September 2022
Crossbows: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Crossbow rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2022.
Summary
As of 10 Sep 2022, CenterPoint Sniper 370 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed crossbow with 4 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 crossbow' this month. It is followed by Barnett Whitetail Hunter II and Ravin R29X Sniper , with 4 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - September 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Crossbow |
Forgotten Hunter
|
Archery Power
|
Pick A Bow
|
Field & Stream
|
Bow Hunting
|
10k Reviews
|
Outdoor Life
|
Crossbow Joe
|
Deer & Deer Hunting
|
Target Crazy
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
CenterPoint Sniper 370
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
|
2
|
- | $376 |
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
3
|
- | $2846 |
Ravin R29X Sniper
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
1
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $3000 |
TenPoint Vapor RS470
|
1
|
-
|
14
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Barnett Jackal
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $700 |
Centerpoint Wrath 430
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $600 |
TenPoint Invader 400
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
|
8
|
- | $3281 |
Ravin R500
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $1752 |
Ravin R20
|
-
|
13
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $1600 |
TenPoint Viper S400
|
10
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $686 |
Barnett Hypertac 420
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $2000 |
Ravin R26
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $1500 |
Excalibur Bulldog 440
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $900 |
Wicked Ridge RDX 400
|
3
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $426 |
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | Check price |
Tenpoint Nitro XRT
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
19
|
- | $779 |
Bear Archery Impact CDXV
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | Check price |
TenPoint Carbon Nitro RDX
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Excalibur Micro Suppressor
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
- | $680 |
CenterPoint CP400
|
12
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
- | $900 |
Tenpoint Titan M1
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked CenterPoint Sniper 370 #1 in September 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked CenterPoint Sniper 370 as #1.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Crossbow for Beginners
|
Pros
Accurate
Lightweight
Quiet
Adjustable stock and grip
Beginner friendly
|
Cons
Vague assembly instructions
The trigger could be a little smoother
|
Archery Power
One of the Best Entry-Level Crossbows
|
Pros
Quite easy to set up
Incredible accuracy
Comes with an optic
|
Cons
The adjustable stock is noise
|
Crossbow Joe
Top Rated Entry-Level Crossbow
|
Pros
The insane FPS
Its incredable accuracy
Included a ton of extra accessories
|
Cons
The adjustable stock causes quite a bit of noise and can ruin your hunting trip
|
Target Crazy
Best Budget Crossbow
|
Pros
Low price range
Fast 370 fps
Powerful 112 fpke
AR-like recoil-absorbing butt
Integrated limb dampeners and string suppressors
Included 4x32mm scope
|
Cons
Weight
|
We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter II #2 in September 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter II as #1.
Archery Power
Overall Best Under 500$
|
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
|
Pick A Bow
Best Budget Crossbow
|
Pros
The TriggerTech technology offered for this model ensures high accuracy even for novices
You will get a wide array of extras that will help you to achieve better performance
The crossbow is super quiet and will not give away your location when you’re shooting
|
Cons
As far as the provided scope is concerned, the quality could have been better, as some customers say in their reviews
|
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
|
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 2022 ranking
Forgotten Hunter
Archery Power
Pick A Bow
Field & Stream
Bow Hunting
10k Reviews
Outdoor Life
Crossbow Joe
Deer & Deer Hunting
Target Crazy
We ranked Ravin R29X Sniper #3 in September 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
We ranked TenPoint Vapor RS470 #4 in September 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
Pick A Bow
The Safest Crossbow with High Accuracy
|
Pros
A game-changer when it comes to cocking, the ACUslide system is perfectly controlled. Unlike standard cocking systems where there’s a risk of losing control, with ACUslide, you can backwind the handle, and it allows you to stop at any point. The safety wings and the Dry Fire Inhibitor are additional protection features that make this crossbow extra safe.
Designed for outstanding shots, this crossbow reaches speeds up to 470 feet-per-second and an elongated power stroke of 17 inches that increases the speed while minimizing the draw weight.
