Best Crossbows In 2020 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Crossbow is an exciting and fun sport activity that is prevalent from ancient times. An ancient crossbow had gone through many modifications over time from a regular bow and arrow to projectile weaponry. The crossbow weapons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, pulling mechanism, and have different caliber or purpose and shooting speed.

If you are looking a crossbow for target hunting, sports or leisure activities, then this guide will help you find which crossbow is the best for you.

Here is a list of Best Crossbows In 2020 including buyers guide and reviews.

Comparison Chart for Top 10 Crossbows In 2020

Which are the 10 Best Crossbows In 2020?

1. Ravin Crossbow R15 Predator Crossbow Package

Specifications

Ravin Crossbows launched the new version of the Ravin Predator. It is a fully assembled and pre-tuned crossbow that is ready to devastate all hunting grounds with its blasting velocity.
This crossbow is extremely fast and encompasses all the latest crossbow technology to increases accuracy and speed for its users. It is a fast shooting, laser-accurate, hard-hitting weapon that can nail a deer through the brush and out to ranges.

The R15 uses the new Helicoil technology, the Trac-Trigger system, the frictionless flight, and the fully versa-draw integrated cocking system. It eliminates human mistakes, such as cocking the string unevenly while aiming because of the trigger creep.

The Ravin Predator is the best crossbow for people with impaired motor abilities or disabled people. It offers aggressive power, features, and performance under the most challenging conditions. The package includes a detachable cocking mechanism, sling, and quiver mounting system. It also contains six arrows with field-points and an incredibly useful anti-dry fire mechanism.

Pros

• It has a great built quality.
• It offers better quality, speed, and accuracy.
• It is fully assembled and pre-tuned.
• It has an ultra-compact design for tight hunting spaces.
• It features Versa draw cocking that safely cocks or uncocks the crossbow with less effort.
• Its extreme speed offers you the flexibility to make arrows efficient.

Cons

• It is a bit pricey.

2. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Compound Crossbow

Specifications

CenterPoint Sniper 370 is a compact and lightweight design and high-performance crossbow. It ensures smooth operation and essential for beginner or entry levels and is a perfect choice. It comes with a precision cam that ensures you do not miss any target. It provides an amazing option for a hunting adventure. This crossbow is a great option for beginners and will serve you for a big game without a fail. It has durable CNC Machined aluminum rail with shoot through aluminum riser.

The crossbow has Tactical AR-style adjustable Stock, fully adjusted to tap your style. It has limbs with a precision CNC-machined Cam System that is updated with extra features. Anti dry fire and auto-safety trigger system. It has The quad limb system also has consistency and accuracy. This type of compound bow can be used for deer hunting with a crossbow.

The durable and lightweight CNC Machine has aluminium rail with shoot through aluminum riser. It also comes with integrated string suppressor keeps your shots vibration free and reduce noise. The camo crossbow package kit includes 4x32mm illuminated scope, quiver for keeping the bolts, a rope cocker to reduce the strain in your muscles while cocking.

Pros

• It delivers high power speed.
• It comes with a high precision CNC machine system.
• It is extremely lightweight and has a compact size.
• It also ensures handling safety.
• It offers high accuracy at a low price point.
• It has better-needed safety such as an auto-safety trigger mechanism.
• It comes with automatic safety with anti dry-fire.
• It is one of the amazing hunting crossbows.

Cons

• Its limbs are quite weak.
• The stock may cause some noise.

3. PSE Crossbow Coalition Compound Crossbow

Specifications

PSE Coalition is another top-rated crossbow that packs plenty of performance into a budget-priced package. It is the most affordable crossbow on our list, with a price tag of just $295. This crossbow comes with various amazing features to help it hang with some of the best-selling crossbows on the market.

It combines superb power with a lightweight, adaptable stock for best hunting performance with a custom fit. Its split limb design and high-performance cams provide it great power, shooting arrows up to 380 fps with 127 ft.lbs of kinetic energy.

The package includes:
4X32 Illuminated Reticle Scope and 4X32 MR Scope
Dual String Stops
4-Bolt Quiver
Anti-Dry Fire & Auto Safety Trigger
3-20″ Carbon Bolts
Cocking Rope and Cocking Winch Device Compatible

Pros

• It is a fast, compact, and powerful crossbow.
• It has an ergonomic design for easy handling.
• It comes with adjustable stock with pass-through foregrip.
• It has excellent build quality.
• It is easy to assemble.
• It has anti-dry features.

4. Excalibur Null Matrix SMF Grizzly Crossbow

Specifications

Excalibur makes high-quality crossbows, and the Matrix Grizzly is a good option for those who want the performance of Matrix series without the high price tag. It is one of the lightweight and compact hunting crossbows which utilizes the CRT limbs found on the rest of the Matrix line.

