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 ideal for you.
Here is a list of Best Crossbows In 2020 including buyers guide and reviews.
Comparison Chart for Top 10 Crossbows In 2020
| Crossbow | Speed (FPS) | Draw Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Excalibur SMF | 305 | 200 |
| Barnett Whitetail | 350 | 150 |
| CenterPoint Sniper | 370 | 185 |
| PSE Coalition | 380 | 185 |
| Barnett Jackal | 315 | 150 |
| Ravin R15 | 425 | 195 |
| TenPoint Titan SS | 340 | 175 |
| Tenpoint Turbo GT | 340 | 175 |
| SA Sports Empire Beowulf | 360 | 175 |
| Barnett Wildcat C5 | 320 | 150 |
Which are the 10 Best Crossbows In 2020?
1. Excalibur Null Matrix SMF Grizzly Crossbow
Specifications
| System: Compound | Draw Weight: 200 lbs |
| Power Stroke: 11.5″ | Length: 33.2 inches |
| Weight: 5.5 lbs | Bolt Size: 18 inch |
| Velocity: 305 FPS | Axle to Axle(Cocked/Uncocked): 26.88″ / 30.62″ |
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.
2. Barnett 78128 Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
Specifications
| Speed: 350 FPS | Draw Weight: 150 lbs |
| Weight: 6.4 lbs | KE: 103 ft lbs |
| Power Stroke: 12.5″ | Axle to Axle: 16.125″ |
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 Multiple 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 a cranked-cocking device compatible.
- It has finger-safety reminders.
- It has anti-vibration foot-stirrup.
- It shot accurately and effectively.
- It has a great design and is compact and lightweight.
- The crossbow is a bit noisy due to the lack of dampening system.
3. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Compound Crossbow
Specifications
| System: Compound | Draw Weight: 185 lbs |
| Power Stroke: 13.5″ | Length: 36.5 inches |
| Weight: 7.9 lbs | Bolt Size: 20 inch |
| Axel to Axel Width (cocked/uncocked): 18” / 21” | |
CenterPoint Sniper 370 is a compact & 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 a 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 ensures the handling of 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.
4. PSE Crossbow Coalition Compound Crossbow
Specifications
| System: Compound | Draw Weight: 185 lbs |
| Power Stroke: 14.5″ | Kinetic Energy: 127 ft/lbs |
| Weight: 7.5 lbs | Bolt Size: 20 inch |
| Velocity: 380 FPS | Axle to Axle(Cocked): 14″ |
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 top-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 KE.
The package comprises:
- 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.
5. Barnett Jackal Crossbow
| Velocity: 315 FPS | Draw Weight: 150 lbs |
| Length: 32.5″ | Width: 26.5″ |
| Weight: 7.7 lbs | Power Stroke: 12″ |
| Arrow Length: 20″ | |
- AVI foot-stirrup
- High-definition camouflage
- 3.5-pound trigger pull
- Synthetic-string and cable
- ADF MIM trigger mechanism
- 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.
6. Ravin Crossbow R15 Predator Crossbow Package
Specifications
| System: Compound | Draw Weight: 195 lbs |
| Power Stroke: 13″ | Length: 34.5 inches |
| Weight: 6.9 lbs | Bolt Size: 20 inch |
| KE: 160 ft/lbs | Overall Weight: 7.5 lbs |
| Velocity: 425 FPS | Width(Cocked/Uncocked): 6″/10.5″ |
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.
The 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 an excellent 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 system.
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.
7. TenPoint Titan SS Crossbow
Specifications
| System: Compound | Speed: 340 fps |
| Power Stroke:12.5″ | Weight: 6.7 lbs |
| Draw Weight: 175 lbs | Kinetic Energy: 95 FP KE |
| Width: (uncocked/cocked): 21.5″ / 18.5″ | Length: 35″ |
| Pro-Lite Arrows: 370 grains | Trigger Weight: 3.5 lbs |
This Titan SS is the improved version of Titan Xtreme. It is the fastest, durable, and compact crossbow at an affordable cost. With the latest Fusion S stock, it not only gives a unique look but also assures better shooting experience.
It has an adjustable comb height and a two-position butt plate for a customized length of pull. The 175 lbs draw weight is manageable for most hunters. Furthermore, it offers two draw mechanism options that make it easy to use.
This crossbow package comprises three-pack of Pro Elite Carbon arrows, Pro-view scope, AcuDraw 50, 3×32 multi-line scope, instant detach three arrow quiver, and warranty card.
Pros
- It is a narrow and lightweight crossbow.
- It is the best crossbow for beginners.
