best cheap compound crossbow

The moment I unboxed the BALLISTA BAT Reverse Draw Crossbow, I was struck by how surprisingly small and sleek it looked. It fits comfortably in your hand, with a matte black finish that feels solid without being bulky.

Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s so light that you barely notice it when you hold it, almost like carrying a medium-sized binoculars.

As I handled it, I appreciated the compact size—about 16 inches long and 5 inches wide—making it easy to stash in a backpack or carry on a quick hike. The textured grip feels firm and secure, and the trigger mechanism clicks smoothly.

Loading is a breeze, thanks to its quick 3-second process, and it’s almost silent, which is perfect for hunting or discreet target practice.

The real star is the speed—up to 340 fps—which is impressive for a mini crossbow in this price range. You can shoot heavy bolts with broadheads, and it still packs enough punch for small game hunting.

Shooting feels stable, and the power behind each shot is noticeable, despite its small size. The reverse draw design actually makes cocking easier, reducing strain on your arms.

While it’s not a full-sized crossbow, it delivers plenty of performance for its size. It’s versatile enough for fun target shooting or even hunting small game, making it a great budget-friendly option.

The silent and quick-loading features make it a reliable choice for those who want power without the fuss of heavier gear.

You’re out in the backyard, rifle slung over your shoulder, when suddenly you spot a squirrel darting across the yard. Instead of grabbing your usual bow, you pick up the Ballista Bat Compound Mini Crossbow.

Its compact size makes it easy to handle, even in tight spaces.

Holding this crossbow in your hands, you immediately notice how lightweight it feels—just about as heavy as a pair of binoculars. It’s easy to carry around, and the 16″x5″ size fits perfectly in your backpack for quick trips to the woods.

Loading it feels almost effortless—just about 3 seconds, and almost silently. No loud clanking or awkward fumbling.

You aim at the squirrel, which is a good distance away, and you’re impressed by how steady it feels in your grip.

Hitting the target was surprisingly satisfying. The 300 fps speed means it’s not just for fun; you could use it for hunting small game.

The power from the 130 lbs draw weight shot a heavy bolt with ease, and the broadhead option makes it even more versatile.

Despite its power, it’s surprisingly quiet and quick to reload. That makes it perfect for casual shooting or quick shots on the move.

The only thing to keep in mind is that, since it’s so light, it might take some getting used to for steady aim during longer sessions.

All in all, this crossbow packs a punch without breaking the bank. It’s reliable, portable, and perfect for anyone wanting a powerful, easy-to-use mini crossbow for fun or light hunting.

What immediately caught my eye about the Xpedition Scrapeline 390X is how lightweight it feels in your hands—just 6.7 pounds. That’s surprisingly easy to carry around, especially for a crossbow that shoots up to 390 FPS.

The first thing I noticed during setup was how straightforward the package is. It comes fully equipped with a 4×32 illuminated scope, a 5-bolt quiver, a rope cocker, and three Xit-20 bolts.

No fussing about missing accessories or extra purchases.

The scope is clear and easy to adjust, which makes aiming in different lighting conditions much less frustrating. Shooting with this crossbow is smooth, thanks to its solid build and balanced weight distribution.

You really feel the power behind each shot, even with the lightweight design.

What I appreciated most is how quick and responsive it is—perfect for hunting or target practice. The included bolts are high quality, with carbon shafts that feel durable and reliable.

Plus, the clip-on nocks and shield cut fletchings boost accuracy and consistency.

Of course, you need to follow the instructions carefully. The manual emphasizes proper handling to avoid damage or safety issues, which is smart with a high-speed bow like this.

Also, it’s designed specifically for XIT-20 bolts, so don’t try to mix and match.

Overall, for the price, the Scrapeline 390X offers impressive speed and ease of use. It’s a smart pick if you want a beginner-friendly crossbow that doesn’t compromise on power or features.

I’ve had the Xpedition Xpedite 420 crossbow on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I wanted something powerful yet portable. When I finally got my hands on it, I was surprised by how compact it is—cocked at just 8 inches and weighing only 7.7 pounds.

It feels solid in your hands without the bulk of heavier models.

The first thing I noticed is how ready-to-hunt this crossbow is right out of the box. It comes fully equipped with a 4×32 illuminated scope, which makes target acquisition easy, even in low light.

The included bolts and quiver mean I could start shooting right away, no extra gear needed.

The build quality feels sturdy, but the real standout is how lightweight and maneuverable it is. I was able to hunt in tighter spots without feeling weighed down.

The trigger is crisp and surprisingly light at just 3 pounds, making shot accuracy much easier to achieve.

At 420 FPS, this crossbow delivers serious power, and I felt confident with its anti-dry fire technology. The rope cocker device made loading less strenuous, especially after a few shots.

Plus, the assembly tools are straightforward, so setting it up was hassle-free.

Overall, the Xpedite 420 offers a lot for the price—power, precision, and portability. It’s perfect if you want a reliable, budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance.

Hunting in tight spots or carrying it for long distances? No problem.

The moment I unboxed the Dagger 405 FPS 220 LBS Compound Crossbow, I was immediately struck by its solid, no-nonsense build. The CNC-machined aluminum rails and cam system feel hefty yet precise in your hands.

It’s noticeably lightweight for a crossbow with such serious power, making it easier to handle during long sessions.

The 15-inch axle-to-axle length gives it a compact, manageable profile. The finish is sleek, with a matte black coating that looks both modern and durable.

The included 4×32 illuminated scope is a game changer—bright, clear, and easy to aim even in low light. The parallel quiver and rope cocker add to the convenience, making reloads quick and smooth.

When you draw it back with the rope cocker, you’ll notice the draw weight is no joke—220 pounds. But the string stops, limb dampeners, and string silencers work together to keep the noise down.

Shooting feels almost whisper-quiet, which is impressive at this price point. The trigger pull is smooth, and the arrow flies true, hitting your target with incredible velocity.

Overall, this crossbow packs a punch without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for target practice or hunting small game.

The included accessories make setup straightforward, so you’re ready to shoot right out of the box. It’s a reliable, powerful option if you want serious performance on a budget.