Best Crossbow for the Money

Crossbow technology continues to advance with each passing year. So how to choose the best crossbow that will last you for next couple of years?

Don’t worry, we tested and reviewed top crossbow brands based on weight, range, speed, and price to give you the COOLEST picks.

You’ll be able to get TON OF FUN hitting the target consistently or take down the big buck with least effort.

Ready? Then dive in...

Best Crossbows On The Market Today:

Best Crossbow for the Money Reviews in 2022:

1. Wicked Ridge Invader 400 Crossbow (Best Compound Crossbow For The Money)

Brief Specification:

Wicked Ridge Invader 400 Crossbow Review

Some hunters prefer the compound crossbows to start with - and I feel them.

I selected the Invader 400 for this purpose -  there is no better compound bow for the money!

High speed crossbow

First up, the Invader 400 is very fast, reaching about 400 FPS.

It comes with the 132 FP kinetic energy (KE), making this crossbow more powerful enough to take down an elk.

Easy Cocking

The Invader 400 packs a 195 lbs draw weight, which is extremely hard to cock - even if you consider the cocking aids that come with it.

Fortunately, it features an integrated cocking mechanism, and you can choose one of the two options:

Acudraw

ACUdraw is a crank cocking mechanism, and it requires minimal drawing effort.

It reduces the effort by 95%, so you will need to use only about 9.75 lbs of your strength.

Best of all, you can cock the bow quietly on a treestand without worrying about spooking the buck.

Acudraw 50

On the flip side, the ACUdraw 50 is a rope cocking mechanism, which only reduces the cocking effort by half.

So, you will still need to pull about 97.5 pounds of draw weight to cock your bow.

New 5S cam system

This crossbow comes with a 5S cam and the ultimate lightweight feel.

It increases the power stroke and cam rotation, giving the bow more power and speed.

Lite crossbow

It weighs only 6 pounds and is convenient for spot and stalk hunting trips and long walks through the woods.

Wide profile

The Invader 400 is somewhat broad, with 15” width when cocked - making it a good choice for two-man ladders and big ground blinds.

Made in USA

Another thing worth noting is that this crossbow is made in the USA - and even better, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Keep your hands safe

As for safety, the safety wings keep your fingers safe under the rail. It’s better, the bow features a trigger guard.

Great accessories

The included accessories are neat and valuable - such as the scope, for example.

The scope is a 3x Pro View lighted scope, pre-sighted at the factory.

It has a red/green reticle to increase the contrast in dark conditions.

Aluminum arrows

Moreover, the crossbow comes with a quiver and 3 packs of aluminum arrows.

The aluminum bolts are ideal for target practice because they are flawless to discharge, but they aren’t good options for big game hunting.

You should consider investing in carbon or carbon fiber arrows for hunting to achieve success.

Drawback

I didn’t like the limited alpha nocks. You can replace the shaft, but you still must use the alpha nocks and the receiver. If you don’t, that could void the warranty.

Another con is how much noise the crossbow makes, and you should add noise dampeners to prevent the deer from “jumping the string.”

Also, the crossbow doesn’t support the uncocking feature as the higher end crossbow below.

If you need to unload the arrows, you should replace the field tips before firing to a target.

While I’m at it, the manual is not very well-written - and the string isn’t very durable, either.

Pros:

Cons:

2. BearX Constrictor CDX Crossbow (Most Powerful Crossbow)

Brief Specification:

BearX Constrictor CDX Crossbow Review

BearX Constrictor CDX is one of the most powerful crossbows out there and our winner of the “strongest choice” category.

High power crossbow

It’s a high-energy crossbow thanks to the 190 pounds of draw weight.

However, with the rope cocking mechanism, you will still need to pull your fair share of that crossbow weight.

Here’s some fantastic news:

This crossbow can reach the fantastic speed of 410 FPS - and there indeed aren’t that many best crossbows in this price range that can reach this speed.

Moreover, it comes with the 136 FP kinetic energy - enough to take down a cow.

Super quiet

I liked this bow a lot because this crossbow is super quiet, thanks to the string recoil suppressor system.

This system reduces noise and vibration, so you don’t need to worry about spooking deer.

Adjustable buttstock and cheekpiece

The adjustable buttstock and cheekpiece allow you to adjust to your size and align your sight to make it more comfortable for you.

The trigger is relatively smooth, ensuring success and a great experience shooting.

