Steel Balls for Slingshot - Multiple sizes available for effective shots

To choose, you need to understand what we're talking about. If you already know the difference between recurve crossbows and compound crossbows, then skip directly to the next paragraph.

Recurve crossbows are equipped with a bow that will bend under string tension, these crossbows are generally much slower in bolt speed than compound crossbows at equivalent power, with the exception of Excalibur crossbows which are the only crossbows in the world to be as fast as huge compound crossbows! Plus they have a lifetime warranty!

If compound crossbows are generally faster in projection speed, it's thanks to the shape of the cams that will give a greater acceleration to the bolts, but also because some crossbows like reverse limb models will benefit from a longer string travel since the string will push the bolts up to the front of the cams, thus transmitting more speed to the projectile.

However... compound crossbows are harder to maintain than a classic crossbow since you'll need a bow press to compress the limbs of the compound crossbow and replace the string, while with a recurve crossbow you just need a stringer.
This is important to consider if you want to go hunting abroad or in remote territories, you'll only need to take a stringer and 2-3 spare strings to be set.

Let's start by citing the four largest brands in the world, the very high-end brands that leave no chance for game since they are very accurate and capable of grouping shots up to 100 meters with ease:

• Barnett: The very famous brand that keeps innovating and offering increasingly powerful and light models while remaining affordable. Count up to 1000-1200€ for the most evolved models.
• Excalibur: The Canadian brand that offers lifetime warranty on its crossbows, and offers the only recurve crossbows in the world to be as "powerful" as compound crossbows! Budget from 500 to 1500€
• Ravin: Excellent very compact and powerful crossbows, they have the particularity of not letting the bolt rest on a rail, thus less string wear and more speed. The scopes provided are incredible. Budget from 1500 to 3500€
• TenPoint: Surely the highest-end brand that is the only one to offer packages including laser rangefinder scopes and automatic reticle adjustment... a beautiful partnership with Garmin. Budget from 1000 to 6000€

Note that the Garmin Xero X1i scope can be purchased separately and mounted on any crossbow.

Then we have brands that are already much more affordable but also, perhaps paradoxically, the most robust. Their shooting range, depending on power, will vary between 60 and 80 meters for accurate shooting and proper grouping:

• EK Archery: The Accelerator and Guillotine models are the most powerful models of the brand. Budget from 350 to 450€
• ManKung: The Chester and Hector models are among the most powerful models of the brand. Budget from 300 to 450€
• Hori-Zone: This brand is experiencing great popularity with its RedBack pistol crossbows but in compound models, it's the Kornet 405 that stands out (it's named after a missile, that tells you something). Budget from 200 to 600€
• CenterPoint: This is an American brand that has models very similar to ManKung crossbows. The budget is a bit higher, ranging from 350 to 1300€
• Killer Instinct: It is to Rocky Mountain what Lexus is to Toyota, a more sophisticated and better finished version, it comes from the same factory but with different quality standards. The budget ranges from 400 to 800€ (and up to 1300€ for the SWAT)
• Bear: A very famous brand in the USA for its powerful and affordable compound bows, the crossbow models are quite classic, no innovation compared to others but they are very good crossbows. Budget from 300 to 900€

Please note that we don't sell just anything at Hattila! If we offer these crossbows, it's because we know them and trust these brands.

What do power and speed mean for a hunting crossbow?

It's simpler than it seems... Power is the force applied to the limbs to push the bolt using the string.
We tend to talk about crossbow power but at Hattila we think speed is more important, because depending on the length of the string travel and the friction of the bolt on the rail, we will get different speeds between brands and crossbow models with similar power.

Speed is expressed in feet per second (FPS) and the higher it is, the more accurate your shot will be and the further your bolt will go.

A crossbow between 340 and 370 FPS will generally have an accurate range between 50 and 60 meters, while a crossbow with a bolt speed of over 370 FPS, focusing mainly on models around 400FPS, can be accurate and group up to 70-80 meters for consumer brands, while high-end models (Barnett, Excalibur, Ravin and TenPoint) can group at 100 meters and beyond.

What accessories for crossbow hunting?

The crossbows on this page normally all come with a range of accessories directly in the box (check each model's description), you will find:

• A scope adapted to your crossbow
• A set of bolts for practice (continue with the same model to maintain the same performance)
• A quiver to carry bolts on the crossbow
• A cocking rope, which reduces the effort needed for cocking
• a wax tube to lubricate the string and rail

There are other accessories that are not included with the crossbow:

• The crank cocking device (some models come with it originally)
• A special crossbow target, we recommend fabric-filled models for the most powerful crossbows
• Broadheads, there are many specific models for crossbows, we recommend 3 or 4 blade models of the same weight as your practice points
• Lighted nocks to see where your bolt went and find it more easily

What are the regulations on crossbow hunting?

It is forbidden to hunt with a crossbow in France, regardless of location, conditions, or what your friend told you... However, it is allowed in other countries like Spain or the USA, and it's no coincidence that the four largest crossbow brands come from the American continent!

At first glance, it may seem surprising that bow hunting is allowed but not crossbow hunting, this is simply because the two weapons are not in the same federation... quite simply. Bows are governed by the French Archery Federation while crossbows are part of the FFTir (like firearms) so the decree that was voted to regulate bow hunting could not also govern crossbows.

Even though crossbows are not weapons according to the Internal Security Code (CSI) and therefore even more freely purchasable than an air rifle between 2 and 20 joules... we will still act as if they were weapons when it comes to purchase, transport, and use.

Thus Hattila has the right to ask for identification to prove your age. The crossbow must be disassembled or made impossible to use immediately (disassembled, string removed, or a trigger lock installed). As for use, you must ensure not to endanger passersby, animals, or your companions during your shooting sessions.

The good news is that you can practice in your garden (as long as your bolts don't risk going out and injuring someone...). If you don't have a garden, you can use private land with simple permission from the owner.

If you have other questions, don't hesitate to contact our customer service who will respond to your emails very quickly and with the greatest expertise! You can also check out our YouTube channel about crossbows which is full of tutorials and presentations.