Barnett Crossbows Review: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide [2021]

There are a lot of options when it comes to buying a Barnett Crossbow, and this review page provides the information to guide you to find the best bow for your needs and your budget in a fast, easy, and convenient way.

Best Barnett Crossbows

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Crossbow

Specs


Best Barnett Crossbow
in 2021

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Barnett Crossbows Hypertac Pro 430
Barnett HyperTac 430 Pro Review


FPS = 430


Weight = 8.9 lbs


Draw weight = 230 lbs


Best Barnett Crossbow
on the Market

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Barnett Predator
Barnett Predator Crossbow


FPS = 430


Weight = 7.6 lbs

Length = 37"

Draw weight = 187 lbs


Best Bang for your Buck

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Barnett HyperGhost 425
Barnett HyperGhost 425 Crossbow


FPS = 425


Weight = 7.7 lbs

Length = 36"

Draw weight = 206 lbs


Best for Full-Sized Hunters

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BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR
barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow


FPS = 400


Weight = 6.9 lbs

Length = 36.5"

Draw Weight = 187 lbs


Best for Avid Hunters

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Barnett HyperGhost 405
Barnett HyperGhost 405


FPS = 405


Weight = 7.7 lbs

Length = 36.25"

Draw weight = 185 lbs


Best Budget Bow
and
Best For Teenagers

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Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow


FPS = 350

Weight = 6.4 lbs

Length = 34.25"

Draw weight = 160 lbs


Best for the Money

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Barnett Explorer XP
Barnett Explorer XP Crossbow


FPS = 380


Weight = 6 lbs

Length = 31.25 - 33.75"

Draw Weight = 165 lbs


Best Cheap Barnett Compound

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Barnett Jackal
Barnett Jackal Crossbow


FPS = 315


Weight = 7.7 lbs

Length = 32.5”

Draw Weight = 150 lbs


Best
Quality-Beginner
crossbow

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Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR


FPS = 375


Weight = 6.6 lbs

Length = 34.875"

Draw weight = 187 lbs


Best Recurve

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Barnett Blackcat Recurve
best recurve barnett crossbow for the money and for hunting


FPS = 260


Weight = 4.8 lbs

Length = 35.25"

Draw weight = 165 lbs

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Barnett crossbows review_ ultimate buyer's guide

Best Barnett Crossbow in 2021

Model FPS Weight Crank cocking device tension Width Axel-to-Axel Kinetic Energy Power Stroke Draw Weight
HyperTac 430 Pro
430
8.9 lbs
7 lbs
9.125"
156 ft./lbs
14.25"
230 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
5/5
Barnett’s best crossbow of 2021 is here, and it’s called the HyperTac 430 Pro.
 
This bow is a pro-grade crossbow at a very reasonable $1,300 price range. Being that this crossbow comes with the 1.5-5x32mm red and green illuminated, speed-compensating scope, paired quick-detach CCD, and the HyperFlite arrows, it makes an awesome package.
 

Safety is always a concern with new crossbow lines. You want to make sure safety is up to par and won’t dry fire on you at any time. Barnett has made sure thing bow is as safe as possible with the paired quick-detach CCD. This helps hunters cock and uncock the bow quickly and easily.

One of my favorites is that the HyperTac 430 Pro is completely customizable. Barnett utilized the flip-down Verti-Grip in order to shoot this bow just like a traditional AR. If you’re a tactical, outdoor, and/or survival-type, this crossbow is for you. Next, the butt stock and cheek piece are adjustable to fit any sized hunter.

This bow gives you a great sense of control. Due to the narrow backend, but the traditional frontend shape, you get supreme
maneuverability what ever position you find yourself hunting in.

Remember that this is a full and complete crossbow hunting package that comes equipped to give you ever piece of equipment you need to get out and start shooting- with accuracy!

One of these included pieces of equipment are the Hyperflite arrows. Talking about accuracy, these are light, strong and some of the best arrows in the business.

Along with quality arrows, the scope that comes with the bow is a 1.5-5x32mm red and green illuminated, speed-compensating scope. If you’re looking for additional scopes check out Best Crossbow Scope Review page!

This list doesn’t stop with the awesome arrows or high-quality scope, because this crossbow package also includes pre-installed string dampeners and a multi-position premium quiver to actually give you everything you need in one crossbow package.

What Makes This Bow Great

  • 430 FPS Crossbow
  • Micro-Adjustable Length-of-Pull Butt Stock and Cheek Piece
  • Pass-Through Forend with Articulating Verti-Grip™ Palm Rest
  • Integrated Crank Cocking Device with Push-Button Handle Release
  • Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
  • Soft Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
  • SureShot™ Monopod Compatibility

Who’s This Bow Best For?