As for the safety features, it’s pretty basic, with the standard anti-dry-fire to prevent injuries.

Basic scope

The accessories are “basic,” with an illuminated scope.

The scope comes with a red/green reticle, and you can even adjust the brightness in low light conditions.

Medium quality bolts

The bow comes with three BearX TrueX bolts. But do note that you need to use the TrueX nocks or the Alpha nocks by TenPoint if you don’t want to void your warranty.

If you wish to use the lighted nock, I advise you to stick to the TenPoint Pro Lite bolts with the lighted Alpha nocks - or you can even set up lighted sticks.

Handy Quiver

Along with it, you get a 4-arrow quiver. You can loosen the screw on the quiver to move it by 360 degrees.

That’s a neat feature when you need to remove it from your eyesight or make carrying more manageable.

Drawback

I didn’t like this crossbow because it’s relatively wide - 10 inches when cocked - which isn’t the right fit for tight spaces such as hang on tree stands.

Plus, there is no automatic cocking mechanism.

Moreover, the crossbow is a heavyweight, clocking in at 9 pounds. The bow is heavy-duty, but it can be a pain to carry around early in the season.

The string isn’t high quality, and the limited nocks also dim the experience.

Pros:

Cons:

3. CenterPoint Wrath 430 Crossbow Package (Best Crossbow For Beginners)

Brief Specification:

CenterPoint Wrath 430 Crossbow Review

The reversed draw design has many advantages, and many hunters look for that. So, if you are looking for something a bit different, here comes the CenterPoint Wrath 430.

Thin profile advantage

Thanks to the compact design, this crossbow is relatively easy to carry to tight, cramped spaces such as a blind or a hang-on stand.

The design allows this crossbow to achieve blazing speeds despite the thin profile - it’s only 9 inches wide.

It can accomplish the shot speeds of 430 FPS, with less arrow drop and a straighter trajectory.

The Wrath 430 is also super strong, with a 200-pound draw weight. It’s more than plenty to make ethical shots at your prey.

Pulls Silently with less pressure

Silent use is a must for crossbows; luckily, the Wrath is whisper-quiet.

That is all thanks to the removable and silent crank cocking device.

The device allows you to pull with only 20% of the original power, so you will only need to remove about 40 pounds.

It’s sweet and enjoyable to pull this crossbow in a treestand. If you have physical injuries, you’ll find it a real advantage.

You can cock and decock the crossbow smoothly, but keep in mind that you will have to hold the crank at all times to prevent it from spinning and hurting you.

Super Accurate

The illuminated red and green reticles on the fixed power scope will allow you to keep an eye on everything, even in low light conditions.

Thanks to this scope, you can hunt during dawn and dusk with no issues. My buddy could group 2" within 50 yards in his backyard.

Quiet

This crossbow makes zero noise thanks to the string suppressor, vibration dampener, and bolt retainer.

It also has a smooth draw cycle to have the best hunting experience.

Folding Foot Stirrup

The stirrup features 3 height levels. It helps with rope cocking, but you can also use it as a bipod to support your hold of the bow.

Safe to use

I liked the finger guard that protects your fingers from the rail.

The anti-dry-fire is a must-have; luckily, this crossbow comes with it to stop accidental triggering.

Made in the USA

The quality of this crossbow can genuinely make you proud of American-made products. It also comes with a 5-year warranty to keep you all set.

Downside

I didn’t like the warranty length much - it should have been longer.

The string is easy to wear out, so I advise you to wax the rail every 10 shots.

Also, the crossbow is a bit heavy - it weighs 8.3 pounds. So it can be a pain in the butt to haul around.

The scope isn’t high quality, so you’d better upgrade to a better one.

Pros:

Cons:

4. Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow (Lightest Crossbow)

Brief Specification:

Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow Review

The Excalibur GRZ2 is the most lightweight crossbow of this year. It’s perfect for stalkers that want to carry the bow all around the woods!

Lightest crossbow

It weighs only 5.5 pounds, making it the best lightweight crossbow in our list.

It is so lightweight that anyone can carry it without feeling the strain after the whole day.

Nice speed

It also comes with an excellent shot speed - up to 305 FPS.

Granted, it isn’t close to the fastest crossbow in the world, but it will work just fine for target shooting.

It can also take down a deer, but you will need to be a tad more careful than usual to hit the vitals.

Little Noisy

The flaw of this crossbow is that it makes some noise while shooting, potentially scaring your prey.

