The 7 Lightest Crossbows on the Market Today

7 Light Crossbows Under 7 Pounds

Crossbows offer a unique blend of tradition and technology. In recent years, advancements in materials and design have led to the creation of lighter, more manageable crossbows without sacrificing power and accuracy. Here, we discuss the 7 best light crossbows currently on the market, showcasing how these models are changing the game for crossbow aficionados, hunters, shooters, and more. From sleek carbon fiber frames to compact designs, each crossbow in this list offers a unique combination of weight, performance, and usability, making them ideal for a range of users, from seasoned hunters to beginners. We will explore the innovative features that set these crossbows apart, their practical applications, and why weight matters in optimizing your archery experience. Whether you’re trekking through dense forests or practicing in your backyard, these lightweight crossbows promise to deliver unparalleled ease and precision.

For your convenience, we organized this list from lightest to heaviest (without optics) and placed links where each crossbow can be purchased in case you are here for shopping’s sake.

Wicked Ridge Rampage XS – 5.5 pounds

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

The Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 is a remarkable model in the field of crossbows, known for its perfect blend of power, precision, and user-friendly features. Weighing in at 5.8 lbs, it stands out for its manageable weight and max speed of 20 MPH above the M370. This crossbow can shoot arrows at a swift 390 FPS (feet per second), ensuring both speed and accuracy for hunters and archery enthusiasts. Similar to the M370, this comes equipped with or without the ACUDraw cocking assist based on preference. The Rampage 360 also boasts a still narrow 15-inch width when cocked (even though it’s 6 inches wider than the M370), which enhances maneuverability in dense woods or confined spaces. Its design focuses on safety ,too, with features like an auto-engaging safety and a dry fire inhibitor. Durably constructed and thoughtfully designed, the Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 is a versatile and reliable choice for those seeking a high-quality crossbow experience.

Weight: 5.5 pounds

Speed: 390 FPS

Length: 34.5″

Width: 15″

Best Place to Buy: Amazon from $549-$649 based on customization

Wicked Ridge M370 – 5.8 pounds

The Wicked Ridge M370 is a standout model in the lightweight crossbow category, renowned for its impressive blend of minimal weight and high performance. Weighing in at a mere 5.8 pounds, it is one of the lightest crossbows available, making it a top choice for hunters and archery enthusiasts who value mobility and ease of handling. Despite its light frame, the M370 doesn’t compromise on power or accuracy. It boasts a peak velocity of up to 370 feet per second, ensuring a swift and precise shot. The design integrates an advanced cocking mechanism, reducing the draw weight significantly and making it accessible even for those with less physical strength. Additionally, its narrow limb assembly and balanced center of gravity enhance maneuverability, especially in tight spaces or during long hunting expeditions. Sick of ruining hunts by forgetting your cocking device? The Wicked Ridge comes with a built-in cocking device with ACUdraw technology to reduce the difficulty that comes with cocking a crossbow. The Wicked Ridge M370 combines these features with a durable construction and user-friendly design, making it a highly sought-after crossbow for both seasoned archers and newcomers to the sport.

Weight: 5.8 pounds

Speed: 370 FPS

Length: 35″

Width: 9.5″

Best Place to Buy: Amazon

Excalibur Micro Axe 340 – 6.0 lbs

The Excalibur Micro Axe 340 is a highly regarded crossbow, esteemed for its compact design and robust construction, tailored especially for hunters who prioritize maneuverability and reliability. This model is distinguished by its lightweight yet sturdy build, weighing approximately 6.0 pounds. Despite its modest weight, the Micro Axe 340 doesn’t sacrifice power; it is capable of firing arrows at a velocity of up to 340 feet per second. What sets this crossbow apart is its unique recurve design, which simplifies maintenance and enhances reliability, as there are fewer moving parts. Excalibur Micro Axe 340 also focuses on user safety, featuring a Guardian Anti-Dry Fire system.

