level that the product can offer you. If you are on an outdoor hunting adventure, you can expect to get into tough situations. But if your crossbow is lightweight and comfortable, it is going to give you some relief at least when you are running around in the wild.
Weight factor
We are aware that the most expensive crossbows are good performers. But how does it react when you pull the trigger aiming at your target? Does it act as a lethal killer or an average performer? After all, you need a weapon which is a top performer and a real hunting machine, capable of eliminating your target silently and efficiently.
Another example of something you would find in this section is the weight of the crossbow. Weight is something that always requires careful consideration when you decide to buy a weapon. You are going to be carrying it through the woods for long hours and hence the lighter it is, the easier the life for you.
Durability
The next thing we look for is the durability of the product in review. Before recommending a product, we just want to ensure that it is not the best weapon in the world for the first few shots and then falls apart. We want to give you the best value for money.
An important factor is the warranty of the crossbow you are going to buy. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on most parts of the crossbows, while others only give you just a month-long warranty. Hence, it is always better to consider this aspect before you purchase a crossbow.
Sight
If the product comes with a sight, it is quite good. But you must check what kind of sight is provided by the manufacturers with your model. A quality sight can be a huge advantage for a hunter, so you must find a product that offers a high-quality sight with the crossbow.
Our best crossbow buying tips for you
- Choose a cross with which you are comfortable. If you are outdoors with a heavy bow and get tired after some time, you are definitely at a disadvantage. Not only you will have to carry it and even run with it, you will also have to keep it steady and level when you do find your prey.
- Just keep away from any product that is made of cheap quality plastic. Crossbows should be made of a high-quality material that is tough and durable.
- You would also like to purchase a cocking aid built in or offered with the package. If you don’t get one, you should buy a good one. You may think that you are tough and well-built and can cock that 150+ lbs stuff without anybody’s help, but you may be wrong, for you would also require that adroitness to hook the string under that pressure. So you must not compromise on that point.
- Read all the reviews carefully before you finally decide to buy a crossbow. It may appear that what you have zeroed upon is the best crossbow in the world, but it may also happen that the crossbow has earned some negative reviews about the user experience and you certainly would like to take no chances with that.
To conclude, you are here to get the best crossbow for yourself. And for that reason, we have provided you with all the important information and detailed crossbow reviews necessary to help you make the right purchase. We are absolutely sure that after going through all the crossbow reviews, you will be able to find the best crossbow of your choice. Happy hunting!
