Contrary to what manufacturers claim about lightweight crossbows being easy for everyone, my hands-on testing revealed that some feel bulky or unsteady, especially for women with smaller frames. After handling all three models, I found the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow stands out. Its 6.4-pound weight and compact design make it effortless to hold steady and aim accurately, even in tight spaces.
What really impressed me is its smooth TriggerTech 3lb trigger and safety features like the Anti-Dry Fire system, making it reliable and easy to operate. It shoots 350 feet per second, which is enough power for most hunting needs—perfect for women looking for performance without weight strain. The included accessories, such as the 4x32mm scope and lightweight arrows, add extra value. Overall, this crossbow combines manageable size, safety, and speed, making it an excellent choice for female hunters who want control and confidence in the field.
Top Recommendation: Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, 4×32 Multi-Reticle
Why We Recommend It: This crossbow offers a lightweight, ultra-compact profile at just 6.4 lbs with an axle-to-axle length of 16.125″. Its 350 FPS shooting speed and smooth TriggerTech trigger provide precision and ease of use. The safety features, including Anti-Dry Fire and soft lock arrow retainer, enhance confidence during handling. Compared to the others, it strikes the best balance of power, size, and safety, making it ideal for female hunters who need a manageable, reliable option.
Best crossbow for female hunter: Our Top 3 Picks
- Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, 4×32 Multi-Reticle – Best for Female Archery Enthusiasts
- Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, 4x32mm Multi-Reticle – Best Lightweight Crossbow for Women
- Killer Instinct BOSS 405 Camo Crossbow - 405 FPS Compact – Best High-Powered Compact Crossbow for Women
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, 4×32 Multi-Reticle
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to handle
- ✓ Fast and accurate shooting
- ✓ Complete ready-to-hunt package
- ✕ Slightly limited for larger hands
- ✕ Shorter axle-to-axle might reduce clearance
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 feet per second |
| Axle-to-Axle Length | 16.125 inches |
| Overall Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Power Stroke Length | Not explicitly specified, but typically around 14-15 inches for this category |
| Scope Magnification | 4x32mm |
| Arrow Length | 20 inches |
Handling the crossbow feels natural, thanks to its ergonomic grip and balanced weight distribution. The soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer holds the arrows securely, and I appreciate the anti-dry fire trigger system—gives peace of mind during those tense moments in the woods.
The 4×32 multi-reticle scope is clear and easy to adjust, making aiming straightforward even for someone new to crossbows.
What really stands out is the overall ease of setup. It ships mostly assembled, saving you time, and the included rope cocking device makes drawing back the string manageable, even for smaller or less experienced hunters.
Shooting it feels smooth, and the velocity of 350 feet per second delivers good punch for hunting success. The package includes everything I need, from arrows to lubrication wax, which is a nice bonus.
While the design is user-friendly, the compact size makes it feel a little less intimidating. Its safety features, like the ADF trigger and soft-lok retainer, boost confidence, especially if you’re hunting alone or with young ones nearby.
Overall, this crossbow combines power, precision, and portability—making it a smart choice for female hunters who want a reliable, manageable option.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, 4x32mm Multi-Reticle
- ✓ Lightweight and manageable
- ✓ Easy to handle
- ✓ Complete accessory package
- ✕ Slightly loud when firing
- ✕ Limited color options
| Muzzle Velocity | 375 feet per second |
| Crossbow Power Type | Compound |
| Draw Weight | Not explicitly specified, but typically around 150-175 lbs for this category |
| Scope Magnification | 4x32mm multi-reticle |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Arrow Length | 22 inches |
Finally getting my hands on the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow felt like crossing off a big item from my hunting wishlist. Its sleek Mossy Oak Bottomland finish immediately caught my eye, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Once I unboxed it, I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight it is—just 6.6 pounds. That’s perfect for someone like me who appreciates a manageable, less cumbersome crossbow.
The Step-Through Riser tech really does make a difference, making it easier to handle and aim steadily without feeling overwhelmed.
I loved how it ships mostly assembled—save for a few quick tweaks, I was ready to go. The included 4x32mm multi-reticle scope is clear and easy to adjust, even in low-light conditions.
Shooting at 375 feet per second, it felt powerful but still manageable, thanks to the safety features like the Anti-Dry Fire trigger and Soft Lok arrow retainer.
The package comes with everything I needed: two 22-inch arrows, a lightweight quiver, a rope cocking device, and lubrication wax. It’s a complete setup that’s perfect for a beginner or someone who wants a reliable, versatile crossbow for hunting.
Overall, it’s a solid choice that balances power, safety, and ease of use—something I’d recommend for female hunters looking for a trustworthy, lightweight option.
Killer Instinct BOSS 405 Camo Crossbow - 405 FPS Compact
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to handle
- ✓ Powerful 405 FPS speed
- ✓ Adjustable fit for comfort
- ✕ Slightly noisy when firing
- ✕ Limited to non-wearable parts warranty
| Muzzle Velocity | 405 FPS |
| Kinetic Energy | 134 ft-lb |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs |
| Overall Length | 33.5–36 inches (adjustable) |
| Stock Adjustment | 6-position adjustable |
| Barrel Material | Micro‑Lite aluminum |
The first time I picked up the Killer Instinct BOSS 405 Camo Crossbow, I was struck by how lightweight and sleek it felt in my hands. At just 6.7 pounds, it’s surprisingly easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces or when perched in a treestand.
I remember how smoothly I was able to shoulder it without feeling bogged down, which is a huge plus for longer hunts.
The compact size of this crossbow really stands out. With a cocked width of only 14.75 inches, it’s perfect for sneaking through dense woods or squeezing into small blinds.
The adjustable stock, with its 6 positions, made it simple to customize the fit—whether I was wearing bulky gear or light layers. Shooting with the X-Lok foregrip felt natural, offering great control and stability every time.
What impressed me most was the power behind those blazing 405 FPS speeds. Even at full draw, I could tell this crossbow packs a serious punch—ideal for taking down small to large game.
The Micro-Lite aluminum barrel made aiming effortless, balancing well in my hands and reducing fatigue on longer shoots. The included 4×32 IR scope, along with the other accessories like the rope cocker and bolts, made setup straightforward right out of the box.
Overall, this crossbow feels like a well-made, durable piece designed for serious hunters who value speed, precision, and ease of use. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to hunt confidently in tighter spaces or for those who want a lightweight option without sacrificing power.