Table of Contents
High-powered cam technology, ultra-compact design, and super-easy cocking ability make shooting compound crossbows feel like a pro sniper in the field.
The only problem is which compound crossbow will be best for you? There are so many options available these days, and that’s why we created this best compound crossbow review to help you find the best bow for you.
Best Compound Crossbows
Comparison Table: Best Compound Crossbow 2021
Award | Crossbow | Specs |
|---|---|---|
|  |
Weight = 8 lbs |
| Ravin R29X | FPS = 450Weight = 6.75 lbsLength = 29″ Draw Weight = 12 lbs |
|   | FPS = 430Weight = 7.1 lbsLength = 34.5” Draw Weight = 12 lbs |
|   |
Weight = 7.5 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 6.5 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.2 lbs |
Best Under $600, and |  |
Weight = 6.4 lbs |
|   | FPS = 405Weight = 7.5 lbsLength = 36″ Draw Weight = 210 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.2 lbs |
|   | FPS = 300Weight = 7.9 lbsLength = 33.25″ Draw Weight = 130 lbs |
Quick Links: Best Compound Crossbows
- Best on the market: TenPoint Vapor RS470
- Best runner-up: Ravin R29X
- Best for hunting: Ravin Crossbows R20
- Best reverse limb: Scorpyd Aculeus 460FPS Crossbow
- Best for women: Ravin R26
- Best under $1,000: Killer Instinct SWAT XP Crossbow
- Best under $600: Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
- Best under $400: BearX Intense Ready to Shoot
- Best budget compound: Killer Instinct Lethal 405
- Best beginner bow: CenterPoint Volt 300 Compound Crossbow
1. Best Compound Crossbow of 2021
| 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
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The Vapor produces up to 470 FPS of smooth, accurate, and devastatingly powerful shots. This is a reverse-draw designed crossbow, and a lot of hunters are paying attention to the advantages of the reverse-draw style. The benefit of the reverse-draw design is that the string passes through the riser and generates more speed from a lighter draw weight. This system creates a smoother and quieter shot.
The Vapor Rs470 has an innovative cam system and is a narrow 6.5 inches wide when cocked. This creates great maneuverability for hunters using a tree stand or ground blind.
What I really appreciate with this bow is the ability to easily and safely uncock the bow. To do so, TenPoint created a system where all you have to do is unwind the cocking device. I also really like how the hunter can wind or unwind as much as they’d like. In other models, hunters accidentally unwind too far and cause damage to their bows. That’s not an issue with the Vapor Rs470.
The force to cock the crossbow is a mere 5 pounds. Never before has it been so convenient to set up a shot. The kicker is in the trigger. This crossbow is decked out with the S1 trigger that has a consistent, crisp control for down-range accuracy.
Who This bow is best for
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line crossbow, that includes all the specs you’d ever want, plus a complete hunting package, I suggest making a grab at the Vapor Rs470.
2. Best Runner-Up
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ravin R29X |
450 |
6.75 lbs |
29" |
6" |
10.5" |
12.5" |
12 lbs |
Pros
- Extremely compact design
- Silent hand crank mechanism
- Fast shot – 450 FPS
- Tactical scope and quiver
- Comes fully assembled
- Frictionless flight system
- HeliCoil cam system
Cons
- String is under cheek piece when cocked
Package includes:
- 6 – Ravin .003 Arrows & Field Tips
- 1 – Removable Draw Handle
- 1 – Quiver/Mounting Bracket
- 100 Yard Illuminated Scope
- Built-In Cocking Mechanism
- Anti-Dry Fire/Auto Safety
- Built-in Sling Mounts
Here it comes, the Ravin R29X, I know you’ve been waiting for this model, and I know I have too. Coming in at a fierce 450 FPS speed, that’s 20 FPS faster than the R29.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Arriving straight to your door step with not 2 or 3 or 4 or even 5 arrows, but a total of 6 arrows, so you can shoot, and keep on shooting until you want to stop. I’m a big fan of this scope. You can zero in on a little spec of dust at 100 yards- fully illuminated, so if you’re the hunter that likes to get game in the night, you’re all set.
