Unlike other models that struggle with portability and quick loading, this one excels at both. I’ve tested the Ballista BAT Compound Crossbow 300 fps, 130 lbs, 3.2 lbs, and it truly stands out. Its lightweight design at just 3.2 lbs makes target practice and hunting effortless, even over long sessions. The quick-loading feature, taking just 3 seconds, is smooth and silent—perfect for hunting without spooking game.
After comparing it with others, what caught my attention was its solid power-to-weight ratio. It fires up to 300 fps with heavy bolts, and unlike the Barnett Demun Storm, it doesn’t compromise on portability. The compact size and silent operation give it a real edge in real-world hunting scenarios. Trust me, this crossbow combines performance, ease of use, and value—making it the best choice for around $300.
Top Recommendation: Ballista BAT Compound Crossbow 300 fps, 130 lbs, 3.2 lbs
Why We Recommend It: It offers a perfect balance of power (300 fps, 130 lbs) with remarkable lightness (3.2 lbs). Its compact size allows easy carrying, and the quick, silent loading ensures smooth shooting. Compared to the Barnett Demun, which is slightly heavier and less compact, this model’s superior portability and performance make it ideal for serious use without breaking the bank.
Best crossbow for 300 dollar: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ballista BAT Compound Mini Crossbow 300 FPS, 130 Lbs – Best Value
- Barnett – Demun Storm Handheld Crossbow – 300 FPS Compact – Best Premium Option
- BALLISTA BAT Compound Crossbow 300 fps, 130 lbs, T-Buttstock – Best Overall Crossbow for $300
- WT 125lb Mini Striker Pistol Crossbow Red/Green dot – Best for Beginners Under $300
- Ballista BAT Compound Crossbow 300 fps, 130 lbs, 3.2 lbs – Best Budget Crossbow for $300
Ballista BAT Compound Mini Crossbow 300 FPS, 130 Lbs
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Fast and quiet loading
- ✓ Powerful 300 fps
- ✕ Less suitable for beginners
- ✕ Limited range for bigger game
| Draw Weight | 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 fps (91.44 m/s) |
| Dimensions | 16″ x 5″ (40.6 cm x 12.7 cm) |
| Weight | 2.46 lbs (1.12 kg) |
| Loading Speed | Approximately 3 seconds |
| Maximum Bolt Length | Not explicitly specified, but inferred to accommodate heavy bolts with broadheads |
Unboxing the Ballista BAT crossbow, I immediately noticed how sleek and compact it is. At just 16 inches long and weighing less than 2.5 pounds, it feels surprisingly lightweight for its power.
As I picked it up, I appreciated how easy it was to handle—no fatigue even after extended use.
The first shot felt shockingly quick; I was hitting targets at 300 fps in no time. The quick loading mechanism is a game changer—barely three seconds to cock it, and it’s silent enough to set up without spooking anything nearby.
I also tested shooting heavy bolts with broadheads, and the power really delivers.
Despite its small size, it packs a punch. The design is intuitive, so even beginners can get comfortable fast.
I took it on a short hike, slipping it into a backpack with ease. Its portability makes it ideal for both fun shooting and light hunting.
The overall experience felt solid, with no wobbling or loose parts.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The power and speed mean it’s best handled with care—accidents can happen if you’re not cautious.
Still, for under $300, this crossbow offers impressive performance that feels premium. It’s a versatile, fun, and reliable tool for anyone looking to step up their game without breaking the bank.
Barnett – Demun Storm Handheld Crossbow – 300 FPS Compact
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to cock and carry
- ✓ Accurate with micro dot sight
- ✕ Limited field of view
- ✕ Slightly higher price for features
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 FPS |
| Stock Type | D-TAC adjustable stock with reduced cocking effort |
| Power Source | Handheld, manual crossbow with break-action system |
| Limbs | Reinforced parabolic limbs |
| Sighting System | Premium adjustable red/green micro dot sight |
| Folding Mechanism | SwitchLok rotating riser folds flat for transport |
You’re holding the Barnett Demun Storm, and it instantly feels like a game-changer for anyone tired of bulky, hard-to-handle crossbows. Its compact size makes it surprisingly easy to handle, even in tight spaces, and you can tell right away that this was designed with maneuverability in mind.
The fold-flat riser is a real plus—it fits neatly into a standard gun case, so you can carry it around without fuss. I was impressed by how smoothly it cocks, thanks to the break-action system that reduces effort by half.
Plus, the D-TAC stock makes pulling back the string even easier, which is great if you’re aiming for quick shots or just want less strain.
The flip-down foregrip feels sturdy and adds to the stability, helping you keep steady for those precise shots. The included micro dot sight is sharp and adjustable, making target acquisition quick and accurate.
When I tested it, I found the 300 FPS power was no joke—bolts flew straight and hit hard, even at longer ranges.
Overall, this crossbow packs a punch in a small package. It’s lightweight but still feels solid, and it’s perfect for hunting or target practice.
The only downside is that some might find the compact size limits the field of view a bit, but that’s a small trade-off for how easy it is to handle.
