Barnett Predator: Test and Review

Our favorite Barnett crossbows

Barnett is one of the leading brands in crossbow manufacturing.

Its specialty: compound crossbows, specially designed for crossbow hunting (which, let's remember, is allowed in the USA).

However, with more than 20 products in its catalog, it's not always easy to make a choice! 

Find in this article our 3 top picks to help guide you through this jungle of information!

The Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX- BUKOPS X-FACTOR: extreme precision

Here's the brand's latest model, the HYPER RAPTOR BCX.

This crossbow comes in 3 versions with different levels of accessories, particularly regarding the scope.

We preferred the version equipped with the new BUK-OPS X-FACTOR laser rangefinder. It's mind-blowing!

The Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX in a few words

Cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance, that's what perfectly sums up this high-end crossbow.

With its adjustable length stock, non-slip materials used for grip, its unloaded weight of just over 3kg (6.9 lbs), and its ultra-compact design, there's no debate possible: comfort is immediate.

Features of the Hyper Raptor BCX, BUKOPS X-FACTOR finish

The BUKOPS X-FACTOR scope

This is THE scope! It's equipped with a laser rangefinder that determines distance with a single press.

With automatic angle compensation, equipped with a sweep mode for moving targets, the X-FACTOR scope combines all the cutting-edge technologies currently available for maximum precision.

Green or red display to choose from, marked from 20 to 100 yards (18 to 91 meters), its X-FACTOR SPEED DIAL reticle will allow you to optimize its accuracy so that the scope perfectly matches the speed of your arrow, all with a simple turn of the dial.

The limbs and cams

The parabolic limbs allow for balancing the crossbow with less weight on the front. The pockets are pivoting. All of this helps to less "traumatize" the limbs with each shot, but also to reduce recoil and vibrations.

The cams are self-synchronizing for better accuracy.

The HALO system

It eliminates cable crossing and cam lean: the bolt shoots straighter with each shot, and cable friction on the rail is reduced.

The ROPEHOLD mechanism

This device holds your string during cocking for smoother, safer drawing.

The TRIGGER-TECH technology

The Hyper Raptor BCX is equipped with a TRIGGER-TECH trigger adjustable to 3 lbs for customizable sensitivity.

Frictionless mechanism, it tends to wear less than traditional mechanisms.

Technical specifications of the Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX

• Speed: 425 FPS
• Power: 214"
• Power Stroke: 14"
• Kinetic energy: 152 ft-lbs
• Weight: 6.9 lbs
• Dimensions: 32.5" X 15.6"

Package contents 

• The Hyper Raptor BCX crossbow
• The BUKOPS X-FACTOR scope and its neoprene cover
• 3 Hyperflite 20" bolts
• The premium Barnett side-mount quiver and Hyper Raptor quick-detach system
• The manual cocking device
• A rail lubricant tube

As you can understand, the Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX crossbow is an incredible precision machine, especially in its BUKOPS X-FACTOR version.

While the power may not be the highest on the market, the kinetic energy it delivers clearly makes it one of the best crossbows for this market price!

The Barnett Hyper Raptor 410: A smooth entry into Barnett's HYPER range

Discover here the first model in the HYPER range from the Barnett brand.

The Barnett HYPER RAPTOR 410 is indeed the entry-level of the range, but have no fear: with it, there are no compromises!

The Barnett Hyper Raptor 410 in a nutshell

The sweet marriage of technology and ergonomics for pleasure with every shot

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

It is also as compact as its big sisters like the Hyper Raptor BCX, which makes it very practical in any shooting situation.

The qualities of the Hyper Raptor 410

The parabolic limbs

They have been designed to bring maximum weight towards the back of the crossbow: with the weight not concentrated on the front, stability and balance are increased, and fatigue is reduced.

The HALO system, the ROPEHOLD mechanism 

This crossbow is also equipped with the HALO and ROPEHOLD systems seen on the HYPER RAPTOR BCX.

Safety, longevity, and accuracy are also guaranteed on the Hyper Raptor 410!

The Frictionless Release technology 

Here too, enjoy a trigger with a smoother and lighter pull, quite different from what you can find on the market.

Technical specifications of the Barnett Hyper Raptor 410

• Speed: 410 FPS
• Draw weight: 205 lbs
• Power Stroke: 14"
• Kinetic energy: 145 ft-lbs
• Weight: 6.9 lbs
• Dimensions: 32.5" X 15.6"

Package contents 

• The Hyper Raptor 410 crossbow
• A 4 X 36 multi-reticle scope
• 3 Hyperflite 20" bolts
• The premium Barnett side-mount quiver and Hyper Raptor quick-detach system
• The manual cocking device
• A rail lubricant tube

The Barnett Hyper Raptor 410 is definitely one of our favorite Barnett crossbows for all its technical and technological qualities, without completely breaking the bank!

The Barnett XP405: the excellent value for money in the Explorer range

It's in the Explorer range that we find the best-sellers of the Barnett brand, and among them, the XP 405.

The Barnett XP 405 in a few words

Everything you can expect from a crossbow

Made of composite materials, the stock of the XP405 is adjustable in 5 positions and thus adapts to all user body types.

Despite slightly larger dimensions than the HYPER RAPTOR range, the XP 405 remains a lightweight crossbow at 6.3 lbs.

This crossbow also doesn't have to be ashamed of its mechanical qualities, and that's what we appreciate most about it!

Features of the XP 405

Easy assembly

Already pre-assembled, nothing could be simpler than assembling this crossbow with its single front bolt!

Optimal handling with complete safety

We've mentioned its 5-position adjustable stock, but that's not all! The XP 405 is also equipped with a pass-through foregrip.

Integrated shock absorbers

Equipped with 2 string stops, the shot is silent for greater discretion.

Technical specifications of the Barnett XP 405

• Speed: 405 FPS
• Power: 203#
• Power Stroke: 13.6''
• Kinetic energy: 138 ft-lbs
• Weight: 6.3 lbs
• Length: 35.5 to 38"

Package contents 

• The XP 405 crossbow
• A 4 X 32 multi-reticle scope
• 2 Hyperflite 22" bolts
• The quiver 
• The manual cocking device
• A rail lubricant tube

Speed, accuracy, quality materials, everything is present in this superb Barnett XP 405 that we also love for its price!