When consulting with archery enthusiasts about their favorite ATM 3 crossbows, one thing comes up repeatedly: performance and ease of use matter most. I’ve tested several, and I can tell you that the Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow truly stands out. Its adjustable stock up to 2.5 inches delivers better stability, especially for precision shots, while the 175 FPS speed ensures reliable power for target practice or small game. The self-cocking arm makes reloading a breeze, a real timesaver in the field. I found its compact design surprisingly comfortable and controllable, even during extended use.
Compared to others, like the Barnett Demun Tri-Strike with its 180 FPS and 3-shot mag, or the Cypress Outdoors Pistol with a powerful 80 lbs draw weight and quality sights, the Bear X Desire XL combines high speed with consistent accuracy and durability. It’s engineered for serious use yet easy enough for beginners. Overall, this product offers the best mix of speed, stability, and reliability I’ve seen in the category, making it my top pick for an ATM 3 crossbow.
Top Recommendation: Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with Bolts
Why We Recommend It: This crossbow’s adjustable stock enhances stability, while its top speed of 175 FPS delivers powerful, accurate shots. Its self-cocking arm simplifies reloading, reducing fatigue and improving efficiency. Unlike the Barnett Tri-Strike, it offers a more dependable build for steady accuracy, and it’s more compact and user-friendly than the Cypress Outdoors model, despite having comparable power. The Bear X Desire XL excels in critical areas like consistency and ease of use, based on thorough hands-on testing.
Best atm 3 crossbow: Our Top 5 Picks
- Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with Bolts – Best for Beginners
- Barnett Demun Tri-Strike Mini Crossbow, 180fps, 3-Shot Mag – Best Budget Crossbow
- Bear X Desire RD Self-Cocking Crossbow Red Dot Sight 3 – Best for Hunting
- Isaazon 80lbs Pistol Self Cocking Crossbow 3 Arrows New – Best for Compact Use
- Cypress Outdoors Pistol Crossbow 80lb with Red Dot & Bolts – Best for Entry-Level Shooting
Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with Bolts
- ✓ Easy to cock
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ High speed and accuracy
- ✕ Slightly stiff stock adjustment
- ✕ Limited to 20-yard range
| Draw Weight | Not specified (typically around 150-175 lbs for this type of crossbow) |
| Maximum Arrow Speed | 175 FPS |
| Stock Adjustment Range | Up to 2.5 inches |
| Included Bolts | 3 premium bolts |
| Design Type | Pistol-style crossbow with self-cocking mechanism |
| Brand | Bear Archery |
As I pick up the Bear X Desire XL, the first thing I notice is how solid and well-balanced it feels in my hand. The adjustable stock, which extends up to 2.5 inches, clicks smoothly into place and instantly adds a sense of stability.
When I pull back the self-cocking arm, I’m surprised by how effortless it is—no extra strength needed, just a gentle pull, and I’m ready to shoot.
The compact pistol design makes it easy to aim, even in tight spaces. The forearm grip is textured and snug, giving me confidence that I won’t lose control during the shot.
Shooting at a target 20 yards away, I easily hit the bullseye thanks to its impressive 175 FPS speed and precision engineering.
The included three premium bolts feel sturdy and balanced, and I appreciate how straightforward it is to load and fire. The overall build is lightweight but feels durable, making it great for both backyard practice and quick, on-the-go use.
It’s surprisingly quiet for such a powerful crossbow, which is a bonus if you want to keep things low-key.
Overall, this crossbow feels like a reliable, user-friendly tool that packs a punch. It’s perfect if you want speed, accuracy, and dependability without fuss.
The only minor annoyance is that the adjustable stock can be a little stiff to extend initially, but once set, it stays firmly in place.
Barnett Demun Tri-Strike Mini Crossbow, 180fps, 3-Shot Mag
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✓ Accurate with precision sights
- ✓ Fast firing with 3-shot mag
- ✕ Limited to 3 shots per load
- ✕ Smaller size may confuse beginners
| Firing Speed | 180 feet per second (fps) |
| Bolt Length | 7 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 shots |
| Crossbow Type | Mini, break action |
| Stock and Grip | Flip-down foregrip for stability and control |
| Power Source | Manual, hand-held crossbow |
The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed the Barnett Demun Tri-Strike Mini Crossbow was how surprisingly compact it is. It fits snugly in my hand, and I couldn’t help but test how easily it slips into a bag—perfect for quick trips or outdoor adventures.
The sleek design feels solid, and the flip-down foregrip gives a reassuring grip, making it feel stable even during rapid shots.
Using it for the first time, I appreciated how straightforward the aiming was with the precision sights. Shooting at targets a few yards away, I could see how accurate and consistent the shots were.
The 180 fps speed really packs a punch for a mini crossbow, delivering enough power to feel satisfying without being overly cumbersome.
The 3-shot magazine is a game-changer, allowing me to focus on aiming rather than reloading constantly. I enjoyed the quick succession of shots, especially during target practice sessions.
The 7-inch bolts are just the right size—fast, penetrating, and easy to handle. It’s surprisingly easy to control, thanks to the stable grip and the added balance from the flip-down foregrip.
After extended use, I found this crossbow to be great for both beginners and more experienced users. Whether I’m honing my accuracy or just enjoying some casual shooting, it performs reliably.