The trigger design allows you to have more control and an overall accuracy increased by an impressive 48 percent, including same-hole accuracy.
The Vapor RS470 comes with six Evo-X carbon arrows and six Lighted Evo-X carbon arrows for maximum speed. The Evo-X scope is adapted for low light conditions, and the integrated string stop system makes the crossbow less noisy.
|
Cons
This is a costly crossbow, but it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Vapor RS470 doesn’t come with an instant detach quiver, and the one that is included in the package isn’t secure enough for the arrows.
|
We ranked Barnett Jackal #5 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Barnett Jackal as #1.
Archery Power
Best Beginner Crossbow
|
Pros
Incredible design and solid construction
Available at an affordable price
Ideal for beginners and intermediate users
Backed by a 5-year warranty
|
Cons
Does not come with a rope cocking mechanism
|
Pick A Bow
One of the best beginner crossbows
|
Pros
It is very affordable
Its great design
Its solid construction
|
Cons
We would like a rope cocking mechanism included in the package
It’s not the most silent crossbow
|
We ranked Centerpoint Wrath 430 #6 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Centerpoint Wrath 430 as #1.
Outdoor Life
Best Value
|
Pros
Compact
Balances well for offhand shooting
Fast
|
Cons
Cocking mechanism gets stuck on stock
|
We ranked TenPoint Invader 400 #7 in September 2022 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 Ravin R500 #8 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert 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
|
We ranked Ravin R20 #9 in September 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
Pick A Bow
One Of The Most Compact Crossbows
|
Pros
This Ravin crossbow provides increased accuracy due to its innovative technologies such as the cables that coil away from the crossbow’s cams using helical grooves, which keeps them balanced.
The Ravin R20 is a compact device that offers rifle-like accuracy and a speed of more than 400 feet per second. It is fast, precise, and easy to use.
The comprehensive package that accompanies this crossbow makes it ready for use as soon as you’ve bought it. This Ravin model is also provided with safety mechanisms.
Overall, due to its innovative features, speed, and sturdiness, this crossbow would be a good investment.
|
Cons
This crossbow might be a little bit too noisy when compared to competition at this price range.
|
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 TenPoint Viper S400 #10 in September 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
Pick A Bow
A Lightweight and Highly Maneuverable Weapon
|
Pros
The design is compact, which makes it easy to carry and highly maneuverable, which is good news for any hunter.
The TenPoint advance S1 trigger will lead to the device having 0 creep, thus making hunting a better experience.
Thanks to the ACUslide silent cocking and de-cocking system, you have the ability of de-cocking the arrow, without needing to shoot one.
|
Cons
The cranking effort goes smoothly up until you reach around the last 4 inches, which is when things tend to get a bit more difficult.
|
We ranked Barnett Hypertac 420 #11 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
We ranked Ravin R26 #12 in September 2022 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
|
We ranked Excalibur Bulldog 440 #13 in September 2022 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
|
We ranked Wicked Ridge RDX 400 #14 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Reverse-Draw Crossbow
|
Pros
Relatively cheap Reverse Draw Crossbow
ACUdraw Technology
400 FPS
Beginner friendly crossbow
Lightweight
Compact
Made in the USA
|
Cons
Scope can use an upgrade
Trigger has some creep
|
Pick A Bow
The Best Reverse-Draw Crossbow
|
Pros
With a high 400 feet-per-second speed and a low price tag, the Wicked Ridge RDX 400 offers a great speed-to-value ratio.
Thanks to its patented reverse-draw technology, it doesn’t feel as heavy as other crossbows, and you get better down-range accuracy with less effort.
It’s ideal for tree stands or ground blinds because it’s only 9-inches wide, and it comes with a noise-dampening system for great stealth.
The Wicked Ridge trigger safety and the Dry Fire Inhibitor optimize your safety by preventing accidental firing.
