Pick Up The Best Crossbow For The Money in 2022

When hunting, I personally prefer using a bow to a rifle. The skill and precision necessary to hunt with a bow make it a practice many hunters enjoy, and a hobby with endless room to grow. If you’re considering buying a crossbow for the first time, or if you’re looking to upgrade an entry-level crossbow to something a bit nicer, here are my reviews and picks of the top crossbows on the market to help you make a decision.

Best Crossbow Over 400 fps

Barnett Ghost 420 CRT Crossbow Package Review

If you are searching for the top contender in velocity, look no further than the Barnett Ghost 420 CRT Crossbow. This beast of a crossbow boasts an impressive 420 feet per second.

The Barnett Ghost 420 CRT Crossbow has a 185 lb. draw wait and comes as part of a complete package with all necessary parts included. Along with the bow comes a premium illuminated scope, a talon sling, a rope cocking device, 3 arrows, and a quiver.

If you have been looking into the Ghost 360 and want to understand the differences between that and the Ghost 420, here is what you need to know:

The Ghost 420 is both faster and lighter than the 360 model. You’ll have to compare current prices to determine which one is cheaper at the moment. Both models have Barnett’s awesome Carbonlite Riser Technology (CRT), which shifts the balance point away from the riser and back to the shoulder of the shooter. The speed and weight are the two major differences between the two.

The Ghost 420 is among the fastest bows on the market, has a 5-to-1 safety factor, and the perfect balance of weight and speed. If you’re still not convinced, see how other crossbow sites have endorsed it here.

Best High-End Crossbow

TenPoint Venom Crossbow with ACUdraw Review

Among the best crossbows that money can buy is the Venom by TenPoint. This is definitely a high end crossbow with high end features to match.

This bow has amazing speed — up to 372 feet per second. It is very lightweight, only 6.5 pounds, and extremely compact. The TenPoint Venom Crossbow with ACUdraw features a narrow XLT type front end design and cocks down to axle-to-axle 13.5 inches. The total length is 34.6 inches.

You can feel the accuracy of this bow when shooting. Resetting the bows is fast and easy thanks to the ACUdraw (crank) system. There is some assembly required, although it is minimal and will likely take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Instructions are included and are easy to follow.

It can also be purchased in a kit with a six-pack of Pro Elite carbon fiber arrow, the RangeMaster Pro Scope, quiver, multi mount bracket, and bow jax. It is clear with this bow that you get what you pay for.

If you’re interested, but thrown off by the price, check out this budget-friendly alternative: TenPoint Stealth FX4 Crossbow Package.

Best Hunting Crossbow Under $1000

Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow Kit Review

With a hard budget of $1,000, The Carbon Express Intercept Axon crossbow is an impressive piece of gear. This bow has an AR-inspired design and is currently the only completely customizable crossbow on the market.

When you buy this crossbow you will also get top-of-the-line accessories to fit any shooting style or situation. The bow is made using premium alloy cam sets and tunable synthetic strings and cables for optimum precision. Also, the Maxima Blue Streak bolts deliver ultimate speed, flatter trajectory, and durability with BuffTuff Plus carbon weave and Dual Spine Weight Forward technology for strength and greater down-range shot placement.

This Carbon Express crossbow gives you optimal performance, features a 4×32 lighted scope, has excellent accuracy, and shoots 360 feet per second. Other notable specs include: 122 ft.-lb. of kinetic energy, 175 lb. draw weight, and 13.5” power stroke. Included in this kit are 3 Maxima Blue Streak bolts, Quick Detach Quiver, Rope Cocker, 4×32 Glass Etched Lighted Scope with Red/Green illumination and dimmer for varying light conditions, Rail Lubricant, and 3 Practice Points.

• Patent-pending Picatinny design platform accommodates most military and commercial spec AR parts; 29″ of rail enables unlimited customization
• Highly adjustable for a customized lenth-of-pull fit for better repeat performance and overall accuracy
• Compact design for shooting in tight spots (13.5″ axle to axle cocked), for increased accuracy and overall handling in a treestand or ground blind
• Anti-Dry-Fire: All-metal trigger and safety provide consistent performance. The safety is designed for left or right handed shooters.

