Do you want to hunt with style? Or how about having a great weapon with an accurate aim and impressive shooting range?
The best crossbow is all you need to turn your hunting trip in a memorable and fruitful experience.
Because for serious hunters, there is no compromise on their hunting gear and weapons.
Do you know what gives you an edge over your prey’s brutal force?
That’s right: it is your hunting weapon.
Apart from being an impressive weapon with spot-on accuracy, crossbows look stylish and manly. It lends an aura of elegance and regality to your whole personality.
Now imagine yourself looking like a badass hunter with that crossbow hung on your back. Who could resist such charm?
Human has favored crossbow since medieval ages. They used it in wars, in hunting, and archery. And even now it is a popular weapon among hunters.
But with an upgraded version developed according to the need of hunters, these Crossbows got even better.
In this article, I am going to review the five best crossbows for the money. No matter, if you are a beginner crossbow user or an experienced one, this article will help make your buying decision easier.
Best Crossbows – Our Picks For 2021Â
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But before all that, it is imperative to know the factors responsible for the best crossbows. I am going to walk you through some crucial aspects so that you get the best deal for your money and not regret your buying decision later.
Let’s hit the road, shall we?
How to Choose Best Crossbow for Money in 2021?
For beginners, choosing a crossbow can be a complicated business. There are so many things and terminologies that can create confusion and you can very well end up with a lousy product.
On top of that, the crossbow market is saturated with different sizes, designs, and mechanisms that can jumble up your mind quickly.
To avoid all that and clear all your confusion, here are a few aspects you need to keep in mind before hitting that “buy” button.
Recurve Vs. Compound Crossbow- Which One To Pick?
First, you need to decide on the type of crossbow you want as it can get a bit confusing otherwise.
A recurve crossbow is a traditional crossbow with a simple design. It is lighter compared to the compound bow, which makes it ideal for long-distance hunting in the woods.
The drawback is that the shooting speed is slower than the compound counterpart. The profile of recurve design is broader, which makes it challenging to maneuver in narrows spaces in the woods.
Additionally, it is hard to cock, but a cocking device can solve that problem.
The dynamics and innovative design of the compound crossbow make it lighter and faster than recurves. The puller system attached to the limbs makes it sturdy and accurate. Enhanced speed and enhanced accuracy make compound bows a favorite among hunters for the reason that you have the maximum chance to shoot accurately.
They are more discreet and silent compared to recurve ones. The limbs are shorter, which makes the overall profile much compact and sleek.
One drawback of a compound bow is that if something is wrong with your compound bow, you need to take it to the professionals to get fixed.
Compound bows are suitable for people who want more speed to their shots and are short on time while hunting.
Crossbow Weight
Usually, it is said that the more massive the crossbow, the better. But it all depends on your motive and purpose of shooting. If you are going to use the crossbow from one location like in archery or target practice, you can opt for a heavy crossbow.
But out in the wood, hunting your prey and scouting the terrain with a large crossbow can be a pain in the neck. You need a fast and light crossbow for hunting those stealthy deer.
The draw weight is also vital to consider while making the purchasing decision.
Best Crossbow 2021 – Products Reviews
1. Burnett Jackal Crossbow Package
Burnett is in the crossbow field for over five years and has successfully changed the crossbow game for hunters.
The jackal crossbow by Burnett is an ideal choice for beginners and children for the fact that it is lightweight, easy to use, and above all, safe. That is the reason jackal crossbow is so popular among the crossbow users.
The ingenious and smooth military-styled design is the best fit for you if you are on the lookout for a weapon that delivers devastating blows.
The stock handle is pretty comfortable to hold, and the lightweight of the jackal makes it even more practical.
With the jackal crossbow on your shoulder, you don’t have to bother about the shoulder strain on those extended hunting trips.
Equipped with high energy wheels and quad limbs combined with a cable system, the shooting speed is as impressive as 315 FPS. You can quickly drop a deer with this kind of speed.
The draw weight of 150 pounds and high kinetic energy behind each shot is adequate to knock off your prey easily and quickly.
The accuracy of this crossbow is unquestionable. You will have no trouble mounting an arrow with Picatinny rail, and the shot will be precisely on the dot.
And finally, the camouflage design makes it discreet enough not to startle the game. The crossbow is silent, which is ideal if you don’t want to scare your prey away.
The package includes quivers, 3-20 inch arrows, and a red-dot sight so you can get started right away.
Features
- Camouflage design
- Perfect accuracy with red dot sight up to 40 yards
- Five year warranty
- Quad limbs
- 5 lbs. trigger pull
- AVI foot stirrup and bolt retainer
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Light Weight
- Cool Design
- Suitable for adults and children
- Safe and secure crossbow
- No loud Noise
- Amazing value for money
- Reasonable Price
Cons
- Lining up cross strings can be tricky
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2. BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow
If you are new to hunting, but you wish to find the best crossbow at a reasonable price that comes with a complete set of accessories, then BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is your best bet.
With an impressive velocity of 375 feet per second, the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow offers plenty of power to hunt like a pro. To further help you hunt successfully, BARNETT STR Crossbow comes with a very accurate red/green illuminated scope.
One of the best features that make worth every penny is that it comes with a ready to hunt package. The package includes 4×32 millimeters multi-reticle scope, two 22 inches headhunter arrows, rope cocking device, lightweight quiver, and lube wax.
BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is an outstanding option for hunters who want the best hunting crossbow with a lot of power and accuracy without having to break the bank to buy it.
