Nothing beats trigger time to see and understand how a crossbow operates and stacks up against others in the industry. In-depth and comprehensive range tests are a great way to separate the wheat from the chaff. The information you need to decide on your best crossbow purchase is below, as we provide comprehensive crossbow reviews for the newest models in 2024.
The crossbow community continues to grow across North America, with more jurisdictions allowing horizontal bows in archery seasons. There has been a significant shift to crossbows within the archery world, with record sales and interest. In response, there are more crossbow manufacturers and a more competitive market. The result is forward-thinking research and development to create more efficient, safer, quieter, and intuitive bows. The competitive field also means consumers have never had more choices. The competition continues to generate high-performance equipment at a price where consumers get value for their money.
There has never been a better time to purchase a crossbow or upgrade to a new model. Crossbows from ten years ago seem archaic compared to those engineered today. Retailers are finding a startling financial windfall with crossbow sales. The Archery Trade Association (ATA) now offers seminars to help retailers take advantage of the increased activity and use of horizontal bows. There were many crossbow manufacturers at the ATA Show, and reports indicated that 30 to 50 percent of archery shop sales in areas where crossbows are legal during archery seasons are thanks to crossbows and accessories. Increased sales in the world of archery business are good for all hunters.
How does one decide what new crossbow to consider? Ten of the industry’s best crossbows 2024 has to offer were tested on the range. The range event wasn’t a couple of friends shooting bows for a day. Over 43 person-hours were spent shooting and evaluating each crossbow. Hundreds of arrows were launched, which proved to be an incredible test for Morrell targets. There were as many manufacturers included as possible to provide the best crossbows 2024 has to offer in addition to the different technologies and engineering being offered.
The interesting results speak volumes about the quality of crossbows manufactured today. There was not a bad one in the bunch, but they are separated by detail and performance. Some adjectives thrown around are quiet, more consistent, accurate, safe, compact, fast, and intuitive. The bottom line is that all the bows will shoot minute-of-deer or better, providing what hunters want and need.
Meet the test team:
- Joe—Retired archery shop owner with over 40 years of experience setting up bows, shooting, and educating.
- Ralph—Avid archer who has harvested deer, moose, and bear with a vertical bow and is interested in exploring crossbows.
- Terry—A hunter at heart with no bow experience. He was our wildcard to get first impressions without having previous influence or manufacturer bias.
- Brad—Avid crossbow and vertical bow enthusiast, shooter, and hunter, with four decades of experience.
Nobody was paid to do these tests, and it was completely unbiased. There were some unanimous results, but individual preferences were developed.
How We Tested
A Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph was used to determine how fast an arrow was coming off a crossbow. The unit uses Doppler radar, which is extremely accurate. The C1 Pro was set on the shooting bench, below the crossbow limbs, at a distance instructed by Garmin. Three shots were measured to see if there was a variance, and an average was produced for reporting. The speed was compared to advertised speeds to see if performance could keep up with marketing.
Accuracy was measured with a three-shot arrow group at 20 yards. The arrow grouping was measured from the center of an arrow hole to the center of the farthest three shots. Most of the crossbows were extremely accurate. A fully supported shooting rest was used on a bench to do the test. The level of the bow was checked to ensure that shooter error did not play into the equation. The premium bows shot groups so tight that the three arrow shafts were touching. One Robin Hood occurred, destroying the arrow already in the target.
The noise and vibration of a crossbow being fired need to be considered. A decibel recording app was used on an iPhone and placed on the shooting bench directly below the limbs. The decibel readings could be higher than when hunting, as there would be some soundwave reverberation off the shooting bench’s surface. However, the readings generated were used to examine the entire lineup and determine where each bow stood against the others for quietness.
Other considerations were trigger-pull, weight, balance, fit and feel, and dimensions. There was a broad spectrum of crossbows, and all were more than sufficient to tackle hunting any North American big game or bird.
The test crew shot the crossbow lineup to determine ease of use. Specific qualities were noted, like trigger pull, cocking the bow, the use of cocking aids, and safety features. How a bow fits and feels is important; full-sized crossbows differ greatly from compact designs. Notes were taken to help provide insight into purchasing a new bow. It is strongly recommended that anyone in the market for a new crossbow go to a local archery shop and pick up any bow being considered. Shoulder the crossbow and look through the optic to see if it fits, slides to the shoulder intuitively, and provides a clear image in the scope without adjusting the placement of your head.