Simple recurve design

On the plus side, here’s something that makes it special - the recurve design.

It makes it super easy to decock a crossbow or replace the string on the field.

Bulky

Despite being lightweight, the GRZ2 is rather bulky.

With a 33.25" L x 26.5" W dimension, I don’t think it’s a good option for popup blinds or tree stands.

It’s very comfortable and ergonomic, so if you opt for a spot and stalk, at least you know you won’t get a cramp from your crossbow.

Heavy draw weight crossbow

The draw weight is somewhat heavy - 325 pounds.

But with the rope cocker, it’s not too hard to load for someone average-sized.

However, if you have a shoulder injury, you might find it pretty strenuous.

So, if that’s the case, I advise you to invest in an Excalibur crank cocking mechanism. It reduces the draw weight to only 12 lbs!

Good accessories

I liked the included scope a lot, as it helps the hunter stay accurate at up to 60 yards. It’s easy to sight in and holds zero very long.

The bow comes with a 4-pack of bolts - which are pretty decent. And they will serve you well on your hunting weekend.

Draw back

I liked the limited lifetime warranty because it ensures the components of this crossbow aren’t cheap.

The instruction manual could be more clear and easier to use, though. 

Pros:

Cons:

5. Tenpoint Turbo M1 Crossbow Package (Best Crossbow For Women)

Tenpoint Turbo M1 Crossbow Review

Women usually have a more petite frame and less upper-body strength, so they generally need a crossbow that caters to that.

TenPoint’s Turbo M1 is the answer the ladies have been looking for here!

Lightest compound crossbow

Without a doubt, it’s one of the lightest crossbows I have encountered. Weighing only 6.4 pounds, it’s much lighter than most typical compound crossbows out there.

It’s fantastic to carry to your hunting stand with this weight!

Steady holding

The cut-out design is convenient because it reduces the weight of the crossbow. What’s even better, it grips your fingers in for a super-steady hold.

Safest trigger

Another cool feature of the Turbo M1 is the new T5 trigger, the safest trigger out there.

It comes with an auto-engaging safety or the dry-fire-inhibitor.

It ensures you don’t dry fire the crossbow, causing injuries and even damage to the crossbow.

Mutiple cocking options

As for the cocking mechanism, this crossbow comes with 3 options:

Acudraw and Acudraw sled

ACUdraw Sled and ACUdraw are rope cocking mechanisms, meaning they reduce the loading effort by half, so around 85 pounds.

But, keep in mind that you will still need to use your foot stirrup to load the bow.

Acudraw Pro

The third option, ACUdraw Pro, reduces the drawing effort to 8.5 pounds, which is fantastic for women.

Thanks to that, this cocking mechanism is effortless to operate - and it comes with zero noise and much faster cocking than the other two options.

That is a suitable option if you have back or shoulder issues.

However, you have to make sure you bring your cocking handle with you - or you will lose all of the fun on the hunting trip!

Mid price and power

With a medium price of under $1,000, this crossbow offers medium power.

The bow can reach the speed of 380 FPS, and thanks to the VX-5 reversed cams, the rotation is increased, and with it, the power stroke - which is just over 14 inches.

This specific design enables you to take down any kind of game in North America.

Ideal for women and kids

The size of this bow is medium, with 32 inches of length and 9 inches of width. It is great for everyone - even women and kids.

Because of the width, this is also the narrowest bow in the Turbo line. That said, high-end crossbows can be even slimmer than that.

Adjustable size

The butt plate is adjustable to two levels, and therefore it allows additional adjustment if you are very tall or have a more petite frame.

Moreover, the forearm grip gives a better grasp on the bow when you’re shooting.

Awesome scope

We have the 3x Pro View 3 Scope that offers 20 to 50 yardage.

It features a black dot yardage line and red/green illumination to see dim conditions. It’s easy to sight in within 10 minutes at 20 yds.

You can gets consistent accuracy, with a 3-inch grouping at 40 yards, but it isn’t waterproof or fog proof.

Decent arrow

The bow also comes with a 3-pack of Pro Elite 400 carbon arrows with 0.003-inch straightness.

It’s not the best - but still tough enough to take down a buck. Plus, you can place the arrows in the detachable quiver.

Made in USA

Another point I liked about this crossbow is that it’s made in the USA, and there aren’t too many manufacturers nowadays that produce crossbows in the US.

Drawback

The con of this crossbow is that you cannot decock the bow with the crank, and you are limited to half-moon nocks.

