Date: 14/12/2024 4:17

Best Crossbows of 2024

Whether you're a seasoned hunter passing down traditions to your children, a target shooting enthusiast, or someone looking to explore a new outdoor hobby, finding the right crossbow can be an exciting yet challenging task. With rapid advancements in technology, today's crossbows offer impressive speed, accuracy, and versatility for a wide range of users and purposes.

As crossbow technology evolves, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of speed, with some models approaching 500 fps, while others focus on innovative features like improved follow-up shot capabilities. This rapid progress has created a market filled with options to suit every need and budget.

Crossbows are perfect for:

  • Family bonding through outdoor activities
  • Introducing kids to hunting and marksmanship
  • Recreational target shooting at the range
  • Hunting various game, from small animals to big game
  • Accommodating individuals with physical limitations
  • Providing an alternative for those who can't draw traditional bows

Whatever your crossbow wants, Pyramyd AIR has you covered with a wide selection of the best archery equipment on the market.

Table of Contents
  1. Top Crossbows
    1. Best Hunting Crossbow
    2. Best Crossbow for the Money
    3. Best Crossbow for Firearm Enthusiasts
  2. Common Questions
    1. What is a good cheap crossbow?
    2. How much power does a crossbow generate?
    3. Do you need a license for a crossbow?
    4. Recurve vs. Compound Crossbows?
  3. How to Buy

Best Crossbows

Here are some standout options that offer excellent value and performance:

  • TenPoint Vapor RS470XERO: Features a Garmin rangefinding scope for precise aiming, ideal for teaching kids about shot placement.
  • Ravin R500: Compact design (3.6 inches wide when cocked) with impressive 500 fps speed, perfect for more experienced family members.
  • Barnett HyperTac 420: This affordable option, reaching speeds up to 420 fps, is great for introducing your children to the sport.
  • Centerpoint Wrath 430: The bullpup design offers a longer power stroke for increased speed, making it suitable for older kids and adults.
  • Excalibur TwinStrike: Unique dual-fire technology allows for quick follow-up shots, which is helpful when hunting with less experienced shooters.

Best Hunting Crossbow

TenPoint Viper S400 Hunting Crossbow
Product Details

The best crossbows for bowhunting, strike the perfect balance of performance, speed, and maneuverability without sacrificing safety. One great option which comfortably fits all of these requirements is the TenPoint Viper S400. Equipped with TenPoint's Micro-Trac Barrel and zero-creep S1 trigger, this crossbow boasts impressive downrange accuracy. It's incredibly compact and lightweight but still manages to generate speeds of up to 400 fps. The ACUslide cocking system, dry fire inhibitor, and safety wings ensure safe operation.

Why We Like It

  • The compact size (32 inches long, 7.2 inches axle-to-axle when cocked) makes it easy to handle for various body types.
  • Lightweight at 7.5 pounds, perfect for mobile hunting or use in ground blinds.
  • ACUslide system ensures safe, silent cocking and decocking in the field.
  • RangeMaster Pro Scope enhances precision in low-light conditions.
  • Reaches speeds up to 400 fps with consistent accuracy.

Things to Consider

  • Not the fastest or most powerful in TenPoint's lineup
  • More complex maintenance due to compound design
  • Heavier than some ultra-lightweight alternatives
  • It may be challenging for smaller-framed users

Best Crossbow for the Money

CenterPoint Heat 425 Crossbow
Product Details

While you could splurge for all the bells and whistles, a quality, affordable crossbow can still get the job done. If you've got a tight budget and want a performance crossbow at a bargain price, the CenterPoint Heat 425 just might be the best value.

Featuring CenterPoint's Whisper Silencing System for reduced vibration and noise, the Heat 425 provides deadly stealth with speeds of up to 425 fps. This versatile crossbow can provide a customized fit for any shooter with an adjustable foregrip, cheekpiece, and MIL-SPEC AR-style buttstock. It weighs in at 8 pounds and measures 12 inches wide when fully cocked.

Why We Like It

  • Achieves speeds up to 425 fps, impressive for its price point.
  • Whisper Silencing System reduces vibration and noise, ideal for hunting scenarios.
  • Adjustable foregrip, cheekpiece, and buttstock allow customization for different family members.
  • Weighs 8 pounds and measures 12 inches wide when cocked, suitable for various hunting situations.
  • Things to Consider

    • Though not the most compact crossbow, its budget-friendliness lends itself to family use.
    • The included scope is mid-grade

    Best Crossbow for Firearm Enthusiasts

    Ravin R29X Sniper Crossbow Package
    Product Details

    If you're a firearm fan ready to dip your toes in the crossbow waters, check out the Ravin R29X Sniper Package. While some crossbows lack the narrow footprint and balance of a rifle, the Ravin R29X is a compact 6 inches cocked and easy to maneuver at just 6.75 pounds. The ergonomic grip makes this crossbow comfortable to handle, while the integrated Silent Cocking System eliminates the loud, difficult draw. Firearm enthusiasts will also appreciate the tactical crossbow scope mounted on the lightning-fast Ravin R29X in the Sniper Package.