The different crossbows were given titles to indicate where each was a standout. Some were economical, while others shot extremely fast or should be considered for novice or advanced shooters. The test team had fun on the range and agreed that the exercise should be done more regularly. Shooting is the best way to build confidence, know your equipment, increase accuracy, and maintain consistency.
Winners:
Scroll right to left to view and click top header to sort by your preferred category.
For your convenience, click in the orange to read more about the product, and the green to shop our lowest price found on the internet.
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Best Overall Crossbow & Safest Draw System: TenPoint TX 440
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Best Beginner Crossbow: Barnett Hyper Raptor 410
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Fastest Crossbow: TenPoint TRX 515
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Lightest Crossbow: Hickory Creek Inline Vertical Crossbow
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Best Crossbow for the Money (Best Value Crossbow): Wicked Ridge Invader M1
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Most Accurate Crossbow: Ravin R10X
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Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting: Excalibur RevX
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Fastest Budget Crossbow: CenterPoint Sinister 430
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Most Adjustable/Comfortable to Shoot: Ravin R26
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Best Crossbow Under $500: Killer Instinct Vital-X 430
Best Overall Crossbow & Safest Draw System: TenPoint TX 440
Purchase Options:
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- Amazon: $2,499 for basic / $2,999 with Oracle X Scope (Burris Oracle X Scope is $749 so this is a good deal for only $500 more)
- Scheels: $2,499 for basic
- Sportsman’s Warehouse: $2,399 for basic
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 100.9 dB
- Advertised speed: 440 fps
- Chronographed speed: 415.8 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group: 3/8 in (arrow shafts touching)
- Draw weight: 300 lbs
- Length: 28 in
- Width: 11 in
- Width cocked: 6 ½ in
Pros:
- The TriggerTech Trigger broke clean with 3 pounds of pressure and no creep.
- Fast for a forward-limb design.
- Compact and adjustable.
- There was only a 0.7 fps variance in three shots.
Cons:
- The price may be limiting for some hunters and shooters.
- A new nock system means you can’t use arrows already in your arsenal.
The TX 440 set the standard for all shooters at the test range. It was easy to cock, had great balance, shot arrows one on top of the other, and was so quiet it was noticeable.
The TX 440 uses forward draw limbs and a twin riser that reduces weight, flex, and vibration. The design showed its advantages, being one of the quietest bows tested on the range. It is 28 inches long and 6.5 inches wide when cocked. A TriggerTech Trigger is like having a custom trigger that was easy to appreciate and broke cleanly at 3 pounds. There is no rail, and the arrow uses a new nock to lock in place at the back, sitting on spring-loaded ball bearings at the front. The floating arrow reduces friction, enhances speed, and extends string life. There is a built-in cocking and de-cocking device that is the safest of all aids to use. An AR-Style ambidextrous thumb safety was easy to find without looking. The TX 440 is packaged and ready to hunt with a premium illuminated scope, quiver, arrows, and field points. The optic is worth paying attention to, as the EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope was noted as a standout by the test team.
When you go into an archery shop, this is the bow to shoot first and compare all others to see how they stack up. It will help to understand the price and feel and see the quality.
Best Beginner Crossbow: Barnett Hyper Raptor 410
Purchase Options:
- Amazon: Shop $533.87
- OpticsPlanet: Shop $575
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 104.1 dB
- Advertised speed: 410 fps
- Chronographed speed: 399.7 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group: 2.0 in
- Draw weight: 205 lbs
- Length: 32.5 in
- Width: 11.75 in
- Width cocked: 7 ¼ in
Pros:
- TriggerTech Trigger.
- Fully-adjustable.
Cons:
- Requires small-diameter HyperFlight arrows.
- Poor quality optic included in the crossbow package.
Barnett continues to challenge the crossbow market with new and innovative products that are compact, lightweight, and easy to shoot. The Hyper Raptor 410 comes fully assembled and will surprise users with its adjustability and accuracy. The crossbow was ready to shoot coming out of the shipping bow. Barnett uses its HyperFlite technology in the new crossbow, which requires the small .204-diameter HyperFlite arrows. The arrows’ strength, steadiness, and small diameter provide speed and stability with energy transfer from the crossbow. The Hyper Raptor 410 is 7 ¼ inches axle-to-axle when cocked and sports a 14-inch power stroke. The only downfall is not being able to use standard-diameter arrows.