The bow can be noisy, so you should add a dampener to absorb the noise and vibration for more success.

Another thing I didn’t like is that the case is not included. So, you should get a soft or hard case to protect your investment.

The string could be of better quality, as well.

Pros:

Cons:

6. Barnett Hypertac 420 Crossbow (Best Mid-Price Crossbow for Entry Level)

Brief Specification:

Barnett Hypertac 420 Crossbow Review

The medium-price range is usually the best option as you can get many great features - and pretty decent durability.

That is why the Barnett Hypertac 420 is our best mid-range crossbow for beginners.

Ultra compact

First of all, the Hypertac 420 is ultra-compact. With 9 inches axle to axle when cocked, it’s a good option to maneuver in tight spaces.

High Powered xbow

What’s even better, this crossbow is relatively fast, and it can reach speeds of 420 FPS, using a 380 grainage.

The power of this crossbow comes from the 210 lbs draw weight, so it’s heavy to load if you are not very strong.

On that note, you should consider investing in a crank to assist your cocking effort.

Super smooth trigger

The trigger is super smooth and requires a mere 3 pounds of pulling effort.

Thanks to the TriggerTech frictionless release technology, it comes with zero creep whatsoever!

Adjustable size

The adjustable buttstock can move in and out, so you can adjust it to any size, even to fit kids.

Simple to use

It’s a breeze to assemble and use; the setup requires less than 15 minutes.

High quality scope

As for the accessories, the Hypertac 420 comes with a Halo 1.5 x 5x32mm Illuminated, Speed-Compensating scope.

The scope offers crystal-clear vision from 20 to 70 yards, and you can adjust it using the 10-yard increments.

Also, the illumination can be simply adjusted for you to see even better. And it’s surprisingly easy to zero in, as well.

Top notch arrow

The arrows have 0.001-inch straightness, making them the stiffest arrows. They fly straight consistently and offer clean pass-through shots.

More than that, you can place them all in the side mount quiver included in the package.

Drawback

The con of this crossbow is that it’s pretty heavy - almost 8 lbs making it a pain to carry around.

What’s more, with 35 inches of length, this crossbow is pretty long.

If you have a more petite frame, you might experience balance issues. If this is the case, I advise you to add a shooting stick to get steadier shots.

Besides that, you cannot unload the crossbow without firing to the ground or the target (aka traditional way).

The arrows are pretty expensive if you need to purchase additional ones, and the bow quality seems a bit inconsistent.

Pros:

Cons:

7. Excalibur Suppressor 400 TD Crossbow (Best Recurve Crossbow For The Money)

Brief Specification:

Excalibur Suppressor 400 TD Crossbow Review

Recurve crossbows come with many advantages, but they can be pretty expensive.

That is why I found the best recurve crossbow for the money - Excalibur Suppressor 400 TD!

Super Powerful Limbs

First up, this crossbow features the recurve crossbow design and is pretty broad - just over 20 inches.

It has super powerful limbs, which enable the speed of 400 FPS, thanks to the 325 draw weight.

The crossbow is 32 inches long, making it a good fit for someone with a more petite frame, as well.

To ensure that, the crossbow is lightweight, weighing under 7 pounds.

However, to have the steadiest shots, I strongly advise you to get an additional shooting rest.

Easy to take down and travel

The take-down design features the Quick-Loc technology to ensure your bow is safe when traveling in the crossbow case.

You can assemble and disassemble it within seconds!

Silent shooting

The bow is silent when shooting, thanks to the SDS Silencing system.

To make it whisper quiet, it features R.E.D.S. suppressors, a sound-deadening system, and air brakes suppressors, which reduce the vibration of the string and the entire frame.

Light drawing

As for the cocking, you get a charger cranking system included in the package, too.

It enables drawing the crossbow effortlessly and quietly. And the cocking effort is reduced to 14 lbs.

Lite Trigger

The trigger is an ACP, and it requires 3 pounds to pull, with zero creep.

High end accessories

The accessories are all amazing, ensuring you will get your money’s worth.

The Pro Flight Premium arrows included are a 4-pack. They are pretty short (16.5”) but incredibly high-quality.

The Tac-100 scope is terrific. You can dial it in within minutes. And it holds zero for minutes, as well.

Lifetime warranty

It comes with a limited lifetime warranty to keep you all set for many years.

Drawback

The flaw of this crossbow is that it doesn’t include a case for traveling, so you will at least need to invest in one to protect your bow.