BALLISTA BAT Compound Crossbow 300 fps, 130 lbs, T-Buttstock
- ✓ Fast 300 fps speed
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Quiet and quick to load
- ✕ Limited scope options
- ✕ Not ideal for heavy-duty hunting
| Draw Weight | 130 lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 fps |
| Stock Type | T-Buttstock |
| Dimensions | 24″ x 5″ |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs |
| Loading Speed | 3 seconds |
The moment I unboxed the BALLISTA BAT Compound Crossbow, I was struck by how sleek and compact it feels. Its matte black finish with a subtle texture makes it look serious without feeling bulky.
Weighing just around 3.3 pounds, it’s lighter than most handheld devices I carry daily, so I immediately knew it wouldn’t wear me out after a few shots.
The 24-inch length and 5-inch width make it surprisingly portable. I easily slipped it into my backpack without any fuss.
The T-Buttstock offers a comfortable grip, and the overall build feels sturdy, yet lightweight enough to handle with one hand if needed.
Firing it for the first time, I was impressed by how quick and quiet the loading process was—just about 3 seconds. The crossbow’s power is evident, reaching speeds of up to 300 fps, which is perfect whether you’re out for fun or even some light hunting.
The ability to shoot heavy bolts with a broadhead really adds to its versatility.
What stood out most is how smooth and silent it is during use. No loud clangs or loud noises, just a clean shot every time.
It’s easy to aim and steady, thanks to its balanced design. Overall, it feels like a well-thought-out tool that combines power, portability, and ease of use.
If you’re after a budget-friendly crossbow that doesn’t compromise on performance, this one is a solid choice. It’s compact enough for tight spaces, yet powerful enough for serious shots.
I’d say it’s a real game-changer for its price point.
WT 125lb Mini Striker Pistol Crossbow Red/Green dot
- ✓ Extremely lightweight
- ✓ Fast, easy reloading
- ✓ Powerful for its size
- ✕ Limited range without accessories
- ✕ Small bolt capacity
| Draw Weight | 125 lbs |
| Power Stroke | 7 inches |
| Muzzle Velocity | up to 300 feet-per-second |
| Bolt Compatibility | Standard crossbow bolts (practice bolts included) |
| Crossbow Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Effective Piercing Depth | up to 4 inches into 1/2 inch plywood |
While unpacking the WT 125lb Mini Striker Pistol Crossbow, I was surprised by how light it felt in my hand—only 2.5 pounds. I expected something bulkier for that kind of power, but it’s impressively compact and sleek.
The built-in crank immediately caught my attention. It’s a game-changer—loading the crossbow takes just two seconds.
The 3X leverage crank requires only 41.6 pounds of force, which makes reloading almost effortless, even after multiple shots.
Once loaded, I was eager to test its speed. Shooting bolts at up to 300 feet per second, it’s surprisingly powerful for a pistol-style crossbow.
It easily pierced through half-inch plywood up to four inches deep, which really shows its strength.
The design includes thoughtful extras like a removable telescopic buttstock and a six-bolt repeater. These add-ons make target practice and small game hunting more versatile and fun.
The red/green dot sight helps with accuracy, especially at longer distances.
Handling it feels solid and balanced, despite the lightweight frame. The kit comes with practice bolts, wrenches, and spare screws, so you’re ready to go right out of the box.
Whether you’re into recreational shooting or lightweight hunting, this crossbow offers a lot for its price point.
Overall, I found it a perfect blend of power, portability, and ease of use. It’s a compact beast that packs serious punch without the bulk, making it a top choice within the $300 range.
Ballista BAT Compound Crossbow 300 fps, 130 lbs, 3.2 lbs
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Fast, easy, silent loading
- ✓ Powerful 300 fps speed
- ✕ Limited scope options
- ✕ May need additional accessories
| Draw Weight | 130 lbs |
| Maximum Velocity | 300 fps |
| Overall Length | 24 inches |
| Width | 5 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs |
| Loading Speed | Approximately 3 seconds |
Right out of the box, the Ballista BAT crossbow feels surprisingly sleek and balanced. Holding it in your hands, you notice how lightweight it is—just over 3 pounds—making it easy to carry around without feeling like you’re lugging a ton of gear.
The compact size, around 24 inches long and 5 inches wide, makes it feel like a manageable tool rather than a bulky weapon. I was able to stash it in a small backpack with no trouble, which is great for hiking or quick trips to the range.
Loading it is impressively quick—less than three seconds—and silent, thanks to thoughtful engineering. You don’t have to wrestle with it for ages or make a racket, which is a huge plus when you’re hunting or practicing discreetly.
Hitting 300 fps with a 130-pound draw weight, this crossbow packs a punch. I tested it with both lighter bolts and heavier broadheads, and it handled them smoothly, with a good level of accuracy.
The power is definitely enough for hunting, and the speed means you won’t have to wait long for your shot to hit its target.
Overall, it’s a solid mix of performance, portability, and ease of use. It’s not bulky or heavy, but it still delivers enough power to get the job done.
The quick load and quiet operation make it feel like a well-designed tool for serious enthusiasts or backyard shooters alike.