    Why We Like It

    • Ultra-compact design at 6 inches with tactical scope
    • Impressive 450 fps speed and silent cocking system for quiet operation
    • Ergonomic grip design and lightweight construction

    Things to Consider

    • It has limited adjustability features
    • There is no trigger upgrade option
    • The stock design is fixed

    Family Crossbow Characteristics

    1. Adjustability: Look for crossbows with adjustable stocks and grips to accommodate different family members' sizes and strengths.
    2. Safety features: Prioritize models with dry fire inhibitors and safety wings to protect less experienced shooters.
    3. Ease of use: Consider crossbows with built-in cocking mechanisms for easier drawing, especially for younger family members or those with less upper body strength.
    4. Versatility: Choose a crossbow that can handle both target practice and hunting to maximize your investment.
    5. Maintenance: Factor in the time and cost of upkeep, especially for compound crossbows with more moving parts.

    Common Questions

    What is a good cheap crossbow?

    Current crossbow offerings run the gamut from baseline models under $200 to top-of-the-line rigs outfitted with high-tech accessories topping $4,000.

    If you're in the market for an affordable entry-level crossbow that's ready to hunt right out of the box, check out the Killer Instinct Lethal 405. At under $300, this crossbow still generates speeds topping 400 fps at 14.75 inches wide when fully cocked.

    At just $419, the Whitetail Hunter STR features Barnett's Step-Through Riser technology, delivers a crisp shot via the TriggerTech trigger, and reaches speeds of 475 fps.

    The Wicked Ridge Invader 400 tips the scales at a streamlined 6 pounds and reaches speeds of up to 400 fps with an affordable price tag of $569. Even with the optional built-in cocking mechanism, you can score this hard-hitting crossbow for $679.

    How much power does a crossbow generate?

    Just as each rig and overall setup can create different speeds, the total power can vary widely too. Manufacturers list the kinetic energy --- or total force exerted on your target --- for each crossbow. Mass and velocity both factor into this figure, so the size and weight of your bolt as well as speed will affect this number. Especially when shooting at longer distances, kinetic energy decreases as the bolt reaches its target.

    The average crossbow will generate a minimum of 80-100 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. But with today's lightning-fast crossbows pushing the 500 fps barrier, some of the fastest setups advertise initial kinetic energy approaching 200 foot-pounds. For the majority of North American big game, experts recommend 60 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, so most current crossbows marketed for hunters will provide plenty of power.

    Do you need a license for a crossbow?

    While you don't need a license to own a crossbow, be sure to check your state's current regulations if you plan to hunt with one. Some states allow anyone to hunt with a crossbow in archery seasons, while others limit them to firearms seasons or hunters over a certain age or with physical challenges. Crossbows are currently not legal hunting equipment in the state of Oregon.

    Even in states where crossbows are permitted in archery season, you may need to obtain a crossbow stamp or permit. Additional regulations may apply to crossbow scopes, draw weights, triggers, and more. Contact your state agency for the most up-to-date information.

    Recurve vs. Compound Crossbows?

    If you're in the market for a new crossbow, sifting through all the specs and features can be a bit overwhelming and confusing. To help you narrow down your options, determine what type of crossbow will best suit your needs.

    While recurve and compound crossbows operate similarly, each has key differentiators and advantages.

    Recurve Crossbows

    With fewer moving parts and a simple design, recurve crossbows are easier to restring, consistently ultra-accurate, more affordable, and the overall lower-maintenance option. They're more lightweight than compounds and make less noise drawing and shooting. Their larger footprints, however, can make them tough to maneuver in tight spaces. Without the complex cocking systems of compounds, recurves are also more difficult to draw and produce less power and speed.

    Compound Crossbows

    Powerful and compact, compound crossbows can generate lightning-fast speeds approaching 500 fps while remaining simple to operate in close quarters. They're easier to draw than recurves, and cocking aids can make the process butter-smooth. But all the added moving parts mean more weight to wield, more time-intensive maintenance, and the potential for problems that could affect accuracy. They're also louder than recurves at the shot. Because of the complex designs constantly pushing the envelope, compound crossbows are usually more of an investment.

    Both recurve and compound crossbows are a blast to shoot in the woods or on the range and have plenty of buck-stopping power. Browse our full lineup of crossbows at Pyramyd AIR to find the right fit for you.

    Shop Crossbows

    Killer Instinct LethalRating 4.54.5 (3 reviews)Killer Instinct Lethal 405
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