Best crossbow can be challenging to find, but this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about crossbows and how to choose the right one for your needs and budget.
We’ll cover the pros and cons of different types of crossbows, how to choose the right draw weight, how much to spend on a hunting bow, and more.
When you finish reading this guide, you’ll be ready to start looking at bows in earnest.
Guide to Find Best Crossbow for Bow Hunting and Target Shooting
What you need to know about crossbows ?
Before you start shopping, you need to know about crossbows. That’s because there are some things that one kind of crossbow can do that another can’t.
For example, compound crossbows typically shoot arrows faster than recurve crossbows do.
So if you’re planning on shooting a lot, it’s worth considering buying a compound bow instead of a recurve one.
1. Best Crossbow – CenterPoint Sniper 370
Take a look at one of 2022’s best crossbows, from CenterPoint Sniper 370. At 370 FPS with a draw weight of 185 pounds, there is no doubt that you will get great shot in your target.
This crossbow features precision accuracy, quiet power, and smooth loading that makes it suitable even for hunting.
The weight range is between 7 pounds to 9 pounds, with an innovative design making sure you are comfortably holding it while shooting.
It also comes with an M4-style stock complete with soft rubber grip which provides maximum comfort when holding it continuously in your hands during shooting sessions.
With a fascinating 13.5 power stroke it is able to out rank any of his competitor bow in the market.
Its AR foregrip offers added control so that you can accurately hit any target within its firing range—be it at 100 yards or 150 yards away.
With an astounding 370 feet per second, you can expect a fast velocity and accurate trajectory shot every time you pull back on its string.
This high-speed bolt action is powered by a cable system that does away with spring reloading. Instead, it’s controlled by a thumb lever, which makes quick work of any target at hand
2. Best Crossbow – Bear Karnage Apocalypse features
- Fully adjustable butt stock
- Precise hand-crafted metal and plastic parts –
- Finger activated safety switch –
- 3rd generation body molded from fiberglass, aluminum, rubber and other materials that make it lightweight, sturdy as well as weatherproof.
- Precision triggers made from metal and nylon material
All these features allow you to shoot a multitude of bolts of varying sizes. The Bear Karnage Apocalypse is a custom-made crossbow (despite its affordable price).
Every part has been carefully crafted by hand making it an authentic bow that can be used not only for hunting but also for target shooting or casual archery in general.
It weighs at 7.5 and has an 14 inch width when cocked, making it a lightweight, maneuverable crossbow which is simple to carry around.
It only has five settings but still provides sufficient power to kill game from 121 yards away.
The materials used in its design are durable, solid, edgy-looking yet powerful; there’s absolutely no room for complaint here.
3. Best Crossbow – Barnett Whitetail Pro STR features
With a 17.6 width, maneuvering is easy with Barnett Whitetail Pro STR. You will love shooting with it.
It weighs 6.9 pounds weight and shoots 400 FPS up to 40yards.
The crossbow offers 140 Ft. lbs energy at 20 yards so you can hit targets easily.
The bow is made of fiberglass, so it is sturdy enough for an extended period of time use without any significant damages or wear-and-tear problems occurring.
It’s an incredibly accurate bow, suitable for hunting large game, like deer. Its speed and accuracy make it one of our favorites on today’s market.
The tactical composite limbs make it durable in different weather conditions. Integrated ambidextrous auto safety system keeps you safe as well as being quieter than other crossbows.
Overall length is 32 inches with a 14 inch power stroke, weighing in at 5 lbs.
Package also includes 4x32mm multi-range scope with an illuminated reticle for low light or dark conditions and an anti-dry fire mechanism ensuring your safety and durability.
4. Best Crossbow – Ravin R9 Predator
The Ravin R9 is a quality bow that has many features. 6x Ravin arrows, 6x Ravin nocks, removable cocking handle, quiver or mounting bracket, 6x 100-grain practice field points with all in a hard case which provides storage for these instruments.
The 6x illuminated reticle helps with aiming in low light conditions such as night hunting or getting into your tree stand before dawn.