It is designed to allow you to hunt in ranges where anything over 200 pounds of draw weight is illegal. Its limbs do an excellent job of efficiently transferring the force of limbs to the bolt with a resulting speed of around 305 fps, using 350 grain projectile.

The kit comes with a deadzone scope, a 4-arrow detachable quiver, four Diablo 18″ arrows, four 150-grain field points, and rope cocking aid.

Pros

• It is easy to cock.
• It has a light-weight and well-balanced design.
• Its compact size allows for maneuverability in tight spaces.
• It has a lower price tag for a premium brand like Excalibur.

5. 80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow

Specifications

Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow is a powerful mini crossbow which is much faster than others. It is the best hunting crossbow for the small game and medium games. It allows you to shoot over and over faster than the regular ones. After the shoot, you can load it again easily with your hands. It comes with free metal 15 arrows and Polyester bowstrings.

The cocking mechanism of the crossbow works very well as cocking this crossbow is easy and quick to load. This type of crossbow is suitable for bow hunting.
The crossbow package contains 80 lbs self-cocking pistol, plastic self-cocking crossbow, and 6.8″ crossbow power stroke.

Pros

• It is suitable for small hunting games and sports.
• It is simple and safe while ensuring precise string alignment.
• It shoots 160 FPS at a maximum distance of 40 yards.

6. Prophecy 80 Pound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow

Specifications

Prophecy is the leading brand with better crossbow design and functionality. It is the latest version of the pistol and is based on the innovative Barnett Commando Pistol of late 18th and 19th century.
The self cock pistol is easy to cock and simple to use.

Prophecy Crossbow is very powerful and can release a crossbow bolt at high speeds over a good distance. It is very durable and weighs 2 pounds which makes it easy to handle. It has a high quality wood-feel aluminum stock, bead foresight and adjustable rear sight.

Pros

• It doesn’t need a lot of energy to cock.
• It has a durable construction and great accuracy.
• It is light in weight.
• The well-balanced system can reduce front heaviness.

Cons

• It doesn’t include any bow stringer.
• Its safety doesn’t engage with cocking.

7. Barnett 78128 Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

Specifications

Barnett is one of the world’s biggest producer of crossbow that entirely focuses on precision, safety and performance.

Barnett 78128 Whitetail Hunter is a reliable and effective crossbow specifically made in the USA. It has a compact design that let you handle the crossbow with ease.

It is modern weaponry equipped with an Anti-Dry Fire trigger system and finger safety reminders. It comes with 4x32mm Multi-reticle scope, string dampeners, rope cocking device, TriggerTech Trigger and lubrication wax.

It also includes 2 20″ Arrows and a lightweight quiver. The Whitetail Hunter allows for the integration of a crank cocking device. It also suggests to wax the string every ten shots. With this Crossbow hunting is easier.

Pros

• It is suitable for hunters of all skill level and sizes.
• It has a metal injection molded trigger mechanism.
• It is cranked cocking device compatible.
• The crossbow has finger safety reminders.
• It has anti-vibration foot-stirrup.
• It shot accurately and effectively.
• It has a great design and is compact crossbow and lightweight.
• The crossbow is a bit noisy due to the lack of dampening system.

8. PSE Viper SS Crossbow Viper SS Handheld Crossbow

Specifications

PSE is a well-established brand and manufacturer of a high-end or best compound bow and crossbow. It is a popular recreational crossbow on the market and is all new better. The PSE Viper Handheld is easy to shoot, use and rockets our frenzy bolt. It shots bolt up to 215 fps.

It’s built-in rear sight and has windage and elevation adjustment. It has an integrated cocking mechanism that has auto-safety and anti-dry mechanism. It also has a finger guard safety feature that keeps you shielded from the strings.

Pros

• It is suitable for fun and recreational target shooting.
• Its integrated mechanism is easy to set up and shoot.
• It comes with Track-style rail for precision shooting.
• It includes 3 Frenzy bolts.

Cons

• It is not suitable or meant for children.

9. XtremepowerUS Multifunctional Crossbow

Specifications

XtremepowerUS Multifunctional Crossbow is ideal for hunting and is made of forged quality steel for high durability. It features anti-dry fire and auto-cocked trigger mechanisms that ensure safety and mechanism.

It has 4 x 32 mm scope for better accuracy. It also comes with an 8mm diameter steel ball. The package includes 1 pc featherless fishing fork, 2 pcs featherless hunting arrow, 1 set gloves, 1 pc Inner hexagonal spanner and crossbow bag.

10. Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package

Specifications

Barnett Jackal offers an innovative design and its stock design is unique to our crossbow line up. The weight and power of this bow make it a devastating weapon for any hunter. It delivers extra power and makes it an excellent value for anyone. It has a sleek material style cock and is lightweight. It is the best crossbow for the money for a beginner and someone who is not looking to break the bank.The crossbow contains awesome features and better mechanism such as:

• AVI foot stirrup
• Quad Limbs
• High-definition camouflage
• 3.5-pound trigger pull
• Synthetic string and cable system
• ADF MIM trigger mechanism

Pros

• It produces fast speed of an arrow.
• It is perfectly suitable for hunters.
• The crossbow is light, adjustable and powerful.
• It is used for target practice as well as hunting.

Choosing the Best Crossbow Buying Guide

Price & Budget

Before buying a crossbow one needs to consider the price of the crossbow according to their budget. The price differs according to the size, model of a crossbow. It ranges from hundred of dollars to thousands. You can also compare the price with a different crossbow regarding the performance and specifications. Look for the great crossbow that best-suited for the purpose you are buying a product.

Safety Features

Modern Crossbows as compared to traditional are types of crossbows which comes with many manual safety functions. A crossbow if not handled properly can cause devastating harm. Many technologically advanced features a modern weapon pose is anti-dry fire, auto-engaging safety and many others. Always ensures before buying that a crossbow you want to get has all the safety features. Crossbows also have built-in safety firing system.

Draw Power & Speed

It is related to the amount of energy you use to set up an arrow in a crossbow. The draw power is similar to the potential energy when a pointer or arrow is set on the crossbow. This potential energy is further translated into kinetic energy upon shooting. It is used to propel the arrow to the tops speed. You need to consider both power and arrow speed as it is related to a crossbow. A good bow with better power and speed will enhance your shooting skills.

Weight

Weight is a crucial or important factor while choosing a crossbow. If you are choosing crossbows for hunting, then light crossbows are extremely easy to carry around the woods. Heavy crossbows are easier to keep steady and stick when shooting.

Draw Weight

It is the amount of the force required to draw the crossbow back to its fully cocked and locked position. It is the volume of pull needed to flex the limbs of a bow into the shooting position. The weight varies among the different types of the crossbow. The higher the value of draw weight of the bow, the faster the arrow speed. Most of the crossbows are specifically designed keeping the small, medium to the largest game in mind. For a medium-sized game like whitetail deer, a crossbow is recommended with a heavy draw weight of at least 150 lbs and velocity of 300 fps.

Noise

Recurve Crossbows are less noisy as compared to compound crossbows.
Recurve models are quietest crossbows with parallel limbs. According to specialists, it is better for hunting. Compound Crossbows are noisier due to their cam mechanism, thus unfavorable for hunters.

Cocking Aids

It depicts accuracy and used to correctly cock the crossbow. It is an important part of your crossbow hunting gear. These are available in elastic straps or cranks. One must choose the crossbow that comes with a built-in cocking aid. The crank offers the easier way to cock.

Manufacturer

Makes sure you buy the product from an authorized dealer or manufacturer.
The crossbows vary by company and its type. It is advisable to test the product of different manufacturers.

Extra Features

A crossbow has a basic design, yet it comes with extra features that ensure great dependability, safety, and accuracy. The additional or extra features include scopes, noise-dampening devices, etc. The best crossbow for deer hunting has all of these additional features. Pick the best crossbow for the money and which suits your needs.

The scopes improve the accuracy of your shots, and cocking aids help to cock the bow correctly. The noise-dampening device reduces the noise and vibration when the shot is fired.

Best Crossbow Brands

• Barnett
• CenterPoint
• Excalibur
• Last Punch
• Prophecy
• PSE
• Ravin
• XtremepowerUS

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the Entry Level Crossbow in the Market?

There are various entry-level crossbows available in the market. Some are best for sports, shooting or hunting. The best crossbow for beginners includes Barnett Jackal Crossbow and Barnett Jackal Crossbow. These are an excellent choice for beginners and hunters who are looking for their next hunting trips.

2. How Far a Crossbow Shoot With Accuracy?

A modern crossbow shoot as far as 500 yards. For a beginner, an arrow with 30-35 yard is better to hunt or shoot. 60 to 80 yard is possible for a skilled shooter.

3. Are Crossbows Dangerous?

Although Crossbows are safe to use, one must not forget that it is a weapon. Some advanced crossbows come with inbuilt features for safety such as dry-fire and trigger system. It is advisable to check safety measures prior using a crossbow. Misuse of a crossbow may have serious consequences.

4. Is It Legal to Use Crossbow?

Owing a crossbow is not illegal. Using a crossbow for hunting is illegal in the UK and some parts of the USA. It is legal during the hunting season.