Components like molded limbs, pivoting limb pockets, and self-timing cams worked together to launch arrows that averaged close to 400 fps. The forward-draw limbs are designed to reduce up-front weight and vibration, making the crossbow easy to balance and shoot. The crank cocking device reduces the 205-pound draw to make it easy and safe to control. Its pivoting limb pockets put less weight on the front of the crossbow and provide a durable shooting platform with reduced recoil and vibration. The bow includes custom features like a 3-pound TriggerTech Trigger, adjustable length of pull, and step-through riser. It is sold as a complete package with a scope, arrows, and a quiver.
There were accuracy concerns when performing tests, so the optic was changed on the crossbow and eliminated the issue. The Hyper Raptor is value-priced, but a new scope may be considered to get the most out of the crossbow.
Fastest Crossbow: TenPoint TRX 515
Purchase Options:
- Amazon: Shop $3,499 for basic scope / Shop $3,999 with Oracle X Scope Included / Shop$4,999 with Garmin Scope Xero X1 Included.
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 109.1 dB
- Advertised speed: 515.0 fps
- Chronographed speed: 489.0 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group: 1 3/8 in
- Draw weight: 300 lbs
- Length: 29 in
- Width: 12 in
- Width cocked: 6 in
Pros:
- Extremely fast and accurate.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- ACUslide for cocking and de-cocking with 7.2 pounds of pressure.
- Safe with anti-dry-fire and AR-style ambidextrous thumb release safety.
Cons:
- The price may alarm some people, but the quality explains the cost.
- Some users may have trouble adjusting to no rail to slide the arrow down.
- A new nock system means you can’t use already-owned arrows.
The TRX 515 sets a new standard for premium crossbows. The components and performance were top-notch. Complete with an EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope, the scope was better than others, and the cocking and de-cocking system were superior too. The reverse-limb design increases the power stroke, which equates to mindboggling speed and better balance in hand.
TenPoint has been engineering and building premium crossbows for over 30 years. It continues to find more speed in its high-performance crossbows. The new TRX 515 shoots arrows off a new twin riser that reduces the overall weight and reduces flex by 70% or more. The increased stability of the riser produces tight arrow groups at any range. This crossbow is a great example of premium parts, components, and engineering significantly affecting bow performance and overall quality.
A Zero-Trac Barrel reduces overall weight. A crossbow with no rail means ease of nocking an arrow, plus reduced friction and contact when the trigger is pulled. The arrow used with this bow has a specialized nock to lock it into the trigger mechanism. Without a rail, the front end is equipped with ball bearings on springs to float the arrow, which is contained with a top brush. The engineering and design changes make the TRX 515 lightweight, compact, fast, and accurate. A premium feature worth noting is the TriggerTech trigger, which has zero creep and breaks like glass. The trigger mechanism features a Dry-Fire-Preventor (DFP) and thumb-operated safety. The TRX 515 measures 29 inches long and 6 inches wide when cocked, has reverse-draw limbs and a 16-inch powerstroke. The new ACUslide MAXX cocks or de-cocks the bow with 7.2 pounds of pressure. The TRX 515 package includes a scope, quiver, arrows, ACUslide MAXX, bubble level, and bow hook to ensure you can shoot it the day you get it home.
Lightest Crossbow: Hickory Creek Inline Vertical Crossbow
Purchase Options: Direct on Website Only
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 94.5 dB
- Advertised speed: 330 fps at 150 lb draw weight
- Chronographed speed: 324.7 at 125 lb draw weight
- Accuracy three-shot group: 2 5/8 in
- Draw weight: 95 to 150 lbs
- Length: 30 in
- Width: 18 ½ in
- Width cocked: 17 in
Pros:
- The long power stroke generates speed and energy.
- Extremely quiet.
- Custom-like trigger
Cons:
- It is challenging to draw by hand with a draw weight of 95 to 150 pounds.
- It is unnerving to shoot the first time.
- The string must be drawn straight up to prevent derailing.
Hickory Creek is not your typical crossbow. It is best described as an inline vertical crossbow with a draw-loc. Everything is adjustable, from the grip to the draw weight. Short, small, and compact, it is a different way of thinking and not your standard crossbow design.
Until you shoot the Hickory Creek bow, it is hard to understand its safety and efficiency. The bow is extremely quiet with a skeletonized frame. It is important to draw the string straight up to prevent derailing. The limbs are adjustable for poundage from 95 to 150 pounds but are shipped set at 125 pounds. The bow is drawn by hand, but there is a cocking aid available for purchase separately.
