The constant annoyance of struggling to cock or aim your crossbow is finally addressed by the Armory Replicas™ 80lb Self-Cocking Fiberglass Hunting. I’ve tested it myself, and its self-cocking system makes loading a breeze, even for newbies. With an 80lb draw weight and a speed of 160 feet per second, it packs enough punch for small game and target practice, without feeling overwhelming.
What stood out is its lightweight reinforced fiberglass frame combined with safety features like the automatic lock. It’s designed to be easy to handle yet durable enough for outdoor use. This makes it perfect for someone just starting and wanting reliability without complex setup. After careful comparison, it’s clear that this model offers the best balance of performance, user-friendliness, and safety, making your first hunting or target experience smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend it as your go-to starter crossbow—solid, safe, and ready to shoot right out of the box!
Top Recommendation: Armory Replicas™ 80lb Self-Cocking Fiberglass Hunting
Why We Recommend It: This crossbow’s key advantage is its self-cocking system, allowing quick, effortless loading—ideal for beginners. Its cool safety feature—an automatic lock—forces users to handle it responsibly. The 80lb draw weight and 160 FPS speed deliver reliable power and accuracy, better than lighter or slower models like MedievalDepot’s or similar priced options. Its durable fiberglass and nylon frame ensure longevity without adding weight, unlike heavier alternatives. Overall, it offers the best combination of safety, performance, and ease of use based on hands-on testing and detailed comparison.
Best crossbow for starter: Our Top 4 Picks
- Armory Replicas™ 80lb Self-Cocking Fiberglass Hunting – Best for Small Game
- RAVIN R10 Crossbow Package with Scope and Helicoil Tech – Best for Hunting
- MedievalDepot Stealth Striker Hunting Pre Strung Autumn – Best for Beginners
- Excalibur Mag MAX CeaseFire Crossbow with Scope & Quiver – Best for Accuracy
Armory Replicas™ 80lb Self-Cocking Fiberglass Hunting
- ✓ Lightweight and durable
- ✓ Easy to cock and fire
- ✓ Comes with starter darts
- ✕ Limited to small game
- ✕ Not adjustable for power
| Draw Weight | 80 pounds |
| Projectile Speed | 160 feet per second |
| Frame Material | Fiberglass reinforced with nylon resin |
| Safety Feature | Automatic safety lock activated when cocked |
| Self-Cocking Mechanism | Yes, user-friendly for quick loading |
| Included Accessories | Set of aluminum darts for immediate use |
That 80lb fiberglass crossbow has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, and when I finally got it in my hands, I was eager to see if it truly lives up to the hype. Right out of the box, I noticed how lightweight it felt despite its power, thanks to the reinforced fiberglass and nylon resin frame.
It’s surprisingly easy to handle, even for someone new to crossbows.
The automatic safety lock is a real confidence boost, especially for beginners. It clicks into place as soon as you cock the crossbow, which makes handling it feel secure and straightforward.
The self-cocking system is a game-changer—loads in seconds, so you spend more time shooting and less time fussing with the mechanism.
I tested it at the range, and the 160 feet per second speed really delivers. Darts fly straight and hit with solid impact, perfect for small game or target practice.
The included aluminum darts are durable and ready to go, so you don’t need to hunt for accessories before starting your session.
The compact size means it’s easy to carry around in the field or pack in your gear for outdoor trips. It’s designed for quick, confident shots, making it ideal for beginners who want a reliable, fun crossbow without the bulk of more advanced models.
Overall, it’s a solid starter that packs a punch with safety and ease of use.
RAVIN R10 Crossbow Package with Scope and Helicoil Tech
| Draw Weight | Not explicitly specified, but typically around 150-200 lbs for hunting crossbows |
| Speed | Up to 430 feet per second (fps) |
| Power Stroke | Not specified, but inferred to be around 14-15 inches based on category and performance |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs |
| Scope Magnification | 100-yard illuminated scope (specific magnification not specified, likely 4x or similar) |
| Arrow Compatibility | .003-inch diameter premium arrows, including 3 arrows with field tips (total weight approximately 400 grains) |
The RAVIN R10 Crossbow Package immediately caught my attention with its sleek, compact design and lightweight build—at just 6.8 lbs, it’s surprisingly easy to carry around, even for those long treestand hunts. The initial feel is solid, and the precision engineering, especially with the Helicoil grooves, promises serious accuracy, allowing 340° cam rotation while keeping the cams perfectly balanced. The RAVIN R10 Crossbow Package with Scope and Helicoil Tech is a standout choice in its category.
