May 2024

Crossbows: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of crossbows rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.

Summary

On 11 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 102 crossbow endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

71 crossbows were endorsed in total, only 22 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 11 May 2024, Ravin R29X Sniper takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed crossbow with 4 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 crossbow' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking crossbows start at $166.08 (Barnett Blackcat) and go up to $2599.99 (TenPoint Flatline 460). Median crossbow costs $869.45 (Axe Crossbows’ AX405).
$166.08
$2599.99

At a glance - May Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Crossbow
lindaperhacs.com
Target Crazy
Deer & Deer Hunting
10k Reviews
Field & Stream
Crossbow Joe
Bow Hunting
huntinggiant.com
Outdoor Life
web1.ursuline.org
1
+1 Check price
Ravin R29X Sniper
The Ravin R29X Sniper crossbow is highly praised by experts for its accuracy, noise level, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it a top choice for hunting and shooting activities.
-
-
1
-
-
10
-
-
1
1
2
-1 $2600
TenPoint Flatline 460
The TenPoint Flatline 460 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, noise level, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it an ideal choice for hunters in need of a fast, accurate, quiet, compact, and reliable crossbow.
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-
-
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1
-
-
4
8
-
3
- Check price
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, making it a great choice for hunters of all skill levels, with its Trigger Tech trigger system, velocity range, compact size, and safety features.
2
5
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
11
4
- $640
Barnett Hypertac 420
The Barnett Hypertac 420 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, safety features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting and hunting.
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2
-
-
5
4
-
-
-
5
- Check price
Barnett Jackal
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
6
- $551
TenPoint Invader 400
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1
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
7
- Check price
Ravin R20
The Ravin R20 Crossbow is a highly praised and recommended choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts due to its accuracy, speed, compactness, safety features, and durability.
15
-
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3
-
-
-
-
-
10
8
- $1650
TenPoint Viper S400
The TenPoint Viper S400 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, low noise level, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it an ideal choice for hunters and target shooters.
14
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
9
- Check price
Excalibur Micro Suppressor
The Excalibur Micro Suppressor crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quietness, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for hunting and other shooting activities.
13
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
13
10
New * Check price
TenPoint TX 440
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-
-
-
-
-
-
2
5
-
11
- Check price
Barnett Hyper Raptor
The Barnett Hyper Raptor crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, low noise level, compact size, and safety features, making it a suitable choice for hunting and shooting activities up to 80 yards.
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4
-
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3
-
-
12
- Check price
CenterPoint Sniper 370
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
17
- $1749
Excalibur TwinStrike
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6
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
18
New * Check price
Excalibur REVX
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-
-
-
-
-
9
3
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19
- Check price
TenPoint Vapor RS470
The TenPoint Vapor RS470 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, noise reduction capabilities, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for hunters and long-range shooters.
16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
20
- Check price
Excalibur Matrix Grz 2
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
21
New * Check price
Tenpoint TRX 515
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-
-
-
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10
4
-
22
-12 $1000
Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock
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-
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5
-
-
-
9
-
23
-1 $329
Bear X Intense
The Bear X Intense crossbow receives positive reviews for its accuracy, velocity, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it a top choice for hunters.
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
14
24
-6 Check price
Ravin R500
The Ravin R500 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quiet operation, maneuverability, and durability, making it a versatile choice for hunting and target shooting within a range of 100 yards.
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-
-
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8
-
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10
-
25
-2 $750
Wicked Ridge RDX 400
The Wicked Ridge RDX 400 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quietness, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for hunters and shooters.
11
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
26
-2 Check price
CenterPoint CP400
The CenterPoint CP400 crossbow is highly regarded for its accuracy, speed, compact size, and safety features, making it a top choice for experts and hunters.
8
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-
-
-
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15

; ; ;
#23 $329.06 Bear X Intense
#6 $550.59 TenPoint Invader 400
#4 $639.85 Barnett Hypertac 420
#25 $749.94 Wicked Ridge RDX 400
#22 $999.99 Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock
#8 $1649.99 TenPoint Viper S400
#17 $1749 Excalibur TwinStrike
#2 $2599.99 TenPoint Flatline 460

