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Beginner’s crossbow buying guide

Beginner's Guide to Buying a Crossbow

Have you tried crossbow shooting and would like to continue by buying your own crossbow? Models and prices vary and it is difficult to choose. Here are some keys to help you.

plusieurs types d'arbalètes, bien choisir son arbalète

How to choose a crossbow

Choosing the right equipment is complicated, between the power, the use and the type of crossbow, it is easy to get lost.

Contrary to the bow, the choice of power is not mainly based on your morphology or your level, but rather on the activity you wish to practice. It is important to know that the higher the power, the faster your bolt will go (but not necessarily further) and will hit its target with more force.

The other tricky choice is to make the difference between a compound crossbow and a classic crossbow. A compound crossbow is harder to set up at the start, but easier to cocking and less sensitive to the trigger mechanism. They are also generally more powerful, as the branches are often steeper and produce more energy. The compound crossbows are also shorter, but more fragile and in case of a broken string, it is complicated to repair yourself without special equipment. Pulley or compound crossbows are used for hunting or shooting sports.

A recurve or classic crossbow is easier to maintain and will be preferred for leisure shooting. In the range of classic crossbows, pistol crossbows are very well represented. Light, easy to handle with one hand, they are equipped with a safety device. They are also less powerful and therefore have a shorter range.

The last parameter to remember is the choice of materials. Steel limbs have been replaced by lighter composite materials and some manufacturers offer crossbows with lighter barrels (arbors) made of wood, reinforced plastic or have become skeletal. It should not be forgotten that the heavier the crossbow, the more stable it is and the more accurate the shot will be.

Crossbow comparison on Hattila.com

Hattila.com is a specialist in crossbow on the internet and offers a wide range of crossbow for beginners to hunting equipment with compound crossbows.

Mini crossbow or crossbow pistol:

mini arbalète pour les enfants

With a power of 50 to 80 lbs, they are pleasant leisure crossbows with a great mobility easy to handle, but without the advantages of the superior models which have power, precision and projectile speed.

With attractive prices ranging from €19.99 for the 50-lbs crossbow to €44.90 for the 80-lbs Cobra Gold crossbow, this equipment is a valuable alternative for leisure or beginner shooting. The mini crossbow is a one-handed crossbow for children.

Classic crossbows, Adult beginners target shooting:

centre de tir pour adultes débutants

With a power between 120 and 150 lbs, these crossbows are accurate and allow you to start target shooting at leisure for adults. They are not too expensive and have a pleasant design and a good grip.

The black 120 lbs model, lighter in fiberglass and aluminium at the price of 99,00 € will follow you everywhere. Easily dismantled and powerful, the 150 lbs Camo crossbow with pre-mounted string is extremely practical and handy at a price of 129,00 €.

Heavy crossbows:

arbalète lourde de chasse tir sur gibier

Appreciated for sport shooting, target shooting, hunting or survival, these weapons range from 175 to 200 lbs, allowing shots from 54.6 yds to more than 109.3 yds for the most powerful. Discover our models of heavy crossbows.

You can also find as a complete package the 175 lbs MK-XB21 crossbow, with quiver and red dot at the price of €229.00. Its power and accuracy make it an excellent hunting weapon.

Compound crossbows:

The compound crossbows sold on Hattila.com are perfect for hunting or sport shooting. From precision to easy rearming, prices are affordable with a 175 lbs crossbow starting at €399.00 and the Missile crossbow with a power of 200 lbs at €590.00.

Which crossbow for which audience?

Crossbow pistols with a power of 50 or 80 lbs, light and handy, are perfect for beginners, children over 8 years old or people who want to do recreational shooting.

Classic crossbows from 120 to 150 lbs are more for shooting sport enthusiasts. The precision and power allow you to practice shooting at several dozen yds.

Finally, heavy crossbows with or without a pulley, with a power of 175 lbs, are intended for great shooting sportsmen, those who practice survivalism or hunting (prohibited in France, but allowed in other European countries).