It’s no secret that deer hunting with crossbows continues to grow and grow every season, and the continued increase in crossbow performance and technology mirrors that rise in popularity. Manufacturers have been able to revolutionize crossbow accuracy, speed, power and safety — and the new models for 2019 are no different. Here are the top 20 crossbows to check out this year.
- TenPoint Nitro XRT
Streamlined, compact and designed to kill, TenPoint’s 470-fps Nitro XRT is fueled by all-new RX7 cams, Dual Flex limbs and the innovative Vector Quad cable system. The rig’s center-mounted riser means a smooth shot and eliminates the nose-heavy feel many crossbow shooters despise. Fitted with the new-for-2019 T5 Trigger — TenPoint’s smoothest ever — the crossbow delivers a clean, crisp and consistent break thanks to reduced friction. The Nitro XRT boasts a 7-inch axle-to-axle measurement when cocked, tips the scales at 7.4 pounds and has a 16.5-inch power stroke. MSRP: $2,499.99.
- Ravin R26
Ravin bills its new R26 as the world’s most accurate, powerful and compact crossbow. Measuring 26 inches long and just 5¾ inches wide when cocked, this horizontal rig spits bolts at 400 fps, and the Versa Draw Cocking System requires just 12 pounds of effort. Improving string life and aiding in the crossbow’s hushed nature is the Trac Trigger Firing System, which allows the string and bolt to hover above the rail. The R26 comes fully assembled and pre-tuned with six 400-grain Ravin bolts along with other necessary crossbow gear. MSRP: $2,049.99.
- PSE Thrive 400
Utilizing reverse-cam technology, PSE’s Thrive 400 can hit speeds up to — you guessed it — 400 fps. Featuring a CNC-machined aluminum barrel and 175-pound split limbs, the 400 measures 18¼ inches (uncocked) between the axles and has a 17-inch power stroke. This budget-minded rig comes complete with an illuminated 4×32 scope; a folding, rubber-coated foot stirrup; pre-installed string stops and limb dampeners; a five-bolt quiver; four 22-inch bolts with 100-grain field points; a 22-inch discharge bolt; cocking rope; and rail lube. MSRP: $599.99.
- Barnett TS390
Designed with customization in mind, Barnett’s TS390 sports a telescoping stock that allows for up to 2½ inches of length-of-pull adjustment. Featuring a tactical look, this rig, with its 185-pound draw weight and 14¼-inch power stroke, sends bolts downrange at speeds up to 390 fps. TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology means zero trigger creep, and the step-through riser design reduces bulk and improves balance. Three Picatinny rails accommodate accessories, and the self-adjusting Soft-Lok Floating Bristle bolt retainer keeps your projectile where it’s supposed to be. MSRP: $699.99.
- Wicked Ridge Ranger X2
A technology-rich rig designed to get youth and small-frame archers into the woods, the Ranger RX2 tips the scales at 5.9 pounds, is 33½ inches long, measures 16-inches axle-to-axle (cocked) and, when loaded with the recommended 18-inch Wicked Ridge Ranger carbon bolt, can hit speeds up to 330 fps. Long on safety, the X2 features a pass-through grip and reinforced nylon safety wings to keep the shooter’s forehand well below the speeding bowstring. Other notable features include 11-inch WRX limbs, 4S cams, and DynaFLIGHT 97 strings and cables with tunable yokes. MSRP: $459.99.
- Excalibur Assassin 420 TD
Showcasing Excalibur’s new Quick Loc Technology for quick, simple and tool-less removal of the crossbow’s assembly, the Assassin 420 TD (Take Down) is a full 60 fps quicker than its 2018 predecessor. The EXT Silent Cranking System allows shooters to bring back the bow’s 290-pound draw-weight recurve limbs with just 14 pounds of effort, and the match-grade trigger and TRU-FIT fully adjustable stock ensure a clean bolt release and comfortable fit. The Assassin 420 TD has a fighting weight of 8 pounds, an overall length of 33 to 36 inches depending on the stock setting and a width of 23¼ inches when cocked. MSRP: $1,899.