The RDX 400 package includes the ACUdraw cocking device, the TenPoint scope, three arrows, a quiver, and a string stop system. You can also opt for the Rope Sled instead of the ACUdraw.
|
Cons
The Pro-View scope doesn’t provide great visibility when shooting after dark. Plus, it is only calibrated for 50 yards, which is a small distance considering the range of the RDX 400.
|
We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR #15 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Pick A Bow
One of the best entry-level crossbows
|
Pros
The device has a floating bristle arrow retainer which is very useful for stopping dry-firing from ever happening.
In order for you to feel safer, the crossbow has finger safety reminders, which is a really good thing, especially for beginners.
It includes a package of other things you will use, such as a multi-reticle scope, headhunter arrows of 22 inches, rope cocking device, lightweight quiver, and more.
|
Cons
The scope is on the weaker side, but still a good choice for beginners.
|
Crossbow Joe
Ultimate Hunting Experience
|
Pros
Fast arrow speed
Able to handle with ease
Advanced safety features
|
Cons
Below average draw weight
|
We ranked Tenpoint Nitro XRT #16 in September 2022 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 Bear Archery Impact CDXV #17 in September 2022 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 #18 in September 2022 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 Excalibur Micro Suppressor #19 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Pick A Bow
The Most Silent Crossbow
|
Pros
The crossbow’s vibration and noise are significantly reduced compared to what you get with most crossbows. This means that your chances of shooting the target are improved and your overall hunting experience becomes more enjoyable.
The crossbow’s Bullpup Ready Rest stock is light and equipped with rubber grip inserts that make it easier to control and more comfortable to hold.
The crossbow’s X-Hanger quiver is easy to detach, and it is attached to a tactical Picatinny rail that can be provided with extra attachments.
Moreover, the ultra-compact and narrow design of the Micro Suppressor make it easy to carry, store, and to handle.
The device’s ambidextrous cheekpiece, finger guards, and anti-dry-fire system make it a safe option.
This sturdy and reliable crossbow from Excalibur helps shoot with precision.
|
Cons
The finish on the crossbow’s limbs might chip off due to repeated shooting.
|
10k Reviews
|
Pros
Powerful and fast
Best crossbow with compact design
Quiet and vibrations free
Easy to assemble
Best for hunting and target shooting
|
Cons
Pricey
More draw weight
|
We ranked CenterPoint CP400 #20 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Value Crossbow under $750
|
Pros
HeliCoil Technology
Compact
Affordable
Anti-dry fire and auto safety
Folding Stirrup
5-Year Warranty
|
Cons
Trigger has some creep
Trigger breaks at ~7 lbs.
|
Pick A Bow
A Very Affordable Top Tier Crossbow
|
Pros
The CNC-Machined Cam System boasts the licensed HeliCoil technology that ensures perfectly balanced cams.
Unlike other similar items from the same price category, the new CP400 crossbow is compact and comes with a sturdy and comfortable handle that prevents hand fatigue and allows you to easily maneuver the item or carry it with you.
The compact design measures 6 inches in width, axle to axle when fully-drawn, helping you to conveniently carry the crossbow and store it whenever you’re done using it.
Another feature that we liked about the particular CP400 is the high speed it delivers, of up to 400 fps, with a punch of maximum 142 fpe for downrange accuracy. This way, you can easily reach your target, whether you use the crossbow in the wild or the range field for practice.
|
Cons
Although the item comes with a full set of useful accessories, it only includes three arrows, so you should consider buying at least one or two additional sets if you want to practice and boost your shooting skills faster.
|
We ranked Tenpoint Titan M1 #21 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Crossbows” rankings.
Forgotten Hunter
Best Value Crossbow Under $1000
|
Pros
TenPoint crossbow at affordable price
ACUdraw Safe & Silent Cocking Device optional
T5 Match-Grade Trigger
Narrow & Lightweight
|
Cons
TenPoint speed-rates their crossbows with different arrow weights
|
Crossbow Joe
Lighting Fast FPS
|
Pros
Lighting Fast
Weights less than some other brands
One of the best sellers on the list
|
Cons
Above average draw weight
|