The Best Crossbows of 2024: Our Top 5 Picks for Every Hunter
This year in Minnesota (my home state), everyone who wants to can use a crossbow. No note from the doc required. This has been the case in Wisconsin (my neighboring state and where I spend 50% of my time after whitetail). There are about as many opinions on whether or not this is a good thing as there are options for crossbows (what do you think of this change? Let us know in the comments). Whatever you think about this, If you are slinging bolts (technically still arrows) from a crossbow instead of arrows from a bow, you will want to sort out which ones are worth adding to your arsenal.
Crossbows have come a long way, with advancements in technology making them faster, more accurate, and easier to use than ever before. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to upgrade or a beginner aiming for your first big game, choosing the right crossbow can make all the difference. For 2024, we’ve rounded up the best crossbows on the market, considering factors like speed, accuracy, ease of use, and value for money. Here's a detailed look at the top contenders.
The Ravin R29X Sniper XK7 is a compact powerhouse that delivers incredible speed and precision. This crossbow is ideal for hunters who want top-tier performance in a lightweight and maneuverable package. With its advanced Helicoil technology, the R29X Sniper shoots bolts at an impressive 450 FPS, ensuring accuracy even at long distances. The XK7 camo pattern also adds a sleek, stealthy look.
Speed: 450 FPS
Draw Weight: 12 lbs
Weight: 6.75 lbs
Best For: Hunters looking for a high-performance, compact crossbow with precision optics.
Pros:
Excellent speed and precision
Compact and lightweight design
Pre-tuned scope for long-range accuracy
Cons:
Premium price point
Slightly lower speed compared to the blazing R500E
2. TenPoint Flatline 460
TenPoint has always been a leader in crossbow technology, and the Flatline 460 is no exception. This model delivers a remarkable balance of speed, power, and maneuverability. With its ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system, it’s both safe and easy to handle in the field.
Speed: 460 FPS
Draw Weight: 10 lbs
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Best For: Hunters looking for a balance of power and ease of use.
Pros:
ACUslide system for safe cocking/de-cocking
Compact design for easy transport
Highly accurate at long distances
Cons:
Slightly heavy for its class
Premium price tag
Photo Credit Bowhunter.com
The Excalibur TwinStrike is a unique addition to the crossbow market, offering dual-shot capabilities. This crossbow is perfect for those who want a backup shot at the ready without having to reload, making it ideal for hunting in thick cover or when hunting multiple animals.
Speed: 360 FPS
Draw Weight: 13 lbs
Weight: 7.75 lbs
Best For: Hunters who want the security of a second shot.
Pros:
Dual-shot capability
Durable, reliable build
Great for quick follow-up shots
Cons:
Heavier than most single-shot crossbows
Slower FPS compared to others in its price range
4. Barnett HyperTac Pro 420
photo credit Amazon.com
The Barnett HyperTac Pro 420 is a top choice for hunters looking for a reliable and powerful crossbow that doesn't break the bank. While it has slightly less speed than the 430, the HyperTac Pro 420 still delivers impressive performance with 420 FPS, making it suitable for most hunting scenarios. Its compact design and manageable draw weight make it easy to handle, whether you're in a treestand or hunting from a ground blind.
Speed: 420 FPS
Draw Weight: 185 lbs
Weight: 7.6 lbs
Best For: Hunters who want a powerful, reliable, and affordable crossbow.
Pros:
Compact and easy to maneuver
Good balance of speed and power
Affordable for the features offered
Cons:
Slightly less speed compared to higher-end models
Trigger pull could be smoother
5. Wicked Ridge RDX 400
photo credit: Amazon.com
For hunters on a budget, this is your crossbow. ]Wicked Ridge RDX 400 offers high-end features at a reasonable price. This reverse-draw crossbow provides smooth shooting and is well-suited for beginners or those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank. And it looks sick!
Speed: 400 FPS (in most midwest scenarios this FPS drop from the others is not going to make much difference)
Draw Weight: 11 lbs
Weight: 7.6 lbs
Best For: Budget-conscious hunters who still want quality.
Pros:
Affordable price with premium features
Reverse draw design for balanced shooting
Quiet operation
Cons:
Slightly lower speed
Not as compact as other models
How to Choose the Best Crossbow for You
When selecting a crossbow, consider the hunting you do most frequently. Speed and accuracy are crucial, but so is maneuverability, mainly if you hunt in dense cover or from a treestand. The ease of cocking and the crossbow's weight should also be considered, mainly if you’ll be covering long distances on foot.
Conclusion
The crossbows of 2024 offer a range of options to suit every hunter's needs, whether you're chasing speed, precision, or value for money. The Ravin R29X Sniper XK7 stands out with its compact design and incredible accuracy, making it perfect for hunters who prioritize mobility without sacrificing performance. The TenPoint Flatline 460 provides a balanced mix of power and ease of use, ideal for hunters who want a reliable, high-performance tool in the field. The Excalibur TwinStrike offers unique dual-shot capabilities, giving you the advantage of a quick follow-up shot without reloading. The Barnett HyperTac Pro 420 brings solid performance at a more affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious hunters. Lastly, the Wicked Ridge RDX 400 offers great value with premium features, perfect for those who want quality without overspending.
Each of these crossbows has been selected to enhance your hunting experience, offering reliability, power, and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, there's a crossbow on this list that will meet your needs and help you succeed in the field this season. Get out there and level up!
Things you are gonna want to go with your new crossbow:
This, or something like it, is a must have for blind hunting or if you plan for a young hunter to use your crossbow.
Read Jonny’s take on it and watch his bows drop their first deer with it!
Love these things. Been running them for 3 years now and they do more than the trick. I prefer fixed blade even on the crossbow.
This is a most have to protect your purchase.
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By tailoring this list to the most important factors—speed, accuracy, and usability—you’re better equipped to make an informed decision. Happy hunting!