best and worst crossbow

Finally getting my hands on the Ravin R10 was like unwrapping a high-tech gadget I’d been eyeing for months. Its sleek, slim profile immediately caught my eye, especially the way it feels so balanced in your hands at just 6.8 pounds.

You can tell right away that this isn’t just any crossbow—it’s built for serious hunters who want precision without the bulk.

The Helicoil Tech really lives up to the hype. I was impressed by how smoothly the cams rotated, giving me that rifle-like accuracy I’ve always struggled to achieve with traditional crossbows.

Cocking it was a breeze thanks to the Versa-Draw crank system—no more sweaty, frustrating attempts. The Frictionless Flight System also made a visible difference, reducing rail contact and making each shot more consistent.

Hunting from a treestand or blind feels effortless because of its lightweight design. I appreciated how steady my aim stayed, even after long periods of holding.

Everything about this package feels premium—from the scope with illuminated reticle to the included arrows and quiver mounting system. It’s clear Ravin intended this to be a ready-to-hunt setup, which saves time and hassle.

Performance-wise, this crossbow delivers serious speed, accuracy, and reliability. It’s a compact powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on power or precision.

Whether you’re stalking deer or target shooting, the R10’s features make every shot feel confident and precise.

Overall, the Ravin R10 offers a remarkable blend of innovation, ease of use, and field-ready features. It’s a top-tier choice for hunters who demand the best, with only minor quirks that are easy to overlook.

Many folks assume that a crossbow this fast and compact must be a nightmare to handle or hard to aim accurately. I thought so too, until I actually took the RAVIN R470 out for a test spin.

The first thing that caught my eye was how smoothly it cocked thanks to the Versa-Draw crank system—no fuss, no strain.

Holding it in my hands, I noticed how lightweight it is at just 8.4 pounds. That’s a big plus for longer hunts or for anyone who’s worried about arm fatigue.

The Helicoil technology really does keep the cams balanced, and I felt that rifle-like accuracy during my shots.

The scope is bright and easy to adjust, even at 100 yards, which is a game-changer in low-light conditions. The included arrows and field points are a nice touch, giving you everything you need to get started right away.

The built-in sling mounts and removable handle add convenience for mobility and storage.

One thing I appreciated is how the Frictionless Flight System reduces rail contact, leading to more consistent shots and longer string life. It’s clear that Ravin designed this for serious hunters who need speed, precision, and reliability.

Honestly, it’s a beast that feels as high-tech as it looks, making your hunting experience both easier and more successful.

Of course, all that power comes at a premium price, and it might not be the best choice for beginners. Still, if you’re after a crossbow that checks every box in speed, accuracy, and ease of use, the R470 is tough to beat.

Finally getting my hands on the Excalibur Mag MAX Crossbow felt like unwrapping a piece of hunting gear I’d been dreaming about for months. The sleek, high-strength frame immediately caught my eye, and the weight—just under 8 pounds fully equipped—made it surprisingly easy to handle during longer sessions.

First thing I noticed was how smooth the cocking process was, thanks to the Rope Cocking Aid. I could load and prepare it without breaking a sweat, even after a few repetitions.

The included Scope sat firmly on the mount with 1-inch rings, and it offered a clear, bright sight picture—perfect for aiming in low-light conditions.

The Mag MAX technology really lives up to its promise of quick, reliable performance. Shots fired at 350 FPS hit the target with impressive consistency, and the high-output limbs pack serious punch.

I appreciated the quietness, thanks to the R.E.D.S. suppressors, which kept noise and vibration to a minimum, making me feel stealthier during my hunt.

The trigger was crisp and predictable, offering superb control, especially with the premium clean-breaking mechanism. All accessories, from the arrows to the quiver, felt sturdy and well-made—ready for immediate use right out of the box.

It’s a versatile crossbow that balances power, precision, and ease of use, making it a top contender for both seasoned hunters and newcomers.

Overall, this crossbow checks almost every box for a reliable hunting companion. The only minor hiccup might be the weight when fully loaded for extended periods, but it’s a small concession for the performance you get.

Many people assume that crossbows are all about raw power and little else, but I found that the Excalibur Mag MAX really challenges that idea. From the moment I unboxed it, I noticed how sleek and compact it felt in my hands.

Its 32-inch length makes it surprisingly easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.

The first thing that caught my eye was the high-strength, rugged frame. It feels solid without being overly heavy, thanks to the light 6-pound bare weight.

Loading it with the Rope Cocking Aid was smooth, and I appreciated how effortless it was to draw back, even after several shots.

The included scope and silencing accessories make a noticeable difference. I was able to aim precisely and enjoy a quieter shot, thanks to the R.E.D.S.

suppressors. Shooting at 350 FPS, the arrows flew true and hit hard, giving me confidence in its stopping power.

The trigger offered a clean, crisp break, which helped me stay accurate. It’s clear that durability and innovation were top priorities during design.

Plus, all the accessories, including the quiver and arrows, arrived ready to go, saving me time and effort.

On the flip side, the crossbow’s noise reduction helps keep you stealthy, but it’s still louder than some might expect at full draw. Also, while the draw effort is minimal for most, some users might find the balance a little tricky at first.

Still, overall, it’s a dependable piece of equipment that offers excellent performance out of the box.

The moment I unboxed the Excalibur Mag AIR, I was struck by how surprisingly lightweight it felt in my hands. It’s clearly designed for those who want power without the bulk, and I could tell right away that it was a step above many other crossbows I’ve handled.

The sleek synthetic mainframe looks tough yet modern, and the included accessories instantly caught my eye.

Fitting the scope rings and attaching the fixed power scope was straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions. Shooting it for the first time was smooth—thanks to the Rope Cocking aid, cocking felt less like a workout and more like a quick, easy task.

The 4-arrow quiver and the included arrows with field points add convenience, and I appreciated how balanced the whole setup felt after a few shots.

What really impressed me was the accuracy, even in low light, thanks to the fog-proof scope. The crossbow’s compact size made maneuvering in tight spaces effortless, perfect for different hunting scenarios.

It’s sturdy enough to handle tough conditions without adding extra weight, which is a huge plus for all-day hunts. Overall, this crossbow feels like a well-rounded, versatile tool that’s suitable for both beginners and seasoned hunters alike.

Of course, no product is perfect. While it’s incredibly lightweight, that might mean sacrificing some stability in very windy conditions.

Still, the Mag AIR’s combination of performance, accessories, and ease of use makes it a standout in its class.