Top 10 best hunting crossbows

The 10 best hunting crossbows

Although crossbow hunting is prohibited in France, for example, are you still looking for the ideal hunting crossbow to enjoy safely at home? But how do you navigate among all the existing references on the market? Between speed, power, types of crossbows available... it's not always easy to make the right choice!

Don't panic, here in this article is our selection of the 10 best hunting crossbows currently on the market.

Enjoy your reading!

The Excalibur Assassin 420 TD

Excalibur is THE reference brand for traditional crossbows. So if you're looking for a high-end traditional crossbow, it's Excalibur, plain and simple!

The Assassin 420 TD model is not the most expensive in the range, and yet, with this crossbow, there are no compromises!

Why do we favor this model?

First of all, its TD version, which stands for "Take Down", meaning it can be disassembled. 

Very practical, the Excalibur Assassin 420 TD is equipped with a quick-release button, a "quick lock system" that allows you to assemble and disassemble your crossbow with a simple gesture.

The adjustable stock will allow a perfect fit to your body shape for precise contact when aiming.

The 30mm TACT 100 waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof multi-reticle illuminated scope for better brightness is simply perfect for shots, especially at long distances.

Silent thanks to all its dampeners (string stops and limb dampeners)

290 pounds 420 FPS or over 286 mph, that's the speed at which your bolt will fly!

And to perfect this set, the provided mechanical cocking device will allow you to cock or uncock your crossbow with ease and, most importantly, in near-total silence!

Advantages:

• Its speed and power: 290 pounds and 420 FPS
• The integrated cocking system
• The Quick lock technology
• The perfectly adjustable stock
• The "Pro shot" 2-stage trigger for a light pull coupled with a clean break for more accurate shooting.

Disadvantages:

• Its weight: a little over 10 pounds with accessories, it can cause fatigue during long sessions
• Its bulkiness: classic crossbows remain wider than compound crossbows, which can cause handling problems in certain situations
• Its price: obviously, these are not low-cost crossbows. This purchase represents a significant investment.

Order your Excalibur Assassin 420 TD now!

The Excalibur Micro Extreme

 "Small but mighty," that's exactly what you could say about this superb Excalibur Micro Extreme.

Small, light and very maneuverable, be accurate in any weather and in all situations!

360 FPS or a little over 395 km/h, that's the exit speed of this little performance monster! Compact, it measures about 80cm in total for a weight of 3.620 Kg when assembled.

Safety first, it is equipped with the "Rhino Nock" system, ensuring no dry fire unless you have deactivated it, without an arrow loaded, and finally, that you press the trigger.

Quiver, 4 QUILLS bolts, and the Excalibur Dead Zone scope equip this package: 32mm aperture, adjustable chevron reticle from 20 to 60 yards, it will offer you a clear and sharp vision.

Advantages:

• Compact, lightweight, maneuverable
• Its R.E.D.S shock absorber system that reduces vibrations, but also makes the shot more discreet
• No dry firing thanks to the "Rhino Nock" system 

Disadvantages:

• No integrated mechanical cocking device
• Slightly slower and less accurate crossbow at longer distances than its big sisters such as the Assassin 420 TD

For this little gem, it's here!

The TenPoint Nitro 505 XERO

Okay, now we're talking about something serious, very serious! Not in weight, let's be clear, even though this TenPoint Nitro 505 XERO crossbow weighs nearly 7.9 lbs without accessories, but in all other areas!

This high-end compound crossbow gives dizzying technical specifications: 505 FPS, equipped with the Garmin XERO X11 scope that has an integrated rangefinder, it is one of the fastest and most accurate long-range crossbows ever designed by TenPoint.

Reverse mount for greater balance and better stability, energy return, and efficiency will be greatly enhanced.

The ACUslide mechanical cocking device allows for safe, fast, and incredibly simple cocking as it only requires 5 pounds of force. To uncock your crossbow, nothing could be simpler or safer: you just have to lift the handle and rewind: it's secure and silent!

Advantages:

• Unparalleled speed: over 560 km/h
• Advanced accuracy: the Garmin scope with integrated rangefinder generates a precise aiming point automatically adjusted based on distance and angle
• Secure cocking and de-cocking system
• The reverse-draw that offers balance, stability, but also maneuverability.