Also, the crossbow could be somewhat bulky for me.

Pros:

8. TenPoint Stealth NXT Crossbow (Best Hunting Crossbow)

Brief Specification:

TenPoint Stealth NXT Crossbow Review

If you want the best hunting experience, you will need the best crossbow for deer hunting out there. That is why my next pick is the TenPoint Stealth NXT crossbow!

Worry-free about cocking

Like a few best crossbows in this article, this bow comes with 3 ACUdraw options for cocking mechanisms.

ACUdraw and ACUdraw Sled reduce the drawing pressure to half (69 lbs) since they’re rope cocking mechanisms.

The ACUdraw Pro is the crank cocking mechanism, reducing the cocking effort to 8.5 lbs of pulling. It also allows much faster cocking than the other two options.

However, you need to make sure you don’t forget your cocking handle on the truck - or you will ruin your hunting trip.

Most narrow crossbow

This one is, by far, the most narrow crossbow ever made by TenPoint as it’s 6 inches wide when cocked.

It’s the ideal option for hang-on treestands or saddle hunting.

High Velocity

What’s even better, this crossbow is super powerful, achieving the speed of the shot of 410 FPS.

Extremely smooth pulling trigger

The trigger is smooth, with zero creep, and requires 3.5 pounds of pulling.

Quiet use

Besides that, the crossbow is extremely quiet thanks to the sound dampeners and an arrow retention brush - and both reduce noise and vibration.

That’s incredibly important for hunting, as you can miss the prey.

Easily fit

The crossbow is adjustable to your liking.

For example, the cheekpiece has 3 levels so that you can create fit eye-level alignment for yourself.

The buttstock has 2 settings to fit your size, as well.

Fantastic accessories

A great addition to this crossbow is the fantastic accessories included in the package.

First up, we have the Rangemaster Pro scope - which holds zero forever, is illuminated, and improves your accuracy by far.

The crossbow also comes with a 3-pack of Evo-X CenterPunch premium carbon arrows with 0.001” stiffness to ensure maximum penetration upon contact.

The bow also features a 5-year warranty - which is very convenient.

Drawback

The con of this otherwise fantastic crossbow is that it is somewhat heavy.

With a weight of 7.3 pounds, it can be far too heavy for someone with a more delicate frame.

Also, you will need to invest in an additional ACUtorq crank - which will set you back if you’re on a budget.

Pros:

Cons:

9. Mission Archery Sub-1 XR Crossbow (Best Long Range Crossbow)

Brief Specification:

Mission Archery Sub-1 XR Crossbow Review

If you want to hunt from a tree stand or a ground blind, you will need a long-range crossbow to match. The Mission Sub 1 is the perfect crossbow for long-range hunting.

Here’s why:

Super accurate

The most crucial factor for a long-range crossbow is that it’s accurate.

Luckily, the Mission Sub 1 is highly accurate, with a 1-inch grouping at 100 yards.

However, you should only sight in and shoot at 100 yards for fun as it’s not practical in hunting scenarios.

The arrow retention offers two stages, and it holds the bolts securely on the flight rail.

More powerful with less loading weight

The Syn X cam ensures supreme power.

The crossbow can reach the speed of 385 FPS, meaning it can penetrate through both shoulders of the deer.

The crank mechanism lets off 80% of the original draw weight, so it’s all user-friendly.

You will require only 40 pounds of cocking effort, thanks to the cam. Loading or unloading the crossbow is not an issue.

You can even adjust the draw weight of the limb from 200 to 150 pounds, making it easier to pull.

Ease your cocking effort

Cocking is done efficiently and safely, thanks to the cocking rope.

And to assist the drawing effort, you can even attach the additional cocking crank - the Removable Silent Draw (RSD).

The rope cocking mechanism has a decock ability, allowing you to decock a crossbow with only one button.

That’s very convenient; you can unload the bow without firing the crossbow to release the arrow.

Crisp trigger

The trigger is very crisp and requires only 3.4 pounds of effort to pull.

Adjustable size

The buttstock is adjustable up to 1.5 inches, while the grip features an AR-15 style grip to help the user have better control.

And it can change with after-market gears.

Relative compact

The crossbow is relatively compact, with only 10 inches axle to axle when cocked and 30 inches of length.

It’s perfect for use in ground blinds.

Simple to replace string

Replacing the string is quite simple - even without a bow press.

