So you are looking for the best crossbow on the market and you have no idea where to start from, what to look for, what is a draw weight, or hell even should buy one or not.
In this article, we have picked up the best crossbows on the market right now that will make your life much easier by picking the right one.
And let us be honest you do not want to buy a bad crossbow and later realize that, it’s not a right fit for you. So always prepare and have some knowledge before buying anything.
It does not matter if you are a hunter or a target shooter, the reality is you need a bow and you do not want to jump across articles to articles only to realize that you are even more confused than you were before.
That is why we have put together a complete list with a guide this year, to help you lead in the right direction, in your buying decision to help you find the best crossbow for the money.
Because a crossbow is a long investment, you do not want a crossbow that will be obsolete in two years. You want a bow that lasts for years to come so without further ado let’s jump on the article.
Best Crossbow Reviews in 2024
CenterPoint Sniper 370
>> View On Amazon <<The Centerpoint Sniper 370 is a beginner-friendly crossbow manufactured and designed by CenterPoint.
The Sniper 370 is a powerful tool that comes at such a low price. The bow has won several awards for its simplicity and its performance at such a price.
The Sniper 370 is an impressive entry-level crossbow designed by CenterPoint and is named after its 370 fps speed, which the company claims to achieve.
Sniper 370 is designed as a compound crossbow equipped with a split limb and a machined aluminum stock and riser.
The crossbow has an easy-to-adjust stock designed for both hunters and recreational target shooters.
The Sniper 370 can produce up to 110 lbs of kinetic energy with a 370-grain bolt. There is no limitation for which game size is ideal.
Impressive Value for Money and Safety
Do not get confused by its low price to low quality, it’s still a tough and durable crossbow.
Great safety even at the low price, The dry-fire mechanism, and the automatic safety trigger work without a hiccup on the Sniper 370.
In addition, a fully adjustable stock is carefully designed for comfort, a pass-through foregrip to assist your shooting style ensuring extraordinary accuracy, and a narrower design for compact/narrow hunting places.
Sniper 370 delivers up to 370 FPS, which generates 113.9 ft-lbs with 375-grain bolts, included with the package, in ideal conditions.
When tested, the bolt weight at 372 grain and obtained an average of 362 FPS, a Bit Closer to 370 fps, which makes it acceptable.
Talking about accuracy and distance, the Sniper 370 is surprisingly precise on target even at 50 yards repeatedly with little to no adjustments. Yes, that is why it is a beginner-friendly crossbow.
The only hiccup we had with this crossbow so far is the trigger has a lot of trigger creeps which results might affect the accuracy of the bolt in the beginning.
When you start using Sniper 370, you will realize that safety is one of CenterPoint’s main priorities.
The maneuverability is good, it has a narrow design weighing 7.9 lbs making it a little heavy but still manageable.
The rope cocking aid is adjustable and it can suit any adult height making your life a bit easier.
This crossbow is pretty quiet considering its price. And overall it’s a great buy even if you are a beginner, you will cheer every dollar spent on this bow.
- Outstanding accuracy for such a low-priced crossbow.
- High-quality crossbow at affordable cost.
- Integrated string silencer.
- A compact and light, well-balanced crossbow.
- Impeccable Safety mechanism.
- Easily adjustable assault rifle-style stock.
- Relatively one of the cheap crossbows.
- The foregrip is not that comfortable.
- The scope’s quality is not very good.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
>> View On Amazon <<This is the Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow from Barnett. It is no secret that Barnett has become one of the world’s biggest producers of best crossbows because they scrutinize every aspect of every crossbow.
Focusing on precision, safety, and performance, Barnett never failed to produce the best crossbows. Let’s see the features of the Whitetail Hunter II.
The Whitetail Hunter II is a reliable and effective bow: a light overall weight of 6.4 pounds, an impressive 350 FPS speed, and a manageable 160-pound draw weight.
Its Frictionless Release Technology creates a free-floating roller between the sear and the trigger offering a smoother, lighter trigger unlike anything else on the market.
In addition, the nock sensors and anti-dry fire give you peace of mind for double the safety and a 3-pound, zero-creep release gives you the confidence to make the perfect shot.
The package includes 4 x 32 Scope, 1 Rope Cocking Device, 1 Light Weight Quiver, 2 20-Inch Head-Hunter Arrows, and Lube Wax. No doubt, the Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow has tons of features and comes at an affordable price.
Barnett Jackal
>> View On Amazon <<The Jackal Crossbow’s stock design is unique to the Barnett crossbow lineup. The weight and power of this bow make it a devastating weapon for any hunter.
Its sleek military-style stock is lightweight and compact Quad Limb High energy wheels Synthetic String and cable system producing 315 FTS fast arrow speed. Additionally, Barnett’s new ADF MIM trigger provides for smooth 3.5 lb. trigger pulls.
The Barnett Jackal is a reliable and effective bow: a light overall weight of 7.7 pounds, 12-inches Power Stock, impressive 315 FPS speed, and manageable 150-pound draw weight. The package comes with Jackal Compound Crossbow, 3 20-Inch Arrows, 1 Red-dot Sight, Quick detachable Quiver, Hex Keys, Bolts & Screws for assembly, and an Instruction Safety manual with 5-Years Warranty Card.