Disadvantages:

• Its high price ... inevitably
• Its weight: 3.6 kg without quiver, arrows, and scope

Find the TenPoint Nitro 505 XERO on our website

The Ravin R18

The takedown Ravin R18 isn't the fastest in our selection as it only offers a speed of 330 FPS (only 225 mph!), however, it is by far the most compact!

It's the smallest model ever designed by the Ravin brand: 25" long! Its weight is also feather-light: 6 pounds.

The revolution: undoubtedly the Verticoil Cam, an innovative patented system of vertical pulleys. Two small 720-degree cams wind the string and cables around the cam and its axis, stretching the limbs vertically. The integrated mechanical cocking device secures and simplifies its cocking as well as uncocking.

No friction of the string or arrow above the rail: the shot is more accurate and the lifespan of the cabling is extended.

Finally, it is equipped with the Ravin 3-dot reflex sight, ideal for quickly locking onto targets at multiple distances.

Advantages:

• Compact and lightweight, it's a manageable crossbow ideal for long shooting sessions
• Simple and quick cocking
• Very accurate and high-performing package

Disadvantages:

• Slightly lower speed compared to crossbows in the same price range
• Some users have noticed a bit more recoil with the R18

Check out the R18 crossbow: the most compact on the market!

The Barnet Hyper Raptor 410

This is the excellent "entry" into Barnett's Hyper range.

Technologically, we love it!

The parabolic limbs have been designed to bring more weight inside the crossbow: with the mass not concentrated on the front, stability and balance are increased.

Made of composite materials, the stock is very light, which makes the Hyper Raptor 410 even more manageable throughout your shooting session.

The cocking is done in line thanks to the RopeHold fixing system, while for the bolt release, Barnett's Halo technology eliminates cable crossing and the strain on the cams for perfectly balanced string movement.

Finally, the speed: 410 FPS, nearly 450 km/h, how to tell you that combined with the 4X36 multi-point scope provided in the package, accuracy will be on point!

Advantages:

• High speed and power: 410 FPS, 205 pounds, everything is combined to propel the 20" Hyperflight bolts with sufficient kinetic energy for very large game, for example.
• It remains a compact and lightweight crossbow

Disadvantages:

• It is imperative to use the bolts recommended by Barnett (20" Hyperflight)
• Adding a mechanical cocking device is almost mandatory: the ropes of the manual cocking device can rub along the crossbow cables, potentially wearing them out.

Buy the Barnett Hyper Raptor 410!

Barnett Explorer XP405

This Barnett Explorer XP 405 crossbow offers excellent value for money.

The quality is that of Barnett products: reliable, durable, high-performing products.

For this model in the Explorer range, the speed can go up to 405 FPS, which is over 444km/h!

The adjustable stock with 5 positions makes it a compound crossbow for all body types. Safety is paramount here with its anti-dry fire system, but also its pass-through fore-grip.

Equipped with a 4X32 multi-reticle scope mounted on a Picatinny rail, a side-mount quiver, and its 2 20'' Headhunter arrows, your Barnett Explorer XP405 compound crossbow is ready to use!

Advantages:

• Excellent value for money
• Powerful and fast, it is devastatingly effective
• Well-designed, it adapts to everyone
• The package is complete, even the rail lubricant is provided!

Disadvantages:

• Given its power, the string and cables will need to be properly maintained to preserve them for as long as possible and avoid the risk of breakage
• The use of an optional mechanical cocking device is a real plus for cocking its 200 pounds, especially for smaller-framed individuals.
• The fact that it only comes with 2 bolts requires systematically ordering additional bolts with the purchase.

Find the Barnett Explorer XP405 on our website!

EK Archery Accelerator 410

With the EK brand, enter gently on your wallet into the world of hunting crossbows without making any concessions on quality.

The compound crossbow EK Accelerator 410 is the perfect example!

It's one of the most powerful in the brand (185 pounds of draw weight), but also one of the fastest at 272 mph!

An adjustable stock, a tactical grip adjustable to 5 positions, as well as a triangle grip for the second hand, make this a compound crossbow that is ergonomic and designed for optimal handling.