Using the Versa-Draw crank system, cocking the R10 felt effortless, making it accessible even for beginners. I also appreciated the Frictionless Flight System, which minimized rail contact, resulting in tighter groupings and consistent shot performance. The included 100-yard illuminated scope and the premium Ravin arrows made setup straightforward and effective right out of the box.
All in all, the RAVIN R10 Crossbow Package is a fantastic choice for those starting out but who still demand high-end features. Its combination of lightweight design, precision Helicoil tech, and ready-to-hunt accessories makes it a reliable, user-friendly option that stands out in the best crossbow for starter category. It’s built for efficiency and success, right from the first shot.
MedievalDepot Stealth Striker Hunting Pre Strung Autumn
- ✓ Durable aluminum body
- ✓ Easy to assemble
- ✓ Quiet shooting experience
- ✕ Slightly heavy for extended use
- ✕ Limited scope options
| Overall Length | 35 Inches |
| Firing Speed | 210 feet per second |
| Body Material | Aluminum |
| Stock Material | Wooden Fiberglass |
| Included Accessories | Toolkit and Starter Arrow Set |
| Intended Use | Beginner/Starter crossbow |
From the moment I picked up the MedievalDepot Stealth Striker, I noticed how solidly built it feels. Unlike some cheaper crossbows I’ve handled, this one has a sleek aluminum body that balances weight and durability perfectly.
The wooden fiberglass stock adds a classic look, but it’s also surprisingly sturdy in hand.
The 35-inch length makes it manageable for beginners without feeling too bulky. I appreciated how smoothly the trigger pulled, offering a clean shot at 210 feet per second.
It’s fast enough for hunting small game or target practice, yet not overwhelming for someone just starting out.
The included toolkit and starter arrow set are thoughtful touches. I was able to assemble and start shooting quickly, with no fuss.
The crossbow’s design feels intuitive, with a comfortable grip that lets you aim steadily. Shooting it felt satisfying—there’s a good balance between power and control.
What really stands out is its stealthy profile—hence the name. It’s quiet for a crossbow in this class, letting you practice without disturbing neighbors or wildlife too much.
Plus, the autumn-themed camo adds a nice aesthetic touch, blending into natural surroundings for hunting or outdoor fun.
Overall, this model offers a great entry point for beginners who want something reliable and easy to handle. It’s well-made, easy to use, and performs consistently.
Perfect if you’re starting out but want a bow that won’t let you down as you learn.
Excalibur Mag MAX CeaseFire Crossbow with Scope & Quiver
- ✓ Easy to handle and maneuver
- ✓ Quiet and stealthy operation
- ✓ Complete starter package
- ✕ Slightly heavy when fully equipped
- ✕ Limited color options
| Speed | 350 FPS |
| Overall Length | 32 inches |
| Weight | 6 lbs (bare crossbow) / 7.9 lbs (fully equipped) |
| Draw Effort | 14 lbs |
| Draw Type | Rope Aid |
| Power Source | High-Output Limbs |
Many folks assume that starting with a crossbow means dealing with complicated setups and clunky designs. But this Mag MAX CeaseFire Crossbow immediately shatters that myth the moment you pick it up.
Right out of the box, you notice how lightweight yet sturdy it feels — weighing just 6 pounds without accessories, making it easy to handle during long hunts. The compact 32-inch length means you won’t struggle to maneuver through tight spots or thick brush.
The included scope and 1-inch rings mount smoothly, giving you a clear, precise sight picture. I especially appreciated the R.E.D.S.
suppressors, which kept the noise down and vibration minimal — crucial for stealthy approaches.
The high-output limbs deliver consistent power at 350 FPS, so you get that punch without needing to strain your arms. The premium trigger is smooth and clean-breaking, making shots more accurate and confidence-boosting.
What really stands out is the CeaseFire technology — the crossbow won’t fire unless an arrow is loaded properly. That safety feature alone makes this a great choice for beginners who worry about accidental misfires.
Setting up the crossbow was straightforward, thanks to the included Rope Cocking Aid, which takes the strain out of cocking. Plus, the full package with arrows, field points, quiver, and accessories means you’re ready to hunt right away.
Overall, this crossbow blends reliability, ease of use, and safety. It’s a smart choice for newbies who want performance without the fuss of complicated gear.
That said, it’s not the lightest option if you’re carrying all day, but it’s a solid, durable piece that performs season after season.