While it’s true that crossbow prices have surpassed those of flagship compounds, the difference isn’t as great as you might think. The reason is a compound bow buyer will still need to purchase an arrow rest, bowsight, quiver and probably a stabilizer. These accessories/necessities can be very expensive, so the “out the door” price for a fully rigged compound is close to that of a top-notch crossbow, which is generally ready to hunt.

If you’re in the market for a new crossbow, then check out the six models detailed on the following two pages. Any one of them is capable of stacking arrows and killing whitetails. It’s up to you to decide which model is best suited for your needs — and budget.

 

AXE Crossbows AX440

I had a chance to shoot the AX440 during the 2022 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show and was impressed with the bow’s balance and trigger (3.5 pounds, zero creep). The AX440 is 30.5 inches long and 11.5 inches wide axle to axle when cocked. The bow’s weight is centered over your hand thanks to the reverse limb system. Limb draw weight is 204 pounds, resulting in speeds of 440 fps.

The AX440’s stock eliminates the rail and utilizes dual carbon guide rods instead. Combined with a shoot-through riser and a tunable roller rest, this creates a free-floating arrow system that minimizes contact, friction and torque along the arrow’s path, increasing accuracy and speed. Three small-diameter arrows are included with the package. Bow weight is 10.5 pounds without scope. Other features include: adjustable butt stock and cheek comb, integrated crank with de-cock feature, integrally mounted three-arrow quiver, and multi-range illuminated 440 reticle scope.

MSRP: $2,099.99

CONTACT: www.feradyne.com

 

CenterPoint Wrath 430X

New for 2022, the CenterPoint Wrath 430X crossbow features a 9-inch axle-to-axle width when cocked and launches arrows at speeds up to 430 fps, providing hunters with a blend of mobility and performance at a value-packed price point. At 32 inches in length and weighing only 9 pounds, this compact crossbow is a great fit for hunting from treestands and ground blinds.

The Wrath 430X has an inverted cam design that delivers up to 164 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, and its full bearing cam system produces smoother operation and increased velocity. It comes with an integrated folding stirrup that doubles as a bipod, a 4x32mm illuminated crossbow scope, silent cranking system, quiver and three 20-inch CenterPoint arrows. 

MSRP: $699.99

CONTACT: www.centerpointarchery.com

 

Mission Crossbows Sub-1 XR

The Mission Sub-1 XR with Benchmark Fire Control technology features a fully contained rolling sear dual-stage trigger set at a crisp 3 pounds, easy-load arrow retention arm and a de-cocking button. Its fully synced cam system eradicates lateral nock travel, and the CNC-machined rail eliminates vertical nock travel. The result is exceptional accuracy.

Shooters can easily adjust the length of pull with six different butt positions and enjoy the control and stability of the AR-style grip. The compact Sub-1 XR is 9.1 inches wide axle to axle when cocked, weighs only 7.6 pounds and fires arrows up to 410 fps. The basic package ($199.99 option) includes an illuminated scope, three carbon arrows, QD quiver, cocking rope, and custom-designed soft case. Buyers can also add Mission’s proprietary RSD (Removable Silent Draw) hand-crank device for $189.99.

MSRP: $1,699.99 bow only; $1,899.98 with basic package

CONTACT: www.missioncrossbows.com

 

Ravin R26X

The new 6.5-pound R26X takes the compact R26 platform and adds the company’s fully integrated silent cocking feature for a whisper quiet draw (draw effort of only 12 pounds). Advanced HeliCoil Technology results in a crossbow measuring only 26 inches long and 5.75 inches wide axle to axle when cocked.

The R26X has a draw weight of 340 pounds and sends arrows downrange at 400 fps. The package comes fully assembled and pre-tuned with three Ravin .003 arrows and field tips (400 grains total). Other features include a removable draw handle, quiver with mounting bracket, 100-yard illuminated scope, and built-in sling mounts.

MSRP: $2,024.99

Contact: www.ravincrossbows.com

 

TenPoint Nitro 505

The fastest crossbow available today, TenPoint’s Nitro 505 reverse-draw crossbow delivers 505 fps velocity with a 400-grain arrow. It features the ACUslide silent cocking and safe de-cocking system. The 7.9-pound, 30.5-inch crossbow measures only 6.5 inches wide axle to axle when ready to fire.

The bow’s new RX8-Cam system rotates 404 degrees and features deeper cable grooves and improved cable spacing that allows for an increased sting and cable strand count for added strength and durability. The crossbow’s Vector-Quad cable technology utilizes four cables instead of the traditional two, which eliminates cam lean and generates straight nock travel. Other features include: two-stage, zero-creep trigger; 20-inch Micro-Trac fluted aluminum barrel; two-piece Tech-X stock; and Evo-X Marksman Elite Precision scope.

MSRP: $3,149.99/Veil Alpine camo; $3,049.99.99/Moss Green

CONTACT: www.tenpointcrossbows.com

 

Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock

Of the many crossbows I shot during the 2022 ATA Show, this one is my editor’s choice for best value. The 6.5-pound bow comes with the proven ACUdraw De-Cock for safe cocking and de-cocking (only 5 pounds of force). I experienced first-hand that while de-cocking this bow, you can remove your hand from the handle at any point and it will stop in its place, eliminating the potential of injury or damage that may occur with other de-cocking systems. I was also impressed with the bow’s D1 Trigger (two-stage, 3.5 pounds, zero creep).

As the model name implies, the Raider 400 achieves speeds of 400 fps. The hunting package includes: 3X multi-line scope; ACUdraw De-Cock; three Match 400 carbon arrows; and three-arrow quiver.

MSRP: $799.99.

CONTACT: www.wickedridgecrossbows.com