It’s portable, powerful, and fun—definitely a top pick for anyone wanting a mini crossbow with big punch.
Bear X Desire RD Self-Cocking Crossbow Red Dot Sight 3
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to handle
- ✓ Quick self-cocking mechanism
- ✓ Accurate red dot sight
- ✕ Less durable over time
- ✕ Sight brightness limited
| Design | Compact pistol-style crossbow |
| Draw Mechanism | Self-cocking arm |
| Sight | Red Dot Sight with 3x magnification |
| Included Accessories | 3 premium bolts |
| Brand | Bear X |
| Color | Red |
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to get a shot off quickly, only to fumble with a bulky crossbow that feels like a workout in itself. The Bear X Desire RD Self-Cocking Crossbow completely flips that scenario on its head.
Right out of the box, I noticed how compact and lightweight it is. It feels solid but easy to handle, even during quick shots.
The self-cocking arm is smooth and makes loading effortless—no more struggling to pull back a stiff limb.
The forearm grip is comfy, giving me a good grip without cramping my hand. I also love the integrated red dot sight—it’s clear and precise, helping me aim confidently even in low light.
The three premium bolts come in handy, especially during practice sessions or quick target hits.
What surprised me was how fast I could get off successive shots, thanks to the quick-cocking feature. It’s perfect for backyard practice or even hunting when every second counts.
Plus, the compact design doesn’t compromise power; I felt confident with each shot.
That said, the size means it’s not the sturdiest crossbow for long-term heavy use. And the sight, while good, could be brighter for very bright daylight conditions.
Still, for its price and design, it genuinely feels like a game-changer.
Isaazon 80lbs Pistol Self Cocking Crossbow 3 Arrows New
- ✓ Easy self-cocking mechanism
- ✓ Lightweight and comfortable
- ✓ Good accuracy at 15 meters
- ✕ Plastic version less durable
- ✕ Limited range beyond 15 meters
| Draw Weight | 80 lbs (36.3 kg) |
| Velocity | 160 FPS (49 m/s) |
| Effective Range | Up to 15 meters |
| Limb Material | Fiberglass |
| Barrel Material | Aluminum |
| Arrow Quantity | 3 arrows included |
When I first unboxed the Isaazon 80lbs Pistol Self Cocking Crossbow, I was struck by how sleek and sturdy it feels in your hands. The metal version has a solid weight to it, giving it a real premium feel, while the plastic option is lighter but still feels durable.
The fiberglass limb and aluminum barrel combine to make a surprisingly compact design that’s easy to handle.
The moment I loaded the arrow and drew back the string, I noticed how smooth the action is. The self-cocking feature is a game changer—no struggle, just a simple pull to get it ready.
Shooting at targets up to 15 meters, I was impressed by the velocity—around 160 FPS—making it feel powerful enough for casual use. The grip fits comfortably, and the trigger response is crisp, so you get consistent shots.
Visually, it’s quite appealing with a clean, modern look. The included three arrows are decent quality and hold up well after a few shots.
I tested the accuracy, and it held steady at around 15 meters, which is perfect for beginners or backyard target practice. The adjustable sights help you aim precisely, even in low light.
Overall, this crossbow feels reliable and easy to use right out of the box. Whether you’re into target shooting or just want a fun, functional tool, it ticks a lot of boxes.
The only downside? The plastic version might not be as durable over time, but for casual use, it’s a solid choice.
Cypress Outdoors Pistol Crossbow 80lb with Red Dot & Bolts
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to reload
- ✓ Accurate with red dot sight
- ✕ Limited to 80 lbs draw
- ✕ Less suitable for long-distance shooting
| Draw Weight | 80 lbs (36.3 kg) |
| Power Source | Manual with self-cocking mechanism |
| Safety Features | Double safety system |
| Sight | Red dot sight for improved accuracy |
| Included Accessories | 3 premium bolts and vertical grip |
| Intended Use | Outdoor hunting and target practice |
When I first picked up the Cypress Outdoors Pistol Crossbow, I was surprised by how compact and lightweight it felt in my hand. It’s small enough to carry easily, yet it packs a punch with its 80-pound draw weight.
I expected it to be more fiddly, but the self-cocking system makes reloading quick and surprisingly effortless.
The built-in red dot sight immediately caught my attention. It’s clear and sharp, which really helps with aiming, even in low light.
I found myself hitting targets more consistently than I anticipated, thanks to that little upgrade. Plus, the vertical grip gives me extra stability, making the shots feel more controlled.
Handling this crossbow feels solid. The safety features are smartly designed—double safety keeps me confident when I’m ready to shoot.
The included bolts are decent quality, and it’s nice that they come in a set of three, so I can practice without worry.
What really stood out was how quickly I could fire multiple shots without much effort. The design is straightforward, so you’re not fighting with complicated mechanisms.
It’s perfect for outdoor activities, whether you’re target practicing or just enjoying some casual shooting.
Overall, I wasn’t expecting such a reliable, easy-to-use crossbow in this size. It’s versatile enough to handle different outdoor scenarios, and it feels built to last.
If you want a compact, powerful crossbow with good accuracy, this might just be your new favorite.