Table of Contents
Best Reverse Limb Crossbows
Comparison Table: Best Reverse Limb Crossbows of 2021
Award | Crossbow | Specs |
|---|---|---|
|  |
Weight = 8 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.5 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 8.3 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.1 lbs |
Quick Links: Best Reverse limb Crossbows
- Best on the market: TenPoint Vapor RS470
- Best runner-up: Scorpyd Aculeus 460FPS
- Best under $1,000: Horton Vision 175
- Best for the money: Wicked Ridge RDX 400
1. Best on the Market
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TenPoint Vapor Rs470 |
470 |
8 lbs |
31" |
6.5" |
12" |
17" |
225 lbs |
Pros
- Provides silent cocking and safe de-cocking ability
- Fully multi-coated optics with unmatched brightness in low-light situations
- Elongated power stroke
- Micro-track barrel for longer string life
- S1 trigger for high performance
- Includes case and all accessories
Cons
- Cheaply made quiver
Package includes:
- EVO-X Marksman Scope
- Bubble Level
- ACUslide Cocking and De-Cocking System
- 6-Arrow Tech Quiver
- 6 Lighted Evo-X CenterPunch premium carbon arrows
- 3 EVO-X CenterPunch Broadheads
- TenPoint STAG hard crossbow case
- Integrated String Stop System
- TenPoint Neoprene Sling
Ready to get your socks blown off? If so, let me introduce you to the best reverse limb crossbow by TenPoint called the Vapor Rs470.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
This crossbow is the top-of-the-line bow in the market right now. It is the fastest crossbow in the world, and it shoots with same-hole, down-range accuracy every time.
It comes equipped with every feature and accessory that a hunter could dream of for supreme knock-down power. The reverse limb design eliminates nose-heavy weight often felt by bow handlers. The specialized cam system on the Vapor Rs470 creates the speed at which the shot is fired, and through the TenPoint system, the string is drawn through the riser, which increases the power stroke. This 17 inch power stroke generates a smoother, quieter shot.
One of my favorite aspects of the Rs470 is the ability to cock and decock the bow by a simple windup or wind-down system. This is completely controlled by you, and you can start and stop the process as you want, which makes the process not only safer for you, but also helps protect your bow.
The icing on the cake here is the S1 trigger, which is a pro feature and delivers a super crisp shot that breaks like glass. How about the scope? That, too, is at the top of its class.
The Vapor is among the safest crossbows on the market with its built-in dry-fire inhibitor.
Lastly, did I mention that it shoots up to 470 feet per second? This bow is lightweight, sleek, and deadly.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
Getting the Vapor means you’re getting the best. This bow is best for the hunter who needs to have the best, and wants to shoot at their best. Whether you’re in a ground blind or a tree stand, with a mere 5-pound draw weight, you’ll be able to ready your bow in any spot.
I really wish it came with a magic gene to bring your 10-point buck back to your truck, but unfortunately, that’s about the only thing it doesn’t come with.
2. Best Runner-Up
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Scorpyd Aculeus 460 |
460 |
7.5 lbs |
34.5" |
12.875" |
24.5" |
18.5" |
180 lbs |
Pros
- Kempf Tech integrated trigger
- ACUdraw Pro cocking mechanism
- Non-folding stock
- Limbsaver butt pad
- Anti-dry fire device
Cons
- Not compact - very wide
Package includes:
- Hawke 1.5X5 X32 IR Illuminated Scope standard
- 3 Pack of broadheads
- 4 Arrow Quiver
- 12 Arrows (Scorpyd SPEC Black Eagle Arrows .001)
- String Stops
- Scope rail
- Limbsaver Sling and Butt Pad
- Scorpion Venom Lube Kit
The Aculeus 460 is one amazing reverse limb crossbow, and it sits as the runner-up best on this list.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
As one recent purchaser of the Aculeus 460 wrote, “No more wounded deer to track. If you can afford it, buy it- you will not regret it.”
That is the model of this bow. It is expensive, and bow enthusiasts know, you get what you pay for. The Aculeus 460 is among the best crossbows in the world.
Let’s first talk about the features that come stock with this bow.
The scope is the Hawke 1.5X5 X32 IR Illuminated Scope and it is top notch. You can shoot 100+ yards with this set up and put arrows through the same hole- it’s really that amazing.
