September 2023
Crossbows: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of crossbows rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 7 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 96 crossbow endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
73 crossbows were endorsed in total, only 18 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 7 Sep 2023, Ravin R29X Sniper takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed crossbow with 4 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 crossbow' this month.
Brand breakdown
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TenPoint Crossbow Technologies: 14 crossbows
(#1 is TenPoint Flatline 460)
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Barnett: 14 crossbows
(#1 is Barnett Hypertac 420)
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CenterPoint: 8 crossbows
(#1 is CenterPoint Pulse 425)
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Wicked Ridge by TenPoint: 6 crossbows
(#1 is TenPoint Invader 400)
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Excalibur: 6 crossbows
(#1 is Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Crossbow |
Bow Hunting
|
Outdoor Life
|
Target Crazy
|
10k Reviews
|
Deer & Deer Hunting
|
Forgotten Hunter
|
Crossbow Joe
|
Archery Power
|
Field & Stream
|
huntinggiant.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $2600 |
Ravin R29X Sniper
The Ravin R29X Sniper crossbow is highly praised by experts for its accuracy, noise level, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it a top choice for hunting and shooting activities.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
|
2
|
10
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-
|
-
|
9
|
|
2
|
- | Check price |
TenPoint Flatline 460
The TenPoint Flatline 460 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, noise level, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it an ideal choice for hunters in need of a fast, accurate, quiet, compact, and reliable crossbow.
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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3
|
- | $1965 |
TenPoint Havoc RS440
The TenPoint Havoc RS440 crossbow is highly accurate, quiet, compact, and safe, making it a top choice for both hunting and target shooting.
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1
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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2
|
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4
|
- | $3200 |
Ravin R500
The Ravin R500 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quiet operation, maneuverability, and durability, making it a versatile choice for hunting and target shooting within a range of 100 yards.
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
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-
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3
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Barnett Hypertac 420
The Barnett Hypertac 420 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, safety features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting and hunting.
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4
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-
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-
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-
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2
|
-
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5
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-
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-
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-
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6
|
- | $650 |
TenPoint Invader 400
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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7
|
- | $400 |
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, making it a great choice for hunters of all skill levels, with its Trigger Tech trigger system, velocity range, compact size, and safety features.
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-
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5
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9
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-
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-
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-
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10
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-
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-
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8
|
- | $999 |
Axe Crossbows’ AX405
The Axe Crossbows' AX405 is a crossbow with mixed reviews, offering high accuracy and bolt speeds but with potential trigger issues and safety concerns.
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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-
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-
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9
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- | $1110 |
Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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-
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15
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- | $389 |
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR crossbow is a highly accurate and reliable weapon praised for its precision, quietness, maneuverability, and durability, making it an excellent choice for hunters in various hunting conditions.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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9
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2
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-
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-
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16
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- | $1500 |
Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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17
|
- | $3700 |
TenPoint Nitro 505
The TenPoint Nitro 505 crossbow is a highly praised and reliable choice for advanced hunters, offering accuracy, velocity, power, and safety in a compact and durable design.
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5
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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18
|
- | $245 |
PSE Coalition Frontier
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5
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
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-
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19
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- | $804 |
Bear Archery Impact CDXV
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7
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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|
20
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- | $900 |
Tenpoint Titan M1
The Tenpoint Titan M1 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, safety features, and durability, making it a reliable choice for hunting and shooting applications.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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11
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-
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4
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-
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-
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|
21
|
- | Check price |
TenPoint Viper S400
The TenPoint Viper S400 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, low noise level, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it an ideal choice for hunters and target shooters.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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10
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-
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-
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-
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-
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22
|
- | $470 |
Bear X Constrictor CDX
The Bear X Constrictor CDX crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quietness, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it a top choice for hunting and target shooting.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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13
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-
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-
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-
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8
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23
|
- | $180 |
Barnett Wildcat
The Barnett Wildcat C5 crossbow receives positive reviews for its accuracy, safety features, size and weight, and durability, making it a reliable and accurate choice for hunting and target shooting.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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11
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-
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11
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We ranked Ravin R29X Sniper #1 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ravin R29X Sniper as #1.
Forgotten Hunter
Most Accurate Crossbow
|
450 FPS – Lightning Fast
Effortless and Silent Cocking Mechanism
HeliCoil Technology
Compact and Lightweight
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Price, although you do get what you pay for!
Not able to safely let go mid-draw
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Crossbow Joe
For the high rollers
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Helicoil Technology
Durable Vortex strike eagle scope
Improved stock design
Long lasting and durable
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Above average price tag
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We ranked TenPoint Flatline 460 #2 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked TenPoint Flatline 460 as #1.
Outdoor Life
Editor’s Choice
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Compact
Easy to shoot offhand, kneeling, or seated
Easy to cock and decock
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Forend is not ideal for shooting off a tripod or bag
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Field & Stream
Editor’s Choice
|
By far the fastest bow in the test
Compact yet balances well
Crisp Trigger
Best cocking/de-cocking system out there
Very good accuracy
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Expensive
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend crossbows.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of crossbows, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking
Bow Hunting
Outdoor Life
Target Crazy
10k Reviews
Deer & Deer Hunting
Forgotten Hunter
Crossbow Joe
Archery Power
Field & Stream
huntinggiant.com
We ranked TenPoint Havoc RS440 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked TenPoint Havoc RS440 as #1.
We ranked Ravin R500 #4 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
Best Speed Bow
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Fast and accurate
Narrow profile
Easy to use
Good trigger
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Difficult to clip bolts onto the string
Quiver and crank are poor quality for the price
Expensive
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We ranked Barnett Hypertac 420 #5 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Crossbow Joe
Ultimate Hunting Experience
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Lightweight Construction
Above average FPS
Good amount of extra accessories
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Mixed reviews on the quality of the crank system
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We ranked TenPoint Invader 400 #6 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked TenPoint Invader 400 as #1.