No doubt, it’s just as good a choice for intermediate and advanced crossbow shooters, basically for everyone looking for great power, accuracy, and safety, at an affordable price.
Excalibur Matrix GRZ2
>> View On Amazon <<The GRZ 2 Crossbow combines Excalibur’s traditional design & technology, creating the most sturdy and reliable crossbow in its class.
The Excalibur Matrix GRZ 2 is the best crossbow under 500 equipped with the feather-lite skeletonized stock with finger guards, synthetic mainframe, and the proven Matrix Power-Load limbs that boast speeds up to 305 feet per second.
Besides, the GRZ 2 comes with 18-inch long Diablo carbon arrows that feature 2-inch vanes, and they are the backbone for the blazing speeds.
Furthermore, the Matrix GRZ 2 features a more substantial front insert, which increases the front-of-center weight to deliver unparalleled accuracy.
Besides, the Diablo arrows also feature a flat-back insert, which means no need for nocks, which gives you much more reliable contact with the string.
Without any doubt, the compact, lightweight Matrix GRZ2 Crossbow is designed for all small and big game in any hunting condition.
The Excalibur Matrix GRZ 2 Crossbow Package is sold with accessories including one fixed-power scope with the 1-inch ring, four arrow quivers with brackets, three Diablo arrows, three 150-grain field points, and a rope cocking aid.
Excalibur Micro Suppressor
>> View On Amazon <<Built on the popular Micro 355 platform, the Micro Suppressor delivers incredible performance in an ultra-compact design.
The Excalibur E95857 Micro Suppressor Crossbow is equipped with the latest Sound Deadening System – includes an over-molded rubberized stirrup, String Stars, and R.A.V.S. (Recoil Anti-Vibration System) silencers for deadly suppressed performance.
In addition, the Micro Suppressor also features the comfortable and lightweight Bull-pup Ready Rest stock, reducing the overall length of the crossbow by 2.5 inches.
Furthermore, it is the best crossbow under 1000 equipped with an X-Hanger Quiver that features a quick-detach, lightweight carbon design for versatility and optimal maneuverability.
Besides excellent features, the Micro Suppressor comes with an ambidextrous cheekpiece, oversized finger guards, and the Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire System for ultimate safety and protection.
Without any doubt, the Micro Suppressor’s compact size and silenced shot make it the most revolutionary crossbow on the market in 2024.
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR
>> View On Amazon <<It’s the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow. It is no secret that Barnett has been the leading manufacturer of hunting crossbows for more than 50 years.
Let’s dig in and see what features Barnett has put into this hunting crossbow.
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow features an innovative design, which improves balance by effectively shifting weight from the riser to the stock and delivers enhanced stability and accuracy.
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is the best crossbow under 1000 and features an Adjustable Stock and Picatinny Rail Scope Mounting System, making it ideal for professional hunters.
Furthermore, the Whitetail Pro STR features Barnett’s Tech Trigger System –famed for its smooth, crisp, and safe trigger.
On the other hand, it features Frictionless Release Technology, which employs a unique, free-floating roller between the trigger and sear and boosts accuracy.
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow combines a manageable 187-pound draw weight with a 16.375-inch power stroke to sling arrows at 400 feet per second with an impressive 140 ft. /lbs. of kinetic energy.
Additionally, the whitetail Pro equipped with Nock sensors and Anti-dry Fire keeps a spring-loaded safety bar in place until the arrow is seated correctly.
In the end, thanks to the integral cocking system, features a stock-mounted cocking sled and crank handle.
Excalibur Micro MAG
>> View On Amazon <<It is the best crossbow under $1000 created with minimalism in mind, features Skeleton Stock dramatically reduces the overall weight.
Additionally, paired with an aluminum mainframe, the Excalibur Micro MAG 340 tips the scales at 5.5 pounds.
Furthermore, The bow can reach speeds of up to 340 feet per second – which competes with other more expensive crossbows on the market.
Besides, the Excalibur Micro MAG 340 is deadly accurate up to distances past 40 yards.
Other features include an anti-dry-fire premium trigger and Excalibur R.E.D. Suppressors, this crossbow package is a reliable companion for beginners and pros alike.
Moreover, the MAG 340 is the best crossbow under 1000 equipped with the Excalibur premium Dead Zone Scope to elevate your shooting experience.
If you are on the hunt for a workhorse crossbow, with lifetime reliability at an affordable price – Look no further than the MAG 340 from Excalibur.
Lastly, the Micro MAG 340 package includes Dead Zone Scope, Guardian Anti-Dry Fire System, RED Suppressors, 1-Inch Scope Rings, Four Arrow Quiver, Three Quill Arrows, Three 100gr Field Points, and Rope Cocking Aid.
Best Crossbow Buying Guide
What to Consider When Buying a Crossbow
The differences between a recurve and compound crossbow are its design, and the way the strings are attached to its limbs is different.