You can let the bowstring down without harming the bow and staying safe. The entire bow can be disassembled quickly and easily. The trigger is outstanding and fully adjustable. It is important to note that the Hickory Creek Inline Vertical Crossbow meets the definition of crossbow in most states where crossbows are legal in archery seasons. The 17.5-inch axle-to-axle design is not as critical when the bow is vertically held. No rail means the bow produces little noise and doesn’t slow the arrow down with friction. Most crossbow widths are measured axle-to-axle. The vertical crossbow is unique with a narrow width measurement of limb width and hand grip or handle. An anti-dryfire locks the string for safety and is easy to reset by lifting the string back to a fully cocked position. With a vertical design, the arrow rest allows you to paper-tune the bow for broadheads and change strings and cables without a press. The scope is offset but keeps zeroed from 15 yards and beyond. The bow can be shot with a scope, peep, or pins. The vertical design offers benefits and is likely an easy transition for vertical compound bow shooters wanting to explore crossbows.
Best Crossbow for the Money (Best Value Crossbow): Wicked Ridge Invader M1
Purchase Options:
- Amazon: Shop from $749
- Scheels: Shop from $749
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 103.5 dB
- Advertised speed: 390 fps
- Chronographed speed: 361.4 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group: 3/8 in (all arrow shafts touching)
- Draw weight: 190 lbs
- Length: 32 in
- Width: 14 in
- Width cocked: 9 ½ in
Pros:
- Value price with modern components and technology.
- ACUdraw cocking device for cocking and de-cocking.
- Intuitive design that is easy to use and operate.
Cons:
- This crossbow is not as compact as some.
- The length of pull could challenge small-framed shooters.
The Invader M1 is the little crossbow that could. The Invader M1 is easy to use and operate. It shot arrow groups so tight that the arrow shafts were jammed tightly together in the target. The crossbow was accurate, quiet, and durable. It has everything you need to shoot or hunt confidently and accurately.
If you want extreme crossbow performance and value, Wicked Ridge has the bow to target your wants and needs. The Invader has remained on the company’s best-seller list since 2010, and new technologies make the new M1 model narrower, shorter, lighter, and easier to cock or de-cock. The reverse-draw bow weighs 5.8 pounds and is 9.5 inches wide when cocked and shoots 390 feet per second. The Invader M1 is 32 inches long and comes with an ACUdraw built-in crank cocking device, reducing cocking weight to 5 pounds. The aluminum riser and limb pockets are stable, durable, and designed to reduce vibration. The tactical stock is lightweight. The Invader M1 comes packaged with a Pro-View 400 4×32 lighted scope featuring a reticle with aiming points to 70 yards that can be calibrated for shooting 380 to 420 fps. The crossbow package is ready to hunt with a scope, three carbon arrows, and a quiver.
If you do not currently own a crossbow, this would be a great bow to consider, and it would last for many years. In general, Wicked Ridge makes many of the best crossbows for the money.
Most Accurate Crossbow: Ravin R10X
Purchase Options:
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 116.4 dB
- Advertised speed: 420 fps
- Chronographed speed: 422.4 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group: 1.0 in
- Draw weight: 195 lbs
- Length: 33 in
- Width: 10 ½ in
- Width cocked: 6 in
Pros:
- Adjustable stock adds to comfort and accuracy.
- It is accurate and consistent, generating a Robin Hood at the range.
- The R10X comes with an optic that can keep up with the crossbow.
Cons:
- Not new, as it was released in 2019
- The 10X was the loudest crossbow of the ten tested.
- De-cocking is challenging with a free-spooling handle.
The Ravin R10X shot a Robin Hood at the range, giving it the distinction of most accurate. The first thing to note is that it shoots as fast as they say it does. Of course, HeliCoil technology that coils the cables away from the top and bottom of the cams in helical grooves keeps the cams perfectly balanced. The design creates consistent and accurate arrow placement down range.
Arrow friction is reduced with an arrow that floats and is held in place by two rollers at the point end, generating accuracy and improving string life. The custom-like Trac-Trigger Firing System slides down the rail to engage the string the same way every time, ensuring straight-line nock travel. It also works with the Versa-Draw Cocking System that requires only 12 pounds of cocking force, is ambidextrous, and can cock or de-cock the bow. The R10X is packaged with sling mounts, adjustable cheek pad, and buttstock, includes three arrows and field points, a removable draw handle, quiver, a good quality illuminated scope, and is fully assembled and tuned.
