Crossbows have been around for a very long time. Their use dates back to the 4th century BC, and they’ve been revamped and reworked throughout the ages. To this day, they still see use. Be it hunting or shooting sports. If you’ve been on the lookout for the best crossbow, look no further than this article as this is the definitive guide for crossbow buyers.

We’ll review the most popular and best-selling crossbows available in the market, and we’ll be diving deep into their inner workings to ensure that our reviews are as unbiased as possible.

When choosing the best crossbow, many factors come into play. You have different shapes, sizes, and pulling mechanisms as well as different shooting speeds and caliber. Not only that, but the way the best crossbow feels in your hands is equally as important as the gun specifications themselves.

We’ll be providing an in-depth review as well as quick bullet points. Whether you’re in a hurry or have ample time to research, then you’ll most certainly learn a great deal from this thread.

Are you ready to make your choice? Read on!

The Best Crossbow for Different Prices

When buying something, it’s always important to have an idea of how much you’re willing to spend. Budgets can vary greatly from person to person, and to make sure that there’s something for everyone, we’ll be placing the items into 4 categories:

The first category is for those who have a quite limited budget, that usually ranges from $100 to $300. As we all know, money is not a luxury we can all afford, but just because you’re not rich doesn’t mean you can’t have nice things as well. This list will be comprised of highly cost-effective crossbows that will give you your money’s worth.

The second category will be for those who have a budget of $600. These are the most cost-effective ones. They won’t break the bank, but you could say that their price betrays their effectiveness, in a good way! Check carefully when going through those, as your best crossbow might just be among them!

The third category will be for those who have a budget of $800. Now you’re beginning to buy the same equipment as the pros! These might not be affordable for everyone, but their prices shouldn’t be too far out there to reach. Definitely worth the price.

If you can spare even more than $800, then the fourth category is perfect for you. When buying anything, there’s always a point where the price doesn’t really reflect the quality of what you’re buying.

For example, the difference between a $200 best crossbow and an $800 best crossbow is extremely significant. However, the difference between a $1000 crossbow and an $8000 one can even go unnoticed for some people. Fear not, however, as the items we’ve compiled in that categories are also well worth the investment.

Best Crossbow for People on a Budget

Barnett Jackal Package: The Newbie Crossbow

Definitely one of the most user-friendly crossbows out there in the market. The Jackal Package contains a quiver, bolts and even a red dot sight. Barnett is one of the most well-known, best crossbow manufacturers out there, and for a good reason, as their quality is reflected even in their cheaper alternatives such as this crossbow.

As already stated, this is one of the most beginner friendly crossbows out there, and that is best demonstrated in how easy it is to set it all up and assemble it. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to set it up. One thing to keep in mind though is that you’re definitely going to need to get broadheads if you intend to go hunting with it.

In terms of looks and design. The Jackal comes with a military style stock and separate grip. The separate grip allows the user to wield the weapon as if he were holding a pistol which is good. The Jackal also seems to have both a durable and lightweight body which is quite amazing, not to mention the design itself looks great!

What we like about this crossbow

When coupling the aforementioned traits of the Jackal along with its low price, you’ll have yourself the best crossbow available to people on a strict budget. We strongly recommend this product if you’re ever tight on money but need a good or even the best crossbow for the price.

Arrow Precision Inferno Fury: Very Affordable, Surprisingly Effective

Being one of the cheapest crossbows there is, it’s completely natural that people feel doubtful about its abilities. However, this recurve crossbow is definitely not something to be reckoned with as it offers decent quality and is easy to use as well. It’s also very lightweight. The Inferno Fury also comes with everything you’re going to need for target practice and training. It even has its own red dot sight.

With all that said, the Inferno Fury isn’t really suited for anything outside for training and target practice. Sure, it can probably take down a deer from 20-30 yards away. However, we advise against using it for hunting as it’s not as reliable as the other items in this category. It has manageable recoil and is easy enough to draw using a cocking aid. It’s perfect for training and practicing against targets. Some experts consider it the best crossbow for those very purposes. However, we can’t guarantee anything if you still proceed to go hunting with it.