When you want the best, and you’re looking exclusively for a Barnett crossbow, the HyperTac 430 Pro is your best bet. If you’re looking for a complete review on this bow, check out our HyperTac 430 Pro Review.

Best Barnett Crossbow on the Market

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Barnett Predator
430
7.6 lbs
37.125"
19"
24"
16.25"
187 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
5/5

The Predator by Barnett is their best bow on the market.

When you need to act fast, shoot fast, and get things done, the Predator will help  you accomplish all of that swiftly and easily.

This weapon was made to hunt. It’s a large-sized crossbow and includes the top features in the bow hunting industry. This package comes complete three arrows, a side-mount quive, rope cocking device, and lube wax.

 

What Makes This Bow Great

  • 430 FPS Crossbow
  • Premium 1.5-5×32 illuminated scope
  • 22″ Headhunter Arrows
  • Kinetic Energy: 156 Ft. lbs.
  • Patented Carbonlite Step-Through Riser
  • String Dampeners for stealth like shooting
  • CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track for smooth, quiet, and accurate shots

Who’s This Bow Best For?

If you’re a hunter’s hunter, like the Barnett brand, and are looking for the best, the Predator is the best Barnett compound crossbow on the market. It comes with the necessary accessories to get out and shoot, and is a hunter’s best tool.

Most Bang for your Buck

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Barnett HyperGhost 425
425
7.7 lbs
36.25"
17.6"
20.375"
16.3"
185 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
5/5

This Hyperghost 425 shoots with bone-crushing and consistent downrange accuracy.

I’ll start with the package. The Hyperghost 425 shoots a type of arrow produced by Barnett called the Hyper Flite arrow. This arrow in combination with the Hyperghost 425 is a deadly and straight shot.

This bow comes with the TriggerTech trigger breaks like glass with a crisp, 3 point pull. It feels great and goes  with the support created from Barnett’s retractable underarm counterbalance support system.

 

What Makes This Bow Great

  • Finger Safety Reminders
  • TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology™
  • Single Bolt Assembly
  • CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track
  • String Dampeners
  • Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
  • Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
  • Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
  • Fiberglass Composite Step-Through Riser
  • One Picatinny Rail
  • Crank Cocking Device Compatible
  • Pass-Through Foregrip

Who’s This Bow Best For?

The Hyperghost 425 is for the experienced crossbow hunter looking to get a top-of-the-line bow for the next hunting season. Coming in at under $1,000, the Hyperghost 425 is Barnett’s best bang for your buck bow.

Best For Full-Sized Hunters

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR
400
6.9 lbs
36.5"
17.625"
20"
16.25"
187 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
5/5
Barnett’s Whitetail Pro STR is one of their leading models and among the most-purchased crossbows by avid hunters.
This crossbow is was built for deer hunting, and crossbows should be made to feel like the Pro STR. It’s comfortable on your shoulders, stable in your hands, and mobile to aim.
 
The bow features a lenghtened stock made with a fiberglass composite step-through riser to provide the power and speed you’re looking to have without any unnecessary gadgets or features getting in the way.
 
The Whitetail Pro STR is designed specifically in mind for the full-framed shooter, so know that going into it.
 

What Makes This Bow Great

  • TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology™
  • Single Bolt Assembly
  • Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
  • Fiberglass Composite Step-Through Riser
  • Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
  • Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
  • CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track
  • One Picatinny Rail
  • Crank Cocking Device Compatible
  • Finger Safety Reminders
  • Pass-Through Foregrip
  • String Dampeners

Who’s This Bow Best For?

Best crossbow for the full-sized hunter, Barnett’s Whitetail Pro STR bow is an excellent pick for the experienced shooter looking to level-up the hunting game, and have a bow that doesn’t destroy their shoulder in the process.

Best Budget Deer Hunting Bow

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
350
6.4 lbs
34.25"
16.125"
18.25"
12.5"
150 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
4.3/5
Deer hunters love the Whitetail Hunter II, and it’s because it was designed to hunt deer.

This bow is a great choice for the avid hunter, as well as the occasional deer hunter. Don’t let the name fool you, however, whether you’re taking down turkey, deer, hog, elk or other, this bow will do the trick.
 
This Whitetail Hunter II is the complete package for owning a reliable and effective bow. It’s nearly feather light at only 6.4 pounds. The draw weight is manageable at 160 pounds, and this creates the powerful 350 feet per second that it shoots at.
 