Target Crazy
Best Overall
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Fast 400 fps
Powerful 140 fpke
ACUdraw 50 rope cocking system
Pro-View scope
Added accessories
Light weight
Versatile hunting bow
Durable semi-skeletal frame
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Nothing!
|
Crossbow Joe
Best bang for the buck
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Lightweight design
Advanced cocking mechanism attachment option
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Noisey when shot due to lack of damping system
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We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter II #7 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Target Crazy
Best Entry Level Crossbow
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Low price range
Powerful but easy to handle
Light weight
Anti-dry-fire protection
Picatinny rail
Beginner accessories
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Draw weight
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10k Reviews
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One of best rated crossbows
Powerful and faster
Perfect downrange accuracy
Best for professionals and beginners
Lightweight
Beautifully designed compound crossbow
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ADF system break down
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Archery Power
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The crossbow is ultra-compact and lightweight, making it easily controllable for hunters of all skills and sizes.
The Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, and TriggerTech 3lb zero creep Frictionless Release Technology provide excellent safety features.
The package includes two Headhunter 20″ Arrows, Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm, Rope Cocking Device, Lightweight Side Mount Quiver, and Lubrication Wax, making it a ready-to-hunt package.
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The scope isn’t the greatest, but it will do.
The safety makes a loud click whenever it’s put on or taken off.
It takes a while to sight it in at 20 yards.
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We ranked Axe Crossbows’ AX405 #8 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Archery Power
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The compact and maneuverable design allows for easy handling and shooting.
The proprietary cam system and shoot-through riser enhance accuracy and reduce torque.
The free-floating arrow system mitigates contact and friction for enhanced speed and accuracy.
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The weight of the crossbow may be a bit heavy for some users.
The included bolts’ vanes may be prone to damage.
The crank may not be as durable as expected.
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We ranked Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
Best Value
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Light
Very adjustable length of pull
Easy to cock and de-cock with a rope cocker
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Heavy trigger
A lot of post-shot vibration
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Field & Stream
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Good accuracy
Good power
Extremely lightweight
Excellent value
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So-so trigger
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We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR #10 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Crossbow Joe
Mix Between Power & Precision
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Fast arrow speed
Able to handle with ease
Advanced safety features
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Below average draw weight
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Archery Power
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The crossbow is ultra-compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle and shoot.
It’s equipped with Step-Through Riser (STR) technology, which reduces the length of the crossbow and creates an easily controllable profile that hunters of all skills and sizes can manage.
The crossbow comes with several safety features, including Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, Finger Safety reminders, and TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology.
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The scope can be difficult to zero in.
The screws that hold everything together may feel cheap and easy to strip.
The plastic thing that goes for mounting on the front is not included.
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We ranked Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2 #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
Best Recurve Crossbow
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Fast follow-up shots
User serviceable
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Front trigger can be difficult to reach
Complex cocking process
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We ranked TenPoint Nitro 505 #12 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
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Fast
Easy to crank
Built-in the U.S.A.
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Inconsistent broadhead accuracy
Crank failure during testing
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We ranked PSE Coalition Frontier #13 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Archery Power
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The adjustable stock and pass-through foregrip make it comfortable to hold and shoot.
With a powerful draw weight of 185 pounds, it can shoot up to 380 feet-per-second for high-speed and precise shooting.
The included 4 x 32 illuminated reticle scope provides better accuracy for your shots.
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The assembly instructions are not accurate and can be difficult to follow.
The scope may not be very durable and can fall apart easily.
It may not come with instructions for yardage, making it difficult to adjust for distance.
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We ranked Bear Archery Impact CDXV #14 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
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Good speed and accuracy
Comes with four bolts
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Needs more premium features for the price
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We ranked Tenpoint Titan M1 #15 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Value Crossbow Under $1000
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TenPoint crossbow at affordable price
ACUdraw Safe & Silent Cocking Device optional
T5 Match-Grade Trigger
Narrow & Lightweight
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TenPoint speed-rates their crossbows with different arrow weights
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Archery Power
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The T5 trigger delivers a clean, crisp, and consistent break shot after shot.
The VX-5 inverted cams elongate the power-stroke and increase rotation, delivering devastating speeds and lethal accuracy shot-after-shot.
The custom Alpha-Nock increases string-to-nock engagement by 28% for excellent downrange accuracy.
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The rope sled can be cumbersome for re-cocking.
The price point is on the higher end.
The crossbow is not very beginner-friendly.
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We ranked TenPoint Viper S400 #16 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Crossbow with Built-In Cocking Device
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400 FPS
Compact
Lightweight
Very safe
Effortless Cocking
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TenPoint speed-rates their crossbows with different arrow weights
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We ranked Bear X Constrictor CDX #17 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Value Crossbow under $500
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410 FPS!
Compact crossbow
Adjustable Stock and Cheek-piece
Ambidextrous top mount 5-arrow quiver
Really Quiet Because of the Pre-Installed String Dampeners
Great Value for your Money!
Ready to Hunt Package
|
Range of scope could be Better
8 pounds can be a bit heavy for a crossbow
Rope Cocking 190 pounds can be quite difficult
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We ranked Barnett Wildcat #18 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Archery Power
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The recurve bow is versatile, making it easily maneuverable by beginners.
The bow is lightweight, making it easy to carry.
It comes with a complete hunting accessory package, including a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope.
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The front grip handle may not tighten up properly and move around a little bit.
The crossbow string may tear up the right side.
The foot stirrup part may keep coming loose after every 10-20 shots.
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