Looking for the best crossbow for the money in 2022? You have come to the right place. Here you will find the comprehensive reviews of the best selling and highest rated crossbows available on the market.
Our crossbow reviews and buying guide will quickly help you make a right decision about which crossbow is best for your needs. Whether you are looking for a crossbow for leisure activities, hunting, or sports, this guide will help you find the best crossbow for you.
These weapons come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, pulling mechanisms, and they come in different calibers and shooting speeds. Keep on reading this hunting crossbow buyer's guide.
How To Choose The Best Crossbow for the Money
A crossbow can be considered the best hunting gear and this is the reason why it is chosen by many beginner or seasoned hunters. When you choose the hunting crossbow, you must know some of the basic things to consider like the crossbow type, draw weight, speed (velocity), and cost. There are many types of crossbows, like the pistol crossbow, recurve crossbow, reverse-draw crossbow, compound crossbow, repeating crossbow, and so on. Then you can choose the best crossbow for hunting based on your needs. Generally, the crossbow's draw weight ranges from 70 lbs to over 200 lbs. According to your needs, choose the most suitable crossbow for deer hunting, fish hunting, turkey hunting, or target shooting.
To help everyone figure out what kind of crossbow they need, I have written these best crossbow reviews and buying guide by dozens of hours.
So, let's go on and find out how to choose the best crossbow for the money on the market in 2022!
Types of Crossbows
Best Compound Crossbow
A compound crossbow is a bow that uses a levering system rather than the classic pulling arms found in recurve and longbows. This allows you to shoot faster accurately and with significant power, without having to compromise draw length for extra speed. The compound crossbow shoots the bolt at about 200 FPS and is modifiable up to 300 FPS using different accessories. The advantages of the compound crossbow are that it has a faster shooting rate than other weapons, requires less physical strength, has more accuracy and distance per pound, and is much cheaper than the rental fees of other equipment.
Disadvantages include the fact that it cannot be used by traditionalist archers or hunters who prefer the classic feel of wood and limb, as well as being more complicated than traditional bows. Some users also describe a loud 'crack' sound when firing because of the higher draw weight due to mechanical gears in the stock and foregrip. Lastly, since you have to be close to your target (3-15 yards), accuracy takes practice and experience.
Best Recurve Crossbow
The recurve crossbow is the most popular, versatile, and fastest crossbow on the market today. It's a very modern, sleek-looking bow that you can easily bring with you on the go. Just like any other crossbow, the recurve model has a multitude of benefits, which makes it suitable for hunting or sports shooting.
The main advantage of this type of bow is that you don't have to pull any string while shooting. It's all due to the mechanical cocking device you can use. The advantages include simplicity, ease of use, and convenience, in conjunction with solid construction. Due to its versatile nature, this bow can be used by right-handed or left-handed shooters as well as men or women of different statures and age groups. Compared with compound crossbows, the best recurve crossbows have fewer moving parts and are simpler to maintain.
The main disadvantage is a higher draw weight since the strings on a recurve won't let you bend them as far as you would be able to on a compound bow.
Best Reverse Draw Crossbow
A reverse draw crossbow is a weapon that can be used for both hunting and battle. They have a draw weight of at least 175 pounds and require some form of rope cocking device to load the bow. Reverse draw crossbows for hunting are viewed as an affordable and powerful option for big game hunting, replacing the need for a rifle. This type of bow and arrow works in a way that the string is drawn back by the archer on the first shot and it releases from the initial position when you have to fire another. The arrow is sent forward with greater speed hence increasing its penetration into the target animal. These crossbows usually come with an anti-dry fire, an anti-double draw safety mechanism, and a hand rest to help absorb some of the recoils felt when the bow is fired, as well as facilitate firing at longer ranges. This bow is also ideal for small game hunting.
The reverse draw crossbow's main advantage is that it can shoot arrows at greater speeds than other types of bows. However, because the string is connected to the rear of the bow, it entails problems such as extra weight on the front side of the bow. Furthermore, there are so many models available for different purposes, so you just need to select one suits you.