It’s got a built-in cocking mechanism, so the only weight you’re pulling is 12 pounds- that’s goes with the rest of the Ravin series- and honestly, that’s incredible. I remember the days of drawing 180 or more pounds, but with these modern crossbows, that’s just not needed.
This is what we call a “from field to fork” type of crossbow. You go out hunting in the field, and what you get ends up on your plate, stabbed by your fork. Gotta love it.
Safety- always a concern, but with Ravin, you know they’ve got your back with their anti-dry fire mechanism, which prevents any accidental dry fires. Life is good with all these features!
Who This Bow is Best For
3. Best for Hunting
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ravin R20 Sniper |
430 |
7.1 lbs |
34.5" |
6" |
10.5" |
12.5" |
220 lbs |
Pros
- HeliCoil Tech creates perfect balance
- Comes with a crank cocking device
- Extremely fast
- Compact design
- Excellent accuracy at 40 yards
- Level cams that rotate at 360-degrees
- Easy to carry in the field
- Arrives fully-assembled
- Includes illuminated scope
Cons
- Expensive
Package includes:
- 3 – Ravin .003 Arrows & Field Tips (400 Grain Total)
- 1 – Removable Draw Handle
- 1 – Quiver/Mounting Bracket
- 100 Yard Illuminated Scope
- Built-In Cocking Mechanism
Control, power, and accuracy are the three words that come to mind when I think of Ravin’s R20 Sniper. This crossbow gets the best hunting compound crossbow award here at BowScanner.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Overall, this package is hard to beat. It has the rifle-like design you want, with the power that’s unmatched for crossbows to make you your best bow hunter this season.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
4. Best Reverse Draw
| 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
Scorpyd’s most popular and highest-quality product they’ve ever made. This is the Aculeus 460 crossbow, and it’s the second fastest reverse draw crossbow in the world in the world.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
If you’ve ever wanted to try a top-of-the-line reverse-draw crossbow, this is it. With large, aggressive cams to aid the extended power that a reverse-draw crossbow gives, speed and power is the type of shot you get with this bow.
This bow has a rough texture on the grip that provides an easy hold when you’re mounting your shot. The rail of the bow is hollow, which saves weight. Speak of weight, this is under 8 pounds, so all said and done, it’s easy to carry around.
The scope fits this bow very well. It’s made by Hawk and it’s their SR scope. It’s a high quality optics scope that provides shots up to and beyond 100 yards for complete accuracy.
The entire bow is made in the U.S, which adds value points right there. Support Scorpyd, because they put their efforts and investment back into the bow, not into gimmicks.
The reverse-draw design keeps the features at the center of the bow, which brings an advantage of storing energy in the limbs and releasing it through the shot of the arrow.
What’s a real marvel about this bow are the near-parallel limbs of the crossbow. It’s a tight, compact shot that’s perfect for shooting in any position.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
Although practice shooting doesn’t need to be 100% accurate all time, at the moment of truth out in the woods, you’re going to want to have the confidence that you’re going to get your game, and this bow is going to give that to you.
The Aculeus 460 is the best reverse limb crossbow for the money.
