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
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking crossbows start at $49.95 (Snake Eye Tactical Cobra) and go up to $3699.99 (TenPoint Nitro 505). Median crossbow costs $649.99 (TenPoint Invader 400).
$49.95
$3699.99

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
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.
-
-
-
-
1
2
10
-
-
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.
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
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.
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
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.
-
3
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
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.
4
-
-
-
2
-
5
-
-
-
6
- $650
TenPoint Invader 400
-
-
1
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
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.
-
-
5
9
-
-
-
10
-
-
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.
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
9
- $1110
Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
15
- $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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
2
-
-
16
- $1500
Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
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.
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
18
- $245
PSE Coalition Frontier
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
19
- $804
Bear Archery Impact CDXV
7
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
20
- $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.
-
-
-
-
-
11
-
4
-
-
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.
-
-
-
-
5
10
-
-
-
-
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.
-
-
-
-
-
13
-
-
-
8
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11
-
11

; ; ;
#23 $179.98 Barnett Wildcat
#18 $244.99 PSE Coalition Frontier
#15 $389 Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
#7 $399.99 Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
#22 $469.96 Bear X Constrictor CDX
#6 $649.99 TenPoint Invader 400
#19 $804.45 Bear Archery Impact CDXV
#20 $899.99 Tenpoint Titan M1
#8 $999 Axe Crossbows’ AX405
#9 $1109.99 Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock
#16 $1499.99 Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2
#3 $1964.94 TenPoint Havoc RS440
#1 $2600 Ravin R29X Sniper
#4 $3200 Ravin R500
#17 $3699.99 TenPoint Nitro 505

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.
Critic endorsements:
Deer & Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

Forgotten Hunter

Most Accurate Crossbow

450 FPS – Lightning Fast
Effortless and Silent Cocking Mechanism
HeliCoil Technology
Compact and Lightweight

Price, although you do get what you pay for!
Not able to safely let go mid-draw

Go to ranking

Crossbow Joe

For the high rollers

Helicoil Technology
Durable Vortex strike eagle scope
Improved stock design
Long lasting and durable

Above average price tag

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

The Most Powerful Crossbow

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
Outdoor Life

Editor’s Choice

Compact
Easy to shoot offhand, kneeling, or seated
Easy to cock and decock

Forend is not ideal for shooting off a tripod or bag

Go to ranking

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

Expensive

Go to ranking

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

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.
Critic endorsements:
Bow Hunting

Wreaking Havoc

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Best crossbow of 2021

Go to ranking

We ranked Ravin R500 #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Outdoor Life

Best Speed Bow

Fast and accurate
Narrow profile
Easy to use
Good trigger

Difficult to clip bolts onto the string
Quiver and crank are poor quality for the price
Expensive

Go to ranking

Crossbow Joe

Lighting Fast FPS

Lighting Fast
Very Powerful

Expensive

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Best crossbow of 2022

Go to ranking

We ranked Barnett Hypertac 420 #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Bow Hunting

Sharp as Tacks

Go to ranking

Deer & Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

Crossbow Joe

Ultimate Hunting Experience

Lightweight Construction
Above average FPS
Good amount of extra accessories

Mixed reviews on the quality of the crank system

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
Target Crazy

Best Overall

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

Nothing!

Go to ranking

Crossbow Joe

Best bang for the buck

Lightweight design
Advanced cocking mechanism attachment option

Noisey when shot due to lack of damping system

Go to ranking

We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter II #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Target Crazy

Best Entry Level Crossbow

Low price range
Powerful but easy to handle
Light weight
Anti-dry-fire protection
Picatinny rail
Beginner accessories

Draw weight

Go to ranking

10k Reviews

One of best rated crossbows
Powerful and faster
Perfect downrange accuracy
Best for professionals and beginners
Lightweight
Beautifully designed compound crossbow

ADF system break down

Go to ranking

Archery Power

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.

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.

Go to ranking

We ranked Axe Crossbows’ AX405 #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Bow Hunting

Take an Axe to Them

Go to ranking

Archery Power

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.

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.

Go to ranking

We ranked Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock #9 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Outdoor Life

Best Value

Light
Very adjustable length of pull
Easy to cock and de-cock with a rope cocker

Heavy trigger
A lot of post-shot vibration

Go to ranking

Field & Stream

Good accuracy
Good power
Extremely lightweight
Excellent value

So-so trigger

Go to ranking

We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR #10 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Crossbow Joe

Mix Between Power & Precision

Fast arrow speed
Able to handle with ease
Advanced safety features

Below average draw weight

Go to ranking

Archery Power

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.

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.

Go to ranking

We ranked Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2 #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Outdoor Life

Best Recurve Crossbow

Fast follow-up shots
User serviceable

Front trigger can be difficult to reach
Complex cocking process

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Best Recurve crossbow

Go to ranking

We ranked TenPoint Nitro 505 #12 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Outdoor Life

Fast
Easy to crank
Built-in the U.S.A.

Inconsistent broadhead accuracy
Crank failure during testing

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Fastest Crossbow in the world

Go to ranking

We ranked PSE Coalition Frontier #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Bow Hunting

A Bold, New Frontier

Go to ranking

Archery Power

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.

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.

Go to ranking

We ranked Bear Archery Impact CDXV #14 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Bow Hunting

Deadly Impact

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Good speed and accuracy
Comes with four bolts

Needs more premium features for the price

Go to ranking

We ranked Tenpoint Titan M1 #15 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Forgotten Hunter

Best Value Crossbow Under $1000

TenPoint crossbow at affordable price
ACUdraw Safe & Silent Cocking Device optional
T5 Match-Grade Trigger
Narrow & Lightweight

TenPoint speed-rates their crossbows with different arrow weights

Go to ranking

Archery Power

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.

The rope sled can be cumbersome for re-cocking.
The price point is on the higher end.
The crossbow is not very beginner-friendly.

Go to ranking

We ranked TenPoint Viper S400 #16 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Deer & Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

Forgotten Hunter

Best Crossbow with Built-In Cocking Device

400 FPS
Compact
Lightweight
Very safe
Effortless Cocking

TenPoint speed-rates their crossbows with different arrow weights

Go to ranking

We ranked Bear X Constrictor CDX #17 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Forgotten Hunter

Best Value Crossbow under $500

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

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Best Compact crossbow

Go to ranking

We ranked Barnett Wildcat #18 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Archery Power

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.

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.

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Best youth crossbow

Go to ranking