What we like about this crossbow

If you’re new to the hunting scene and want to sharpen your skills before getting to the real playing field, you can’t go wrong with the Inferno Fury. This crossbow offers everything you may need in a crossbow at an extremely affordable price, making it the perfect match for aspiring crossbow hunters.

CenterPoint Sniper 370 Package: A Stronger Beast

The CenterPoint Sniper 370 Package shares a lot with its Jackal counterpart. They’re both extremely affordable and equally effective. They’re also beginner friendly.

CenterPoint seems to be dominating the low-mid price range so far. The CenterPoint Sniper 370 is very similar to the Jackal. However, it has been slightly modified. It’s compelling and deadly in the right hands. It’s capable of firing projectiles at an impressive 370 feet per second. A bolt going that fast is deadly even at 50 yards away.

‘Why should I even consider buying the Jackal if the CenterPoint Sniper is more powerful?’ You might be wondering. While reading the previous paragraph might make it look like the CenterPoint Sniper is the clear winner among the two, it is a bit heavier and bigger overall. This makes perfect sense as more power requires a bigger crossbow. To keep it as simple as possible, if you prefer something more compact and for shorter ranges, going with the Jackal would the better choice. If you prefer more power and range in an exchange with a bulkier crossbow, then the CenterPoint Sniper is one to buy.

Just like the Jackal, the CenterPoint Sniper also comes with a Red Dot scope along with arrows and a quiver to get all set up to go hunting or practicing.

What we like about this crossbow

The CenterPoint Sniper 370 Package is a great mid-range crossbow that has everything you may need in such a weapon, from the red dot crossbow scope to the perfect weight.

Best Crossbow for the Money

Wicked Ridge Invader G3: The Biggest Bang for Your Buck

We’re starting this list strong with one of the best value crossbows. The Invader G3 is a solid crossbow that is quite easy to handle. It’s also very beginner-friendly, and assembling it is quite simple as the package comes with a clear guide to walk you through the setup process. The package also includes three bolts, so you’re set from the start!

Ten Point has done a fantastic job of redesigning the Invader G3. The redesigned riser and the cutouts that have been placed serve well to reduce the weight of the crossbow and give it a more ergonomic feel while also adding more power to the fired projectiles. The crossbow also has a 3.5-pound trigger that feels good to pull. It also has the new ACU-52 cocking system which fits perfectly in the stock without causing any inconveniences whatsoever. On top of all that, the Invader G3 includes plenty of safety features which counts as a massive plus for the weapon.

One other great thing about the Invader G3 is the fact that it’s very compact and lightweight, weighing only 6.6 pounds. This makes it optimal for close range use. What’s surprising about all of this is that it can still shoot relatively fast projectiles at around 330 feet per second. That, coupled with a 165-pound draw makes it take down small game quite easily and consistently. Speaking of consistency, it’s also one of its features as it’s very accurate for up to 40 yards. It’s also able to group shots together. If those are the things you’re looking for in a hunting weapon, this is perhaps the best crossbow for you.

What we like about this crossbow

Not only is the Invade G3 effective, bit it’s also lightweight and comes with a plethora of features. If you’re looking for a balance between power, portability, and price, look no further as this is the weapon you seek.

Barnett Ghost 375: A Great Speed at a Great Price

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see one of Barnett’s crossbows to pop up in this category. They are truly deserving of all the praise they receive as their products are some of the best there is and they have something for everyone, as you’ll see later down the line. The Barnett Ghost 375 is reliable, accurate, compact, and lightweight. All of these characteristics make it the optimal choice when in hunting cramped hunting blinds. The Ghost 375 also contains a 5 in 1 safety system which is present in all other Barnett crossbows. While a bit pricier than the other available models, it’s well worth the jump in price.

It weighs a mere 7 pounds and has an ergonomic design that makes it handle like a charm. The materials used in its parts are also very durable and reliable and are made specifically to grant as much power for as little weight as possible in order to make for a comfortable shooting experience.

The Ghost 375 can fire bolts at impressive speeds. 385 feet per seconds is the speed at which this bad boy can send its projectiles flying. This makes for cleaner, painless kills, be it a small or large game. Another impressive feat that the Ghost 375 has managed to do is having a 165-pound drawback even though it doesn’t include any cocking mechanism, this makes the process easy and comfortable. Whether you’re an adult or a teen, using the Ghost 375 should feel comfortable. Definitely, a force to be reckoned with!