5. Best Crossbow for Women
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ravin R26 |
400 |
6.5 lbs |
26" |
5.75" |
9.25" |
9.5" |
12 lbs |
Pros
- HeliCoil Technology
- Comes fully-Assembled/Pre-Tuned
- Built-In Cocking Mechanism
- Anti-Dry Fire/Auto Safety
Cons
- Could be too compact for a big person
Package includes:
- 6 – Ravin .003 Arrows & Field Tips (400 Grain Total)
- 1 – Removable Draw Handle
- 1 – Quiver/Mounting Bracket
- 100 Yard Illuminated Scope
- Built-in Sling Mounts
Ravin R26 crossbow is their lightest, most versatile and easy to use crossbow by Ravin. Although the Ravin R26 is a prime model for both males and females, for a women looking for a high-end crossbow, the R26 is a great choice.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Who This bow is best for
6. Best under $1,000
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Killer Instinct Swat Xp |
415 |
7.2 lbs |
27" |
9.125" |
14.125" |
16.25" |
12 lbs |
Pros
- Ultra-compact
- Killer Instinct Accutac Barrel system for accurate shots
- Broadhead cage keeps bolts on track
- Center balance design for greater shot control
Cons
- A case is not included with the Elite package
- Upper limb requires heavyweight arrows
Package includes:
- LUMIX SPEED RING 1.5 - 5 x 32 IR-E Scope,
- DSC™ Dead Silent Crank
- Rope Cocker
- String & Limb Suppressors
- 5-Bolt Quiver
- 3 SWAT XP Bolts (400 Grains) with Field Tips
- Stick of Rail Lube
The Killer Instinct Swat Xp is rated our best crossbow under $1,000. The Swat Xp model provides a lot of punch for the price tag it is listed under.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Hunters know the importance of the scope. This bow comes with the Lumix speed scope that normally sells for over $100, but is included in the package. Next, Killer Instinct’s popular dead silent crank, rope cocker and string & limb suppressor are all included with the package.
The design of the Swat Xp is individual and unique in that the features of the bow are placed near the center of the body. This design improves the front-heavy feeling that often comes with most conventionally designed crossbows.
More on the design of the bow, the Swat Xp is built for balance and control. This bow creates a high-energy power stroke from using its full length to create perfect balance.
Killer Instinct’s Broadhead Cage technology facilitates the bolt and broadhead in the riser to take away any chance the bolt flies off the bow’s track. This is located at the end of the AccuTac Barrel and provides a more accurate shot.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
7. Best Under $600
| 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
- Multi-Reticle scope
- Crank cocking device
- Heavy duty, dual stage lockable latches
- Anti-vibration foot stirrup
- TriggerTech technology
- Kinetic energy: 103 feet pounds
Cons
- Not able to uncock the bow without firing it
Package includes:
- 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope
- Rope Cocking Device and lubrication Wax
- Lightweight Quiver
- Two 20” Headhunter Arrows
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.
What Makes This Target 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 Target Best For?
If you’re looking to give the amazing gift of a proper hunter crossbow to a teenager, this Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is the model to go with.
8. Best Budget Bow for Big-Framed
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BearX Intense |
405 |
7.5 lbs |
33" |
14" |
18" |
12.7" |
210 lbs |
Pros
- Over 400 FPS
- Anti-dry fire inhibitor
- Adjustable foregrip
- Ambidextrous safety
- Rear adjustable stock
- Dual string suppressor system
- Picatinny style scope mount rail
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Difficult to cock, but use rope and it works great
Package includes:
- 4x32 multi cross-hair reticle scope
- Sling
- Three carbon bolts with field points
- Cocking rope, rail lube and 4-bolt quiver
You can’t go wrong with Bear X products. They know archery, and they know how to make a great crossbow.
9. Best Budget compound
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Killer Instinct Lethal 405 |
405 |
7.2 lbs |
34.5" |
14.75" |
18.75" |
14.5" |
210 lbs |
Pros
- Excellent value-to-price ratio
- Over 400 FPS
- Pro package offers all needed accessories
- Lightweight frame
- Hyperlite Killer Instinct bolts included
- Silent cranking device
- Rubber sound dampeners
Cons
- Scope not illuminated
Package includes:
- 4 x 32 Scope
- Rope Cocker
- String Suppressors
- 3-Bolt Quiver
- 3 HYPR Lite Bolts and Field Tips
- Stick of Rail Lube
The Killer Instinct Lethal crossbow is the best cheap crossbow of 2021.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The value-to-price ratio is amazing with this crossbow, and it is the perfect bow for a beginner or for the hunter on a budget.
The Lethal clocks in at an impressive 400+ FPS speed. Although this model’s frame is lightweight, it shoots with power and accuracy.
The lightweight frame makes for a great crossbow for the hobbyist shooter with shoulder issues.
When you purchase the Lethal crossbow, it comes with the pro package. This package comes with the necessary accessories to shoot, which include Hyprlite cross bolts, a scope, 3-bolt quiver, and a stick of rail lube.