- It has durable construction and great accuracy.
- This crossbow is effortless to cock with ACUdraw.
8. TenPoint Turbo GT Crossbow
Specifications
| System: Compound | Draw Weight: 175lbs |
| Velocity: 340 FPS | Power Stroke: 12.6 inches |
| Length: 35″ | Axle-to-Axle(uncocked/cocked): 17.5″/13.5″ |
| Arrow/Bolt Size: 20” | Bow Weight: 6.5 lbs |
| Trigger Pull: 3.5 lbs | Finish: Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo |
The Turbo GT is a lighter, shorter, and faster crossbow than its previous model. It is a high quality compound crossbow for serious archers, whether, for target practice or hunting, it is up to you.
Its design is also responsible for great comfort offered by Turbo GT from the stock of the xbow to the feel of a grip.
With 20″ Pro Elite 425 grains arrows, it can shoot arrows about 340 fps along with kinetic energy of 109 ft-lbs. It comes with 3X-Pro View 2 Multi-Line Scope that has crisp optics and allows for accurate shots at 20, 30, and 40 yards.
It features a T3 trigger that holds auto-engaging safety when cocked and Dry-fire inhibitor. This Turbo series model is lighter and versatile enough for young archers, women and short frame person.
This crossbow comes in a ready to shoot package, including A camo stock, 3X Pro-View 2 Scope, three 20″ Pro-Elite Carbon Arrows and Three 100-grain field points.
It also comes with Ambidextrous Side-Mount Quiver Bracket, A Foot Stirrup, Instant Detach 3-Arrow Quiver, and Cocking Device: AcuDraw, AcuDraw 50.
Pros
- It is light-in-weight and ultra-compact.
- It is effortless to manage and carry.
- The integrated cocking device is available with it.
- It features an MRX cams system and DynaFLIGHT 75 string and cable system.
Cons
- Its scope is ideal for up to 40 yards.
9. SA Sports 306119 Empire Beowulf Crossbow
Specifications
| Power Stroke: 14” | Velocity: 360 FPS |
| Draw Weight: 175 lbs | Length: 35” |
| Width: 19″ | Weight: 6.5 lbs |
| Trigger Weight: 3.5lbs | |
SA Sports is the leading brand with better crossbow design and functionality. It is the perfect crossbow for whitetail hunting at a reasonable price. This xbow proffers remarkable accuracy from as far as 50 yards that allows target shooters to have some fun with further distances.
This 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 lightweight synthetic stock and barrel. Most of the other parts are made up of machined-aluminum that makes it lightweight and durable.
Its compact design assures that you can maneuver even through tight spaces. Moreover, it has a good enough scope that offers clarity in bad weather.
It comes with 4×32 multi-range scope, three carbon arrows, side-mounted Claw lever latch detach quiver, rope cocking device, and hex keys.
Pros
- It is a quiet and lightweight crossbow.
- This Empire Beowulf is easy to assemble.
- It delivers high velocity and power.
- It includes an ambidextrous auto-safety and anti-dry fire mechanism.
Cons
- It comes with only one year warranty.
- Replacing the cord isn’t as simple.
10. Barnett Wildcat C5 Crossbow
Specifications
| System: Compound | Draw Weight: 150lbs |
| Power Stroke: 13″ | Kinetic Energy: 91 ft. lbs. |
| Bolt Size: 20″ | Speed: 320fps |
| Width: 26″ | Bow Weight: 8.5lbs |
| Trigger-pull: 4.5lbs | String length: 37″ |
| Warranty: 5 years Limited | Color: Hi-Def Camo |
Nothing beat this Barnett Wildcat C5 crossbow in performance, comfortable use, speed, and design. This low priced weapon comes ready to hunt and has an included quick detach quiver.
Both experienced and novice hunters appreciate the design of this Barnett model. It has quad limbs that are provided with high energy wheels that give stable draw and power.
With its high-performance design, it has the capacity for velocity and power needed to penetrate most of the games, including antelope, deer, and various small game animals.
In the package, it includes a quick-detach quiver, three carbon arrows, 4x25mm multi-reticle scope, and red dot sight.
Pros
- It is convenient for hunting and target shooting.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It is lightweight and durable.
- It has good safety features.
- It has low maintenance components.
Choosing the Best Crossbow Buying Guide
Price & Budget
Before buying a crossbow one needs to consider the price range 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 is suitable 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 target 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 most-selling crossbow for deer hunting has all of these additional features. Pick a 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
- PSE
- Ravin
- SA Sports
- Tenpoint
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 crossbow for novices 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.