Excellent scope

The scope is a Hawke Illuminated Crossbow scope, which is high-quality and relatively easy to sight in, too.

Made in USA

As for the bows, they’re made in the USA, which is a great sign of the bow’s quality.

Drawback

I didn’t like that you have to use a rope cocker to cock and decock. It isn’t convenient for people with bad shoulders.

The bow is relatively heavy, too - weighing 7.5 pounds.

And the placement of the quiver is not great, as it could poke in your eyes.

Pros:

Cons:

10. Ravin R20 Crossbow (Most Compact Crossbow)

Brief Specification:

Ravin R20 Crossbow Review

If you’re looking for a compact bow for your popup blind, then Ravin R20 is one of the most compact crossbows in this article.

Most compact size

It is only 5.75 inches wide when cocked! Even more so, this crossbow is pretty lightweight, weighing only 6.5 pounds.

The lightweight design makes this crossbow suitable for long hikes. Furthermore, it’s great for tight spaces.

Minimal pulling weight

You might get apprehensive when you see the draw weight of 270 pounds - but you only need 12 pounds of pulling effort to cock the bow.

That’s thanks to the Versa Draw cocking system, which reduces the effort and allows the hunter to decock a crossbow without releasing the bolt.

Fantastic speed

With the colossal draw weight and the power stroke of 13 inches, the crossbow has the potential to reach high speed.

And it does - going over 430 FPS, based on the 400-grain arrows.

That transfers to a very high success rate (improvement is almost guaranteed) and more ethical kills.

Mostly assembled

Assembly is a piece of cake, too, since the bow comes mostly pre-assembled - except for the scope.

That means you can start hunting almost immediately, and won’t lose time trying to figure out what’s what!

Zero creep trigger

The trigger’s incredibly crisp, thanks to the Trac Trigger Firing system.

It has zero creep, doesn't make any noise, is consistently accurate, and has 2 - position safety.

And on the same sled, you also have the anti-dry-fire.

Most Accurate Crossbow

The HeliCoil technology is specific for Ravin crossbows, and it enables extraordinary accuracy and excellent efficiency.

The name derives from the two grooves which turn the cables away from each other - forbidding any kind of canting.

Superior Accessories

As for the accessories, the bow comes with 6 arrows and 6 field points to keep you set for starters.

The arrows have 0.003-inch straightness, which could be better.

Other accessories include the cocking handle and a high-end 100-yard illuminated scope, which is easy to sight in and is fog-proof.

Drawback

I didn't like this crossbow because the case is not included in the package despite the high price tag.

So, I advise you to invest in a soft or hard case to prevent damage while traveling to your hunting spot!

Pros:

Cons:

11. TenPoint Vapor RS470 (Among The Fastest Crossbows)

Brief Specification:

TenPoint Vapor RS470 Review

Sometimes, you simply need exceptional speeds for the best hunting experience ever.

And for that, you should consider the Vapor RS470 - one of the fastest crossbows in the world!

Ultra fast

This reverse-draw crossbow has such fast speed that it will leave you breathless. It can reach 470 FPS with 191 FP of kinetic energy (KE).

You’ll get the top-notch technology and the best hunting experience.

The draw weight is somewhat standard - 225 pounds - but it isn't that challenging to cock this crossbow.

Minimal drawing effort

The integrated crank cocking mechanism is an ACUslide system, which reduces the pulling effort to meager 5 pounds. You’ll never worry about shoulder or back issues again!

This bow weighs 8 pounds, which is quite a lot - it could be too heavy to carry around all day, despite the shoulder sling.

The weight aside, this crossbow is pretty compact. The width is only 6.5 inches when cocked, so you can swiftly maneuver the bow in cramped spaces.

Lite trigger

The trigger is light and whisper-quiet and needs only 3.5 pounds of pulling effort to fire the bolt, which keeps the accuracy steady.

The string is very durable; it can last up to 1300 shots, requiring little wax over time.

Super accurate

I liked how accurate the Vapor RS470 is - it gives you the feel of guaranteed success.

The bow offers extremely tight grouping - half an inch at a distance of 25 yds, which is extraordinary!

Stay cocked all day

Another fantastic thing about the crossbow is the ability to stay cocked all day.

So, all you need to do is sit back and wait for the right moment to shoot!

Lifetime warranty

I liked the lifetime warranty the crossbow comes with; it keeps you all set for a long time without any worries.