Rubber dampeners are built into the body of the bow, and these help reduce the sound and vibration caused by shooting the bow. Also, the Lethal has an adjustable grip to help fit for a variety of people, as well as caters to different carrying preferences.
A silent crank is included with the package, so as not to allow the prey any chance at hearing that you’re around.
Although the price is extremely low, don’t get it wrong, this is a hunting machine. With the shoot over 400 FPS, a silent crank, and Hyprlite bolts, this has everything needed to take down the next buck you see.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
Calling all budget buyers! The Lethal 405 by Killer Instinct that will shoot at over 400 feet per second, include everything you need to get out shooting fast, but won’t break the bank. This is an all around great deal.
10. Best For Beginners
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CenterPoint Volt 300 |
300 |
7.9 lbs |
33.25" |
14" |
Undisclosed" |
14" |
Undisclosed lbs |
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to draw
- Adjustable composite stock
- Auto-safety cock mechanism included
- Kit includes parallel quiver, rope cocker and three arrows
Cons
- Less-than-average speed
Package includes:
- 4x32 multi cross-hair reticle scope
- 4-bolt quiver
- Sling
- Three carbon bolts with field points
- Cocking rope
- Rail lube
The CenterPoint Volt is an excellent first-time buyer’s crossbow. It would also make for the perfect bow for young adults, women, and seniors who are looking to tackle the hunting fields or the archery targets.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
Helpful information for buying a compound crossbow
What Is A Compound Crossbow?
Pros of Compound Crossbows
- The pulley system gives compound crossbows a mechanical advantage, compared with a recurve crossbow.
- The limbs of a compound crossbow are designed to be more rigid than a recurve crossbow, and this creates a more energy-efficient bow, because there is less loss of energy in the process of firing an arrow.
- Compound crossbows reach their peak draw weight after the first inches of pulling back the arrow. They are designed with a more flat and constant force in the firing process and this allows for a faster shot.
Cons of Compound Crossbows
- Compound crossbows have more moving parts and have a higher chance of something breaking on the bow.
- Many compound crossbows don’t allow the shooter to uncock a shot that is ready to shoot. This is why I highly recommend only getting a crossbow that allows you to uncock the bow. For example, the Ravin R9 let’s you uncock an arrow.
- Repairing, adjusting, and maintaining a compound crossbow is more difficult than a recurve crossbow, due to the more complex system of the bow.
- Compound crossbows are more often than not, heavier than recurve crossbows.
How To Choose The Best Compound Crossbow For You?
Compound Crossbow Parts
Types of Compound Crossbows
About the Foot-Stirrup Model
The foot-stirrup is the traditional model. It works, shoots, and functions like the a step-through, but it has the foot-stirrup built directly at the end. The actual foot-stirrup is flat when placed to the ground, and this is the advantage. Oftentimes, crossbows can be a challenge to cock, and this helps with the processes.
About the Step-Through Model
With the crossbow that integrates the foot stirrup directly into the riser, these crossbows function at a lighter weight. This added benefit makes them easier to carry, handle, and shoot. In addition, this technology heightens the control for the shooter due to less shifting weight. All of this plays into part for the hunter, who finds mobility while in the field crucial to the game.
About the Reverse-Draw Model
The reverse-draw crossbow continues to become more and more popular with bow enthusiasts. The difference between a reverse-draw crossbow and a conventional crossbow is that on a conventional crossbow, the limbs bend from the top and are pulled inward toward the middle, or body of the bow. On a reverse-draw crossbow, however, the limbs begin in the middle of the body and jet outward.
A quick way to determine whether a crossbow is a reverse-draw crossbow, is looking at the cams, or wheels. If the cams are at the front, or head, of the crossbow, it is a reverse-draw model. If the cams are below, or in the middle of the bow, it is a conventional crossbow.
Pros of reverse-draw crossbows
- Balance: mounting the bow in the reverse direction makes the center of gravity of the bow closer to your body, which places more weight behind the grip to support your hand. A reverse-draw crossbow can weight the same amount to a conventional crossbow, but because of the weight distribution, can feel lighter.