Features
- High-performance whitetail hunter STR compound crossbow
- Shooting speed 375 FPS.
- Axle to axle width of 18.125 inches
- Length 20.125 inches.
- Draw weight 6.6lbs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reasonable price.
- Comes with a ready to hunt package.
- Very powerful and impressively speedy.
- Good quality red/green illuminated scope.
- Very accurate.
Cons
- Slightly flimsy construction
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3. Ravin Crossbows R20
The Ravin R20 does come with a hefty price tag! However, after using it for months, I admit that it is one of the best crossbows that I have ever used, and Ravin R20 is indeed an investment worth every penny. Ravin R20’s 7-pound bow delivers impressive shots at 430 feet per second with an outstanding 12 draw weight.
When it comes to accuracy and speed, you will be blown at its fantastic speed and deadly accuracy. To add to your shooting efficiency, you get a tactical scope mounted to a Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount. The tactical scope allows the shooter to adjust from 20- to 200-yard distances.
If that is not it, then Ravin R2 also comes with six Ravin-branded .001 premium arrows, a riser level, and a removable cocking handle. If you have the budget, then Ravin Crossbows R20 will impress you with its advanced technology and design, its lightweight and compact design, and its superior speed and rifle-like accuracy for years to come.
Features
- Comes with elevation mount, tactical scope, arrows, riser level, cocking handle.
- Shooting speed 400 FPS.
- Axle to axle width 5.75 inches.
- Length 26 inches.
- Draw weight 12lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cams can rotate an incredible 340 degrees.
- Compact and light.
- 400 FPS shooting speed.
- Rifle-like accuracy.
- Available color options: predator camo and gunmetal gray.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Comes with a P65 warning.
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4. Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow
If you want the best crossbow that does not only have excellent user reviews but is also recommended by professional hunters, then select Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow without a second thought.
Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow is trusted for its exceptionally balanced feel and smooth shooting experience. The reverse-draw design moves the riser from the front to the center of the bow, ensuring excellent balanced and accurate shooting.
The combination of 9-inch-wide bow assembly and the Reaper Cam System ensures consistent down-range accuracy. Patented reverse-draw technology eliminates the “nose-heavy” feel of traditional crossbows. The Wicked Ridge RDX 400 comes with a preinstalled noise dampening integrated string stop system to reduce noise and vibration.
The Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow is the best bow for beginners as it offers excellent balance, brilliant accuracy, fast speed shooting, and ease of cocking.
Features
- A preinstalled noise dampening integrated string stop system.
- Shooting speed 400 FPS.
- Axle to axle width 9 inches.
- Length 33.25 inches.
- Draw weight 8.5lbs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Patented reverse-draw technology.
- Accurate and consistent performance.
- String-stop system and arrows included.
- 400 FPS firing speed.
- Silent cocking.
Cons
- Prone to string breaking.
- ACUdraw and lighted scope has to be purchased separately.
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5. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow
If you want to find the best crossbow for a newbie adult, then the CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow will be a brilliant choice.
For beginners, this CenterPoint Crossbow is the best choice because it comes with a complete packet. The hunting accessories include the essentials like a 5-year limited, 4×32 mm scope, three 20-inch carbon arrows, rope cocker, and parallel quiver – everything you would require to begin shooting.
The lightweight and durable built-quality of this crossbow makes it easy to carry and ensures easy maneuverability. Due to its performance and built-quality, CenterPoint Sniper 370 has proved its worth, and it has even been nominated as the best compound crossbow in the affordable category.
Professional users of the CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow highly rate this bow for its riffle-like accuracy, impressive speed, and compact size. Due to its compact and convenient size, CenterPoint Sniper 370 is convenient perfect for travelers.
Features
- Shooting speed 370 FPS.
- Axle to axle width 18-inch inches.
- Length 20 inches.
- Draw weight 185-pound.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly accurate.
- Safety and anti-dry fire trigger.
- Fully adjustable stock and fore grip.
- Winner of the “great buy” award by outdoor life magazine’s 2016!
Cons
- Not the best option for professional hunters.
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The Final Word
If you are a fan of “hunger games†(aren’t we all?), the iconic longbow of Katniss Everdeen attracted many hunters. But here is a thing, we aren’t living in an era of wood and stone anymore, so you don’t have to put up with those large and unsightly crossbows.
More and more people are switching to crossbows for hunting thanks to their accuracy, compactness, silent firing mechanism. A right crossbow will last you for years. Listed above are some of the light crossbows available in the market, and you will get full value for your money? Hands down!
We hope that with our guidelines and tips, you will be able to understand and differentiate between the different types of crossbows and their parts. We hope that with our help, you will now find the best crossbows that will last you years to come.
If you have any recommendations, comments, or if you want to talk about your experience with your favorite crossbows, then please share it with us in the comments section below.
Product Comparison Table
| Feature | Southwest Archery Tigershark Recurve Bow | Southland Archery Supply Recurve Bow | Spyder and Spyder XL Takedown Recurve Bow | KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow | Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow |
| Length | 62'' | 66'' | 62'' and 64'' | 62'' | 62'' |
| Weight | 3 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 2.1 lbs | 2.7 lbs | 3.4 lbs |
| Style | Take-down | Take-down | Take-down | Take-down | Take-down |
| Draw Weight | 25-60 lbs | 22-64 lbs | 20-60 lbs | 15–55 lbs | 25-60 lbs |
| Material | Wood | Maple Laminations | Wood | Wood | Hard Maple and Fiberglass |
So hunters, shoot good and hunt well with best crossbows!
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