Weight: 6.0 pounds

Speed: 340 FPS

Length: 36″

Width: 22″ cocked / 25″ uncocked

Best Place to Buy: Optics Planet

Wicked Ridge BlackHawk XT – 6.0 pounds

The Wicked Ridge BlackHawk XT is in the middle of the pack regarding our lightest crossbow selections, but it is at the top of the pack regarding affordable pricing. The Wicked Ridge BlackHawk XT is only $499 and offers comparative speed, weight, and maneuverability. Wicked Ridge prioritizes safety in this model, incorporating features like auto-engaging safety and a dry-fire inhibitor. The Blackhawk’s durable build and straightforward design make it an ideal choice for crossbow users of all types. What’s the catch? The reason this crossbow is priced lower than others in its class from Wicked Ridge is the no special bells and whistles, has an average trigger, and the crossbow is a bit noisy, which can alter your hunting experience and be the difference between a clean kill and a messy experience in the woods. There are solutions to all issues, and this crossbow is very customizable. For the price, it’s still a can’t-miss crossbow.

Weight: 6.0 pounds

Speed: 360 FPS

Length: 35.5″

Width: 15″ cocked / 19″ uncocked

Best Place to Buy: Pyramyd Air

TenPoint Titan M1 – 6.4 lbs

As a modern update to the renowned Titan series, the Titan M1 offers a compact and lightweight design, making it highly maneuverable and easy to handle, especially in tight spaces or dense forests. This crossbow is equipped with an innovative narrow frame, which enhances its portability and ease of use. The Titan M1 is also notable for its speed and accuracy. It can launch arrows at impressive speeds, often reaching 370 feet per second, ensuring a quick and efficient hunt. Moreover, it features a smooth and comfortable trigger, an integral part of its high-precision shooting capabilities. Enhanced with safety features such as an auto-engaging safety and a dry fire inhibitor, the Titan M1 is powerful and accurate and safe for users of various experience levels.

Weight: 6.4 pounds

Speed: 370 FPS

Length: 32.5″

Width: 9″ cocked / 14.75″ uncocked

Best Place to Buy: Scheel’s

Killer Instinct Boss 405 – 6.7 lbs

The Killer Instinct Boss 405 crossbow stands out as one of the most affordable option in our list of lightest crossbows. Engineered for precision and power, it features a compact and light crossbow design, making it easy to handle and maneuver in various hunting environments. The crossbow can shoot arrows at a blistering speed of up to 405 feet per second, ensuring that each shot is not only fast but also incredibly accurate. Its advanced cam system contributes to its smooth operation and reduced noise, making it an ideal choice for stealth hunting. Additionally, the Boss 405 is equipped with a range of safety features, including an anti-dry fire mechanism and a comfortable grip, enhancing the user’s safety and experience.

Weight: 6.7 pounds

Speed: 405 FPS

Length: 33.5″

Width: 14.75″ cocked / 18″ uncocked

Best Place to Buy: Amazon for $278

PSE Coalition Frontier – 6.9 lbs

The PSE Coalition Frontier is the cheapest option on the list, depending on when you buy. With top speed of 380 FPS, it’s a fast and light crossbow and makes for a great hunting crossbow at a super affordable price. The crossbow is accurate and comes equipped with a 4×32 illuminated scope, which is good enough, though you may want to look at other crossbow scopes to upgrade. The only catch – the instructions aren’t very clear for assembly which can be a little frustrating.

Weight: 6.9 pounds

Speed: 380 FPS

Length: 33 5/8″

Width: 14″

Best Place to Buy: Amazon for $259

Finding the perfect crossbow that combines lightness with power and precision is a quest many hunters and archers undertake – and we hope we have made it easier for you. The seven crossbows featured in this article, each weighing under 7 pounds, stand out as exemplary models in this category. Their lightweight design does not compromise their performance, making them ideal for those who prioritize ease of handling and maneuverability. Whether for hunting or target shooting, these crossbows offer a balance of weight, power, and accuracy, making them highly desirable for enthusiasts and professionals alike. As technology continues to evolve, these models set a high standard in the world of light crossbows, promising an exciting future for crossbow enthusiasts.

FAQ’s

Why does weight matter when considering a crossbow?

Lowering weight increases maneuverability, portability, shooting comfort/endurance, typically reduced noise and vibration, and allows young and elderly users to use the crossbow for a long time. It’s still important not to compromise other factors like power, accuracy, and quality – but luckily with today’s technology, you don’t have to.

What is the fastest lightest crossbow?

There are faster crossbows than the ones mentioned above, but if you had to combine lightweight (let’s say under 7 lbs) and fast – the Killer Instinct Boss 405 appears to win. Again, there are different considerations when you’re discussing weight.

Who makes the lightest crossbow?

Wicked Ridge and TenPoint have cornered the market together on lightcrossbows. Although other brands launch lines that compete, no one puts out the sheer volume that those two brands do.