This also happens to be the second fastest reverse draw crossbow in the world. Pulling in at an impressive 460 feet per second, this is a top reverse limb crossbow.
If you look closely, you’ll notice the excellent engineering that’s gone into the design of this bow. The limbs are nearly parallel, which creates more room for mobility and helps store the kinetic energy in the bow for proper release during the time of the shot.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
The Aculeus 460 is best for the advanced hunter, who wants a no-BS way to hunt medium to large-sized game with an extremely fast, powerful and reliable bow that’s completely manufactured from start to finish in the U.S.
3. Best for Beginners
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Horton Vision 175 |
300 |
8.3 lbs |
35 3/8" |
9 7/8" |
16 1/4" |
13" |
175 lbs |
Pros
- Ultra-compact
- Very quiet shot
- Highly accurate and quiet shot
- Great balance
- CNC machined wheels
- Integrated cocking rope groove
- Aluminum barrel
Cons
- Trigger is heavy
- Quiver should be bigger
Package includes:
- 4x32 Mult-a-Range scope
- Monte Carlo cheek rest
- Hunter Elite three-arrow quiver
- Cocking sled
- 3 arrows
Looking for a great first-time reverse limb crossbow that won’t break the bank? The Horton Vision is the best beginner’s reverse limb crossbow that’s currently on the market.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The Vision 175 is the perfect crossbow model for the beginner, women, or junior who is looking to find an easy-to-use bow that’s functional right out of the box.
A recent reviewer stated that the Vision is, “Accurate as hell to boot!” We agree, the CNC machined wheels, or cams, integrated cocking rope and aluminum barrel make this a great bow to pick up.
It has a quiet shot and supreme balance, and the best part is that the price is right.
Many hunters believe in the testament that the feet-per-second rate which the bow shoots is not the end all be all. For those, non-speed-need hunters, this bow might be right for you. The shot just breaks the 300fps mark, which is our target to hit for any hunting crossbow.
The Vision 175 is a compact, high-performance reverse limb crossbow, and it’s loaded with quality technologies from Horton. These features include Horton’s Frontal String Technology, Reverse Draw Limb design, and CNC machined wheels to produce exceptional speed and bone-crushing knockdown power.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
The Vision 175 is best for the beginner hunter, a women or junior hunter, who’s looking for a fully functional reverse limb crossbow at a great value price.
4. Best for the Money
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wicked Ridge RDX 400 |
400 |
7.1 lbs |
33.25″ |
9" |
15" |
15.5" |
175 lbs |
Pros
- Pre-sighted at 20-yards
- Easy 1-bolt Assembly
- Ready-to-Hunt Package
Cons
- Not compact - very wide
Package includes:
- Optics: TenPoint’s Pro-View Scope or Multi-Line Scope mounted on a machined aluminum 7/8-inch Fixed Dovetail Mount
- Cocking Device: ACUdraw PRO or Rope-Sled
- Quiver: 3-Arrow Instant Detach Quiver
- Arrows: Three Wicked Ridge XX75 aluminum arrows with practice points
- Noise Dampening: Integrated String Stop System (pre-installed)
The ultimate working man’s bow, designed by TenPoint, and made for the Wicked Ridge line, the RDX 400 is the best reverse limb crossbow for the money.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The RDX 400 bow has excellent balanced reverse-draw specs measuring at only 9-inches wide and shooting up to speeds of 400 feet per second.
This crossbow utilizes it’s features that includes a full 15.5 inches of power stroke. In combination with the Reaper Cam System, this bow delivers down-range accuracy and at bullet-like speeds.
The RDX 400 is made completely in the United States, and according to Wicked Ridge, this bow is, “focused on speed-to-price ration, and, pound-for-pound, dollar-for-dollar.”
Simply put, you will not find a better value-priced hunting crossbow on the market. If you’re looking for the ultimate reverse draw crossbow that won’t destroy your wallet, the RDX 400 is your best choice.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
This crossbow is built for the value seekers out there.
Helpful Information For Buying A Reverse Limb Crossbow
What Is A Reverse Limb Crossbow?
How to differentiate A Reverse Limb Crossbow?