This crossbow has a cocking effort of less than seven pounds which means that it is easy to use even if you are not very strong.
The best crossbow for hunting should be lightweight, compact, powerful, safe, and durable. The Ravin R9 Predator accomplishes all of these things and more.
With a two-stage safety mechanism (trigger disconnect system), anti-dry fire feature, ambidextrous stock design, convenient built-in cocking device, foot stirrup/hand crank cocking system that makes it easier to cock by hand or foot power.
It also comes with a quiet noise suppressor (reducing noise by up to 80%), an adjustable lighted scope (5 years of warranty) that takes 3 AAA batteries and lighted reticle that makes target shooting at night easier than ever.
The Ravin R9 is a high-powered, lightweight bow that’s one of best crossbows for hunters.
It can shoot bolts up to 380 feet per second (FPS) and has an 8 power stroke that generates 100 foot pounds of kinetic energy.
The all-aluminum frame reduces vibration; a built-in dampener ensures smooth shots every time.
Plus, it has an adjustable length and draw weight so you can customize it based on your height, strength level, or shooting style.
5. Best Crossbow – Tenpoint Turbo GT features
It is super light at around 6.5 lbs (for a 32 inch draw weight). The draw length is 20 inches which should be fine for most users.
The speed is 310 feet per second which makes it quiet enough, in my opinion, to take down your prey or competitors.
The range of 80 yards makes it a great target crossbow for intermediate bow hunters.
It features split limbs which make assembly very easy, especially if you use an Allen wrench set instead of trying to figure out how much pressure you need with two small hex screws as is necessary with other crossbows.
This crossbow can be easily disassembled even without tools by just loosening two screws holding each limb cup in place after removing all four screws holding its riser in place.
It comes with Carbon CFX limbs, Quad Limb Guard System (QLGS), SplitLite riser technology to shoot down targets at high distances, low hand placement design for better grip, two integrated Picatinny mounting rails and X-Tech Slipstream strings.
This crossbow features an automatic safety system which is paired with a 175-pound draw weight and a 15.5 inch power stroke. It has a 12 foot pound velocity rating.
The Tenpoint Turbo GT takes down in just under five minutes using two simple tools – no bow press needed!
The trigger pull is smooth with little stacking right out of the box; we recommend installing a drop away rest with additional pounds of draw weight if you are hunting heavy cover or long distances.
6. Best Crossbow – Excalibur MicroSuppressor Crossbow features
This model includes a pro-grade scope, arm guard, quiver, four arrows, cocking rope and finger tab.
It is compact enough to be transported in your trunk or back seat of your car without any trouble.
It also features an ambidextrous design which makes it ideal for both lefties as well as righties.
It can shoot up to 330 feet per second so you will be able to hunt down targets much faster.
The product dimensions are 37 x 13 x 5 inches and it weighs 7 pounds so you will not have any problems carrying it around during hunting season.
It is equipped with 4x32mm scope, mounted on a Picatinny rail.
The cocking rope is stored in a detachable compartment so you don’t have to worry about carrying it around if you prefer not to use it.
The main body is constructed of aluminum alloy, making it lightweight but sturdy.
It has an integrated safety feature that prevents accidental firing when you don’t want it to fire, and operates using 150 lb. draw weight (the force needed to pull back bowstrings before an arrow or bolt can be released).
It holds up to 12 arrows at a time in its included quiver, or up four bolts if you prefer that.
The Excalibur Micro Suppressor is an extremely compact, lightweight crossbow that utilizes a rail-mounting system.
This makes it easier to place on your rifle. The Micro Suppressor’s biggest feature is its patented design.
It has an angled foregrip that makes it easier for you to aim at your target without losing control of your weapon.
What’s more, it’s able to produce shots as fast as 330 feet per second which means you can take down any prey with ease.
7. Best Crossbow – Barnett Recruit Terrain features
Barnett Recruit Terrain is a well-rounded, no-frills crossbow. Its speed (330 fps) makes it one of Barnett’s most powerful bows.
