Crossbows are more popular for hunting and recreational shooting than ever before. But to be clear, the crossbow is definitely not a new invention.
Historians say that crossbows were used in China and Europe as early as the 7th to 5th centuries BC. In the Western world, a crossbow called the gastraphetes was described by the Greco-Roman scientist Heron of Alexandria in the 1st century AD. More evidence of crossbows in ancient Europe includes two stone relief carvings from a Roman grave in Gaul and some vague references by Vegetius.
When I bought my first hunting crossbow around 15 years ago, it wasn't a budget model but it wasn't top-of-the-line either. Still, it was accurate up to about 60 yards. It was also loud and sometimes shot arrows slightly off course, but I still managed to kill many whitetails with it.
Modern crossbows built in the past decade have become faster, more accurate, and significantly improved. In fact, some can group arrows very well at over 100 yards—a feat seen as impossible just 20 years ago. And it seems that every year, major crossbow manufacturers release new, better models with even more features.
Notable Advancements
The reason crossbow quality has improved is because some top manufacturers intentionally set out to make the best crossbow possible. Some of the smaller manufacturers noticed those improvements and made similar changes to their bows.
Ultra-narrow profiles and shorter, lighter designs are two of the most notable improvements. Today’s crossbows are easier to carry and easier to manipulate in the deer stand or ground blind. Enhanced cocking systems have made loading and reloading crossbows much simpler, and integrated cranking devices offered by some manufacturers have streamlined the loading process even more.
Through different technological advancements, crossbow speed has also increased dramatically. Fifteen years ago, crossbows didn’t shoot much faster than top-of-the-line compound bows. Now, velocities in the high 400 feet per second (fps) range are common from many makers. Greatly improved triggers have also changed the game. A crossbow I recently tested had a trigger that felt much like a high-dollar rifle trigger.
With that all said, let’s explore eight newer crossbow models from different manufacturers and in a variety of price ranges. Some of these crossbows might just help you add a few extra dollars to your bottom line. Note that they are listed in alphabetical order, not in any kind of perceived quality ranking.
The Hyper Raptor T-Rex is Barnett’s new top-tier crossbow, and a look at its many premium features reveals it has a lot to offer your customers. The model’s revolutionary Integrated Planetary De-cocking System ensures easy and safe cocking and de-cocking, eliminating the need for manual drawing. The addition of Barnett’s all-new floating TriggerTech trigger provides a smooth, responsive pull, delivering a crisp, consistent shot every time. For accuracy, the Hyper Raptor T-Rex includes the Raptor Series custom step-through riser, parabolic limbs, Infinity cams, and the Soft-Lok Bristle Retainer System for enhanced precision. Its pivoting limb pockets improve durability, while the Halo System prevents cable crossing and cam lean, optimizing string travel. The crossbow measures 32 inches in length, only 7.25 inches axle to axle when cocked, weighs 8.2 pounds, and launches arrows at up to 440 fps. MSRP is $1,199.99.
The updated, redesigned Bear X Constrictor LT is a hunting crossbow designed to be compact and lightweight while still shooting fast and accurately. It features a very nice two-stage trigger that breaks at about 3.5 pounds of pressure with zero creep and includes a dry-fire inhibitor. It also has an ambidextrous top-mount 4-arrow quiver that pivots 360 degrees for maximum flexibility, along with an adjustable cheek piece for customization and anti-dry-fire technology. A dual-mount suppressor system reduces vibration and noise. The included 1-5x24 scope is illuminated, with red-green options. It offers four reticles calibrated at 10-yard increments—20, 30, 40 and 50. The Constrictor LT is only 32 inches in length, has an axle-to-axle width of 10 inches cocked (14 when not cocked), weighs just 7.75 pounds and has a velocity of 415 fps. MSRP is $649.99
Featuring a user-friendly, fully integrated silent cocking and de-cocking system paired with an auto-retracting sled, the second generation of the Amped offers increased performance and features never seen before at this price point. It features an aluminum riser and compression fiberglass quad limbs, along with a ball bearing arrow retention spring and a CNC-machined cam system. The quality trigger includes an auto safety and anti-dry-fire mechanism. The included scope is a 1.5-5x32 speed ring scope with dual illuminated reticles. The package also comes with three 20-inch .003 carbon arrows and a detachable quiver. The Amped G2D measures 32.93 inches in length, has an axle-to-axle width of 8 inches cocked (12 inches not cocked), weighs 9.5 pounds and features a velocity of 430 fps. MSRP is $889.96.