Pros of reverse Limb crossbows
- Weight distribution: Due to the center-focused design of a reverse limb crossbow, the distribution of weight is more evenly balanced. With a regular-style compound crossbow, the weight is unevenly distributed at the front, or head, of the bow.
- Balance: To build off of the above mentioned weight advantage, this benefit creates a better balanced bow to aim with.
- Compact, yet powerful: The riser-mount is located in a more optimal position, which
increases the power stroke of the crossbow. This elongated distance of power stroke results in producing a faster shot.
Cons of reverse Limb crossbows
- Inherently look strange: The design of a reverse limb crossbow inherently looks awkward.
- No chance for recurve: Many hunters enjoy the advantages of recurve crossbows. Unfortunately, there are no reverse limb recurve crossbows.
- Fewer options: The reverse limb world of crossbows simply does not have the extensive amount of crossbow purchasing options compared to the regular-style compound crossbow design.
Parts of A reverse Limb Crossbow
What Are Reverse Limb Crossbows Best For?
Reverse limb crossbows are excellent choices for the following:
- Hunting
- Target practice
- Protection
- Military use
How to choose the best compound crossbow for you
- Model design
- Price
- Speed
- Weight
- Length
- Width
- Draw weight
- Brand
- Specs
- Safety
- Included accessories
What are the top Reverse Limb crossbow brands?
Are Reverse Limb Crossbows Better?
Reverse limb crossbows, or reverse draw crossbows are known for their center-focused designed and super-charged shots. The answer to the question whether they are better than regular-draw crossbow is a personal question and answer.
The job of the crossbow is to hit the target. Both a regular-draw bow and a reverse limb bow will do the job. Oftentimes, each individual hunter will tell you which is best for them.
Can A 150 Pound Crossbow Kill?
Crossbows at all draw weights can kill. They are designed to do so, and no matter the feet per second, draw weight, arrow type or other, yes, crossbows kill so use them with caution.
How Far Can You Kill A Deer With A Crossbow?
A deer can be hit and killed from a very far distance, but doing so can be both unethical and inhumane.
There are certain lengths we recommend hunters to keep in mind while hunting deer, and each distance limit is based on the skill of the shooter.
What Is The Fastest Crossbow?
The fastest crossbow is the TenPoint Vapor Rs470.
Can A Pistol Crossbow Kill A Human?
Yes, a pistol crossbow can kill a human. Pistol crossbows are often referred to as tactical crossbows. To read more, visit our page that covers the Best Tactical Crossbows.
Should You Pee In A Deer Scrape?
Nationwide Scents Scrape Lure Deer
What's The Best Crossbow For 2020?
The three best crossbows of 2020 are the following:
To view the complete list, check out our Best Crossbows of 2021 page
How To Cock A Reverse Limb Crossbow
There are three different ways to cock your crossbow: With a rope cocking device, a crank cocking device, or with your hands- but I recommend using a device.
Pre-cocking recommendation:
- Refer to the instructions provided with purchase of bow for exact detail
- Inspect rope cocking device to make sure there are currently no frays or damage
Steps to successfully cock a reverse limb crossbow with device:
- Reset the bow against your thigh
- Place the bow down on flat ground, and put your foot in the stirrup or foot step-through
- Hold the rope cocking device in one hand, and use your other hand to pull the rope that’s between the rollers into the form of a big “U” shape
- Find the rope cocking groove in the stock
- Make a loop of the center of the rope to securely hold the rope cocking device behind the scope mount
- Place the two hooks of the rope cocking device on the string to be facing up with one hook on both sides of the flight track
- Grip the handles of the rope cocking device firmly with both hands and pull the string of the crossbow into the trigger mechanism until you actually hear the “click.”
- Check the safety, as it should change to the “SAFE” position
- Make sure both of your hands are not in the way of the flight track.
- The crossbow is now cocked and you can remove the rope cocking device
Final Thoughts
Reverse limb crossbows are excellent hunting tools.
In this page, we’ve discussed their advantages and disadvantages, reviewed the best models on the market, and ranked them by what type of hunter the different models would be best for.
The decision to find the best reverse limb crossbow for you can be challenging, but I hope this review helps you find what you’re looking for.
Remember, feel free to open up a conversation or ask a question by posting your words and thoughts in the comment section below. Thank you for reading and as always,
Happy shooting,
BowScanner
Best Reverse Limb Crossbows
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