We ranked Ravin R29X Sniper #1 in May 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked Ravin R29X Sniper as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 28 Aug 2023)
The Ravin R29X Sniper crossbow is highly praised by experts for its accuracy, noise level, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it a top choice for hunting and shooting activities.
Critic endorsements:
Deer & Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

Crossbow Joe

For the high rollers

Helicoil Technology
Durable Vortex strike eagle scope
Improved stock design
Long lasting and durable

Above average price tag

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Editor’s Choice

Compact
Accurate
Easy to shoot off hand

Short length of pull might be uncomfortable for tall shooters

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

The Most Powerful Crossbow

It’s compact and lightweight
Has a low draw height
Comes pre-assembled
Has incredible speeds

Hefty price tag

Go to ranking

We ranked TenPoint Flatline 460 #2 in May 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked TenPoint Flatline 460 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Aug 2023)
The TenPoint Flatline 460 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, noise level, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it an ideal choice for hunters in need of a fast, accurate, quiet, compact, and reliable crossbow.
Critic endorsements:
Field & Stream

Best Overall

By far the fastest bow in the test
Compact yet balances well
Crisp Trigger
Best cocking/de-cocking system out there
Very good accuracy

Expensive

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Best Crossbow of 2023

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Compact
Easy to shoot offhand, kneeling, or seated
Easy to cock and decock

Forend is not ideal for shooting off a tripod or bag

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend crossbows.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of crossbows, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking

We ranked Barnett Whitetail Hunter II #3 in May 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Aug 2023)
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, making it a great choice for hunters of all skill levels, with its Trigger Tech trigger system, velocity range, compact size, and safety features.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

Best Budget Crossbow

The package comes with essential accessories.
It offers value for money.
It is easy to assemble and use.
And it has a MIM trigger system.
There is a manufacturer’s warranty

You have to shoot a bolt to remove it because of the ADF feature

Go to ranking

Target Crazy

Best Entry Level Crossbow

Low price range
Powerful but easy to handle
Light weight
Anti-dry-fire protection
Picatinny rail
Beginner accessories

Draw weight

Go to ranking

10k Reviews

One of best rated crossbows
Powerful and faster
Perfect downrange accuracy
Best for professionals and beginners
Lightweight
Beautifully designed compound crossbow

ADF system break down

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

Best Budget Crossbow

It comes ready to use
Lightweight for easy carrying
It has dry-firing protection
High arrow speed

The scope is not easily adjustable

Go to ranking

We ranked Barnett Hypertac 420 #4 in May 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Aug 2023)
The Barnett Hypertac 420 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, safety features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting and hunting.
Critic endorsements:
Deer & Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

Crossbow Joe

Ultimate Hunting Experience

Lightweight Construction
Above average FPS
Good amount of extra accessories

Mixed reviews on the quality of the crank system

Go to ranking

Bow Hunting

Sharp as Tacks

Go to ranking

We ranked Barnett Jackal #5 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Barnett Jackal as #1.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

One Of The Best Beginner Crossbows

It is suitable for beginners.
It is simple to use and maintain.
Affordable.
Sturdy and durable.
It takes a few minutes to assemble

Not suitable for serious hunting activities

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

Best Crossbow for Beginners

It has a comfortable grip
Better safety
Powerful
Has high accuracy

Lacks cocking aid

Go to ranking

We ranked TenPoint Invader 400 #6 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked TenPoint Invader 400 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Target Crazy

Best Overall

Fast 400 fps
Powerful 140 fpke
ACUdraw 50 rope cocking system
Pro-View scope
Added accessories
Light weight
Versatile hunting bow
Durable semi-skeletal frame

Nothing!