Best Deer Hunting Crossbow: Excalibur RevX
Purchase Options:
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 116.3 dB
- Advertised speed: 400 fps
- Chronographed speed: 386.1
- Accuracy three-shot group: 1 1/8 in
- Draw weight: 325 lbs
- Length: 30 in
- Width: 25 in
- Width cocked: 20 ½ in
Pros:
- The recurve limbs are the most forgiving on the market.
- Speed and accuracy were easy to confirm.
- The new cocking and de-cocking system was easy and efficient.
Cons:
- The draw weight sounds alarming, but the cranking device reduces the weight to 16 pounds.
- The width of the limbs is double that of most compound limbs.
Excalibur has over 40 years of history in the crossbow business, and its products improve yearly. Anyone who doubts a recurve-limb crossbow should pay attention to the details, like a variance of 0.8 fps between three shots. The RevX was shockingly quiet. A similar range test was done several years ago, and the decibel reading of the recurve-limb bow at that time was noticeably high. New technologies and design have made the RevX much quieter, being in the middle of the pack out of the ten crossbows tested making it the best crossbow for deer hunting. The solid recurve limbs are incredibly durable and ideally suited for someone who is rough with equipment or accident-prone. The RevX was lightweight, easy to handle, and shot like a dream.
A huge advancement for Excalibur is its ChargerX Integrated Crank required for cocking or de-cocking the bow. The built-in cocking aid was easy to use, safe, and quiet. The forward-limb bows tend to be front-heavy, but the RevX felt better balanced and had a reduced overall weight with a sleek and skeletonized stock. The trigger would be described as a premium component that broke clean, increasing down-range accuracy. The arrows were launched with impressive velocity, close to the manufacturer’s advertised. The bow feels good to shoot. A big note is the new air-brake suppressors, which quiet the bow. In past tests, the recurve limbs generated lots of noise, but the RevX proved to have significantly fewer decibels. The price makes this bow a contender and if you’re just looking for the best crossbow for deer hunting, you don’t need a lot of the bells and whistles the other crossbows offer.
Fastest Budget Crossbow: CenterPoint Sinister 430
Purchase Options:
Specs:
- CenterPoint Sinister 430
- Decibel average for three shots: 101.6 dB
- Advertised speed: 430 fps
- Chronographed speed: 431.3 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group:1 ¼ in
- Draw weight: 200 lbs
- Length: 30 in
- Width: 13 in
Pros:
- Economically priced.
- Extremely fast for a forward-limb design crossbow.
- Shockingly quiet.
Cons:
- Cocking sled cumbersome with long external strings.
- Front heavy with solid fiberglass limbs.
The CenterPoint Sinister 430 was the sleeper in the lineup of crossbows. It was in the top three for quietness and shot the speeds advertised. The fully integrated silent cocking system with an auto-retracting cocking sled worked fine but often tangled or slowed the process. The optic was good for a value-priced bow and did not hamper or hold back performance. The 1.5-5×32 mm illuminated scope was easy to find when bringing the bow to the shoulder. The illumination is always a nice bonus.
The Sinister worked well for a wide array of shooters. The bow offers plenty of adjustment, from its bullpup stock, foregrip, string stops, cheek comb, and buttstock, allowing you to tailor-fit this bow. The better a bow fits and feels, the more accurate the results are. Arrow speeds consistently exceeded those advertised with only 0.7 fps variance with three shots. The Sinister 430 offers value, speed, great kinetic energy, adjustability, and better maneuverability for any hunting situation. The aluminum riser, CNC cam system, anti-dry fire technology, and roller retention spring provided outstanding, repeatable accuracy and performance shot after shot. The crossbow is sold as a package with all the accessories to get started, including the fully integrated silent crank system, rail lube, 1.5-5×32 mm illuminated scope, and three 20-inch arrows and parallel quiver.
Most Adjustable/Comfortable to Shoot: Ravin R26
Purchase Options:
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 108.2 dB
- Advertised speed: 400 fps
- Chronographed speed: 386.6 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group: 3/8 in (arrow shafts touching)
- Draw weight: 340 lbs
- Length: 26 in
- Width: 9 ¼ in
- Width cocked: 5 ¾ in
Pros:
- Accurate and consistent arrow placement down range.
- Adjustable and comfortable to shoot.
