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10 Best Hunting Crossbows 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TenPoint TRX 515 XERO, Vektra - 515 FPS - Fastest, Most Accurate, Most Advanced Crossbow in the World - Includes Garmin XERO X1i Rangefinding Scope, ACUslide MAXX & Three CenterPunch HPX Carbon Arrows

The TenPoint TRX 515 XERO is a top-tier hunting crossbow designed for serious archers. With a blazing arrow speed of 515 FPS, it is incredibly fast, which is essential for hunting. Its compact size (29” long and 6” wide) makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots, a significant advantage when you're out in the field. The weight of 7.2 pounds strikes a balance between being sturdy and portable, though some might find it a bit heavy on longer hunts.

The Garmin XERO X1i Rangefinding Scope is a standout feature, eliminating the need for gap-shooting by providing a single, precise aiming point, which promotes accuracy at any distance. The Twin-Riser Technology and ZERO-Trac Barrel further enhance accuracy by reducing weight and friction. The ACUslide MAXX system ensures safer and easier cocking and de-cocking, a crucial safety feature. The precision TriggerTech Trigger with Zero-Creep Technology offers a crisp release, enhancing shooting accuracy.

Safety features such as the Guide-Lock Arrow Rest System add to its appeal, ensuring the arrow is securely in place before shooting. However, the high-end features and technology come with a premium price, which might not suit all budgets. Additionally, its advanced features might be overkill for beginners or casual users. This crossbow is best suited for experienced hunters looking for top performance and advanced technology in their gear.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Safety Features
The new dry-fire mechanism is a great addition, eliminating the need to send your bow back for repairs.
#2

TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow - 460 FPS - Fastest Compact Crossbow on The Market - Includes 100-Yard EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope, ACUslide Cocking & De-Cocking System & 6 EVO-X 16 Carbon Arrows

The TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow is designed for hunters looking for a compact yet powerful option, boasting an impressive arrow speed of 460 FPS and a lightweight frame of just 3.5 pounds. Its small size (26.5" x 7.5") makes it easy to maneuver in the field, enhancing the user's ability to take quick shots. One of the standout features is the ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system, which allows for silent operation, ensuring safety and control during both cocking and de-cocking processes. This system can be particularly appealing for hunters who value stealth and safety while in the field.

The included EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope is another highlight, offering variable magnification and a customized reticle that maximizes accuracy up to 100 yards. The scope's sturdy construction adds to its reliability, making it suitable for various hunting conditions. The S1 trigger is also noteworthy, praised for its smooth, zero-creep design that enhances shooting precision.

Potential buyers should be mindful of a few drawbacks. The crossbow's compact design, while advantageous for portability, may limit stability when shooting, especially over longer distances. Also, while the included arrows and accessories provide good value, some users might find the need to invest in additional gear for specific hunting scenarios. The TenPoint Flatline 460 is an excellent choice for serious hunters looking for a powerful, compact crossbow with advanced features. It's particularly suitable for those who prioritize accuracy and stealth but may require some adjustment time for those new to crossbows or unfamiliar with its sophisticated systems.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Arrow Speed
An impressive upgrade, burying bolts in the target even at 70 yards and maintaining a tight spread.
Weight
Super accurate and easy to use, with great size and weight.
Size and Dimensions
Super accurate and easy to use, with great size and weight.
#3

CenterPoint Archery C0007 Wrath 430X Crossbow

The CenterPoint Archery C0007 Wrath 430X Crossbow is a powerful and compact crossbow suitable for hunting enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the impressive arrow speed of 430 fps, making it capable of taking down game efficiently. The crossbow's draw weight is 200 pounds, which provides ample power but may be challenging for some users to handle without the included silent crank. This crank not only assists with drawing the bow but also operates quietly, a valuable feature while hunting.

The crossbow is relatively compact, with a cocked width of just 9 inches, allowing for easy maneuverability in tight spaces. At 9 pounds, it’s moderately heavy, which may affect portability during extended hunting trips. Additionally, the full bearing cam system contributes to a smoother and more efficient draw, enhancing performance. Safety is well addressed with the inclusion of dry fire prevention technology, helping to avoid accidental firing without an arrow.