This bow is considered the ideal model for a wide variety of shooters. It has a versatile design that makes for the possibility for smaller-framed hunters to use it, as well as the professional features for the experienced hunters.
 

What Makes This Bow Great

  • TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology™
  • Single Bolt Assembly
  • Magnesium Riser
  • Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
  • Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
  • Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
  • Custom Composite Laminated Limbs
  • 7/8” Picatinny Rails
  • Crank Cocking Device Compatible
  • Finger Safety Reminders
  • Pass-Through Foregrip
  • Anti-Vibration Foot Stirrup

Who’s This Bow Best For?

Looking for the best budget deer-hunting crossbow on the market? I’m going to put you in the direction of the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II. It’s a classic that, for the money, really can’t be beat.

Best For The Money

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Barnett Explorer XP
400
6.2 lbs
31.25-33.75"
16.25"
19"
13.75"
165 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
4.3/5
Coming in at an impressive 400 feet-per-second shot, and at only 6.2 pounds is the Barnett Explorer XP.
Hunters with a variety of experience agree that this crossbow’s anti-vibration foot stirrup and compression-molded limbs make for a powerful hunting weapon.
 

This bow has an adjustable butt stock that makes for a truly unique and customizable shooting experience. The Explorer XP comes standard in 100% black-out paint, and it’s package includes two carbon arrows, a multi-reticle scope, rope cocking device, quiver and wax.

It’s all you need in an incredible bow.

What Makes This Bow Great

  • Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
  • Soft Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
  • TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology
  • Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
  • Adjustable Butt Stock
  • CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track
  • Crank Cocking Device Compatible
  • Pass-Through Foregrip
  • Three Picatinny Rails
  • Single Bolt Assembly

Who’s This Bow Best For?

Hitting at under the $700 range is an amazing offer for such a powerful bow that finally allows you to nail game at the 400 FPS level. For that reason, we’re saying that this is Barnett’s best for the money bow.

Best Cheap Compound

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Barnett Jackal
315
7.7 lbs
32.5"
26.5"
Undisclosed"
12"
150 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
4.5/5
What you get with this Barnett Jackal is a sleek, military-style compound crossbow that’s perfect for beginners, entry-level enthusiasts and experienced bow hunters on a budget.
 
This crossbow shoots at a whopping 315 feet per second, yet is under 8 pounds in weight. This is a strong, durable, and consistent bow, that’s the best inexpensive compound crossbow on the market, hands down.
 

What Makes This Bow Great

  • Velocity: 315 FPS
  • Includes 3 arrows
  • Smooth 3. 5 lb. trigger pull
  • Complete crossbow package, includes quick-detach quiver, bolts, and premium red dot sight
  • Sleek, military-style stock; high energy wheels; synthetic string and cable system
  • 150-pound draw weight
  • Powerful enough for deer hunting
  • Good for both left, and right-handed shooters

Who’s This Bow Best For?

If you want a budget compound crossbow for archery practice or for hunting, the Barnett Jackal is your bow. This lightweight bow can take down medium-sized game, and be an excellent purchase for youth, women, and beginners.

Best Quality-Beginner Bow

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Whitetail Hunter STR
375
6.6 lbs
34.875"
Not given
18 1/8”
15 7/16"
187 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
4.5/5
If you’re in the market for a crossbow for a beginner or are looking to upgrade your current crossbow model, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is a great pick.
Think of the Whitetail Hunter STR as the little brother to the pro model. This compact design creates a super manageable shooting profile for hunters of all sizes.
 

The lightweight step-thru riser reduces the length needed to cock by integrating the foot sitrrup directly into the riser. This modern technology is also a great reduction of stress on those hunters with sore backs, or the young hunters who might normally struggle to cock a crossbow.

This excellent bow weighs in at only 6.6 pounds, yet shoots at a whopping 375 feet per second. This is an almost unbeatable combination, and is definitely the best pick for youth, elderly, and first-time hunters.

What Makes This Bow Great

  • TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology™
  • Single Bolt Assembly
  • Fiberglass Composite Step-Through Riser
  • Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
  • Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
  • Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
  • Custom Composite Laminated Limbs
  • One Picatinny Rail
  • Crank Cocking Device Compatible
  • Finger Safety Reminders

Who’s This Bow Best For?

Best bow for beginners, youth, and elderly hunters, the Barnett brand really hit the nail on the head with their Whitetail Hunter STR model which combines mobility and power all in one crossbow.