Go to ranking

Crossbow Joe

Best bang for the buck

Lightweight design
Advanced cocking mechanism attachment option

Noisey when shot due to lack of damping system

Go to ranking

We ranked Ravin R20 #7 in May 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 18 Oct 2023)
The Ravin R20 Crossbow is a highly praised and recommended choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts due to its accuracy, speed, compactness, safety features, and durability.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

The Most Compact Crossbow

It comes with 6-arrows.
Sturdy and durable.
It is user-friendly.
It’s quiet and highly accurate

The bowstring is weak

Go to ranking

10k Reviews

Best Crossbow for the money

Compact yet powerful crossbow
Lightweight
The lowest draw weight in the crossbows fray
Top quality scope
Takes on a target from 100 yards

More expensive under 3000 bucks

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

The Most Compact Crossbow

Lightweight design
Top-tier scores that improve accuracy at 40 yards
Built-in Versa-draw cocking mechanism

The unlocking procedure is complicated

Go to ranking

We ranked TenPoint Viper S400 #8 in May 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Aug 2023)
The TenPoint Viper S400 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, low noise level, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it an ideal choice for hunters and target shooters.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

A Lightweight & Highly Maneuverable Crossbow

It comes with fantastic tech parts.
A simple decocking system.
It is excellent for seasoned hunters.
It increases accuracy by 48%.
The assembly takes a few minutes.
It provides value for money

Some parts may be missing on delivery.
There is no left-handed model

Go to ranking

Deer & Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting

Compact
Impressive 400 FPS speed
Very safe
Easy cocking and decoking

Storage case not included

Go to ranking

We ranked Excalibur Micro Suppressor #9 in May 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 7 Jan 2024)
The Excalibur Micro Suppressor crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quietness, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for hunting and other shooting activities.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

The Most Silent Crossbow

The accuracy level is impressive.
It is simple to assemble and use.
Value for money.
It is affordable.
It has all the necessary accessories

Cocking it is tiresome.
It’s a bit heavy

Go to ranking

10k Reviews

Powerful and fast
Best crossbow with compact design
Quiet and vibrations free
Easy to assemble
Best for hunting and target shooting

Pricey
More draw weight

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

The Most Silent Crossbow

It has noise-dampening features
Ideal for narrow areas hunting
Safety features to prevent unintended shots
Comfortable finger grip and superior control

280 pounds draw weight

Go to ranking

We ranked TenPoint TX 440 #10 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
huntinggiant.com

Crossbow for Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Made in USA
Ambi Safety
Compact

Inconsistent accuracy
Awkward to load

Go to ranking

We ranked Barnett Hyper Raptor #11 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Jan 2024)
The Barnett Hyper Raptor crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, low noise level, compact size, and safety features, making it a suitable choice for hunting and shooting activities up to 80 yards.
Critic endorsements:
Field & Stream

Best Budget

Second most accurate bow in the test
Second fastest bow in the test
Second least-expensive bow in the test

Hardest to cock
Fit and finish not equal to top crossbows

Go to ranking

huntinggiant.com

Best Crossbow with Crank Cocking Device

Go to ranking

We ranked CenterPoint Sniper 370 #12 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

Great for Entry Level

It offers value for money spent.
A sturdy and durable crossbow.
Easy to assemble and adjust various features.
It is accurate.
It is suitable for beginners.
Performs better than some high-end hunting crossbows

Instructions in the manual are confusing.
The bolts are low quality

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

Best Compound Crossbow for Entry Level

Ideal for quiet firing
Lightweight and easy to use
It has an anti-firing safety mechanism
It is robust and ideal for a beginner

Poor quality arrows

Go to ranking

We ranked Excalibur TwinStrike #13 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Deer & Deer Hunting

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

Best Crossbow For Hunting

Fantastic price for the value
Lightweight and balanced
Perfect starter crossbow

It might be loud due to a lack of suppression

Go to ranking

We ranked Excalibur REVX #14 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
huntinggiant.com

