Derrek Sigler 02.04.21
Every year, the crossbow manufacturers try to outdo the competition with new bows that address the common areas of technology – speed and accuracy. The evolution of crossbow technology has taken huge leaps in recent years, with bows becoming faster, more compact and quieter every year. Whether you’re new to crossbows or a seasoned crossbow shooter, now is a great time to get into some of the best crossbows available. We’ve assembled what we feel are the five best crossbows you can buy right now.
Table of Contents
1. TenPoint Garmin Vapor RS470 XERO Crossbow Package – Editor’s Pick
When accuracy counts above all, this is simply amazing.
Ten Point took their top crossbow and added the most advanced sight technology to date with the Garmin Xero X1i. The result is the most accurate crossbow on the market. At the core of the package is the Vapor RS470, which sends a bolt screaming along at 470fps with a stunning 191 foot/lbs. of kinetic energy. It operates with Ten Point’s S1 trigger system that has a consistent 3.5lb. Pull and zero creep, making it easier to focus on your target and improve your accuracy. Reverse draw design and the Accu-Slide cocking aid give you a 6.5-inch width when cocked and 5lbs. Of force needed to cock the bow. Plus the Accu-Slide system allows for easy de-cocking, too, making it easier to come out of the woods after the hunt.
But speed means nothing if you can’t hot exactly where you need too. That’s where the Garmin Xero X1i scope comes into play. It has a built-in laser rangefinder and a digital crosshair that adjust for the range. The result is unparalleled accuracy. Yes, it’s pricey technology, but when you are taking a shot at the buck of your dreams, the cost seems insignificant.
Pros/Extreme speed and accuracy, along with the ability to easily cock and de-cock the bow.
Cons/The price makes this for serious shooters only.
Bottom Line/Currently the most accurate crossbow on the market.
2. Ravin R29X
If there is one company that pushed the envelope of crossbow technology, it is Ravin. The company broke barriers for speed with bows that were long and lean, and now they do the same with one of the most compact crossbows ever to hit the market. The 29X has a tight 6-inch axle-to-axle width when cocked and a speed of 450fps. The bullpup design makes this one of the shortest full-size crossbows ever. Their Helicoil technology makes the bolt float, with little contact with the rail, for optimal flight and reduced friction, making the bow last longer. The built-in cocking mechanism is silent, making this a great bow for ground hunting, as well as in the stand.
Pros/Extremely compact and silent cocking.
Cons/Again, that price is a little tough to swallow.
Bottom Line/If you need compact size and speed combined, this is it!
3. Excalibur TwinStrike – Two Shots
If you miss, you have a second chance.
One thing modern crossbows have not been able to offer is a quick, second shot. That all changes with the Excalibur TwinStrike. This is one of the most talked about crossbows on the market. Excalibur’s DualFire Technology lets you load up to two arrows at one time, and shoot them rapidly with absolutely no loss in velocity or accuracy. This recurve crossbow shoots arrows up to 360 FPS with two independent triggers with 4-lbs. of pull. This crossbow has an over/Under rail system with shoot through riser and the CeaseFire ADF system ensures the crossbow won’t fire unless an arrow is loaded. The TwinStrike includes accessory package that sets you up right with Overwatch illuminated scope, Charger EXT / fail safe strap, R.E.D.S. Suppressors, DualFire Decocking Aid, Rebolt 4 arrow quiver, (4) quill arrows with Rhino nocks, and (4) 100-grain field points.
Pros/Twi shots in rapid succession
Cons/Check your local regulations for legality for hunting
Bottom Line/First bow with a follow up shot
4. Wicked Ridge RDX400 – Best Buy
Quality Reverse-draw bow with speed and accuracy
Wicked Ridge started off as a less-expensive alternative brand for Ten Point, but has taken on a life of its own as a premier brand of crossbow that brings value along with technology. The RDX400 has a reverse-draw for a compact design mixed with speed and versatility. It has Ten Point’s Pro View scope, string stops, a 400fps speed and the Accu-Draw Pro Cocking system for swift, effortless cocking. The RDX400 has what Wicked Ridge was known best for too – a great price. At under $900 for the Accu-Draw Pro model, this is one of the best performing reverse draw crossbows you’ll find in this price range
Pros/Decent speed, quality components and accurate
Cons/It’s still pricey, but you get a high-quality bow
Bottom Line/A great bow for the money, as you’d expect from Wicked Ridge.
5. Wicked Ridge BlackHawk 360 – Entry-Level Pick
Wicked Ridge calls this the lowest-priced, American-made crossbow – ever.
By now, you know that Wicked Ridge crossbows are a near-perfect balance of quality and value. When the company claims that a new bow is the lowest priced bow you’ll find that is American made, that sounds pretty interesting. The Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 crossbow comes in under $400 and packs a lot of features that make it the perfect crossbow for those new to the sport. It is made of quality components and shoots arrows up to 360 FPS. It features a lightweight, hard-hitting design that’s great for whitetails and other big game. The BlackHawk 360 package includes accessory package with multi-line scope, (3) XX75 arrows, quiver, and rope cocking device.
Pros/Great bow for the money.
Cons/Nothing fancy, but that’s kind of the point.
Bottom Line/If you’re looking for an inexpensive bow with decent speed, here you go.
Speed is relative
Crossbows are always pushing the speed barrier, with the latest bows reaching the 500 feet per second range. Those ratings are calculated under near perfect conditions, which affects what you will see in the field. Bolt selection, wind speed, temperature and what you choose for a broadhead can affect the actual speed you will experience in the field when it comes time to take the shot.
How important is speed?
Speed gives you a little more range, and helps make shots on game. However, speed means very little if you’re not accurate, so practice makes perfect.
What is a crossbow’s range?
With the speeds of modern crossbows, the effective range is getting bigger. However, most archers wouldn’t consider a shot past 30-40 yards. Again, practice is key.
How long will a crossbow last?
With proper care, which includes waxing the strings and keeping everything cleaned and lubricated, a crossbow can last for many years. Many cary lifetime warranties, too.
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