What we like about this crossbow

Speed enthusiast? Want your bolts to go through the air unnoticed? A fan of stealth hunting? If your hunting preferences coincide with any of those, you’ve hit the jackpot. Barnett Ghost 375 is an excellent crossbow when it comes to speed and precision, and it’s definitely a solid choice to consider.

Higher Price, Better Performance

Barnett Buck Commander Extreme: Quick and Lightweight

As we mentioned before, we’re going to see more Barnett products on this list. The Buck Commander Extreme is easily one of the lightest compound crossbows on the market weighing a mere 7.1 pounds. It is made from carbon and aluminum which are both very light and robust materials which is why the Buck Commander Extreme is so lightweight. It is quite compact which makes it extremely versatile. Maneuvering this bad boy shouldn’t pose a problem at all as its ergonomic design and small size should ensure a comfortable user experience.

Another one of the Buck Commander Extreme’s plethora of merits is that it’s also quite durable. Barnett made sure that this will not fail you when you most need it. When it comes to the price, this is definitely a worthwhile investment to make as it should 100% deliver in terms of quality.

The Buck Commander Extreme is also quite accurate, it comes with a 3×32 illuminated scope that is quite handy. The crossbow itself is very accurate even up to 50 yards. Expert hunters can make it work even with longer ranges than that which is quite the feat, but most hunters shouldn’t really be put in a situation where they’re going to be farther away than 50 yards.

What we like about this crossbow

Even though the last category was reserved for the most cost-effective crossbows, the Buck Commander Extreme is probably one of the best value crossbows out there on the market. If your budget isn’t very strict, and you can go for one of these, we strongly recommend you follow through with that choice and get this weapon as the best crossbow as you’ll not regret it.

Excalibur Matrix Grizzly SMF: Not as Cheap as the Others, Still Quite Affordable

Excalibur has managed to create a well-balanced recurve crossbow which surpasses its predecessor, the Axiom SMF. The Grizzly has been gaining a lot of traction among hunters, and for a good reason, it’s easily one of the best crossbows for small and medium games. It’s also very comfortable and has an ergonomic design that helps keep your aim as steady as possible. The assembly process is also quite simple, so it shouldn’t take much time. Just attach the stock using the two screws provided with the package, and you’re good to go.

Aside from being ergonomic and easy to set up, it’s also extremely lightweight, weighing in at just 5.5 pounds. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating this little bad boy though. It’s called the Grizzly for a reason, as it packs a mean punch capable of humanely taking down smaller game. It’s also quite accurate, and the scope that’s included with it is quite handy, so don’t worry about missing your shots. It can send bolts flying at 305 feet per second, which be enough for most hunters.

The Grizzly package comes with 4 bolts which is quite a generous amount. It also has a quiver and a mounting bracket. The draw on the Grizzly is around 200 pounds, now you won’t want to get hit something like that! That kind of power should be enough to penetrate targets. This is definitely one of the better recurve crossbows out there.

However, with all that said, it’s critical that we mention that it doesn’t include an anti-fire safety mechanism so we wouldn’t recommend this weapon as the best crossbow for beginners.

What we like about this crossbow

We get it. Sometimes, one may be looking for a powerful hunting weapon without breaking the bank. If you’re not a fan of too cheap crossbows, get yourself one of them Grizzlies. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, its price point isn’t the highest either. Overall, it’s a great choice that comes at a reasonably affordable price.

The Best of The Best

Barnett Ghost 410: A Force to Be Reckoned With!

If crossbows were firearms, this one would be a 50. Cal Barrett sniper, even the names are a bit similar. This beast of a crossbow can fire at an incredible 410 feet per second. Yes, you read that right, 410 feet per second! Now that’s one big bad boy. Well, actually, the Ghost 410 is not actually that big, but we’ll talk about that later. Let’s get back to its speed. The Ghost 410 has been voted as the fastest, best crossbow of 2018. No wonder it got that title since it’s so darn fast!