Best Recurve

Model FPS Weight Length Width while cocked Width while uncocked Power Stroke Draw Weight
Barnett Blackcat
260
4.8 lbs
35.5"
22"
28"
12.5"
165 lbs

Pros

Cons

Package includes:

BowScanner's Review:
5/5

Reviving from the past, the Blackcat crossbow from Barnett is a classic that was produced and brought back due to popular demand.

It’s now back on the market, and people are loving this easy-to-use recurve bow. It’s wrapped in sleek black that gives its stealth look.

The simplicity of recurve crossbows makes setting up and getting used to shooting a breeze. This crossbow includes an anti-dry fire trigger and finger safety reminder to keep the hunter’s finger’s safe.

What Makes This Bow Great

  • Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
  • Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
  • Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
  • Anti-Vibration Foot Stirrup
  • Pass-Through Foregrip
  • Mostly Assembled
  • Three Picatinny Rails
  • Finger Safety Reminders
  • Cocking device not included

Who’s This Bow Best For?

The Blackcat is an excellent option for those who want a straight-foward, east-to-use right out of the package recurve crossbow. This could be the perfect fit for a young, first-time hunter.

Helpful Information

Are Barnett Crossbows any good?

Barnett Crossbows is a house-hold name in the crossbow industry. They make some of the best crossbows for hunting, and are a favorite brand for mid to high-range priced crossbow enthusiasts.

Who are some of Barnett's competitors?

There are a lot of brands in the crossbow world, and below you will find some of the best companies around:

What is the History of Barnett Crossbows?

The Barnett name in crossbows started with a man named Bernard Barnett. His hobby was working with crossbows in his garage in 1962. He continued improving his bows until he created a company out of it.

Today, Barnett Crossbows is owned by Plano Synergy Holdings, a hunting and fishing brand. This partnership allows Barnett to continue reinvesting in better technology and growing to see their mission of archery continue in the future.

Who is Barnett Crossbows best for?

The Barnett name has always been associated with being the average-hunter’s bow brand.
 
Barnett makes crossbows that are of high quality at reasonable prices. They put their efforts into making the bow more than in marketing the bow, and a lot of hunters like this about the Barnett brand.
 
Barnett Crossbows are best for those hunters looking to buy on value as Barnett bows are well trusted and tagged at a fair price.

What are the Best Barnett Crossbows?

What Special Technology does Barnett Utilize?

These days, crossbows come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and abilities. Barnett has does a fantastic jobs diversifying their bow line up to provide quality bows for different needs. Below are some of the features that Barnett continues to use that help make their crossbows stand out:

Crank Cocking Device Compatibility

Available on almost all Barnett Crossbows, simply remove the cheek piece and you have the option of adding a crank cocking device to help cock your crossbow

Metal Injection Molded Trigger

Creating a super-tight quality for an excellent break, the metal injection molded trigger does the job you want!

Anti-Dry fire

In order to protect the shooter from shooting the crossbow without an arrow inside, the anti-dry fire is a spring-loaded safety bar that remains in place until the arrows is properly seated in the crossbow.

Step Thru Riser

The step-thru riser lengthens the power stroke of the crossbow without placing the cocking string past the limbs of the bow. This is their own Barnett patented creation.

Hyperflite Compatibility

Get the best in bolts with Barnett’s own Hyperflite arrow technology at only .204″ diameter!

TriggerTech Trigger Technology

This is Barnett’s trigger technology, which is a free-floaating roller between the trigger and the sear. The TriggerTech creates a smoother, lighter shot.

Barnett Safety Checklist

  • Always inspect your equipment before going out
  • Never place fingers or thumbs on, in or near the arrow/flight track, the string and/or the cables
  • Keep your finger off the trigger and the safety engaged until you’re ready to shoot
  • Always point your crossbow in a safe direction
  • Never “dry fire”
  • Only load properly spined, sized and weighted arrows with moon or half-moon nocks into your crossbow
  • Check to make sure the crossbow is fully cocked and the arrow is properly loaded into your crossbow before firing
  • Never attempt to de-cock your crossbow by hand or with a rope cocking device
  • Always wear quality, close-toed shoes or boots while operating a crossbow
  • Always keep your crossbow and bow accessories well-maintained

Recap

The Barnett brand is trusted in the crossbow world, and the company has been around for many decades.

If you’re a crossbow enthusiast looking for a mid-ranged price crossbow that will last and has quality to its name, go with a Barnett.

If you found this page helpful or have further questions, please feel free to open up a discussion by using the comment section at the bottom of this page.

Happy shooting!

BowScanner

Best Barnett Crossbows

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