best skyfactory 4 crossbow

While unpacking the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II, I was surprised to find how light it felt in my hands—just over 6 pounds—yet it’s built like a tank. Its compact size, with a 16.125″ axle-to-axle length, instantly made me think this was more of a maneuverable hunting tool than a bulky crossbow.

The real eye-opener was how smoothly it cocked using the included Rope Cocking Device. It’s surprisingly manageable, even if you’re not used to crossbows.

Shooting at 350 feet per second, it packs a punch that’s perfect for hunting or target practice, but the lightweight design doesn’t sacrifice power.

The multi-reticle scope offers quick target acquisition, and the 4x32mm magnification is clear enough for detailed aiming. I also appreciated the soft Lok arrow retainer—no more rattling or losing arrows when moving through thick brush.

Handling the crossbow felt confident and controlled, thanks to the anti-dry fire trigger system and TriggerTech’s frictionless release. The RealTree Extra camo pattern blends well into natural surroundings, making it an excellent choice for hunting.

Everything ships mostly assembled, which saved me time and hassle. The included accessories—two arrows, lubrication wax, and side mount quiver—round out a complete package, ready to go right out of the box.

This crossbow really changed my expectations of what a lightweight, easy-to-use hunting bow can be. It’s perfect for hunters of all skill levels who want power without complexity.

As soon as I unboxed the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, I was struck by its sleek, mossy oak camouflage finish that blends perfectly into woodland scenes. The weight feels just right in my hands, not too heavy but solid enough to feel reliable.

It’s surprisingly compact, especially with the Step-Through Riser technology, making it easy to maneuver through dense brush without feeling bulky.

Handling it for the first time, I appreciated how lightweight it is—just 6.6 pounds—so even longer hunts don’t leave you exhausted. The textured grip provides a firm hold, and the safety features like the Anti-Dry Fire trigger and Finger Safety reminders give peace of mind.

The included 4x32mm multi-reticle scope is clear and precise, making aiming straightforward, even in fading light.

Loading the arrows was a breeze thanks to the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer. The two 22-inch Headhunter Arrows shoot smoothly and pack a punch, hitting impressive speeds of 375 fps.

The Rope Cocking Device simplifies the process, and the lubricating wax keeps everything running quietly and efficiently. Overall, it’s a well-rounded package, mostly assembled right out of the box, ready for hunting or target practice.

In real-world use, I found the crossbow to be incredibly controllable, with minimal recoil. The safety features are thoughtfully integrated, so I never felt uneasy handling it.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this crossbow’s manageable profile and high-performance make it a solid choice for reliable shots every time.

Imagine you’re out in the woods just as the sun starts to dip, trying to line up that perfect shot when your hand brushes against something unexpectedly lightweight in your backpack. That’s the moment you realize how impressively light the Xpedition Archery Scrapeline 390X is—just 6.7 pounds, but don’t let that fool you.

It feels solid and balanced in your hands, making it easy to hold steady for a shot.

The first thing you notice is the sleek design and the smooth action of the rope cocker, which makes loading feel almost effortless. The included 4×32 illuminated scope is a game-changer, especially in fading light.

You line up the target, and the scope’s clarity and illumination give you confidence to shoot accurately.

Firing the crossbow, you’re surprised by its speed—up to 390 FPS. The bolts zip through the air with satisfying power, and the carbon shafts stay true to their promise of durability.

The 5-bolt quiver clips on easily, and the shield cut fletchings help keep your bolts stable in flight.

It’s designed with beginners in mind but doesn’t skimp on performance. You appreciate the safety features, but you’re also careful to follow all instructions to prevent damage.

The included XIT-20 bolts fit perfectly, and the overall kit feels complete for a new hunter or someone upgrading their gear.

Overall, this crossbow checks the boxes for power, ease of use, and affordability. It’s lightweight enough for extended carry, yet delivers the speed and accuracy you need in the field.

Whether you’re out for a quick hunt or just honing your skills, it performs reliably when you need it most.

Many folks assume that a lightweight, compact crossbow like the Xpedition Xpedite 420 sacrifices power and accuracy for portability. I’ve found that’s simply not true.

Holding it in my hands, I was surprised by how solid and well-balanced it feels, despite weighing just 7.7 pounds and measuring only 8 inches when cocked.

The real game-changer is how ready-to-hunt it is right out of the box. The included 4×32 illuminated scope makes aiming in low light conditions much easier, and the crisp 3-pound trigger offers a clean shot without much effort.

I appreciated the anti-dry fire technology—it’s a small detail that adds peace of mind during a quick shot.

Setting it up was straightforward thanks to the included assembly tools and the rope cocking device with sled. The 420 FPS bolt speed delivers impressive range and accuracy, even in dense woods or tight spots where bigger crossbows might be cumbersome.

It’s compact enough to maneuver comfortably, which really opens up hunting options in tricky terrains.

The kit includes three bolts and a five-bolt quiver, so you’re ready to go after unboxing. The lightweight design doesn’t feel flimsy—it’s sturdy enough for regular use.

Overall, this crossbow packs power, precision, and portability in a package that’s perfect for serious hunters who value ease and performance.

One of the first things that caught me off guard with the Killer Instinct BOSS 405 was just how compact it feels in your hands, especially considering it blasts out arrows at 405 FPS. I expected a bulky, unwieldy beast, but it’s surprisingly lightweight at just 6.7 pounds.

That’s a game-changer when you’re lugging it around in the woods all day.

The sleek design and the adjustable stock make it feel like it was made for you. I played with the 6-position stock and found that I could dial in a perfect fit, which made aiming much steadier.

The 14.75-inch cocked width keeps it manageable in tight spaces, so you’re not fighting the crossbow when you’re in a blind or a treestand.

Loading this crossbow is a breeze thanks to the rope cocker—it really lessens the effort needed to draw it, even at full strength. The included 4×32 IR scope was a nice touch, offering clear sightlines even in low-light conditions.

Shooting felt smooth and controlled, thanks to the Micro-Lite aluminum barrel, which kept the weight down without sacrificing stability.

What surprised me most was how durable it felt, with solid build quality that makes you confident it’ll last. The accessories, including bolts and rail lube, round out a package that’s ready to go right out of the box.

Whether hunting or target shooting, this crossbow’s performance and comfort make it a standout choice.