But the bow is pulled back by muscular strength alone, then released with the safety engaged, with the arrow held back by mechanical force. The major disadvantage of this method is that releasing the safety takes some skill and practice, and releasing the string at precisely the right moment requires mental and physical discipline.
Best Repeating Crossbow
A repeating crossbow is a modified type of mechanical crossbow that utilizes magazines to launch an arrow without the need to pull back the string that is aimed at hunting fast and swift animals. The repeating crossbow typically uses one or two magazines, and these magazines hold anywhere from two to six metal crossbow bolts. It enables the hunter to load multiple bolts into the crossbow, therefore allowing many consecutive shots without reloading. This crossbow has a high-tech composite stock fitted with ergonomic thumbhole grip. The limbs of the crossbow are constructed using fiberglass and carbon, helping draw weight and speed to shoot between 275-350 FPS, perfect for hunting small game.
The advantage these bows have over other types of bows is their ability to fire multiple arrows before needing to reload. An additional advantage of a repeating crossbow is that it does not require significant physical strength to operate. They are easy to use for both young and old hunters.
However, this has its disadvantages too. The pulleys and other moving parts on a gun or bow need to be lubricated and maintained regularly so it does not jam up or get damaged. In this case, many sites recommend against using metal screws for fear that dust could gum up the works and prevent them from working right when you need them most. While this weapon is well suited for hunting purposes, it suffers from an inherent disadvantage: its slower reload speed as compared to its traditional counterpart.
Best Pistol Crossbow
A pistol crossbow is a small hand held crossbow typically with a draw weight less than 100 pounds. They are much smaller than traditional archery or hunting crossbows and have the ability to be fired with one hand, similar to a gun. A Pistol Crossbow is a great choice for anyone looking to get started in shooting. It's light, easy to use and doesn't require much strength. It makes an excellent gift for kids or adults as it can provide hours of fun. However, don't let its size fool you- when used properly it can be lethal and it's certainly not a toy.
The pistol crossbow is a compact and lightweight weapon used for hunting and target practice. It works by releasing bolts, similar in size to arrows, at high speeds. The bolt's tip vary depending on your needs. They can be sharpened for hunting and more destructive use, or blunted to prevent injury while target practicing in the backyard. Typically they are not used to hunt larger game such as deer or wild boar due to their relatively small size and lack of power, but are great for hunting smaller critters.
Draw Weight
The draw weight of a crossbow is the amount of force it takes to pull the bow back to full draw, assuming you're using a proper drawing aid such as a cocking rope or crank. Most compound bows have draw weights between 150 and 200 pounds, while recurve bows have much lower draw weights that generally range from 11 to 20 pounds.
With higher draw weight, a bolt shot from a crossbow will have more kinetic energy, which means it will fly faster and penetrate deeper. The higher the draw weight the more kinetic energy, so you should pick one that matches your strength and maximize accuracy.
Cocking Mechanism
The cocking mechanism of a crossbow determines how much tension is required to draw the string back into place. A crowed pull is a common mechanism that requires the least amount of force and requires the user to pull on a rope attached to the string.
There Are Two Basic Types of Cocking Device
Rope Cocker
Rope cockers are very common. While they are simple and easy to use, there is a downside:
They've only cut half the initial draw weight, which means the pulling pressure is still too heavy for some people, especially those with shoulder injuries.
Crank Cocking Device
Crank-cock units are a newer option and can be challenging to install, but they make everything easier.
Usually, the crank cock will carry most of the towing weight; sometimes, you only need to pull about 5 pounds of the initial towing weight.
Power Stroke
The power stroke is basically a straight line from the start of the string to the point of rest. In other words, a power stroke is the length of a vertical traditional bow.
So, the power strike is an important factor in the crossbow because it determines the crossbow's power - just like the draw weight.
