How We Test Crossbows, Accessories & Hunting Gear
Crossbow Magazine is built around one core belief: the only way to judge crossbow gear is by shooting it, hunting with it, and living with it in real conditions. We don’t lean on manufacturer claims or marketing copy. We lean on bolts downrange, broadheads through targets, and long days in the stand with equipment that has to earn our trust.
Our reviews are created by dedicated subject matter experts: hunters, shooters, tech-minded testers, and crossbow disciples who spend countless hours tuning, testing, grouping, and evaluating the latest equipment. Because they work independently, they are free to be fully honest. No one tells them what opinion to have, and no advertiser can influence what they write.
Independent Experts, Independent Results
Every review on this site is written by an actual live person tester (not an AI summary) who brings their own equipment preferences, shooting style, and experience level. Two testers might evaluate the same crossbow and reach different conclusions—that’s not a flaw, it’s a benefit.
Crossbows aren’t “one-size-fits-all” tools:
- Some shooters prefer speed and aggressive cam systems
- Others prioritize quiet shots, minimal vibration, or crisp triggers
- Hunters with mobility limitations may judge a rope-cocking system differently from someone using a crank
- Weight distribution, limb width, and stock ergonomics affect shooters uniquely
We allow these differences to stand. It gives readers more perspective—not less.
Gear Sourcing: Bought & Sent, But Never Influenced
Our crossbow testing relies on a combined approach:
- Gear we buy:
We frequently purchase crossbows, scopes, quivers, arrows, and accessories ourselves to ensure unbiased evaluations. - Gear sent to us:
Manufacturers often send crossbows for review. But sending a product does not guarantee:
- positive coverage
- a ranking in a roundup
- a “best of” placement
- editorial input
If a bow splinters a bolt, misfires, groups poorly, or fails in the field, we report it. Integrity outweighs sponsorship every single time.
How We Test Crossbows
Our testing process includes:
Accuracy Testing
We shoot at multiple distances—20, 40, 60 yards, and beyond when applicable. We track:
- group size
- shot-to-shot consistency
- POI shift
- real chrono measurements
Trigger Feel & Shot Behavior
Testers evaluate:
- trigger break
- creep
- vibration
- sound output
- recoil impulse
Cocking/Decocking Performance
We assess systems based on ease of use, safety, and reliability under repeated cycles.
Field Use
Crossbows go into tree stands, blinds, spot-and-stalk situations, and late-season hunts. Cold-weather performance is particularly important.
Durability Over Time
We consider:
- string/cable wear
- limb integrity
- serving separation
- bolt flight consistency over extended use
Continual Updates as New Crossbows Release
Crossbow technology changes fast. Reverse-draw systems, micro-limb designs, crank mechanisms, and hybrid scopes evolve every season. Because of that, our “best-of” lists are constantly updated. If a new bow outperforms an older favorite in a certain category, we change our rankings without hesitation.
Performance decides placement, not brand loyalty.
Why Our Process Matters
Crossbows are expensive, and hunters deserve reviews shaped by real performance, not sponsorships. Our method ensures every ranking, comparison, and field test reflects hands-on experience, not theory.