The Best Crossbows
Whether you're into hunting or just looking for a new hobby, a crossbow is an excellent investment to make. Crossbows are mechanized bows that can shoot long distances at high velocities with just the pull of a trigger. Rudimentary crossbows have been used by people all over the world from as early as the 7th century BC. Crossbows shoot bolts (sometimes known as quarrels), which are dart-like projectiles that soar through the air at your target when the crossbow's trigger is pulled. If you're looking for help in choosing the best crossbow for you, look no further than this exhaustive list of the best crossbows on the market. Read on to discover more.
Centerpoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow
Hit your target
No matter what your intended use is, Centerpoint’s impressive AXCS185BK can accommodate your needs. With 185-pound draw weight and 370 feet per second speed, this thing is an absolute beast. What’s more, the fully adjustable stock and foregrip make it easy for you to choose the crossbow settings that are most comfortable for you.
Pros:
- Unlike some of its competitors, Centerpoint’s crossbow is exceptionally easy to assemble.
- The adjustability of this crossbow makes it compatible with a wide variety of bolts.
Cons:
- While the power of this crossbow is truly something to behold, it can be really loud.
Killer Instinct MSCKI-1104 Boss 405 Crossbow
Amazing accuracy
If you have a need for speed when it comes to your crossbows, consider your search over. With a projectile speed rate of 405 feet per second, Killer Instinct’s MSCKI-1104 crossbow is one of the fastest models in this price range. Plus, the aluminum barrel stock is tough as nails and can withstand wear and tear from long-term use. And for the real sharpshooters out there, this beauty comes with a high-quality scope for nailing bullseye from afar.
Pros:
- The long and slim L-shaped buttstock makes this crossbow incredibly easy to tuck under your arm while shooting.
- The finger grooves on the pistol grip are a nice touch for some added comfort while firing your bolts.
Cons:
- While this crossbow certainly performs like a beast, the paint coating on the body can chip off after prolonged usage.
PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow
Lightning fast
If you’re a beginner on the lookout for the perfect crossbow to start with, this pick from PSE Archery is the ideal choice for you. The ergonomic design and lightweight build of this crossbow make it a must-have for people who are looking for a smart option to learn with. With its pass-through foregrip and adjustable stock, this crossbow will feel comfortable in anyone’s hands.
Pros:
- PSE Archery’s crossbow is considerably quieter when shot than many of its heavier competitors.
- The durable cocking rope makes this crossbow exceptionally easy to load and keep cocked.
Cons:
- It takes some extra muscle to pull back and cock this option, so it’s geared more for adults.
Barnett Assault 350 Crossbow
Blazing bow
Finding a lightweight crossbow that still has a hefty amount of firing power can feel like a tall order. However, this pick from Barnett seems to have achieved a perfect happy medium. Weighing in at just 6.4 pounds, it’s quite an impressive feat that Barnett’s Assault 350 crossbow still has a projectile speed rate of 350 feet per second. We can’t recommend this pick enough for folks looking for a lightweight crossbow that still packs a punch.
Pros:
- The rope cocker that Barnett includes with your purchase makes loading bolts into your crossbow easier than ever.
- The slim body and adjustable stock make this an excellent choice for smaller people to learn with.
Cons:
- The lack of a cable slider could potentially cause damage to your bowstring after long-term usage.
Tenpoint Viper S400 Hunting Crossbow
Premium precision
Consider your search over if you’re looking for a premium crossbow that’ll last you a lifetime. Tenpoint’s Viper S400 is a marvel of accuracy, engineering, and power. With a projectile speed rate of 400 feet per second and just a 3.5-pound pull, this crossbow is incredibly powerful and exceptionally easy to cock. What’s more, the ACUSlide cocking and de-cocking system makes your shot completely silent.
Pros:
- Unlike many of its cheaper competitors, the Tenpoint Viper S400’s cables are highly resistant to wear and tear.
- The six-bolt quiver is in a convenient location and gives you an accessible place to store your bolts.
Cons:
- While there’s a long list of features that we love about this crossbow, there’s no denying that it’s considerably pricier than many comparable products.
Our Tips and Tricks
Getting into crossbows is incredibly fun, but you should always be aware that this can be quite a dangerous hobby if not taken seriously. Instead of trying to figure out how to set up and use your crossbow alone, we highly recommend that you partner up with an instructor or experienced friend to teach you the ins and outs of safe crossbow use. There are a lot of things that can go wrong if a beginner is using a crossbow in an unsupervised environment. However, if you get in contact with a shooting partner and take all of the safety precautions into account, you should have a great experience with your crossbow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot arrows out of my crossbow?
Traditional arrows are too long and slender for use with a crossbow. Many of the crossbows we’ve featured for this list include properly sized and weighted bolts that you can use with your crossbow.
What should I use as a target?
There are plenty of crossbow targets on the market that you can purchase. However, you could always make your own out of a large piece of wood or covered bales of hay.
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