Now let’s talk about the actual size of the crossbow, it’s surprisingly compact, and light at 7.3 pounds which makes it optimal for small hunting places. The Ghost 410 has a draw weight of 185 pounds and a 15.4 power stroke. It also generates 149 ft./lbs of kinetic energy. It is most suited for 22-inch arrows. With that kind of power, you can take out any type of game.

You must be thinking that this crossbow costs a huge fortune, but the thing is, it’s not even that expensive, if you have the money to spare, this is most definitely the best crossbow to go to. As we’ve said before, Barnett makes the best crossbows on the market, and this one is no exception. It also has Barnett’s 5 in 1 safety mechanism which makes it perfect even for beginners. Whether you’re a newbie or a professional, this crossbow is sure to satisfy whatever hunting needs you might have.

What we like about this crossbow

Since you reached this section of the article, the above suggestions are probably out of the question, and you’re looking for the best of the best. If budget isn’t a problem for you, you really can’t go wrong with Barnett Ghost 410 as it’s definitely the king (or queen) of hunting crossbow when it comes to speed, weight, and accessories.

Excalibur Matrix 380: Another Powerhouse Joins the Market

Excalibur has done a fantastic job with the Matrix line of crossbows. They’ve truly set the bar high for their competition. The 380 model is no exception. This fine piece of work is a very compact and reliable recurve crossbow, with equally impressive arrow speed, around 380 feet per second to be specific. Not only that, but it’s the most accurate best crossbow on this whole list, being reliably precise at ranges farther than 60 yards! Impressive to say the least.

When it comes to hunting game, we don’t need to tell you how effective the 380 model can be. You can even take down Grizzly Bears and Cape Buffalo. If you’re an experienced, hunter, you can take down anything with this thing. It’s nothing short of a masterpiece for hunters. Just remember that the crossbow itself doesn’t have any magical properties that will make you instantly an expert hunter, so you’ll need to practice in order to get the most out this crossbow.

The Excalibur Matrix 380 package is a big one, containing 4 bolts, a quiver that can hold 4 arrows, 4 field points, a string cocking aid, a high-end tact zone scope, assembly, and tools. Oh, did we mention it also comes with a lifetime warranty? The is easily the most comprehensive package you can get for this price range in terms of recurve crossbows. We strongly recommend this to anyone who has the money to spare. Definitely, a recurve crossbow fan’s wildest dream come true!

What we like about this crossbow

If you’ve been in the hunting scene for too long, and you’re looking for a powerful crossbow that can meet your expectations when it comes to features and taking down big game, Excalibur’s Matrix 380 is an excellent choice to consider. This is a big package that covers everything you need during your hunting endeavors, from the bolts to the scope. What are you waiting for? Get your crossbow and get going!

The Absolute Best Crossbow Picks on the Market

As we all know, in order for the shooting to go as smooth as possible and be accurate, the shooting tool, a crossbow, in this case, should be of high quality.

The fight over the title of the best crossbow is currently between the Barnett Ghost 410 and the Excalibur Matrix 405, which one is the best, however, solely depends on your preferences.

Long story short, if you’re a fan of recurve crossbows then go with the Excalibur, but if you happen to prefer compound crossbows then pick the Barnett.

However, if you happen to be a fan of both types of crossbows, then the Barnett Ghost 410 is definitely the better choice due to its lower price tag.

Excalibur Matrix Mega 405: The King of Recurve Crossbows

A perfectly-built hunting machine, this crossbow is the best recurve crossbow due to many factors.

As the name suggests, this crossbow boasts a 405 fps speed, in other words, it can take down most legal game quickly and easily, including large game. Its speed allows it to hit very hard and crush the bone of any game in your sights. This speed also means that the arrow goes really deep into the animal’s body, basically making it somewhat challenging to get the arrow out, and that’s why I highly recommend buying an arrow puller. At the end of the day, you always have to keep in mind the fact that this crossbow is the fastest recurve crossbow in the world when shooting it.

Other than that, everything that you will need to start hunting is included in the package, including a fantastic scope (probably the best in the market right now), bolts, a quiver, and a tutorial video for setting up the crossbow and making sure that it’s ready for hunting.

