The crossbow craze that began a decade or so ago is showing no signs of retreating, as manufacturers dig deep into their bag of tricks to produce new models that outperform those of the past. The result is lighter, uber-compact horizontal bows that are lightning fast, and easy and safe to use. And at the forefront in crossbow innovation is the addition of user-friendly cocking devices. Here's a sample of what to expect when you go shopping for your next, or first, crossbow.
Barnett HyperTac Pro 430
Barnett’s new HyperTac Pro 430 crossbow — just over 9 inches axle to axle when cocked — sends arrows downrange at a blistering speed of 430 fps for flat trajectory and deep penetration. Its integrated crank cocking device with a quick-attach/detach handle and a newly patented string hook system provide a fast, worry-free cocking experience that also ensures precise pull-back for improved accuracy with just 7 pounds of cocking tension. Comfort and customization are enhanced with features such a flip-down Verti-Grip multi-position pistol grip, micro-adjustable buttstock, padded cheek-piece, and a crisp 3-pound pull TriggerTech trigger. The full package includes a premium side-mount quiver; three 22-inch HyperFlite arrows with field points; 1.5-5x32mm illuminated, speed-compensating scope; integrated crank cocking device; lube wax; and installation hardware.
MSRP: $1,499.99
CONTACT: www.barnettcrossbows.com
Bear Archery BearX Impact
The all-new BearX Impact crossbow delivers powerful performance in a compact platform, featuring an incredibly narrow frame at 8.1 inches wide when cocked and just over 12 inches uncocked. With a draw weight of 180 pounds, it fires arrows at speeds up to 415 fps. A detachable silent cocking crank can be used to de-cock the crossbow, and an anti-reverse mechanism stops the crank when the handle is let go. This ready-to-hunt crossbow package includes three Bear X TrueX arrows, illuminated scope, four-arrow quiver, sling and rail lube/string wax. The Impact is available in TrueTimber Strata and Veil Stoke camo patterns, and tips the scale at just over 7.5 pounds.
MSRP: $1,099.99
CONTACT: www.beararchery.com
CenterPoint Wrath 430
With a sleek 9-inch axle-to-axle width when cocked and launching arrows at speeds up to 430 fps, the CenterPoint Wrath 430 offers the modern crossbow hunter a blend of mobility and performance at a value-packed price point. At just under 29 inches in length, the Wrath 430 is CenterPoint’s first bullpup stock style crossbow, its ultra-slim width a great fit for hunting from treestands and ground blinds. It weighs just over 8 pounds, and the addition of a ball bearing retention spring allows smoother operation with no hassle arrow retention. The Wrath 430 packs in the features, with an integrated folding stirrup that doubles as a bipod, a 4x32mm illuminated crossbow scope, quiver and three CenterPoint arrows.
MSRP: $699.99; $649.99/without silent cranking device
CONTACT: www.centerpointarchery.com
Excalibur TwinStrike
Excalibur’s new TwinStrike with DualFire technology is the first crossbow designed to fire two arrows within a split-second of each other. In the event of a miss, it provides a quick follow-up without the need to reload and miss a second shot opportunity. At the heart of the TwinStrike is Excalibur’s DualFire technology and its three key components: two independent match-grade 4-pound frictionless triggers, CeaseFire technology that prevents firing unless an arrow is loaded, and an over/under rail system that is engineered to provide double arrow accuracy. The TwinStrike not only gives bowhunters an instant second shot, but also produces a fast arrow speed of 360 fps in a balanced and compact crossbow. The package includes Excalibur’s new Rebolt quiver and Overwatch scope.
MSRP: $2,222.22
CONTACT: www.excaliburcrossbow.com/doubleornothing
Killer Instinct Swat X1
The Swat X1 crossbow from Killer Instinct is easy to cock, handle and shoot, while producing speeds up to 405 fps. Measuring only 24.75 inches long and 6.25 inches wide when cocked, its micro frame generates its speed and power from the highly efficient Synchronized X cam. With 50 percent let-off, the narrow X1 can be cocked effortlessly by hand, but also includes a compact silent crank. The Accutac barrel provides additional guidance and support to the crossbow bolt for broadhead accuracy at high speeds. The enclosed design also protects the bolt and broadhead, and a crisp 3-pound trigger produces a clean break with zero creep.