Shock absorbers will reduce vibrations and noise. The 4X32 scope mounted on a Picatinny rail, the 6-bolt quiver, and the 3 carbon bolts provided guarantee excellent learning with a quality product.

Advantages:

• Speed and power for more accuracy
• The studied ergonomics of this crossbow makes it a perfect crossbow for discovery with simplicity
• Complete quality accessories provided as standard

Disadvantages:

• It's a crossbow that remains heavy (4.7kg when equipped) and can be tiring over time
• The mechanical cocking device, which is an option, seems almost mandatory, especially for smaller individuals.

Order the EK Accelerator 410 crossbow now!

EK Archery Guillotine X

What a sweet name! With the EK Guillotine X compound crossbow, you'll have a speed-power combo, all for less than €450.

The ideal option for those who want to discover at a lower cost!

278 mph and 185 pounds, it's a crossbow that has nothing to envy from more expensive ones.

The stock, however, will not be adjustable, which can be inconvenient for smaller users, and at 4.66kg "all included", it remains quite heavy, but the quality of its finish is such that we won't hold it against it!

Equipped with a 4X32 scope, a quiver, 3 carbon arrows, 2 handles including an adjustable triangle handle thanks to its mounting on a Picatinny rail.

With its safety system, manually cock this crossbow with confidence.

Advantages:

• Excellent value for money
• Complete accessories provided in the package
• Perfect for getting started and already enjoying crossbow shooting a lot

Disadvantages:

• Its weight: the Guillotine X can be tiring during a long shooting session
• Its fixed stock
• Its size, which can make it a crossbow that's not always easily manageable depending on shooting situations

Treat yourself and buy an EK Guillotine X now!

The Killer Instinct Boss

Killer Instinct is an American brand from Michigan born in 2021. The mission this young company has set for itself: to offer high-quality, high-performance, and durable products at an affordable price.

It's done, and the Killer Instinct Boss compound crossbow is the perfect example!

This little marvel will propel your bolts to over 276 mph thanks to its 220 pounds of draw weight!

It has all the features: an adjustable stock adaptable to all user body types, an adjustable front grip thanks to its Picatinny rail for better handling, dampeners on the limbs. It is also equipped with what the brand has named the Dead Silence kit: two good string stops to make it as silent as possible.

In addition to the quiver and 3 carbon bolts, it also comes with a 4X32 illuminated scope in this kit at €419.95.

With such a compound crossbow, no doubt: this group of hunting buddies from Michigan has really done a good job!

Advantages:

• Excellent value for money
• A high-performance crossbow with 405 FPS and 220 pounds
• A very light compound crossbow at just over 3kg: the micro-lite aluminum barrel eliminating all excess weight while ensuring precision in guidance.

Disadvantages:

• Powerful compound crossbow, a mechanical cocking device is highly recommended as an option
• The stock is very thin and set to the longest, there may be a bit of play at the end
• Its lightness can be a disadvantage as it will require increased stability to be accurate

You want to be a "boss" too, come on, it's here!

The Hori-Zone Kornet 390-XT

For those discovering the world of crossbows, here's the brand Hori-Zone, a Taiwanese manufacturer recognized in the crossbow and archery industry for over 10 years.

The Hori-Zone Kornet 390-XT is a bestseller from the brand: a fast crossbow (nearly 267 mph), plenty powerful with its 185 pounds of draw weight.

One of the big advantages with Hori-Zone crossbows is the work done on accessories. Everything is really complete and the Kornet 390-XT has all the features to discover ++ the world of crossbows.

Adjustable stock and grip, 4X32 scope, side-mount quiver provided with 3 carbon bolts and even a shoulder strap!

Once again, you'll have here a complete crossbow that guarantees quality shots and a good first approach to this discipline.

Advantages:

• An excellent quality/price ratio
• The speed and power are sufficient for discovering and learning about compound crossbows
• A complete package with multiple adjustment capabilities

Disadvantages:

• Crossbow with weight mostly concentrated on the front which can make stability more difficult
• Regular maintenance of the cables and excellent lubrication of the rail are essential for maintaining long-term performance.
• The purchase of an optional mechanical cocking device is recommended to facilitate the cocking of this very powerful crossbow.

Want to treat yourself to the Hori-Zone Kornet 390-XT? It's right here!