May 2023
Crossbows: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Crossbow rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 9 May 2023 and 9 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 94 Crossbow endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
69 Crossbows were endorsed in total, only 19 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 9 May 2023, Ravin R500 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed crossbow with 4 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 crossbow' this month. It is followed by Ravin R29X Sniper and Barnett Whitetail Hunter II , with 4 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
TenPoint Crossbow Technologies:
14 Crossbows
(#1 is Tenpoint Titan M1 )
-
Barnett:
12 Crossbows
(#1 is Barnett Wildcat )
-
CenterPoint:
8 Crossbows
(#1 is CenterPoint CP400 )
-
Wicked Ridge by TenPoint:
6 Crossbows
(#1 is Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 )
-
Excalibur:
6 Crossbows
(#1 is Excalibur Assassin 420 TD )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Crossbow |
Forgotten Hunter
|
Archery Power
|
Outdoor Life
|
10k Reviews
|
Field & Stream
|
Deer & Deer Hunting
|
huntinggiant.com
|
Crossbow Joe
|
Bow Hunting
|
Target Crazy
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $3199 |
Ravin R500
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $2600 |
Ravin R29X Sniper
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
9
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $350 |
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
4
|
- | $1965 |
TenPoint Havoc RS440
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $658 |
Barnett Hypertac 420
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $650 |
TenPoint Invader 400
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
|
7
|
- | $2500 |
TenPoint Vapor RS470
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $650 |
Centerpoint Wrath 430
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $1500 |
Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $2659 |
Ravin R26
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
+1 | $310 |
CenterPoint Sniper 370
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
-1 | $3400 |
TenPoint Nitro 505
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Excalibur Bulldog 440
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | Check price |
Tenpoint Nitro XRT
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
18
|
- | $2659 |
Ravin R20
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $679 |
Bear Archery Impact CDXV
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | Check price |
TenPoint Carbon Nitro RDX
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | Check price |
TenPoint Viper S400
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
+1 | $470 |
Bear X Constrictor CDX
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Crossbow |
|---|---|---|
| #14 | $309.99 | CenterPoint Sniper 370 [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $350 | Barnett Whitetail Hunter II [buy] [more info] |
| #22 | $469.96 | Bear X Constrictor CDX [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $649.99 | TenPoint Invader 400 [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $649.99 | Centerpoint Wrath 430 [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $657.72 | Barnett Hypertac 420 [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $679 | Bear Archery Impact CDXV [buy] [more info] |
| #21 | $1299 | TenPoint Viper S400 [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $1499.99 | Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2 [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $1964.94 | TenPoint Havoc RS440 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $2499.99 | TenPoint Vapor RS470 [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $2600 | Ravin R29X Sniper [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $2659 | Ravin R26 [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $2659 | Ravin R20 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $3199 | Ravin R500 [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $3399.99 | TenPoint Nitro 505 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Ravin R500 #1 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Ravin R500 as #1.
Outdoor Life
Editor’s Choice
|
Pros
Fast and accurate
Narrow profile
Easy to use
Good trigger
|
Cons
Difficult to clip bolts onto the string
Quiver and crank are poor quality for the price
Expensive
|
Field & Stream
Best Overall
|
Pros
Fastest crossbow around
Electronic cocking device
Comes fully assembled
|
Cons
Tough on targets
|
We ranked Ravin R29X Sniper #2 in May 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
|
Pros
450 FPS – Lightning Fast
Effortless and Silent Cocking Mechanism
HeliCoil Technology
Compact and Lightweight
|
Cons
Price, although you do get what you pay for!
Not able to safely let go mid-draw
|
Crossbow Joe
For the high rollers
|
Pros
Helicoil Technology
Durable Vortex strike eagle scope
Improved stock design
Long lasting and durable
|
Cons
Above average price tag
|
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 May 2023 ranking
Forgotten Hunter
Archery Power
Outdoor Life
10k Reviews
Field & Stream
Deer & Deer Hunting
huntinggiant.com
Crossbow Joe
Bow Hunting
Target Crazy
We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter II #3 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter II as #1.
Archery Power
Overall Best Under 500$
|
Pros
Comes with a Nock sensor and adf that eliminates dry fires
Great for hunting because of its camo shade
Comes with lube wax that you can use to lube the string
Comes with a 4×32 scope
|
Cons
The drawstring starts getting loose after several shots
|
10k Reviews
|
Pros
One of best rated crossbows
Powerful and faster
Perfect downrange accuracy
Best for professionals and beginners
Lightweight
Beautifully designed compound crossbow
|
Cons
ADF system break down
|
Target Crazy
Best Entry Level Crossbow
|
Pros
Low price range
Powerful but easy to handle
Light weight
Anti-dry-fire protection
Picatinny rail
Beginner accessories
|
Cons
Draw weight
|
We ranked TenPoint Havoc RS440 #4 in May 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 Barnett Hypertac 420 #5 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Crossbow Joe
Ultimate Hunting Experience
|
Pros
Lightweight Construction
Above average FPS
Good amount of extra accessories
|
Cons
Mixed reviews on the quality of the crank system
|
We ranked TenPoint Invader 400 #6 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked TenPoint Invader 400 as #1.
