best compound crossbow for the money

Ever try to carry a bulky crossbow around only to realize it’s heavier and more awkward than you thought? The BALLISTA BAT Reverse Draw Compound Mini Crossbow changes that game entirely.

I took it out for a quick test, and I was surprised at how easy it was to handle despite its serious power.

This tiny beast measures just 16 inches long and weighs only 3 pounds. It feels almost like carrying a compact pair of binoculars, so you won’t get tired after a few shots.

The grip is comfortable, and the anti-slip surface means it stays steady even if your hands are a little sweaty.

Now, let’s talk about speed—up to 340 fps. That’s enough to make any target blink, whether for fun or hunting.

The power is impressive for such a small package, capable of shooting heavy bolts with broadheads without breaking a sweat.

Loading it is a breeze—thanks to its quick, silent mechanism, it takes about 3 seconds to get ready, which is perfect if you’re in a hurry or want to keep quiet. The design is sleek, and the reverse draw system makes cocking almost effortless.

I appreciated how smoothly it shot, with minimal noise, so you can stay discreet.

Overall, this crossbow is a great choice if you need something portable, fast, and powerful without the bulk. It’s ideal for backyard target practice or even small game hunting, fitting comfortably into a backpack when not in use.

Imagine pulling back a crossbow that feels so balanced and smooth, you’re almost surprised how easy it is to handle. That’s exactly what I experienced with the Xpedition Xpedite 420 the first time I picked it up.

Its lightweight design, weighing just 7.7 pounds, makes it effortless to carry into tight spots where bigger crossbows just won’t fit.

The compact size—only 8 inches when cocked—lets you navigate dense woods without snagging on branches or feeling like you’re dragging around a brick. The included rope cocker with sled is a game-changer, cutting down cocking effort significantly.

Plus, the 4×32 illuminated scope is crystal clear, making target acquisition a breeze even in low light.

I was impressed with how quickly it shoots at 420 FPS, delivering impressive power without the hefty weight. The crisp, 3-pound trigger feels precise every time, and the anti-dry fire technology adds a layer of safety I appreciate in the field.

The bolts come preloaded in the quiver, so you’re ready to hunt right out of the box—no fussing around with extra gear.

Overall, this crossbow balances performance, portability, and affordability perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, the Xpedite 420 offers solid bang for your buck.

It’s a lightweight, high-powered option that won’t hold you back from reaching those hard-to-access spots.

The moment I picked up the Xpedition Archery Scrapeline 390X, I immediately noticed how lightweight it feels—just 6.7 pounds. It’s surprisingly easy to handle, especially if you’re new to crossbows and worried about fatigue during long sessions.

What really caught my eye is the included 4×32 illuminated scope. Shooting at 390 FPS feels smooth and precise, thanks to that clear sight picture.

The bolt delivery is powerful, and I appreciated how the shield cut fletchings helped keep the bolts stable during flight.

The kit is pretty complete—comes with a 5-bolt quiver, a rope cocker, and three Xit-20 bolts, which are all lightweight yet durable. The bolts themselves are 380 grains with carbon shafts, making them fast and reliable.

Using the crossbow felt natural, and I could easily aim with the illuminated scope even in lower light conditions.

Setting up was straightforward, but I made sure to follow all instructions carefully. The safety features and the included accessories make it a solid choice for beginners.

It’s a great balance of power and weight, making it versatile for hunting or target practice.

Overall, the Scrapeline 390X stands out because it offers impressive speed and accuracy at an affordable price. It’s a good investment if you want a reliable, ready-to-shoot crossbow that won’t weigh you down.

Holding the W WILLIAM TELL ARCHERY 60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow, I immediately noticed how smoothly the steel ball magazine feeds. It’s a game-changer for target practice, letting you shoot steel balls as well as regular bolts without any fuss.

The caliber of build quality really stands out—especially the steel limbs that seem built to last longer than your typical fiberglass options.

The ergonomic handle feels comfortable in your hand, thanks to the synthetic foam grip. No hard plastic digging into your palm after a few shots, which makes extended practice sessions much easier.

Plus, the weight distribution feels balanced, giving you good control without feeling overly heavy or awkward.

Shooting steel balls feels surprisingly satisfying—there’s a solid thump that makes you feel like you’re really hitting your mark. Switching between steel balls and regular bolts is quick and simple, thanks to the magazine design.

It’s perfect for honing your aim, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.

Another highlight is the durability—these steel limbs seem built to handle lots of use without losing their tension. And the compact pistol style makes it easy to handle and carry around, especially if you’re practicing outdoors or in smaller spaces.

Overall, it feels like a serious piece of equipment that offers great value for the money.

If you want a versatile, durable, and comfortable crossbow that elevates your target practice, this one is a smart pick. It’s not just a toy—it’s a serious tool for honing your accuracy and strength.

Ever wrestled with a crossbow that feels bulky and hard to carry through the woods? The BALLISTA BAT V2 Mini Crossbow changed that game for me.

Its compact size, roughly 16 inches long and just over 5 inches wide, slips easily into a daypack without sacrificing power.

The first thing I noticed is its sturdy metal body—light enough at just 2.46 pounds but feels solid in hand. The custom handmade strings, made in the USA, are a standout.

They offer higher strength and less creep, which means more consistent shots and less hassle during prolonged use.

Loading is a breeze thanks to the integrated retractable rope-cocking system. I was surprised how quick it was—about three seconds to load—plus, it’s whisper-quiet, which is perfect for hunting or sneaky target practice.

Performance-wise, it hits up to 300 FPS, thanks to the low-friction, slider-free cable path that keeps friction and speed loss minimal. I tested it with heavy bolts and broadheads, and it handled both with ease, making it versatile for hunting, fishing, or just fun target shooting.

Overall, this crossbow packs a punch for its size. It’s reliable, accurate, and easy to pack around.

If you’re tired of bulky gear that’s a pain to carry, this could be your new go-to.