MSRP: $1,299.99
CONTACT: www.killercrossbows.com
Mission Crossbows Sub-1 XR
Mission is known for ultra-accurate crossbows, and the Sub-1 XR is no exception. 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 when cocked, weighs only 7.6 pounds and fires arrows up to 410 fps. Mission crossbows are 100 percent Wisconsin made.
MSRP: $1,699.99 bow only.
CONTACT: www.missioncrossbows.com
PSE Coalition Frontier
Delivering speeds up to 380 fps and 118 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, the Coalition Frontier is a fast and compact crossbow that comes standard with an adjustable stock, illuminated reticle 4x32mm scope, five-bolt quiver, three 20-inch carbon bolts with field points, and cocking rope — all at an affordable price. Weighing in at 6.9 pounds, it has an overall length of 33.6 inches and a draw weight of 190 pounds. The Coalition Frontier is cocking winch compatible (device not included) and features dual string stops, anti-dry-fire and auto safety trigger, foot stirrup, limb dampers and rail lube.
MSRP: $299.99
CONTACT: www.psearchery.com
Ravin R500 Sniper/R500E Sniper
Ravin’s new R500 series crossbows deliver industry-leading speeds of 500 fps with a 400-grain arrow — sporting a slim axle-to-axle width of just 3.6 inches when cocked. At the top of the 500 series food chain — four models were introduced for 2021 — are the R500 Sniper and R500E Sniper, which feature the new Ravin adjustable turret scope that allows shooters to adjust yardage with a quick turn of the elevation dial. These top-of-the-line crossbows come with a complete set of features and accessories, including the scope and scope level and six premium Ravin arrows. The R500E includes the new Ravin Electric Drive System, which allows users to cock or decock the bow with the push of a button. The R500 Sniper can be upgraded to the R500E Sniper with the purchase of the Electric Drive Kit, sold separately.
MSRP: $3,424.99/R500 Sniper; $3,724.99/R500E Sniper
CONTACT: www.ravincrossbows.com
SA Sports Empire Punisher 420
The new Empire Punisher 420 from SA Sports is on the cutting edge of today’s modern crossbow technologies. It features an ultra-narrow profile at only 12 inches un-cocked, and a mere 7.75 inches axle-to-axle when cocked and ready to rock. Featuring an inverted cam design, the Punisher clocks in at 420 fps and generates 156.5 foot-pounds of force. Other features include a precision 3.5-pound pull trigger with anti-dry fire, full-length aluminum barrel, Picatinny rail and adjustable foregrip. Extremely quiet and compact, the Punisher comes completely equipped and ready to hunt with an illuminated 4x32mm multi-range scope, quick-detach quiver, three 20-inch carbon bolts, special u-sled rope cocker, and shoulder sling.
MSRP: $699
CONTACT: www.sa-sports.com
TenPoint Havoc RS440
With arrow speeds of up to 440 fps, the new TenPoint Havoc RS440 delivers smooth performance and accuracy from a platform measuring only 26.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide, while providing safe de-cocking with the revolutionary ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system. The Havoc’s reduction in length is accomplished by the development of TenPoint’s new 16-inch Micro-Trac barrel and ultra-light, two-piece Tec-Tactical stock. The fluted aluminum barrel also reduces the flight deck surface by 50 percent, increasing accuracy and providing string life in excess of 1,000 shots. The ready-to-hunt package includes an Evo-X Marksman Elite scope, six-pack of EVO-X CenterPunch 16 premium carbon crossbow arrows, integrated string stop system and six-arrow tech quiver.
MSRP: $2,649.99/Veil Alpine Camo; $2,549.99/ Graphite gray
CONTACT: www.tenpointcrossbows.com