With all of these impressive features it is worth mentioning that this bow does feel a little clunkier than others. That being said, it also has a lot of raw power.

Best Crossbows at an Affordable Price

Here at Outdoorsman Time, we know that not every outdoorsman has the budget for a top of the line crossbow. But just because you need to watch your spending, doesn’t mean you have to end up with a crappy product. We believe that you deserve the best crossbow that money can buy (within your budget). With that in mind, we have selected what we believe to be the top crossbows in different price categories to help you find affordable, high quality gear. Keep in mind that the more expensive models typically include more features and deliver better performance, and it could be beneficial to spend a bit more to make the most of your purchase.

Take a look at which bows fit your budget:

• • best crossbow under $200
  • best crossbow under $300
  • best crossbow under $500

• best crossbow under $1000

Below, you’ll find reviews of some of our favorite crossbows for deer hunting. Take a moment to give this a read if you’re comparing models so you can add some new hunting gear to your stash.

Arrow Precision Inferno Fury Crossbow Kit Review

A super affordable crossbow, and an especially good option for kids or teens, is the Arrow Precision Inferno Fury Crossbow Kit. The draw weight is pretty low, just 175 pounds, and it is a very lightweight model. It shoots at 235 feet per second, which is a respectable velocity, although not as fast as the higher-end crossbows.

This kit comes with everything you need from an affordable crossbow package — a 175 lb. recurve crossbow, premium 3-dot multi range red dot, quick detach quiver with 4 arrows, padded shoulder sling, adjustable weaver style scope mount, and an ambidextrous auto safety. It also brings an ambidextrous rear stock, and all assembly tools needed.

Here’s a look at the specs:

• Draw weight: 175 pounds
• Speed: 235 feet per second
• Weight: 4.84 pounds
• Length (without foot stirrup): 31 inches
• Width, limb tip to limb tip: 27 inches
• String length: 26.5 inches
• Limb: compression fiberglass
• Rear stock: lightweight composite
• Truck/barrel: aluminum
• Suggested arrow: 16-inch 2219, 20-inch Carbon

Overall, this crossbow is lightweight and easy to hold, and a great affordable option for beginners.

Barnett Recruit Terrain Review

This crossbow is currently the best selling bow on the market, and for good reason. It is made by one of the top brands and is a high quality piece of hunting gear. The Barnett Recruit Terrain has a velocity of 330 feet per second, which is pretty impressive for the price.

The draw weight on this bow is lower than the Arrow Precision Inferno Fury listed above, at just 140 pounds. The sleek military-style stock is ultra lightweight and the trigger pull is very smooth. There is also comfortable hand placement, thanks to the divided foregrip.

What makes this crossbow such a great buy is that you get some of the same features and power of a higher priced bow at a budget price. Plus, this is a complete package providing all the essentials — simply open the package and you’re ready to hunt. It comes with a quick-detach quiver, bolts, and a premium red dot sight.

Here’s a quick glance at the specs:

• Velocity: 330 feet per second
• Draw weight: 140 pounds
• Energy: 91.9 foot pounds
• Power stroke: 12 inches
• Arrow length: 20 inches
• Dimensions: 34.25″L x 18.25″W
• Weight: 6.4 pounds

This is a very powerful crossbow, so if you’re using low quality targets, they won’t last very long before being torn to shreds. Expect lots of raw power and excellent precision; I don’t think you will be disappointed, especially for the price!

Barnett Whitetail Hunter Review

This is another great bow choice from Barnett, especially if you’re looking for a good, compact crossbow. Despite its small size, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow packs a powerful punch. This bow fires at a speed of 350 feet per second.

It has a 175 pound draw weight, which is a bit more than the Barnett bow listed above. This bow is also known for its safety features. It has an impressive five-to-one safety factor and Crosswire string and cable system with high energy whiplash cams for faster, quieter shots.

