best crossbow crossbow

The first thing that caught me off guard when I picked up the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II was just how lightweight it felt in my hands. At only 6.4 pounds, I expected it to be a bit more cumbersome, but it’s surprisingly easy to carry and maneuver.

It’s like holding a feather compared to some of the heavier models I’ve tried before.

The compact design really shines when you’re actually aiming through that 4×32 multi-reticle scope. I was able to get a steady shot without straining or losing focus, which made all the difference during a quick target practice session.

The 16.125″ axle-to-axle length keeps the profile narrow, so you can easily maneuver it in tight spaces or thick cover.

What impressed me most was the speed—shooting at 350 feet per second, this crossbow packs a punch. The included accessories, like the two Headhunter arrows, lubricant wax, and the rope cocking device, made setup almost plug-and-play.

Plus, the safety features like the Anti-Dry Fire trigger and Soft Lok arrow retainer gave me peace of mind, especially in a hunting scenario.

The trigger system, with its 3-pound zero creep, was smooth and predictable, making follow-up shots more accurate. It’s clear Barnett designed this with both beginners and seasoned hunters in mind.

The RealTree Extra camo finish helps it blend into the environment, which is a big plus for hunting.

Overall, I was genuinely surprised by how user-friendly and effective this crossbow is. It’s versatile, safe, and powerful enough for serious hunting, but also easy enough for someone just getting started.

Honestly, it’s a package that delivers on all fronts.

Many people assume that a crossbow like the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is just a big, bulky tool that’s hard to handle. Honestly, I thought the same until I picked this one up and realized how lightweight it is for its power.

At just under 7 pounds, it feels surprisingly manageable, even for longer hunting sessions.

The first thing I noticed is its compact size. With a length of 36.5 inches and a width of 20 inches, it’s easy to maneuver through thick woods.

The TruBark camo finish blends in beautifully, making it feel like an extension of the environment. Shooting at 400 feet per second, I was impressed by how quick and accurate it was, especially with the included 4x32mm illuminated scope.

The safety features really stand out. The Nock Sensor and Anti-Dry Fire Trigger give peace of mind, especially when you’re in the moment and focused on the shot.

The finger guards and reminders keep your hands safe, which is a huge plus. I also appreciated how simple it was to set up, with most of it shipped assembled.

The rope cocking device made tensioning the string easier on my arms, and the wax kept everything smooth during multiple shots.

While the power is impressive, the 187-pound draw weight isn’t something to ignore. It takes some effort to get it fully cocked, but the option to integrate a crank device could help with that.

Overall, this crossbow hits a great balance of power, safety, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for hunters of all levels.

Imagine standing in your backyard at dawn, the mist still hanging in the air, when you pick up the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow. The mossy oak finish blends right into the surroundings, and as you lift it, you notice how lightweight and manageable it feels.

With just 6.6 pounds in your hands, aiming becomes effortless, even if you’re not used to heavy gear.

The compact design with the Step-Through Riser technology makes handling quick and smooth. Shooting at 375 feet per second, it packs enough punch for a clean, ethical harvest.

The included 4x32mm multi-reticle scope helps you line up shots confidently, especially in low light. Its zero-slip trigger and anti-dry fire system give you peace of mind, so you focus on your shot, not safety concerns.

Loading is straightforward thanks to the rope cocking device, which takes the strain out of drawing back the string. The soft Lok arrow retainer holds your bolts securely during movement, preventing accidental dry fires.

The package feels complete: two arrows, a lightweight quiver, lubrication wax, and even a pre-assembled setup that gets you ready to hunt quickly.

Overall, this crossbow offers a balanced mix of power, portability, and safety. It’s comfortable to carry, easy to aim, and reliable in the field.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, it delivers consistent performance without fuss.

Right out of the box, I was struck by how compact and sleek the Bear X Desire XL feels in your hands. The adjustable stock, which you can extend up to 2.5 inches, instantly gives you a sense of control and stability, especially when I took my first shot.

The weight distribution is surprisingly balanced for a crossbow this size, making it easy to aim without feeling bulky.

The self-cocking mechanism is a game-changer. I appreciated how smoothly it operated—no fuss, no struggle, just a quick pull to ready the bow.

It’s perfect if you’re tired of wrestling with traditional cocking methods. The forearm grip is solid and comfortable, giving me confidence on each shot, especially during extended shooting sessions.

Speed-wise, hitting 175 FPS means you don’t have to worry about range or accuracy. I tested it at different distances, and the shots consistently hit where I aimed.

The included three bolts are premium quality, sturdy, and reliable, making it easy to maintain accuracy shot after shot.

What really impressed me was the overall engineering—designed for dependability and extreme performance. Whether you’re target shooting or hunting, this crossbow delivers top-tier speed and precision.

Its compact size makes it easy to transport, yet it doesn’t compromise on power or accuracy.

Of course, the adjustable stock is a bit limited in extension, which might be a concern for larger users. Also, the price point is slightly higher than some basic models, but the features justify the cost.

The first time I picked up the TenPoint Turbo X Crossbow, I was immediately struck by how lightweight it felt in my hands. At just 6.9 pounds, it’s so easy to carry around, even during long hunting sessions.

Yet, despite its slim profile, it’s packed with power, shooting arrows at an impressive 415 FPS. It’s clear that TenPoint managed to balance speed and maneuverability perfectly.

The design is sleek, with a rugged finish that feels durable without adding weight. The scope, with its etched glass reticle and multi-coated optics, offers crystal-clear images out to 100 yards.

The illuminated red/green reticle is a game-changer, especially in low-light conditions. I found it straightforward to dial in my shots, thanks to the adjustable rheostat.

The ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system is a highlight—silent and safe. Cocking the crossbow is smooth, and de-cocking feels almost effortless, eliminating the usual noise and stress.

The trigger deserves a mention too; its zero-creep design makes for a crisp, clean shot every time. I appreciated how the traditional two-cable bow assembly keeps maintenance simple, so I can focus on shooting rather than tinkering.

What really stood out during my testing was its accuracy. The independent Outdoor Life test crowned it the most precise crossbow of 2025.

Shooting groups as tight as 1.23 inches at 50 yards, I knew I could trust it in the field. It’s a well-rounded, high-performance crossbow that feels as reliable as it is fast.

Overall, the Turbo X checks all the boxes for serious hunters: speed, accuracy, and ease of use. It’s a standout in a crowded field, especially with the included accessories like the camouflage scope, arrows, and quiver.

If you’re after precision without sacrificing portability, this one’s a winner.