Again, if you’re looking for the best crossbow hunting experience then look no further because the Matrix 405 will provide just that. Its superior quality and features make it the perfect choice for every crossbow enthusiast looking to hunt some great game.

Is This Crossbow Good for Beginners?

As expected, all that quality and convenience comes at a price, and it is one high price. That’s why I don’t recommend getting this crossbow if you’re a recreational hunter or a beginner, but if money happens to not be an issue for you, then go ahead! And even if you’re take bowhunting seriously and professionally and you want the best crossbow you can afford, and the matrix 405 is in your budget then you just got yourself a new, best crossbow.

TenPoint Venom ACU50 Crossbow

Although it’s highly compact and lightweight, this TenPoint crossbow does not suffer from any reductions in speed or performance. The crossbow offers great convenience in tight, confined spaces, and in addition to being super easy to carry, it can be stored almost anywhere. Another plus is how easy the assembling process is once you get it out of the box for the first time.

It features a sight that is accurate up to 30 yards (27 meters), so you can simply zero in on your prey for a killing shot. Additionally, it comes with a bowjax dampening system that muffles most of the noises when shooting to ensure that your prey doesn’t run away. The ACU50 provides smooth drawing and releasing, along with power strong enough to penetrate your target like butter.

Moreover, the Venom crossbow has an FSB (Functionally Superior Bullpup) stock, which through my research, turned out to be a fan favorite of people who bought the TenPoint Venom Crossbow.

With a shortened barrel and a durable and lightweight construction that’s based on carbon fiber, you should expect an easy-to-carry crossbow with high maneuverability even in tight spaces.

What we like about this crossbow

Even though the TenPoint Venom crossbow features a price tag that’s kind of higher than other models, its lightweight and compelling design make it worth the extra money. If you were wondering about the speed of the bolts in the crossbow, its 372 feet per second, which is more than enough, even for hitting moving targets.

TenPoint Vapor: The Final Boss

Yet another best crossbow from the well-acclaimed company of TenPoint, the Vapor is a speed-and-accuracy-focused crossbow, with incredibly consistent performance with each fired shot. Similar to its brother, the venom crossbow, the vapor is super easy to assemble right out of the box, and with every attachment already included in the package which includes: 6 carbon arrows that are a penetrating and durable force and a quiver to ensure you that your bolts are always available. The quiver can be easily detached when needed, so there is no need to worry about it getting in your way when shooting.

Some key aspects that the designers of this crossbow kept in mind when making it include: speed, comfort, weight, and size. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it’s also very comfortable to carry. It fits perfectly and comfortably against your shoulder, making it a hell of a lot easier to get that ‘’killing’’ shot. With a drawing weigh of about 165 pounds, you should expect your bolts to fly through the air without any issue whatsoever, in addition, the ACU draw system makes putting a new bolt in this best crossbow a straightforward process.

What we like about this crossbow

What we really dig about this crossbow is its ergonomic design that combines speed and power, making it a solid choice and strong candidate for the crown of the best crossbow.

Best Crossbow for Women: Wicked Ridge Lady Ranger

While crossbow hunting, and hunting in general, is regarded as a sport that’s predominately exercised by males, more and more women are starting to pique interest in this sport. That consequently pushed some manufacturers to research about the needs of the ladies out there and try to come up with the best crossbow for them. Wicked Ridge is one of those manufacturers, and they managed to produce what I think is the best crossbow for all the ladies out there.

The Lady Ranger boasts a self-retracting cocking system out the box. Moreover, the crossbow only weighs 5.9lbs when fully equipped with its attachments and bolt, and the speed of the bolt can reach 300 feet per second which is great. Finally, the pink pattern that the crossbow comes in is a plus for many ladies out there who may fancy the color.

What we like about this crossbow

Ladies, there’s no point denying it. YOU CAN DOMINATE THE HUNTING WORLD, and we’re sure YOU WILL. There are some aspects that differentiate men and women, and for that, several crossbows were invented to fit a lady’s needs and expectations when hunting big game.  The Wicked Ridge Lady Ranger is an excellent choice when it comes to women’s arsenal, so make sure to consider it when you’re ready to start your hunting ventures. Look for more great options for women? Check out our post on the best crossbows for women for the complete lowdown.