Best Recurve crossbow

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Best Recurve

Easy to cock and load
Accurate
Easy to change string
Fun to shoot

Not as much momentum or speed as compound competitors

Go to ranking

We ranked TenPoint Vapor RS470 #15 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 7 Jan 2024)
The TenPoint Vapor RS470 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, noise reduction capabilities, size and weight, safety features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for hunters and long-range shooters.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

The Safest Crossbow

It has the best accessories for hunting.
It offers incomparable speed.
The accuracy level is incredible.
It is light and has an ergonomic design.
Quiet cocking and decocking

Not suitable for beginners.
There are no assembly instructions.
It is expensive

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

The Safest & Fastest Crossbow

It has a very high speed
Lightweight
Impressive safety features
It is ready to use package

It is expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Excalibur Matrix Grz 2 #16 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

One of the Best Recurve Crossbows

It is lightweight and all-weather resistant.
There is a camouflage color.
Bolts can hit targets at 30ft dead on.
It is simple to unload arrows

Assembly instructions are horrible

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

Best Recurve Crossbow

Lightweight
It is powerful
Easy to maintain and assemble
It comes with a variety of accessories

It has a plastic bow

Go to ranking

We ranked Tenpoint TRX 515 #17 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
huntinggiant.com

Fastest Crossbow On The Market

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Fastest

Fastest crossbow in the world
Safety is easy to actuate with firing hand

Very expensive
Trigger is heavy

Go to ranking

We ranked Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock #18 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Field & Stream

Good accuracy
Good power
Extremely lightweight
Excellent value

So-so trigger

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Light
Very adjustable length of pull
Easy to cock and de-cock with a rope cocker

Heavy trigger
A lot of post-shot vibration

Go to ranking

We ranked Bear X Intense #19 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 7 Jan 2024)
The Bear X Intense crossbow receives positive reviews for its accuracy, velocity, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it a top choice for hunters.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

A Durable and Fast Crossbow

It has a military and tactical design.
Affordable.
Durable and sturdy.
It has camouflage colors

The cocking rope is weak

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

A Durable and Fast Crossbow

It’s compact
Delivers powerful strokes
It comes with an anti-dry fire mechanism

Cocking rope isn’t strong enough

Go to ranking

We ranked Ravin R500 #20 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 28 Aug 2023)
The Ravin R500 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quiet operation, maneuverability, and durability, making it a versatile choice for hunting and target shooting within a range of 100 yards.
Critic endorsements:
Crossbow Joe

Lighting Fast FPS

Lighting Fast
Very Powerful

Expensive

Go to ranking

Outdoor Life

Fast and accurate
Narrow profile
Easy to use
Good trigger

Difficult to clip bolts onto the string
Quiver and crank are poor quality for the price
Expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Wicked Ridge RDX 400 #21 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 28 Aug 2023)
The Wicked Ridge RDX 400 crossbow is highly praised for its accuracy, quietness, compact size, safety features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for hunters and shooters.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

Best Reverse Draw Crossbow

It is lightweight, weighing 7.6 pounds.
It comes with a multi-line focus scope.
The crossbow is sturdy and durable.
It shoots fast and precisely

The Omni Nock breaks easily and damages the bowstring

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

Best Reverse Draw Crossbow

Lightweight
It is powerful
Easy to maintain and assemble
It comes with a variety of accessories

It has a plastic bow

Go to ranking

We ranked CenterPoint CP400 #22 in May 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best crossbows” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 28 Aug 2023)
The CenterPoint CP400 crossbow is highly regarded for its accuracy, speed, compact size, and safety features, making it a top choice for experts and hunters.
Critic endorsements:
lindaperhacs.com

An Affordable Top Tier Crossbow

High speed and accuracy.
The bow is sturdy and durable.
It has a beautiful design.
The product is preassembled

A low-quality crank cocking device

Go to ranking

web1.ursuline.org

The Affordable Top Tier Crossbow

Features custom-designed risers
The crossbow has a five-year limited warranty
Ships with three 20-inch carbon arrows, rope cocker, and a 3×32 mm illuminated scope

Lacks a cock cranking device

Go to ranking