best budget compound crossbow

When I first pulled the BALLISTA BAT Reverse Draw Compound Mini Crossbow out of the box, I was surprised by how sleek and compact it looked. It feels solid in your hand, with a matte black finish that doesn’t reflect light, making it great for outdoor use.

The quick-release trigger and the smooth, no-slip grip made me feel confident right away. Shooting it for the first time, I was impressed by how fast it shot—up to 340 fps—without feeling unwieldy or heavy.

It weighs only around 3 pounds, so even after extended use, your arms don’t get tired.

The design is surprisingly compact for a crossbow that packs such power. At just 16 inches long, it easily fits into a small backpack, so portability is a big plus.

Reloading is quick and silent, taking me about 3 seconds each time, which is perfect for hunting or target practice without disturbing the surroundings.

The power is notable—able to shoot heavy bolts with broadheads, which opens up options for hunting small game or just having fun on the range. I appreciated how quiet it was during shooting, a real advantage when trying to stay stealthy or avoid drawing attention.

Overall, this mini crossbow feels like a well-thought-out blend of power, portability, and ease of use. It’s not a toy, but it’s also not overly complex or bulky.

For the price, it’s a surprisingly capable little tool that makes shooting enjoyable and accessible.

The moment I grabbed the Xpedition Xpedite 420, I immediately noticed how sleek and balanced it felt in my hands. Its lightweight design, weighing just 7.7 pounds, made aiming feel surprisingly effortless, even during extended practice sessions.

When I first shouldered it, I appreciated how compact it is—at just 8 inches cocked, I could easily maneuver through dense woods without feeling weighed down. The included 4×32 illuminated scope was a game-changer, providing crisp, clear images even in low light.

Loading the bolt with the rope cocker was straightforward, thanks to the included device with sled. Once ready, the trigger felt incredibly crisp at just 3 pounds, making shot accuracy more intuitive.

Shooting at 420 FPS, the bolts flew downrange with impressive speed and power, hitting targets with precision.

The kit included everything I needed to get started, from the bolts and quiver to the assembly tools, which meant I could set up and shoot right out of the box. The anti-dry fire technology gave me peace of mind, preventing accidental dry shots and potential damage.

Overall, this crossbow feels like a real value—compact, fast, and reliable. It’s perfect for hunters who want a high-performance option without breaking the bank.

The only downside? The scope, while good, isn’t the most robust I’ve used, so handling in tough conditions might require an upgrade later.

When I finally got my hands on the Ballista Bat Compound Mini Crossbow, I was eager to see if it could live up to its bold claim of 300 fps. First thing I noticed was how compact it is—just 16 by 5 inches, yet it feels solid in your grip.

It’s surprisingly lightweight at 2.46 pounds, making it easy to carry around without feeling like you’re hauling gear.

The build quality impressed me right away. The limbs are sturdy, and the finish looks sleek, almost like a mini powerhouse ready for action.

Loading it is a breeze—just three seconds, and it’s silent, thanks to some clever design touches. Shooting it feels natural, with little vibration, and the speed really does hit that 300 fps mark, making it suitable for both fun target practice and even hunting.

What I really like is how easy it is to handle. Its size easily fits into a backpack, so I can bring it along on hikes or camping trips.

The power behind those 130 pounds means I can shoot heavy bolts with broadheads, opening up more options for use. Plus, it’s surprisingly quiet for a crossbow this fast, which is a big plus if you’re trying to stay discreet.

That said, it’s not perfect. The narrow stock means aiming takes some getting used to.

Also, because it’s so lightweight, I sometimes felt a bit less stable during longer shoots. Still, for the price, it delivers a lot of punch and convenience in a small package.

The moment I picked up the Xpedition Scrapeline 390X, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt in my hands—just 6.7 pounds. It’s surprisingly nimble, making it easy to handle during longer sessions or in tight spaces.

I was eager to see how it performed, so I nocked an XIT-20 bolt and drew the bowstring back smoothly with the included rope cocker.

The first shot was impressive—firing at nearly 390 FPS, it felt powerful but controlled. The 4×32 illuminated scope was easy to sight in, providing clear targeting even in low light.

I appreciated the full kit—quiver, bolts, and all—making setup straightforward right out of the box.

Handling the crossbow during actual use, I found the balance to be excellent. It shoots flat and accurate, perfect for someone new but wanting reliable performance.

The shield cut fletchings on the bolts kept things aerodynamic, and the clip-on nocks felt secure during flight.

One thing to watch is following all safety instructions carefully—misuse can cause damage or safety hazards. The design is simple, but that’s part of its charm—no unnecessary bells and whistles, just solid performance for the price point.

Overall, this crossbow makes shooting fun and manageable. It’s a great entry-level option that doesn’t compromise on speed or accuracy.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight crossbow that handles well, the Scrapeline 390X might just surprise you.

Right out of the box, I couldn’t help but notice how solid the Dagger 405 FPS crossbow feels in your hands. The CNC-machined aluminum rail and cam system give it a sleek, premium vibe, even at this budget-friendly price.

When I first cocked it, I was surprised by how smooth the process was, thanks to the included rope cocker.

Once I got it aimed, I was impressed by its power—hitting close to 405 FPS with a 220-pound draw weight. That’s serious hitting power for a crossbow in this price range.

The 15-inch axle-to-axle length makes it manageable for steady shots without feeling cumbersome.

The whisper silencing system really works. I tested it in a quiet backyard, and it barely made a sound.

String stops, limb dampeners, and string silencers keep it whisper-quiet, which is great if you’re trying to hunt discreetly or avoid disturbing neighbors.

The included accessories are a real bonus. The 4×32 illuminated scope is clear and easy to use, even in low light.

The parallel quiver and rail lube make setup and maintenance simple. Plus, the three 20-inch arrows perform well, with decent accuracy and consistency.

Handling the crossbow feels balanced, and the classic design makes it easy to aim and shoot. Overall, this model packs a lot of punch and features into a budget-friendly package, making it an excellent choice for beginners or budget-conscious shooters.