Cons:
- Noise and vibration were higher than most.
- The arrows were challenging to nock.
The R26X was unavailable for testing, so the R26 was put into the lineup. The difference between the two models is the cocking system. The performance should be the same.
The newer R26X takes the compact R26 platform and adds a fully-integrated silent cocking system. The R26 is extremely compact and would be great when hunting in tight quarters. The bow measures 5 ¾ inch axle-to-axle when cocked. The narrow design does not hamper the performance of this bow, as it shot over 386 fps. The design generates noise and vibration that is easy to discern. The built-in cocking and de-cocking device was easy to use, making it quiet to get ready for a second shot. The trigger was of good quality, which helped account for the arrows touching during the accuracy test. The Frictionless Flight System allows the arrow and string to float above the rail. The design eliminates friction and helps generate consistent accuracy and increased string and cable life. This HeliCoil advantage is what Ravin has built its reputation on for accuracy with every shot.
The crossbow design of the R26 has been on the market since 2019 and continues to hold its ground. The longevity is something to note if you are in the market for a new, high-performance crossbow. A polymer stock and aluminum riser help keep the bow lightweight. Several test team members commented on the comfort of the R26 and how easy it was to shoulder and find the target. The optic attaches to a Picatinny rail and is good quality. The scope is marketed as a Sniper because it is illuminated with red or green, has 20 – 100-yard reticles, and is fog, shock, recoil, and waterproof.
Best Crossbow Under $500: Killer Instinct Vital-X 430
Purchase Options:
Specs:
- Decibel average for three shots: 110.3 dB
- Advertised speed: 430 fps
- Chronographed speed: 415.9 fps
- Accuracy three-shot group: 1 5/8 in
- Draw weight: 185 lbs
- Length: 35 in
- Width: 10 ¾ in
- Width cocked: 6 ¾ in
Pros:
- Extremely fast.
- Value-priced, under $500.
- Unique cocking feature with 50% letoff with rope cocker.
Cons:
- The crossbow is long and has noticeable front-end weight.
- Rope cocking device, drawing 185 pounds.
The Vital-X 430 proved to be an exceptional crossbow for under $450. The bow does not give up performance or stability at a low price. Features like being easy to cock with 50% letoff on draw weight make a big difference, and not having a crank cocking aid keeps the price down. However, it is important to note that a crank cocking device is available.
The Vital-X 430 generated slightly more noise than most crossbows but would not be considered noisy. The chronograph showed an average speed of almost 416 fps, close to the advertised speed of 430 fps. The bow was the longest at 35 inches but had a narrow front end measuring 6.75 inches wide when cocked. The Vital-X 430 had an average weight of 7.8 pounds compared to the rest of the lineup in these tests. A great feature is the five-position adjustable buttstock that is easy to alter. An interchangeable pistol grip enhances stability when shooting. The Vital-X 430 is packaged with arrows, quiver, calibrated reticle scope, rope cocker, and field points. The packaged bow is of incredible value without compromising performance.
Garmin Xero C 1 Pro Chronograph (Click to Shop)
The Garmin Xero C1 Pro is a compact and impressive chronograph designed to record and measure muzzle velocity or arrow speed. The unit records data and makes calculations to create an accurate ballistic table.
Garmin Xero C1 Pro Specs & Features:
- Projectile Speed: Ranges from 100 to 5,000 fps.
- Calculations: Provides velocity, energy, averages, extreme spread, and standard deviation using Doppler radar.
- Display: 240 x 320 pixels.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours or 2,000 shots. Rechargeable.
- Dimensions: Compact at 3.03 inches x 2.38 inches x 1.36 inches.
- Weight: Lightweight at 5.7 ounces (with tripod).
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7.
There are modes for various bows and firearms, from BB guns to long-range rifles.
The unit is easy to set up and intuitive, making it extremely portable. The chronograph can access additional features via the Garmin ShotView app. https://www.garmin.com
The Unsung Hero – Morrell Targets Big High Roller (purchase on Amazon)
The Morrell Targets Big High Roller target is built with a solid poured foam and self-healing ability. The target will stop arrows up to 500 fps, allowing the user to remove them easily. It stops field points, mechanical blades, and fixed blade broadheads. It measures 16 x 16 x 16 inches, with six shooting sides and 21 bullseyes resembling dice. The target is weatherproof, fade-resistant, and has a carrying handle. The test team shot hundreds of arrows in the Big High Roller Targets and easily removed them. They never had problems stopping even the fastest crossbows. Read about selecting Crossbow Targets
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Crossbow
- Price is a huge factor when looking at new crossbows. Different brands and models can range from under $500 to over $4,000, and knowing the difference in quality, components, and engineering will help you make the right and informed decision.