Barnett Recruit: The Best Crossbow for Kids

Out of all the crossbows already discussed and that are to be addressed in this article, this crossbow is probably the easiest to set up. You attach the riser to the stock and then mount your scope on, and it’s ready to shoot, it’s that quick and simple. Even though it comes with a draw weight of 130 lbs. I recommend getting a rope cocking device for safety reasons.

What we like about this crossbow

If the title and the characteristics didn’t give it away already, this crossbow is for kids, the best crossbow for them even, but that doesn’t automatically make it a toy of some sorts. Remember that with a speed of about 300 feet per second, this crossbow can easily kill a deer. That’s why you need to keep an eye on your kids when they’re using it and make sure that they understand what it’s capable of doing before they even get their hands on it. If you need the best crossbow for kids, look no further than Barnett Recruit.

How to Choose the Best Crossbow-Hunting Companion – F.A.Q

If you’re new to the sport, and you’re considering getting a new crossbow, then it’s very crucial to keep several vital points in mind when choosing which crossbow to purchase. The first thing that you should know is that the newer (more modern) the crossbow is, the easier it is to use and the greater its effectiveness is, so try to avoid buying most of the older models.

What Are the Best Crossbow Brands on the Market?

Like any market of any product, there is competition between a number of manufacturers. In the case of crossbows, companies are praised for their years of expertise, and the quality of the crossbows that they produce, the most prominent of the bunch, aka the best crossbow brands, are:

• Barnett
• Excalibur
• Tenpoint
• Wicked Ridge
• Parker
• Horton
• Carbon Express
• Arrow Precision
• SA Sports
• Pse
• Diamond Archery

What are the Different Types of Crossbows?

One vs. Two-Handed Crossbows

Crossbows, like ordinary guns, are available in one-handed models (pistol-like) or two-handed models. The most common type of the two is the two-handed one, due to the wide variety of uses that it offers. These include fishing, hunting, target shooting, sample-collecting for scientific purposes and even military use. Two-handed crossbows are generally the most powerful and accurate ones out of the bunch, they feature an aiming scheme similar to that of ordinary two-handed guns and operating and handling them is very easy to learn.

On the other hand, one-handed crossbows are less common yet popular among users for their capability of target shooting, hunting small game, and acting like self-defense weapons. Although they generally lack the accuracy and the sheer power of their two-handed counterpart, they are usually lighter, easier to use, more compact, and less expensive.

Recurve vs. Compound Crossbows

Recurve Crossbows

Recurve crossbows come with multiple advantages in comparison to compound crossbows, these include tips that curve away from the person that is shooting it, thus making the whole shooting process a much safer one. They’re also lighter than their compound counterpart, marking them way easier to carry and that alone is extremely helpful if you happen to be the kind of hunter who travels long distances looking for game. Aiming down sight quickly is also an option due to the weight of these crossbows. Additionally, the weight advantage can also be a decider for women and kids interested in using the best crossbow.

Recurve crossbows also feature fewer parts than compound ones, thus decreasing both the price of the crossbow itself and possibility of it failing in action. The lower number of components also means less maintenance down the road, to cut it short, as long as you keep your trigger clean, lube your rail, and you change the string on a constant basis, the best crossbow will serve you for many years to come. Note that changing the string can be done without a bow press, but I wouldn’t recommend not using one simply because it makes the whole process way safer. Carrying one with you on a hunting trip is always a plus in case you need to change the string mid through the journey.

Finally, recurve crossbows are incredibly quiet due to the fact that they don’t feature any cams or a cable when operating. Moving on to the disadvantages of using a recurve crossbow, one of the most prominent ones is the fact that recurve crossbows are harder to cock. That’s why many recurve bow users carry a string cocker with them, which greatly decreases the strength needed to cock them.

Should You Get a Recurve Crossbow?

Many experienced bowhunters recommend beginners to use recurve crossbows due to their simplicity and easy maintenance, but at the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference. So, make sure to try as many crossbows as possible before making your final decision.

Compound Crossbows

Before explaining what compound crossbows are or how they work, I need to explain the difference between a compound crossbow and a recurve one. It all comes down to the way the string is attached, unlike their recurve counterpart, compound crossbows use cams (or pulleys) to draw the string up, which creates what people call ‘’let-off’’, which is the term used to describe the reduced weight that you face when drawing, and this solely due to the cams taking over the process for you.