However, that doesn’t make one better than the other. There are a lot of options to choose from in different power levels and sizes.
Recurve Crossbow
Recurve crossbows can have a smaller build, they also can be lighter and cheaper but do require extra draw weight to push an arrow as fast as a compound bow.
Generally, a Recurve bow is preferred if you are a beginner. Even when cocked, recurve limbs are wider than a compound bow, which can make it a bit harder to carry in tight narrow areas.
Pros
- Features a simple design that results in less maintenance and a rugged build.
- Bow String can be changed without a bow press.
- Inexpensive
- Lighter weight
- Quieter when fired
Cons
- Cocking mechanisms can be hard to mount.
- This crossbow demands a heavier draw weight for it to match the performance of the compound crossbow.
Compound Crossbow
As a general rule, compound crossbows are slightly quieter, heavy in size, and high-priced. In addition, they also perform better at any given draw weight.
A compound crossbow requires shorter limbs than a recurve crossbow which can be a good choice if you hunt through a tight location.
Pros
- Rapid arrow speed at any draw weight.
- Quieter operation.
- Reverse-draw crossbows are comparatively lighter.
Cons
- You need a bow press to do maintenance on the limbs or string.
- More expensive.
- Compound bows are heavier.
- The compound crossbow is louder.
What Is A Reverse Limb Crossbow
The reverse limb crossbow uses reverse draw technology (RDT), it’s a recent innovation that turns around the appendages of an ordinary compound crossbow, giving RDT crossbows a distinctive appearance and drastically improving their performance.
RDT was a huge success amongst hunters because of its efficiency, many manufacturers have added RDT models to their lineup.
Some of their advantages over the traditional crossbow.
Balance
The reversed limb orientation relocates the riser and limb pocket assembly considerably closer to the trigger, effectively shifting the center of gravity in the direction of the shooter, decreasing the front-end weight, and allowing a secure and steady shot.
Increased Power Stroke
The string stays kept in proximity with the arrow for the full length of the barrel, due to which the bolt achieves higher speeds per pound of a draw than the standard crossbows.
RDT crossbows are less noisy and produce less vibration.
They can be even more compact than the traditional compound crossbows.
Some major things to keep in mind before buying the best crossbow because you will find a lot of mediocre ones in the market right now.
Speed
If you are looking for powerful shots, stick to a compound bow, which can deliver the high-impact energy and speed you are looking for.
Always check the size and strength of the bolts. A heavier bolt produces more Kinetic energy, which can even knock down grizzlies.
What is a Flight Track
Also called a barrel, the flight track characterizes the physical structure that makes it feasible for you to launch a bolt.
The accuracy of the structure is directionally proportional to the accurate delivery of the arrow downrange.
Noise
The recurve crossbows are quieter than the compound or reverse limb crossbows.
The main reason is traditional crossbows shoot at least 5-grain per pound and above, while the recurve shoot around 3 grain per pound or less.
If you are a hunter, it is always advised you get a bow of similar quality.
Quick Side Note
The more vibration a crossbow has, the noisier it will become. To reduce its effects, look for string suppressor systems and limb vibration dampeners to help you reduce the noise.
Weight
It is crucial to acknowledge Weight while picking out a hunting crossbow.
Light crossbows are effortless to move around, heavy crossbows are more balanced while shooting.
Considering these two characteristics, the foremost thing to do while shopping for a bow is to reckon with self-physical limits to keep away from contradiction.
Draw Weight
Speaking about the amount of force required to curve the limbs of a bow towards a shooting state, the draw weight differs substantially between different varieties of crossbows.
Generally, the greater the pull weight rate, the quicker the arrow speed.
If you want to hunt a medium-sized game, a draw weight of more than 160 lbs is ideal while giving out a velocity of 300 fps and up is recommended.
The bigger the game the more draw weight is required to get enough kinetic energy for a confirmed kill.
Parts
To ensure that you invest in a reliable crossbow, it is essential to test its entire component.
Selecting a bow made of metal is an excellent shop decision if you wish to grab the finest-quality weapon.
The crossbows with plastic elements can cripple down after only a few usages.
Additional Features
Even though the majority of crossbows follow a similar basic model; some weapons are prepared with exceptional features that assure greater credibility, accuracy, and security.
Additional properties include cocking aids, which benefit you to cock the bow precisely; scopes, which enhance the precision of your shots; and noise-dampening machines, which moderate the noise and vibration after firing a shot.
Warranty
In reality, better quality crossbows require a high cost to produce, any cheaper crossbow will not be nearly as durable and sturdy as an expensive crossbow.
It is crucial to get a factory-tested crossbow manufactured with high-quality material.
Crossbows made from low-quality plastics are the worst in terms of durability, typically manufactured in countries outside of the USA.
A high-performance and high-quality crossbow is typically made up of carbon fiber or flight-grade aluminum and will easily outlive a crossbow that is made up of nylon-reinforced plastics.
Also, if a company is confident enough to give a good period of warranty, it is a sign that the crossbow is of higher quality.