Crossbow Joe
Best bang for the buck
|
Pros
Lightweight design
Advanced cocking mechanism attachment option
|
Cons
Noisey when shot due to lack of damping system
|
Target Crazy
Best Overall
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Nothing!
|
We ranked TenPoint Vapor RS470 #7 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked TenPoint Vapor RS470 as #1.
Forgotten Hunter
Fastest Crossbow
|
Pros
ACUslide: Safe and Silent Cocking and Decocking
470 FPS: Fastest crossbow currently on the market!
Compact
Dead Silent Shooting
|
Cons
The price is rather high, definitely worth it though!
Assemble it yourself or work with a local deale
|
Field & Stream
Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting
|
Pros
Very fast
Accurate at long distances
Silent cocking system
|
Cons
Heavier than other crossbows
|
We ranked Centerpoint Wrath 430 #8 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
Best Value
|
Pros
Compact
Balances well for offhand shooting
Fast
|
Cons
Cocking mechanism gets stuck on stock
|
Field & Stream
Best on a Budget
|
Pros
More affordable
Very compact
Easy to cock
|
Cons
Scope isn’t the most accurate
|
We ranked Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2 #9 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
Best Recurve Crossbow
|
Pros
Fast follow-up shots
User serviceable
|
Cons
Front trigger can be difficult to reach
Complex cocking process
|
We ranked Ravin R26 #10 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Most Compact Crossbow
|
Pros
400 FPS
Most compact crossbow
Lightweight
Feels really well balanced
Versa-Draw cocking system
Ergonomic Grip
Ready-To-Hunt
|
Cons
Price
At this price, you’d expect a case included
Need to buy scope-level separate
|
Field & Stream
Best for Beginners
|
Pros
A lot of safety features
Lightweight and compact
Durable
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked CenterPoint Sniper 370 #11 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Crossbow for Beginners
|
Pros
Accurate
Lightweight
Quiet
Adjustable stock and grip
Beginner friendly
|
Cons
Vague assembly instructions
The trigger could be a little smoother
|
Archery Power
One of the Best Entry-Level Crossbows
|
Pros
Quite easy to set up
Incredible accuracy
Comes with an optic
|
Cons
The adjustable stock is noise
|
We ranked TenPoint Nitro 505 #12 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
Fastest Crossbow
|
Pros
Fast
Easy to crank
Built-in the U.S.A.
|
Cons
Inconsistent broadhead accuracy
Crank failure during testing
|
We ranked Excalibur Bulldog 440 #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Recurve Crossbow
|
Pros
Fast and Powerful Recurve Crossbow
Silent Cocking
Silent Shooting
Lightweight
Pro-Shot ACP Trigger
Recurve Maintenance
Pro Package Contains Everything You Need
|
Cons
Pretty big compared to a compound crossbow
|
Field & Stream
Best Recurve Crossbow
|
Pros
Fastest Excalibur bow
Accurate trigger system
Easy to cock
|
Cons
Weaker limbs
|
We ranked Tenpoint Nitro XRT #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Archery Power
|
Pros
Insane shooting speeds
Easy to shoot because of the Evo-X Marksman scope
Comes with an ambidextrous trigger
Comes with arrows with the Alpha Nock feature
|
Cons
Nothing to complain about
|
Target Crazy
Best for Hunters
|
Pros
Super fast 470 fps
Brutally powerful 182 ftke
ACUdraw Pro with only 9 lbs of draw weight
7-in ATA
Advanced accessories
Strings run through the riser
T5 trigger
|
Cons
It’s expensive
|
We ranked Ravin R20 #15 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Archery Power
|
Pros
Comes with plenty of safety features
Delivers repeatable pinpoint accuracy
Can take out large animals
Has a unique Helicoil design which suppresses noise
|
Cons
Other than its price tag, the Ravin R20 does not have any major drawbacks
|
10k Reviews
Best Crossbow for the money
|
Pros
Compact yet powerful crossbow
Lightweight
The lowest draw weight in the crossbows fray
Top quality scope
Takes on a target from 100 yards
|
Cons
More expensive under 3000 bucks
|
We ranked Bear Archery Impact CDXV #16 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Outdoor Life
|
Pros
Good speed and accuracy
Comes with four bolts
|
Cons
Needs more premium features for the price
|
We ranked TenPoint Carbon Nitro RDX #17 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Archery Power
|
Pros
Delivers 385 fps at 125FP of kinetic energy
Made from carbon, which is extremely light
Easy to use and maintain
Has noise dampeners to avoid scaring away game
|
Cons
Not ideal for beginners
|
10k Reviews
|
Pros
Narrow design
Faster enough
Best for target shooting and hunting
One of the most accurate crossbows
Perfectly adjusted stock
|
Cons
High end price tag
A bit heavy for small hands
|
We ranked TenPoint Viper S400 #18 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Crossbow with Built-In Cocking Device
|
Pros
400 FPS
Compact
Lightweight
Very safe
Effortless Cocking
|
Cons
TenPoint speed-rates their crossbows with different arrow weights
|
We ranked Bear X Constrictor CDX #19 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Value Crossbow under $500
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Range of scope could be Better
8 pounds can be a bit heavy for a crossbow
Rope Cocking 190 pounds can be quite difficult
|