The kinetic energy produced by arrows fired from Barnett Recruit Terrain bolts (400 grains) surpasses that of many compound bows, meaning more penetration on impact with your target—at a fraction of the cost.
Accuracy is consistently smooth and so is loading.
And since Barnett Recruit Terrain has an incredibly short axle-to-axle length, you can use it in almost any position you want without compromising accuracy or comfort.
The Recruit features a reliable 16 cocked width, 34.25 in length, 6.5 lbs weight, stability, solidity and an AVi anti-vibration system that eliminates 90% of all vibration during shooting.
This crossbow is very easy to maintain with its tool-less draw cycle system.
The Barnett Recruit comes with 3 red dot scope with multi-reticle (4X32), 4-arrow quiver, rope cocker with crank handle and two practice bolts.
8. Best Crossbow – SA Sports 306119 Empire Beowulf features
The 4X32 multirange scope delivers accurate crosshairs, which can be fine-tuned using its elevation/windage adjustment.
Since its weight of 6.5 pounds is not too heavy or light, it is easy to carry when going hunting or practicing with friends.
Its maneuverability has also been praised by many owners, as they say it’s lightweight but very stable in comparison with other products on today’s market.
SA Sports Beowulf:
Best crossbow from SA Sports – Delivers a velocity of up to 350 feet per second (fps) – 19-inch power stroke – Unmatched speed, accuracy, and dependability at an incredible price point Powerstroke 35 -Camouflage pattern is designed to provide superior concealment, helping hunters stay undetected while waiting in ambush.
The riser has a hardwood thumbhole grip with a quick-lock mounting system that makes it easy to attach scopes, sling studs or other accessories.
9. Best Crossbow – PSE Jolt – Best Crossbow features
You will be able to launch arrows at blazing speeds through any weather condition.
The self-retracting safety trigger makes it easier for users of all ages to operate which is great because younger hunters may need that assistance.
The ambidextrous auto safety features are nice when handling as well. With a 10 inch power stroke, you will have no trouble shooting targets accurately without having to go back over them later on.
This crossbow’s hardwood stock looks great with its black accents in strategic locations. The PSE Jolt is a powerful compound crossbow with a draw weight of 160 lbs.
It boasts an impressive 250 fps and can pierce through even tough game. In addition, it’s got a clever, retractable shoulder stock that makes it great for target shooting and bow-hunting.
Their package do contains something interesting including crossbows: Illuminated Red Dot scope, 4 – 18 inch aluminum bolts with 100 gr. Points, 4-bolt quiver, Rubber String Grooves, Cocking rope device, Rail Wax Lube etc.
10. Best Crossbow – X-Gear (Leader Accessories) 160lbs features
Easily portable-Highly adjustable X-Gear that fits most users. X-gear only uses first-grade carbon fiber/glass fiber rods, endurable, lightweight, and easy to transport without any damage or scratches.
It could shoot on a broader range (30 yards) than recurve bow/longbow(20 yards).
No assembly required; comes ready to shoot out of the package with high-performance string in position.
Another recurve limb crossbow design, the X-Gear is an affordable crossbow with a 5.85 lbs weight (including accessories).
The bow has an arrow speed of 210fps, accurate at 15 meters. At only 22 cocked width, it has one of the narrowest cocking widths in its class, making it incredibly easy to handle.
It also comes with multiple safety features including anti-dry fire protection and anti-dry fire wheel.
The X-Gear 160lbs crossbow can be used effectively from a tree stand, ground blind or from a hunting blind during bow season.
Also Read: Best Womens Compound Bow
Conclusion about Best Crossbow
All things considered, there are a ton of factors when considering which crossbow to purchase.
If you’re looking for a simple crossbow at an affordable price, we recommend going with TenPoint Turbo GT.
However, if you want superior power or want something lightweight and portable, Barnett Outdoors has you covered.
No matter what your needs may be in terms of power or portability, one of these top five models is sure to suit your needs.