The longer the time, the faster the bolt will shoot out so you can successfully hit the target you want.
Speed / Velocity
Speed by itself means nothing to target practice, but it is a major factor in hunting. If you want to take out large game, like elk or whitetail, you need a very fast crossbow.
Speed is measured in feet per second (FPS). Here are some suggestions:
If you want to hunt white-tailed deer, you should look for the best crossbows for hunting with at least 300 FPS.
Size
Size is a consideration for a new crossbow. It needs to work for you. If it's too small or too big for you, achieving balance will be a challenge.
Also, if you plan to use a crossbow in Lost Ground, you should consider a more compact model.
Weight
Weight is a factor in determining whether a crossbow is worth it. A heavier crossbow does hold up better, but for some it can be a real challenge.
So, if you have a petite frame, pay attention to the weight of the crossbow you prefer, as lighter crossbows are easier to carry. Choose the weight of the crossbow to your liking!
Noise
Even the smallest noise can scare your prey and prevent you from hunting anything this weekend. If your crossbow makes a lot of noise, you should stick to a shorter but more effective range.
In this way, you can minimize "skip rope". On the other hand, you can invest in a muffler to reduce noise!
Accessories
What differentiates a high-end crossbow from an entry-level crossbow is the high-quality scopes and arrows, as they provide precise aiming accuracy. I advise you not to buy these accessories cheap as they may make or break you.
On the other hand, you can always upgrade to high-end accessories later!
That being said, not every field is worth picking up -- check out this roundup for my favorite picks.
The best scopes are illuminated so you can use them in low-light situations. Also, every crossbow needs to have at least some decent bolts to activate.
During the hunt, you'll go through a lot of lost ones and you'll buy more. However, the first time you hunt with a new bow, you must be prepared.
Budget
There is no wrong or right answer when it comes to budgeting. It depends on how much you're prepared to spend on your new bow.
Some hunters like to set aside a fortune - but here's the thing:
You can find some decent mid-range crossbows that do a really good job.
However, my advice is to budget ahead and stick to it.
Otherwise, you'll be tempted to spend too much money on a crossbow - and don't make me start with accessories.
Parts
To make sure you're buying a good crossbow, it's vital to inspect all its parts. If you want a high quality weapon, choosing a metal bow is the best option. This crossbow with plastic parts disintegrates after just a few uses.
Additional Features
While most crossbows follow the same basic design, some weapons are equipped with special features to ensure greater reliability, accuracy and safety. Other features include a cocking assist, which helps you cock the bow properly; a scope, which improves the accuracy of your shots; and noise suppression, which reduce noise and vibration after firing.
Manufacturer
Crossbows are not only different types, but also different companies. One of the things you can do to choose the best crossbow is to visit a dealer and test products from different manufacturers. Also, you can read various crossbow reviews and discover the best brands on the market.
Top-rated Crossbow Brands On The Market
- Barnett Crossbow
- ExcaliburCrossbow
- Ravin Crossbow
- CenterPoint Crossbow
- TenPoint Crossbow
- Wicked Ridge Crossbow
- Killer Instinct Crossbow
- Horton Crossbow
- Bear Archery Crossbow
- CamX Crossbows
- Carbon Express Crossbow
- Darton Crossbow
- Kodabow Crossbow
- Mission Crossbow
- Parker Crossbow
- PSE Crossbow
- Scorpyd Crossbow
- Stryker Crossbow
Conclusion
Now that you're familiar with the crossbow gear available and know the basics of what to look for in a crossbow gear, it's your turn to assess your needs, determine your price range, and choose the best deal.
Crossbows that fall into these categories are further divided according to their primary use. This basically means you can find a crossbow suitable for big game hunting, target practice and recreation. If you need a crossbow for hunting, be sure to buy a high-quality product.
If you take the time to check all of these points, as well as our crossbow review, before buying a bow, you have a good chance of finding the perfect crossbow.