- Carbon Express X-Force Blade 350
www.carbonexpresscrossbows.com
Featuring a multi-position buttstock, step-through foot stirrup, extruded aluminum rail and compression-molded limbs, the X-Force Blade 350 from Carbon Express can be yours for less than three Benjamin Franklins. An economical crossbow long on performance, the X-Force Blade 350 has a 12½-inch power stroke, features a 175-pound draw weight and hits speeds up to 350 fps. The crossbow comes equipped with a 4X multi-reticle scope, three 20-inch PileDriver bolts with 100-grain field points and a rope cocking aid. MSRP: $299.99.
- Crosman CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper
www.crosman.com/archery/centerpoint-crossbows
In an effort to provide shooters with a hushed shot and bolt speeds that still impress, Crosman combined the features of its CenterPoint Tormentor and Sniper lines. The mix of this brew is the Tormentor Whisper, and this rig is fitted with dual string stops and limb silencers to squelch noise and thwart vibration. Measuring 12¼ inches wide when cocked, the Tormentor Whisper has a 14½-inch power stroke, produces bolt speeds up to 415 fps and has a draw weight of 200 pounds. The crossbow comes as a package that includes three 20-inch carbon bolts, 4×32 scope, sling, quiver, rail lube and a cocking aid. MSRP: $349.99.
- Bear X Saga 405
Those that love the tactical look will be drawn to Bear’s X Saga 405, which measures 14 inches wide when cocked and 18 inches wide when uncocked. Besides sporting a racy look, the crossbow comes with a field-ready package and boasts an adjustable cheekpiece and a rear stock with 3 inches of adjustment. Shooters know the importance of a perfect cheek-to-stock-to-scope alignment, and the Saga’s adjustability delivers that in spades. Tipping the scales at 7.5 pounds, this crossbow, with its 210-pound draw weight, showcases a dual string-suppressor system and a trigger mechanism that features an ambidextrous safety and anti-dry-fire safety mechanism. MSRP: $379.99.
- Darton Toxin 125 SS
A blend of Darton’s popular Toxin 100 and 135 models, the new 125 SS was engineered with a trackless, composite barrel design to minimize overall weight. Designed for maneuverability, this 6.8-pound crossbow measures 17 inches between the axles and posts an overall length of just 31¾ inches. The rig is fitted with laminated limbs and an all-new High-Energy Cam system. Other notable features include dual string suppressors, an auto-engage safety and patented anti-dry-fire safety. Draw weight on the Toxin 125 SS is 175 pounds. MSRP: $839.97.
- Killer Instinct Furious Pro 9.5
Designed by Killer Instinct to provide unparalleled balance, power, control and accuracy, the Furious Pro 9.5 hits speeds up to 400 fps and sports a cocked width of just 9.5 inches. With a low-profile design that ensures maneuverability, the Pro 9.5 features a 3-pound-pull PRO-Series Trigger, Hogue Grip and adjustable UltraStealth Cheek Weld. The crossbow weighs 7 pounds and has a draw weight of 185 pounds. MSRP: $749.99.
- TenPoint Titan M1
TenPoint’s all-time bestseller got a makeover for 2019. The Titan M1 is 9.5 inches narrow and a full 30 fps faster than its predecessor. VX-5 inverted cams elongate the power stroke (14 inches), increase rotation and boost shot-to-shot consistency. The crossbow measures 32.5 inches long, weighs 6.4 pounds and has a 180-pound draw weight. The Titan M1 comes as a package that includes a 3X Pro-View 3 scope, ACUdraw or rope sled, three-bolt instant-detach quiver, ambidextrous side-mount quiver bracket and three TenPoint Pro Elite carbon bolts with 100-grain practice points. MSRP: $749.99.