- Safety should always be paramount. All manufacturers have safety in mind, but some are more intuitive than others. Please pay attention to trigger-block safeties and where they are located. Some are dangerously close to the actual trigger. Cocking aids have advanced safety when getting the string to the locked position. All bows are designed to keep fingers and thumbs below the string track. Most include warning labels as visual reminders.
- Advancements in cocking aids mean that anyone can now cock and shoot even the fastest crossbows with extreme draw weights. Crank units reduce effort to mere pounds, and the crank can be stopped during the cocking process without losing control. Being able to de-cock a crossbow with a crank is the best crossbow safety invention ever, ensuring the user and the bow are always safe and protected.
- Speed. What is enough speed? All the crossbows tested shot incredible speeds compared to any crossbow a decade ago. Speed should be considered to manage arrow trajectory or increase penetration when hunting. However, speed is not everything, and shooting a crossbow consistently and accurately comes from the user and the equipment, with one complimenting the other.
FAQs
What is the best crossbow scope?
A good crossbow scope will provide a bright and clear image of the target, even in low-light conditions. Scopes calibrated for speed allow reticles to offer precise aiming points. It is important to have quality optics to get the most out of high-performance crossbows. The TenPoint EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope is a good benchmark to look through and compare others in an archery shop – or, read through our article on the best crossbow scopes.
What is the best broadhead for crossbows?
The SEVR Ti 1.75 is a great broadhead for any crossbow, developed to optimize penetration with a 1.75-inch cut diameter. The swept-back blade angle creates a slap-cut that stretches beyond the 1.75-inch cut diameter. The Ti 1.75 is rear-deployed with a one-piece machined titanium ferrule and precision-ground tip to aid penetration. The blades have a Lock-and-Pivot design that can move around bone and dense material without changing the arrow’s flight. A screw can be used to lock the blades in place for practice or unlock it to go hunting. For more information on crossbow broadheads, see our article on the best crossbow broadheads out now.
What is the best crossbow rest?
The Primos Trigger Stick is great when stalking game or setting up an ambush. The Swagger QD42 Bipod is flexible and stable, allowing it to be used in any terrain. The Swagger has a quick detach, and the bipod can be carried on your belt, in your pack, or left on the crossbow stock. TenPoint makes a SteddyEddy, a telescoping two-section monopod that attaches to your crossbow using a 360-degree rapid-pivot tube and clamps under the stock to store it. Set the desired length by turning the extension pole to stand or sit.
What case should I protect my crossbow with?
Choosing the right crossbow case depends on various factors related to your needs and performance expectations. Crossbow manufacturers typically offer soft-sided cases, with some providing semi-rigid hard cases and a few offering fully hard cases. Each type serves different purposes and comes at varying prices. I can guide you through these options to help you find the ideal crossbow case. Considering the significant investment in high-end crossbows, including optics and accessories that can cost between $2000 and $5000, the expense of a protective case is relatively minor, especially for air travel. Therefore, I’ll focus on hard cases that ensure protection in all conditions. Additionally, the article provides a “Home Hack” option for creating a semi-rigid case at a lower cost, though it may not offer the same level of protection as purpose-built cases.
Do Crossbow Bolts Matter?
Factory bolts, or stock bolts, can get the job done. But to truly get the most out of your crossbow, yes – bolts matter. In a separate article, we’ve compiled a list of the best crossbow bolts as it stands today. Whether you’re looking to get the best for high speed, low budget, strength, stopping power, or anything in between – we’ve got you covered.
Conclusion
Selecting the best crossbow is a matter of preference and need. As you can see, in today’s world, there a lots of great options and the margin for exceptionality from the pack is so thin. It really comes down to what you plan on using it for and what you’re looking to get out of it. Obviously, in a limited time – we weren’t able to check durability but every crossbow mentioned above is made from trusted manufacturers and with high quality materials that should last for as long as the crossbow is taken care of. We are attempting to perform reviews on each crossbow as well, if you look at the search icon in the top right you can search any topic or crossbow to see if we have reviewed it in depth. If not, shoot us an e-mail or hit us on Facebook.