Excalibur’s most advanced crossbow, the Hybrid X, is designed for high performance. The HO Hybrid Recurve Compound System features a narrower width, better performance, and a lower draw weight with reverse draw. The 100% uncut continuous fiber limbs lead the industry in energy storage, and the InnerDrive cams outperform vulnerable compound cams. With fixed-position cams, this crossbow uses one cable per side with synchronized tracks, which reduces timing issues. Its no-press-needed takedown system ensures quick readiness in any environment. The package includes an Overwatch scope, four arrows with field points (100 and 150 grains), a quiver, and the crossbow carries a limited lifetime warranty. The Hybrid X measures 29.6 inches long, has an axle-to-axle width of 10.8 inches cocked (18.5 inches not cocked), weighs 8.3 pounds without scope or accessories and shoots at a velocity of 435 fps. MSRP is $2,199.99.
The FanatiX 415 from Killer Instinct features the patented, easy-to-draw synchronized X-Cam system that produces less noise and vibration than traditional crossbows. Ultra-narrow, the FanatiX measures 10.75 inches when not cocked and an impressive 6.75 inches when cocked, making it very easy to maneuver in blinds and other tight spaces. A new compact stock design includes molded rubber touchpoints for added comfort, especially in colder hunting conditions. The newly designed buttstock features adjustable travel that is quiet and simple to operate. The micro aluminum barrel improves accuracy and shot precision. It comes standard with three premium 20-inch, 390-grain arrows with V-Track nocks and an illuminated Lumix scope with a glass-etched reticle. The FanatiX 415 is 35 inches long, weighs 8 pounds and sends out arrows at a velocity of 415 fps. Plus, it comes at a very reasonable price point, with an MSRP of $449.99.
The LR stands for Long Range, and Ravin claims this new bow is accurate out to 135 yards and beyond. Featuring a longer profile for better balance and less recoil, when shooting at 450 fps with 180 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, the LR provides consistent performance. A full-length Picatinny rail supports extras like the included 1-8x24 adjustable-turret scope. I recently tested the Ravin LR and it met all expectations, shooting a 2.5-inch group at 100 yards and a slightly larger group at 130 yards. The bow measures 34 inches long, has an axle-to-axle width of 6 inches cocked (10.5 inches not cocked), weighs 8.1 pounds without accessories and the one I tested shot at a velocity of 446 fps. At $2,549.99, the MSRP isn’t for the faint of heart, but I think it’s worth every penny considering the scope alone costs $600.
TenPoint is a legend in the crossbow manufacturing world, and the new TRX 26 might earn some of its own legendary status. It is a compact, high-performance reverse-draw crossbow just released this year. TenPoint claims the TRX 26 is the "fastest compact crossbow in the world," and with a velocity of 460 fps, that’s a tough point to argue. The crossbow features a rail-less design for better accuracy, a custom TriggerTech trigger with a crisp, clean break and the ACUslide MAXX silent cocking and de-cocking system that has made TenPoint well-known. The standard package includes a 100-yard RangeMaster 100 Scope, three CenterPunch HPX carbon arrows, a string stop, a bow hook and a quiver. The TRX 26 measures 28.5 inches long, has an axle-to-axle width of only 5.75 inches cocked (11 inches not cocked), weighs just 7.3 pounds without scope or accessories and shoots at a velocity of 460 fps. MSRP is $3,049.99.
Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock
Wicked Ridge is TenPoint’s “budget” brand. But don’t let the word “budget” fool you; these crossbows can perform on par with some of the high-end models. The new Invader M1 De-Cock is Wicked Ridge’s all-time best-selling light crossbow with a twist—it now de-cocks. Simple, silent, and safe, the ACUdraw De-Cock allows the user to silently cock the crossbow with just 5 pounds of force and safely de-cock it by backwinding the handle. The package includes a 70-yard Pro-View 400 Lighted Scope that provides aim points out to 70 yards and features an updated reticle for a clearer view and greater downrange accuracy. It comes with the scope pre-sighted at 20 yards. The Invader M1 De-Cock measures 32 inches long, has an axle-to-axle width of only 9.5 inches cocked (14 inches not cocked), weighs just 5.8 pounds without scope or accessories and shoots at a velocity of 390 fps. MSRP is $749.