The package includes useful accessories like a rail lube, a 4x32 illuminated scope for better accuracy, and three 20-inch arrows, making it a comprehensive kit for beginners and seasoned hunters alike. However, its weight and high draw weight may be potential drawbacks for those looking for a lighter or easier-to-cock option. This crossbow is likely best suited for hunters who prioritize power and speed, and who have the physical strength to manage its specifications.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Arrow Speed
The bow is accurate and fast, with pass-through shots at 30 yards.
Weight
Despite its weight, which some may find heavy, the performance and accuracy outweigh this downside.
Size and Dimensions
Once cocked, the crossbow has a very narrow footprint, ideal for use in hunting blinds or tree stands.
Trigger Mechanism
The dry fire prevention function works perfectly, and the trigger pull is crisp with little to no trigger creep.

Buying Guide for the Best Hunting Crossbows

Choosing the right hunting crossbow can significantly enhance your hunting experience. It's important to consider various factors to ensure you select a crossbow that fits your needs, skill level, and hunting style. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best crossbow for you.
Draw WeightDraw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull back the string of the crossbow. This spec is important because it affects the power and speed of the arrow. Crossbows with lower draw weights (around 75-125 pounds) are easier to cock and are suitable for beginners or those with less upper body strength. Medium draw weights (125-175 pounds) offer a balance of power and ease of use, making them ideal for intermediate hunters. Higher draw weights (175 pounds and above) provide maximum power and speed, suitable for experienced hunters targeting larger game. Choose a draw weight that matches your physical ability and the type of game you plan to hunt.
Arrow SpeedArrow speed, measured in feet per second (FPS), indicates how fast the arrow travels when shot from the crossbow. This spec is crucial for determining the crossbow's effectiveness in hitting targets at various distances. Lower speeds (up to 300 FPS) are adequate for small game and close-range hunting. Medium speeds (300-400 FPS) are versatile and suitable for most hunting scenarios, providing a good balance of speed and accuracy. Higher speeds (over 400 FPS) are ideal for long-range shots and larger game, offering greater penetration and flatter trajectories. Consider the type of game and typical shooting distances when selecting the appropriate arrow speed.
WeightThe weight of the crossbow affects its portability and ease of handling. Lighter crossbows (under 6 pounds) are easier to carry and maneuver, making them suitable for hunters who need to move frequently or cover long distances. Medium-weight crossbows (6-8 pounds) offer a balance between portability and stability, providing better accuracy for stationary shots. Heavier crossbows (over 8 pounds) are more stable and can absorb more recoil, but they can be cumbersome to carry for extended periods. Choose a weight that you can comfortably handle based on your hunting style and physical endurance.
Size and DimensionsThe size and dimensions of a crossbow, including its length and width, impact its maneuverability and ease of use in different hunting environments. Compact crossbows (shorter and narrower) are easier to handle in tight spaces, such as dense woods or ground blinds. Standard-sized crossbows offer a balance of maneuverability and stability, suitable for a variety of hunting situations. Larger crossbows may provide better accuracy and power but can be more challenging to maneuver in confined spaces. Consider where you will be hunting and how much space you have to move when choosing the size and dimensions of your crossbow.
Trigger MechanismThe trigger mechanism of a crossbow affects the ease and smoothness of shooting. A good trigger mechanism should have a smooth pull and a crisp release, which can improve accuracy and shooting comfort. Basic triggers may have a heavier pull and less precision, suitable for beginners or casual hunters. Mid-range triggers offer a smoother pull and better precision, ideal for intermediate hunters looking for improved performance. High-end triggers provide the best precision and smoothness, suitable for experienced hunters who demand the highest accuracy. Choose a trigger mechanism that matches your skill level and shooting preferences.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring safe operation of the crossbow. Common safety features include an automatic safety, which engages when the crossbow is cocked, and an anti-dry fire mechanism, which prevents the crossbow from firing without an arrow loaded. Basic crossbows may have minimal safety features, suitable for experienced hunters who are confident in their handling skills. Crossbows with standard safety features provide a good balance of safety and usability, ideal for most hunters. Advanced safety features offer maximum protection and are recommended for beginners or those who prioritize safety. Consider your experience level and safety needs when evaluating the safety features of a crossbow.

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