Additionally, compound crossbows require shorter limbs than recurve ones, which can be a great asset for a hunter if they happen to be in a crowded and tight area (maneuverability).

Due to the sophisticated make-up of a compound crossbow, especially in the front part, it may come to some as ‘’front heavy’’. This can cause problems when trying to bring the crossbow up and aiming down sights quickly.

Another disadvantage is that if the string breaks while hunting, you’ll probably have to cancel your hunting trip for the day and rush to your local dealer for a replacement, that’s why I recommend carrying a bow press and at least an extra string with you every time you got out for hunting.

Compound crossbows are also louder than their recurve counterpart, there are attachments that can help you reduce the noise, but it’ll never make it as quiet as a recurve crossbow, and this make arises as an issue in the case of hunting game with good reflexes.

Finally, the cams of a compound crossbow can come out of place rendering inaccurate, and while this can be fixed, of course, it can’t really be done during a hunting trip.

Reverse Limb Crossbows

RDT, short for Reverse Draw Technology, is a recent innovation in the world of crossbows, and as the name already suggests, it’s basically compound crossbow but with reversed limbs. Due to the success of this design, many companies released RDT models for hunters to add to their arsenal. The design is so good to the point where some companies decided to exclusively concentrate on making RDT crossbows. Some of their many advantages include balance, increased power stroke, incredibly low vibration, and noise, and a (possibly) smaller size than conventional compound crossbows.

What to Look for When Looking for the Best Crossbow?

Speed

The size and the strength of the bolts matter when it comes to speed, compound crossbows are overall the better type if you seek speed and power.

Noise

In order to avoid the prey from fleeing you need to have a very quiet crossbow, and recurve crossbows with parallel limbs exceed in this field even though many professionals don’t recommend using them due to their slower speed in comparison to regular recurve crossbows.

Weight

One of the essentials, weight is extremely important when hunting, while lighter crossbows are perfect for long distance hunting trips and constant movement, heavier ones provide a steadier grip and a better shot. Always keep your physical limitations in mind when dealing with the weight of a crossbow.

Draw Weight

The term for the amount of strength needed to pull the limbs back to a firing position, the draw weight is a variable yet crucial part of crossbows (the higher the value, the faster the arrow’s travel speed is).

Arrow Track

Basically, the barrel of the crossbow, or in other words, the structure that makes it possible for you to shoot an arrow at a target, the more durable and solid the construction is, the more accurate the shot is going to be.

Parts

The materials of the crossbow’s components are also important, in other words, if you seek a high-quality, or even the best crossbow, then you should probably opt for a metal one, but if you’re looking for a cheap temporary crossbow, then you might as well get a plastic one.

Other Factors

You should also check the features that the best crossbow comes with (cocking aids, sights, noise dampening attachments, etc.) and the manufacturer or the brand.

How Much Draw Weight Do You Really Need in the Best Crossbow?

Through surveys and such, manufacturers realized that most hunters target medium to large sized prey such as deer, black bears, moose, and such. That’s why most manufacturers present crossbows for a draw weight that’s usually in the range of 150 lbs and a velocity of near 300 feet per second. These numbers usually ensure a humane and quick kill, if you’re a good shot of course. It’s as simple as that, the bigger the size of the game, the more draw weight and velocity you’ll need.

KE (Kinetic Energy) is also a metric used by many manufacturers to describe a crossbow’s range of power.

In short, if you follow our guideline about the weight and velocity of crossbows and make sure that you purchase your weapon from a reputable manufacturer, then you will hopefully acquire a more than capable crossbow.

Verdict: Choosing the Best Crossbow for the Money

I’m guessing that after reading this article, you’ve become somewhat familiar of how it generally works, that’s why it’s time for you to list your needs, set your budget, and choose the best crossbow for you.

Just make sure to get a high-quality product, if you can afford it of course, because it can simply make the hunting experience better, easier, and more fun.

What are you waiting for? Grab your Crossbow, First Aid Kit, Equipment, and start hunting!