- Compact, yet powerful: Changing the riser-mount position increases the bow’s power stroke. This extended power stroke results in a faster arrow speed, when compared to a conventional crossbow with the same rail length.
- Accuracy: Due to the weight distribution advantage mentioned above, shooters with a reverse-draw crossbow now no longer have to fight that front-heavy feeling while aiming for a shot that you would have to with a conventional crossbow.
How to choose the best compound crossbow for you
- Model design
- Speed
- Weight
- Length
- Width
- Draw weight
- Brand
- Included assessories
What are the top compound crossbow brands?
How much should you pay for your crossbow?
We all want to get the best price that we can get. I always send what I can, and not try to skimp out on outdoor products, survival gear, and weaponry. That’s because these are the products that I really don’t want to malfunction. I take this into account when I look for a new crossbow, and I’d recommend you to do the same thing.
Now, as far as the price is concerned, it depends on your purpose of shooting. For hunters, I wouldn’t go below the mid-range price. There seems to be a sweet spot at about the $600 level, and then another one at the $1,200 level. What I mean by that is that a $600 crossbow is going to be so much better of a feel when you’re in the woods than a $450 bow. Likewise, if you’ve ever gotten the chance to shoot a bow that’s priced at the $1,200, my goodness, do you feel a difference from your $800 bow.
Oftentimes, the crossbows at higher ticket values shave off the little bits that you wish you didn’t have. They slightly lighter, slightly more compact, and produce slightly a smoother shot than the grade below it. I’ll say that getting the job done doesn’t require the latest and greatest, but I will say there’s a difference. There’s an engineering difference, there’s a design difference, and there’s a difference when you’re poking your eye into the scope to get the game you’re out to get.
The price tags range because we all have a difference in what we can afford. I try and take really good care of my equipment, so I treat it like an investment, and that’s what I suggest to you as well.
How to take care of your compound crossbow
The life of a crossbow is significantly lengthened by properly maintaining the bow. Before each outing, make sure to give your bow a thorough inspection of the cables, cams, limbs, riser, stock, flight track, all fasteners, and your arrows. There are times when you might need to tighten bolts back up, or clean arrows off. Make sure to never use a damaged arrow and it is dangerous to the shooter, and of course it will not perform as it should.
Help maintain your crossbow by regularly applying the lube wax to the string and cables. In fact, you should apply the lube wax every 5 to 10 shots. It is also wise to apply the lube wax to the bow’s flight track to reduce friction.
How to store and transport your crossbow
Keep in mind that these crossbows, especially the ones on the higher end, are professional-grade weapons. They need to be handled while out shooting correctly, as well as when they are not in use. Avoid storing or transporting the crossbow in extreme heat or cold places. Also, never insecurely place your crossbow in a car or truck without proper protection. It should go inside a case, and never store it loaded.
What are the 4 c's of hunting
- Careful: Have a hunter’s attitude of following the rules of safety
- Courteous: Have a hunter’s behavior of being polite, helpful and gracious
- Considerate: Have a hunter’s respect for other
- Capable: Have a hunter’s ability to apply good judgment
How far will a crossbow shoot accurately?
- The beginner crossbow hunter should stay in the 20 yard range
- The average crossbow hunter can shoot game in the 30 yard range
- The very good crossbow hunter can shoot game at the 40 yard range
- A pro can shoot game at the 50 yard range
Beyond 50 yards is an unethical shooting distance. What often happens, even if a shooter’s good enough to hit the game at such a length, is that it injures the animal, and doesn’t not kill it. We want clean kills, and no mess.
What is the quietest compound crossbow?
The quietest compound crossbows are reverse-draw crossbows. The quietest on our list is the Horton Reverse-Draw Crossbow.
Recap
Thank you for taking the time to read this review of the best compound crossbows. I sincerely hope it helps you narrow down the selection to picking out the one that fits you best.
Too much information can become overwhelming, but use it to guide you. Click the link that feels best to you and make the final decision.
I hope you found this helpful!,
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Best Compound Crossbows
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