Perfect accessories

Oh, and the accessories are fantastic, too - the 6 included arrows come with 6 broadheads!

The best accessory would have to be the EVO-X Marksman scope, without a doubt.

The scope is illuminated, and you can set it anywhere from 20 and 80 yds using the 10-yard increments.

What's even better, the scope works great, so you will need to make minimal adjusts to shoot!

Drawback

I didn't like that the RS470 requires assembly; it can be challenging.

The problem is that the instructions aren't very clear, and beginners could experience real issues doing it.

Pros:

Cons:

12. Scorpyd Deathstalker LT Crossbow (Best Reverse Draw Crossbow)

Brief Specification:

Scorpyd Deathstalker LT Crossbow Review

The reverse limb and draw crossbow make the Scorpyd Deathstalker LT a great buy. By far, this is the best reverse draw crossbow of this year!

Lightest crossbow

One of the first things that come to attention when discussing the Deathstalker LT is that it’s one of the lightest bows featured in this round-up.

Thanks to the one-piece carbon composite frame, it weighs only 6 pounds!

That is highly beneficial for saddle hunters, for example, since they need minimal setup.

High FPS

As for the power, the Scorpyd features the inverted cam technology.

It means that the crossbow can still reach exquisite speeds despite the relatively light draw weight of 130 pounds!

On that note, the Deathstalker has a speed of 415 FPS, based on the 375-grain arrows.

Lightest trigger

The trigger is the lightest to pull. It requires only 2 pounds of effort - perfect for professional hunters.

Consistent accuracy

The accuracy is pretty great, as well - once you dial in the scope, you can shoot consistently at 50 to 60 yds’ distance.

You will still be able to shoot accurately even after 3 hours cocked.

It works great in a blind where you leave your crossbow on a shooting stick and waits for the deer.

The scope is super accurate since it’s a Hawke XB30 Compact 1.5x6x36 model.

Relative narrow

The width of this bow is relatively narrow, but it’s still wider than, say, TenPoint’s Nitro RDX.

The bow is 9 inches when cocked, though, so it’s not too maneuverable in the field.

Highly safe

The Silent Safety button is pretty cool since it’s extremely quiet when turned on and off.

The bow also has anti-firing protection and separation for your finger and foregrip.

Quietest bow

By far, this is one of the quietest bows out there, thanks to the carbon frame, which soaks up noise and vibration - along with the string dampener.

Built to last

And thanks to the titanium fasteners, this bow is built to last. It’s strong, light, and it never rusts. You will rely on it for years!

Simple to change string

The string is replaceable, and you can change it out in the field using a screwdriver or Allen key without breaking a sweat.

Difficult to cock

As for the cocking, the R20 has a short sled cocker which requires lots of upper body strength to cock.

I advise you to upgrade to the ACUdraw to reduce the pressure.

High end accessories

You get 6 high end Deathstalker bolts from Black Eagle.

They have 0.001-inch straightness, which ensures they fly straight consistently.

Another plus is a snap-off functional quiver that can hold up to five arrows.

You can even take it off and snap it to your hunting backpack!

Made in USA

I liked that the crossbow is made in the USA.

Oh, and the rubber butt pad keeps the pad from sliding around once you place the bow on your shoulder.

Drawback

The flaws of this bow are the short cocker and the wider cams - along with the relatively high price.

Pros:

Cons:

Best-value Crossbows Comparison:

Top Crossbow Brands List:

As a newbie in the hunting world, you need to find a brand you can trust and feel confident that they will deliver a quality product - every single time.

So, here you can find the best and the most reliable brands for crossbows:

How To Choose The Best Crossbow for the Money:

Finding the best crossbow for yourself generally is a challenge - even if you’ve done this before. There are so many features and factors you need to keep in mind!

That is precisely why I have compiled this buying guide - to help everyone figure out what they need in a crossbow.

So, let’s go on and find out how to choose the best crossbow out there!

Types Of Crossbows

Before we go further, let’s start by saying that there are five different types of crossbows out there.

Recurve crossbows

Recurve crossbows have characteristic limbs that curve away from the user’s body, allowing for a longer power stroke and, consequently, more power.

They are a great option because you can use them with far shorter arrows without losing energy.

Compound Crossbow

Then, we have the compound crossbows, which are special thanks to their levering system to bend the limbs.

These crossbows are ideal for practicing and beginners in general.

Reverse draw crossbow

The reverse draw crossbow is unique because the limbs are put at the back instead of the front.