The bow has a new Anti-Dry Fire (ADF), Metal Injection Molding (MIM) trigger system with easy 3-pound trigger pull, and has a unique crank attachment built into the lightweight stock, which allows for easy installation of an optional cranking device. Overall, this is a complete package of everything you need to take out hunting on day one. It comes with 4×32 scope, rope cocking device, quiver, arrows, and lube wax.

Here’s a quick look at the specs:

• Velocity: 350 feet per second
• Draw weight: 150 pounds
• Energy: 103 foot pounds
• Power stroke: 12 inches
• Arrow length: 20 inches
• Dimensions: 34.25″L x 18.25″W
• Weight: 6.4 pounds

Bottom line: this Barnett crossbow is extremely accurate, powerful, easy to use, and surprisingly quiet. I think you will have a lot of fun hunting with this one.

 

Barnett Ghost 385 CRT Rev Cam Crossbow Review

If you have a little more money available in your budget, then you will definitely want to take a look at this impressive Barnett crossbow. It is the perfect combination of power, precision, and affordability.

This Barnett Ghost 385 CRT Rev Cam Crossbow has a velocity of 385 feet per second. You might notice that this model is a good three inches shorter than most crossbows on the market right now, but with the reverse cam technology it still packs a powerful punch. The CarbonLite Riser technology means that the bow’s center of gravity is shifted toward the shooter, giving them more balance and maneuverability.

Here’s a quick look at the specs:

• Anti Dry Fire Trigger Safety System makes it reliable in all conditions
• Finger guard and pass-through fore grip
• 43-percent lighter riser with Patented Carbon Riser Technology
• Allows for the integration of a crank cocking device
• 185 pound draw weight

This one can also be purchased in a package complete with a quiver, bolts, and scope. Although it initially comes with just a three arrow quiver, you can upgrade to a five arrow quiver for a little more money if you feel necessary.

PSE Fang 350 Crossbow Review

One of the noteworthy qualities of the PSE Fang is that it is designed to accommodate most military and commercial spec AR parts. That makes this a versatile piece of gear that you will love using.

This is a high performance crossbow that has both high accuracy and awesome power at a low price. The velocity is an impressive 345 feet per second. This bow is also part of a complete package and the kit includes a lot more for the money than the ones you see listed up above. With this package you will receive: bolts, Quick Detach Quiver, Rope Cocker, and a removable 4×32 scope.

Here’s a quick glance at its specs:

• Patent-pending Picatinny design platform accommodates most military and commercial spec AR parts; 29″ of rail enables unlimited customization
• Highly adjustable for a customized lenth-of-pull fit for better repeat performance and overall accuracy.
• Compact design for shooting in tight spots (13.5″ axle to axle cocked) for increased accuracy and overall handling in a treestand or ground blind
• Anti-Dry-Fire: All-metal trigger and safety provide consistent performance. The safety is designed for left or right handed shooters.
• 122 ft.-lb. of kinetic energy; 175 lbs. draw weight; 13.5” power stroke

One of the most impressive features is the SilenTech Coating, which is a rubber-like exterior finish that reduces vibration and dampens sound on crossbows for quieter hunting in the field.

Tenpoint Stealth SS Crossbow Package Review

The Tenpoint C13019-6621 Stealth SS Pkg is an excellent option from one of the top brands. Tenpoint makes some of the finest crossbows for the money, and right now this model is my favorite of the affordable Tenpoint crossbows on the market.

The total weight of this crossbow is just 6.8 pounds and it is currently the shortest and most compact bow that Tenpoint makes. Since this is a package, you also get a 3x Pro View 2 Scope with seven eighth-inch rings and an ACUDraw 50 cocking mechanism, 3 Carbon Pro Elite arrows with practice points, a 3 arrow quiver, side mount bracket and extended Dovetail mount. That’s pretty much everything you need to take this bow out hunting.

I think you’ll find that this compact crossbow from Tenpoint packs a lot of power into it’s small size. It has near complete accuracy right out of the box. This crossbow is smooth and easy to use which makes it a good crossbow for kids and teens.