Dating back to the year 6 BC, hunting crossbows were used as a war weapon. In today’s modern society, a crossbow is used for target shooting, hunting and other shooting sports and competitions.
Quick Comparison Table
How to Choose the Best Hunting Crossbows on the Market?
If you are looking for the best hunting crossbow, there are various factors you need to take into consideration. Easy to fit and durable are just some of the things you should be looking for in your crossbow.
However, the market is flooded with many brands and models of hunting crossbows which makes it hard for you to select which one suits your needs.
We have compiled reviews of some of the top rated crossbows for hunting. This buying guide will tell you specific details and information you need to know so that you can come up with a final choice before making a purchase.
Recurve vs Compound
Primarily, there are two primary types of crossbows. The first one is the recurve crossbow, while the second type is the compound crossbow. The former is designed with tips that curve away from the archer.
Its draw length is longer than a traditional crossbow. It makes more noise when fired due to the added stresses placed on the crossbow. Mostly, modern recurve limbs are created from composite materials like fiberglass.
On the other hand, a compound crossbow is made with limbs that are more stiff than the former. With this, the crossbow is more efficient. You only need to exert less strength to operate the firing mechanism. Either variation is suited for target shooting and hunting activities.
Weight of the Crossbow
When shopping for a crossbow for hunting, it shouldn’t be too heavy. It would be a burden to carry an extremely heavy crossbow with you for hours.
You must consider your own body size and check how the hunting crossbow feels on your hands. It is essential to point that some crossbows of the same size may have different weights.
On the other hand, you may opt for a padded crossbow shoulder sling if you want to feel comfortable wearing it around with you.
Draw Weight
If you want to search for a good crossbow, the draw weight is another factor to take into consideration. The draw weight of a crossbow may range from 75 to 125 pounds.
Most of the high performance hunting crossbows have a draw weight of between 150 to 175 pounds. The general rule is, the bigger the draw weight the faster. However, a high draw weight demands more effort in drawing the string.
Arrow Speed
In choosing the best hunting crossbow, the arrow speed is another important factor to consider. The speed is measured in feet per second or FPS. Most commonly, large and powerful crossbows come with higher FPS.
Keep in mind that when a crossbow is fast, your target won’t have enough time to react. The recommended minimum velocity of a crossbow is 250 feet per second. On the other hand, some crossbow experts say that they should have at least 300 FPS.
The Price
Hunting crossbows for sale are available at different prices. When you shop online for a crossbow, you are probably thinking about the price of the product. It is pretty normal for someone to consider their budget when buying something.
One of the important things you need to remember is that quality is always important in a product. Most of the time, when the price of the crossbow is higher so is the quality.
If you are a professional hunter, it is best to invest in a high performance crossbow for hunting. However, a high price does not always guarantee excellent quality and performance.
You can check out various hunting crossbow reviews to come up with a good comparison among brands or models. This way, it will be easier for you to make a final decision as to what specific brand you need to buy.
Noise
If you want to be successful as a hunter, you need to find the quietest crossbow available. According to experts, recurve models that are designed with parallel limbs are the most suitable types.
However, they are unable to shoot as quick as a compound crossbow. You need to remind yourself to choose wisely in selecting a particular model or brand. Some brands or models tend to make a little noise when fired.
It is better to personally test a crossbow before buying it. However, if you are going to purchase online and unable to personally check it, you may read customer reviews about the specific brand or model you intend to buy.
Parts
Before you purchase a crossbow for hunting, you need to make sure all the significant parts are present and in good working condition. A crossbow that is made of metal is an excellent choice because of its durability.
On the other hand, hunting crossbows with plastic parts may tend to break after a series of uses.
Additional Features
Most of the time, hunting crossbows follow a certain basic design. However, there are brands and models that are designed with added features as their marketing strategy. With additional features, you can expect higher safety, accuracy and dependability.
5 Top Hunting Crossbows Reviews
1Killer Instinct FURIOUS 370
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
What’s Included
FAQ
QWhat is the draw weight? AThe FURIOUS 370 has a draw weight of 185 pounds.
QWhat is the overall length of the crossbow? A31.5″ Folded, 34.25″ Full length
QWhat is the velocity of the crossbow? A370 FPS
Overview
When it comes to precision and power, the FURIOUS 370 is one of the top rated hunting crossbows on the market. This hunting weapon is known for its compact and lightweight design. Crossbow enthusiasts love this model because it is easy to handle and transport. It has the capability of maneuvering in narrow or tight quarters. This crossbow takes pride of its industrial-strength composite, all-weather stock.
On the other hand, its CNC refined aluminum-alloy flight barrel is able to offer smooth and precise arrow flight. The limbs of the crossbow are compression molded in order to provide consistency and superior resilience.