That enables the reverse crossbow to have a better balance, and it’s generally faster than other types of bows.

Repeating crossbow

Next, the repeating crossbow is the synonym for convenience in the world of crossbows.

These crossbows can be stringed and shot with a straightforward movement of just one hand.

What’s even better, the repeating crossbow is that convenient to use, even on a stand!

Pistol crossbow

Lastly, the pistol crossbows are pretty compact - making them the ultimate choice for use on the go.

Pistols are excellent for target practice, but they can be a superb option for hunting small game, as well - and they are pretty simple to use!

Draw Weight

Draw weight is, essentially, the weight you put into the crossbow to shoot it. Crossbows with a more significant draw weight are generally more powerful.

That said, it isn’t the only factor that enables the crossbow to shoot out very fast.

While it’s neat to see a crossbow that packs 200 pounds of draw weight, it comes with a pretty big downside.

The heavy draw weight can be tough to cock without the help of an adequate cocking rope or crank.

So, my advice is you should invest in a cocking crank.

Cocking Mechanism

Before we start talking about the cocking mechanism, I should mention that there are two basic types of cocking device:

Rope cocker

Rope cockers are more common - and while they are pretty simple and easy to use, they come with a downside:

They only take off about half of the initial draw weight, which means the pulling pressure could still be too heavy for some, especially those with a shoulder injury.

Crank

A crank cocking device is a newer option that can challenge installation, but they make everything so much easier.

Usually, the crank cocker will take on most of the draw weight; sometimes, you’ll need to pull only about 5 pounds of the initial draw weight.

Power Stroke

The power stroke is essentially the line from the string at its cocked point to its resting point.

In other words, power stroke is the draw length of the vertical, traditional bows.

So, the power stroke is an essential factor for the crossbow because it determines its power - just like draw weight does.

The longer it is, the faster the bolts will shoot out, allowing you to hit your desired target successfully.

Great Speed (Velocity)

Speed itself means nothing for target practice - but it’s a principal factor for hunting.

You’ll need a pretty fast crossbow if you want to take down big game, such as elk or whitetails.

Speed is measured in feet per second - FPS. Here’s some advice:

If you want the option to hunt down a whitetail, you should look for the best crossbows that have a minimum speed of at least 300 FPS.

Size

Size is something you need to consider in a new crossbow.

It needs to fit you. If it’s too small or too large for you, it will be challenging to achieve the balance.

Also, if you plan to use the crossbow in a ground blind, you should consider models that are a bit more compact.

Weight

Weight is one thing that makes a crossbow worth the money or not.

A heavier crossbow does hold steady better, but it can be a real challenge to hold for some people.

So, if you have a more petite frame, keep an eye on the crossbow weight you like, as lighter crossbows are much easier to carry around.

Pick out the weight of the crossbow according to your preferences!

Noise

Even a tiny amount of noise can spook your prey and prevent you from hunting down anything this weekend.

If your crossbow makes a lot of noise, you should stick to shorter but more effective ranges.

This way, you can minimize “jumping the string,”. On the other hand, you can invest in a noise dampener to reduce the noise!

Accessories

What differentiates the high-end crossbows from entry-level ones is the high quality scope and arrows, as they provide pinpoint accuracy.

I advise you don’t go cheap on these accessories as they can make or break your shot.

On the other note, you can always upgrade to high-end accessories later!

That being said, not every scope is a worthy choice - check out this round-up to see my favorite picks.

The best scopes are illuminated so that you can use them during low light conditions. Also, every crossbow needs to come with at least some decent bolts to start.

You will go through plenty of lost ones during hunting, and you will buy many more. But it’s still essential to be all set for your first time hunting with your new bow.

Budget

There are no wrong - or right - answers regarding the budget. It comes down to what you're ready to spend for your new bow.

Some hunters like to set aside a significant sum of money - but here’s the truth:

You can find some decent mid-range crossbows that do an incredible job.

However, my advice is to set a budget beforehand and stick to it.

Otherwise, you will be tempted to spend far too much on a crossbow - and don’t get me started on the accessories.

Bottom Line - Best Crossbow:

To conclude, there are many fantastic crossbows out there. All of them offer something special - and I have hand-picked my 12 top rated crossbows this year.

However, only one of them is the best crossbow, in my opinion - and that is the Wicked Ridge Invader 400.

What is the best crossbow for the money for you? Let us know in the comments!