- Barnett HyperGhost 425
Part of Barnett’s Hyper series, the HyperGhost 425 comes packaged with Barnett’s exclusive Hyperflite bolts. Designed specifically for use with Hyper crossbows, these .204-inch micro-diameter bolts cut wind and penetrate deep. The 425 measures 17-2/3 inches axle-to-axle, weighs 7.7 pounds, has a power stroke of 16-1/3 inches and hits speeds up to 425 fps. MSRP: $1,299.99.
- Mission SUB-1 XR
Mission’s 9.1-inch axle-to-axle (cocked) SUB-1 XR sports a rifle-inspired stock design that allows six different length-of-pull adjustments and 1¼ inches of adjustment in the comb to ensure a personalized fit. The ergonomic pistol-style grip can be configured with any AR-style grip. Synced cams promise accuracy, and the trigger is a rolling sear dual-stage style set to break at 3 pounds. The SUB-1 XR weighs 7.6 pounds and hits speeds up to 410 fps. Benchmark Fire Control technology allows shooters to safely de-cock the crossbow with a push of a button. MSRP: $1,699.99.
- Excalibur Bulldog 440
Although it features a 300-pound draw weight, the Bulldog 440 from Excalibur requires only 15 pounds of effort to draw thanks to the included Charger Cocking System. Hitting speeds up to 440 fps, the Bulldog features the Bullpup Ready Rest stock, adjustable from one- to two-stage ACP Trigger and Excalibur’s Fast Point 100-yard illuminated multi-reticle scope. Cocked, the crossbow measures 23 inches wide. Overall length is 35¾ inches, and its fighting weight is 6.2 pounds. MSRP: $1,499.99.
- Bear Kronicle
Engineered to be fast, accurate and budget friendly, Bear’s Kronicle is a ready-to-hunt crossbow that powers bolts at 370 fps and comes with an illuminated scope, quiver, three carbon bolts, cocking rope, rail lube and string wax. The Kronicle has a draw weight of 185 pounds, a mass weight of 7.34 pounds and a width of 17½ inches when cocked. MSRP: $299.99.
- Horton Vortec RDX
Sporting an axle-to-axle width of just 9-1/8 inches when cocked, the Vortec RDX from Horton is still attracting plenty of attention. This 7.6-pound, 350-fps, reverse-draw rig has proven to be a balanced, virtually vibration-free tack driver. The RDX laminated limbs powered by the Reaper Cam System are the icing on the cake. The RDX is sold as a ready-to-hunt package that includes a TenPoint 3X Pro-View 3 Scope, three-bolt instant-detach quiver, ACUdraw or Dedd Sled 50 Rope Cocker and three Horton carbon arrows. MSRP: $949.99.
- Ravin R20
An airy rig that’s still creating buzz is the 2018 Ravin R20. Measuring 6 inches wide when cocked, the R20 launches a 400-grain bolt at 430 fps and is capable of producing 3-inch bolt groups at 100 yards right out of the box. At the heart of this rig is Ravin’s HeliCoil technology, which features a frictionless flight system that floats the bolt above the rail for increased accuracy and improved string life. MSRP: $2,150.
- Gearhead X16 Tactical Carbon Fiber
Another 2018 horizontal wonder not to overlook is Gearhead’s X16 Tactical Carbon Fiber. Featuring a takedown design, the X16 can be easily disassembled for hunt travel or storage. When ready, reassembly is a breeze, and according to Gearhead, there is no loss in accuracy. Weighing 5.2 pounds, the X16 boasts a length of 35 inches, cocked width of 14.75 inches and crisp 2.1-pound trigger pull. Top speed for the X16 is 350 fps. MSRP: $2,299.
- TenPoint Shadow NXT
A compact 2018 killer that’s still worth a look is TenPoint’s Shadow NXT. Featuring TenPoint’s Bullpup stock design, the Shadow NXT is a compact 6.5 inches wide when cocked, measures 32.2 inches long (minus the foot stirrup) and hits speeds up to 380 fps. Boasting top TenPoint technologies like the Vector Quad cable design, Tri-Lock pocket system and XR6 Cams, this horizontal weapon has a lot to offer. MSRP: $1,149.99.
