5 Different Types Of Crossbows (Pros and Cons Analysis)

In reality, there are 5 different types of crossbows out there:

Some may be best for beginners, and others may be perfect for the big game.

In this article we will discuss all the common types of crossbows, who are they meant for, their pros and cons.

Check it out:

The recurve bow is a type of bow that has limbs that curve away from the hunter when unstrung. The bent limbs give the crossbow a longer draw length and more acceleration.

That’s precisely the reason why this bow gives more energy and speed to the bolt. Also, the recurve crossbows can be used with shorter bolts efficiently. Hunters prefer the recurve in deep forests or while on horseback.

Pros:

Simple design

The simple design of the recurve crossbow limits the moving parts like the cams and cables.

That saves valuable weight and makes the crossbow easier to maintain. You can even change the string and return to your hunting session in a few minutes.  

The simplicity is intended to make the crossbow quieter, so you can even use this bow to hunt fast-moving prey. Also, this design makes the recurve crossbow more durable.

Easy to aim

The recurve crossbows are pretty easy to aim with. They are also rather simple to use, so even as a newbie, you will have no issues managing the recurve crossbow.

Lightweight material

Recurve crossbows are suited for beginners, so it’s only natural that they are lightweight, too. They are generally made of carbon fiber, aluminum, or magie!

Longer drawback

The longer drawback characteristic to recurve crossbows rather than any other type is used to reduce the noise and recoil.

Also, the longer drawback creates stronger energy for the bolt when shooting. Since the bolt shoots at a faster speed, it’s ideal for hunting big game! 

Cons:

Noisy

The recurve crossbows can be a bit noisy, because of their large power. These crossbows are suitable for the big game, and they are usually intended for pro hunters.

String

The string can be worn out easily, so you might need to replace it more often than with other crossbows. What more, the string can be hard to cock because it’s longer than the typical one.

Bulky

The recurve crossbows can be too bulky to carry around, due to the wide limbs.

Lower velocity of the limb

Recurve crossbows need wider limbs to get the same draw weight and velocity as compound crossbows.

The compound crossbow is a popular type of bow that uses a levering system to bend the limbs. The levering system usually consists of cables and pulleys.

This type of crossbow is commonly used for target practice, as well as hunting. The pulley and cam system has either cams or wheels on each limb of the bow. They use the pulley system to increase the velocity of the limbs.

Thanks to the system, you get a shorter draw length and a quieter bow during firing. The system reduces vibration and recoil, and it can be let off to reduce the draw weight.

Pros:

Pulley and cam system

The system gives the bow more kinetic energy, making it able to shoot the arrows faster. Also, it gives the bow more power, despite the smaller limbs.

Easy to use

This type of crossbow is very simple and user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners.

Short limbs

The compound crossbow has shorter limbs than the, for example, recurve crossbow - so it’s easier to carry around. It’s perfect for beginners!

Compact

With the narrow limbs, the compound crossbow is easy to handle in tight spaces.

Reasonable price

The prices are more affordable, so most people can afford the compound crossbows.

Durable material

The durability doesn’t make the compound crossbow heavy, though. The materials used to make this crossbow are synthetic materials and carbon fiber, so the bow is resistant to weather changes.

Cons:

Weight

Do note that the compound crossbow can be a bit heavy.

Difficult to maintain

The compound crossbow can be hard to maintain, especially when you’re out hunting. You need a bow press to replace the snap string, so you might even need to bring it to the store for repairs!

Noisier

This bow can make a lot of noise when shooting, but you can use dampeners to reduce the noise!

How do the limbs on a recurve crossbow differ from the limbs on a compound crossbow?

The limbs are put (reversed) at the back which change the balance and the weight is more likely in the middle of crossbow.

The Reverse draw characteristic for rifle crossbows, allows the bolt to shoot out at a faster speed. The benefit of using a rifle crossbow is that the reverse draw allows for more power stroke than the compound crossbow.

Pros:

Accurate

With the rifle crossbow, you will have no issues shooting your target. That is thanks to the sight and the fiber frame!

Lightweight

The lightweight feel of the rifle crossbow is thanks to the fiber it’s made of!

Long-range hunting

The rifle crossbow is perfect for hunting long distances. You can shoot a target up to 250 feet away!

Narrow size

The narrow, compact size of the rifle bow makes it convenient for carrying during hunting.

Top-notch rail system

A quality rail system keeps your crossbow functional for longer periods!

Cons:

Requires a cocking device

Unfortunately, you will need to use a cocking device to load the rifle crossbow.

Complex

The rifle crossbow can be complicated to use and figure out!

The repeating crossbow is a type of crossbow in which the actions of stringing, placing the bolt, and shooting can be done with a rather simple, one-handed movement. And all that, while the crossbow is stationary!

The repeating crossbow can shoot out more bolts than a regular crossbow. A magazine on the top contains the bolts, and the machine is used by moving the lever forward and backward.

Pros:

Simple to use

The repeating crossbow may be the simplest one out there. It can be great for beginners since you need a single movement to shoot.

Shoots fast

This type of crossbow shoots three times faster than your regular crossbow. This makes it perfect if you need speed for hunting fast-moving prey like rabbits.

Shoots many times

As the name says, it’s a repeating crossbow and it can shoot many times, almost guaranteeing success.

Cons:

Mechanical design

The only thing that isn’t so great about the repeating crossbow is the mechanical design.

The design is rather hard to repair in the field, so you might have to lay off your crossbow for the day if that happens.

The pistol crossbow is a small-sized crossbow usually meant for target practice or hunting small game. What makes them different is that the pistol crossbows have a self-cocking feature.

The self-cocking mechanism makes the pistol crossbow rather simple to use. Loading it is no different, as well!

Pros:

Compact

The pistol crossbow is rather small in size, so it’s suitable for most people. It can fit anywhere since it’s not bulky!

Lightweight material

The pistol crossbows are made of lightweight materials like plastic and fiberglass. That makes them very light and easy to carry around!

Self-cocking mechanism

All pistol crossbows come with a self-cocking mechanism, perfect for beginners. The mechanism is a great aid for those still finding their way around the crossbows!

Ergonomic

The pistol crossbow is very comfortable thanks to its ergonomic grip. Beginners tend to squeeze the crossbow more, and they won’t get hurt because it has such a comfortable grip!

Accurate

The pistol crossbow is very accurate, making shooting the target rather easy. Success is almost guaranteed!

Cons:

Not durable

The pistol crossbows are usually made of cheaper materials, making them not very durable.

There are 5 different types of crossbows out there. Of course, each crossbow comes with its pros and cons!

Each crossbow is perfect for a specific use, and we hope that this article helped you figure out what you need. Either way, let us know in the comments section what you think!