With the features that the FURIOUS 370 has, it is an elite-class crossbow specifically made with superb workmanship and technology. It is designed with a military-grade trigger that is able to execute a clean shot every time. It is one of the highly rated hunting crossbows among firearm enthusiasts.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Killer Instinct FURIOUS 370 hunting crossbow reviews.
2
Barnett Whitetail Hunter
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
What’s Included
FAQ
QWhat is the draw weight? AThe Whitetail Hunter has a draw weight of 160 pounds.
QWhat is the overall length of the crossbow? A34.25″
QWhat is the velocity of the crossbow? A340 FPS
Overview
Released in 2016, the Whitetail Hunter crossbow comes with one-of-a-kind features. It takes pride of its fore grip with finger reminders, patented bristle retainer, and 7/8″ picatinny rail.
This hunting crossbow is designed with limbs that are made of customized composite laminate. This particular feature makes the crossbow an extremely durable partner for cold weather hunting. One of the good features of this equipment is its adjustable butt pad, which gives you comfort when hunting. The Whitetail Hunter comes with Barnett’s premium 4×32 scope. With this, you’ll be able to easily take precise shot up to 60 yards.
Another feature you will probably love about this crossbow is its 103 pounds of kinetic energy. You can easily transport it from one place to another because the crossbow is light. On the other hand, the crossbow is able to execute smooth trigger pull.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Barnett Whitetail Hunter crossbow reviews.
3
Killer Instinct MACHINE Bone Collector
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
What’s Included
FAQ
It weighs 7.5 pounds.
QWhat is the draw weight? AThe MACHINE has a draw weight of 185 pounds.
QWhat is the overall length of the crossbow? A28″ Folded, 35″ Full Length
QWhat is the velocity of the crossbow? A385 FPS
Overview
The MACHINE Bone Collector Edition is superb design, balance and industry-leading technology in one. Introduced in 2015, the hunting crossbow is designed with integrated TriggerTech™ technology to be able to perform highly precise trigger in any crossbow. With a mass weight of 7.5 pounds, the crossbow can deliver excellent performance despite of being lightweight and compact.
Its well-balanced CNC-enhanced frame and ergonomic AR-15 grip with beavertail are helpful in giving shooters a hassle-free settle into the shot. Aside from its KI Lumix scope, the hunting crossbow is made with a Realtree Xtra Camo Finish. When assembled, the crossbow has a product dimensions of 35 x 19 x 5 inches.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Killer Instinct MACHINE Bone Collector hunting crossbow reviews.
4
Southern Crossbow Revolt 370
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
What’s Included
FAQ
QWhat is the draw weight? AThe Revolt 370 has a draw weight of 185 pounds.
QWhat is the overall length of the crossbow? A35″ Full length
QWhat is the velocity of the crossbow? A370 FPS
Overview
The Revolt 370 is the intersection of tradition and technology. This hunting crossbow is known for its rugged built specifically designed to endure one season to another. It is able to perform precise accuracy in terms of shot counts. The crossbow is made with a durable aluminum riser. Its industrial-strength fiberglass split limb design comes with fast and quiet cams for extraordinary arrow delivery.
In case the shooter forgets to put an arrow on the flight deck, there is a tendency the crossbow will not fire.This particular model is designed with an integral noise suppressors in order to lessen shot slap whenever the arrow heads toward its target.
Moreover, the crossbow has a solid, easy-to-install quiver mount. Overall, the Revolt 370 is a well-balanced, reliable and accurate crossbow for hunting, archery and other related activities.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Southern Crossbow Revolt 370h Hunting crossbow reviews.
5
Barnett 350 Quad Edge S
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
What’s Included
FAQ
QWhat is the draw weight? AThe Quad Edge S has a draw weight of 135 pounds.
QWhat is the overall length of the crossbow? A36.2″
QWhat is the velocity of the crossbow? A350 FPS
Overview
For a convenient and lightweight feel, the hunting crossbow is made with a parallel limb design and a compact front end. Another feature that this product comes with is the Crosswire string and cable system. On the other hand, the crossbow features a high definition camo finish and a lightweight composite stock.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Barnett 350 Quad Edge S hunting crossbow reviews.
Final Thoughts
Using a hunting crossbow should be fun and exciting. When you buy a hunting crossbow, remember the information you have read in this guide. Before you make a purchase, consider the quality, price, durability and ergonomic design of the crossbow.
Above anything else, you need to choose a hunting crossbow that you can handle easily. Whether you are a professional hunter or an amateur in hunting, you should be wise in selecting a crossbow. Ideally, it must be quiet, strong and dependable.
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