Top 5 Beginner Crossbows for Hunting

With more and more states opening up archery seasons to crossbow hunters, there is no time like the present to invest in a reliable crossbow package to take advantage of the increased opportunity. Many of these crossbow packages come with just about everything needed to quickly sight in and effectively hunt with a few hours of practice.

Here are a few things to think about when selecting your next crossbow:

Cocking System

Crossbows require large draw weights to put out the impressive feet-per-second numbers you see from today’s crossbows. Choosing the cocking system to fit your needs is one of the most important parts of your crossbow selection. Here are a few types of cocking systems:

Rope Cocking Systems

A rope cocking system is the most simple and inexpensive way to cock your crossbow. While this option requires some physical exertion, it is a quick and reliable method.

Mechanical Cocking Devices

Mechanical crossbow cocking devices can be purchased separately or sometimes come in your crossbow package. They take a large amount of effort out of the cocking process and generally use a hand crank system.

Built-In Cocking Systems

Brands like TenPoint and Wicked Ridge offer crossbows with built-in cocking systems like the ACUdraw and ACUslide systems. These systems allow hunters to simply insert the handle and crank to draw their crossbow. These models are designed to keep tension even if the user lets go of the handle in the process to ensure safety and protect the crossbow.

Crossbow Scopes

Once your crossbow is cocked, being able to aim and shoot accurately is essential to hunting success. Most of our crossbow packages come with high-quality scopes, but we also offer a wide selection of aftermarket crossbow scopes from brands like Garmin, Burris, Hawke, and Vortex if you’re looking to fine-tune your crossbow setup. Scopes will come with several reticle options, and several scopes offer rangefinding capabilities.

Feet Per Second

Most Crossbow descriptions incorporate a number within the title. These numbers are the top feet per second (fps) the crossbow is capable of shooting. Faster arrows will result in flatter trajectories and more kinetic energy. This results in fewer animals ducking your arrow, more takedown power, and greater effective range from your crossbow. Some of today’s crossbows can reach speeds over 500 feet per second!

Weight and Dimensions

Crossbow designs vary greatly when it comes to weights and dimensions. If you plan to take your crossbow on backcountry hunts with lots of hiking, a lightweight crossbow may be your best bet. If hunting in tight quarters, like a ground blind, a crossbow with a narrow axle-to-axle width may be beneficial for maneuvering for shots.

We have gathered a top 5 list of the best beginner crossbows and crossbow packages according to our Customers.

Wicked Ridge RDX 410 Crossbow with Pro-View 400 Scope ACUdraw Silent Peak XT

Measuring an ultra-compact 29” short and 9” narrow, the Wicked Ridge RDX 410 Crossbow shoots up to a lightning fast 410 FPS and is equipped with the ACUdraw Silent and Pro-View 400 Scope to create the ultimate value in reverse-draw crossbows. The best-in-class ACUdraw Silent is the easiest ACUdraw to operate – providing silent cocking and reducing the draw weight to just 5 lbs. for easy & effortless cocking. Plus, this system is fully integrated into the crossbow, so you never need to worry about forgetting your cocking rope!

Features

NEW ACUdraw Silent: Easiest ACUdraw to operate – providing silent cocking and reducing the draw weight to just 5 lbs. for easy & effortless cocking.
Reverse-Draw Design: Generates more speed with less draw weight for a smoother shot, and provides superior balance for increased accuracy.
NEW 70-yard Pro-View 400 Scope: Offers aimpoints out to 70-yards and features an updated reticle for a cleaner view and greater down-range accuracy.
Integrated String Stop System: Reduces noise and vibration.
Pre-Sighted at 20-yards: Pre-sighted by American workers before leaving the factory to ensure your success.
Includes 3 Match 400 Carbon Arrows and Quiver

About Wicked Ridge

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, Wicked Ridge Crossbows has something to fit your needs and budget. For those looking for an affordable crossbow without compromising on quality, Wicked Ridge Crossbows is the perfect option. If you are price and value driven, look no further. Of the many crossbow options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs from our large selection of the best affordable crossbows made in the USA. Wicked Ridge is a leading crossbow manufacturer, and MidwayUSA offers their most popular crossbow models like the RDX, Fury, and Ridge Raider, and accessories including bolts, cases, and slings. Proud to be the ONLY Family-Owned crossbow company, Wicked Ridge builds each model in Mogadore, Ohio. From the fastest crossbows in the world and compact hunting systems to safe de-cocking crossbows and budget-friendly crossbows, the Wicked Ridge lineup has a crossbow for everyone, and we look forward to sharing in your success this year.

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Killer Instinct Lethal 405HD Crossbow

The Killer Instinct Lethal 405HD Crossbow features a newly redesigned stock that is shorter and more compact for easy maneuverability. The stock features new rubberized styling at all touch points including forearm, grip and cheek weld that feels warmer in cold weather.

Features

Quickly attach and remove the Compact DSC Narrow 1.5 Sled Crank (not included) to easily cock the Lethal Crossbow
Lumix 4x32 scope included
Anti-dry fire safety
Speed up to 405 FPS
Kinetic Energy: 134.78 FT-LB
Trigger: 3.5 lbs.
Width (Cocked): 14.75"
Width (Uncocked): 18.75"
Length: 33.5"
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Draw Weight: 210 lbs.
Power Stroke: 13.5"

Includes

(2) premium 20-inch 390 gr Hypr bolts with new the V-Track nock
Lumix scope and sled rope cocker

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Barnett Wildcat CRK Recurve Crossbow

The Barnett Wildcat CRX Recurve Crossbow is a lightweight tactical crossbow that combines the heritage of traditional archery with modern day crossbow innovation. Reaching speeds up to 280 FPS, the Wildcat CRX packs a serious punch in a sleek, compact profile. Ready to hunt straight out of the box, the Wildcat CRX features an all-new precision red dot scope with protective neoprene ‘scope armor’ cover, an easy to use rope cocking device, 2 x 20” Headhunter arrows, and a lightweight arrow quiver with side mount bracket for a narrow and easily maneuverable setup. The Wildcat CRX looks as good as it shoots, with a ‘smoke’ gray machined composite stock and Barnett’s signature premium ‘soft-touch’ textured hand grips and cheek pieces ensuring maximum comfort as you take your shot. Whether you are a seasoned hunter tracking big game or a target shooting enthusiast, the Wildcat CRX has got your back and then some!

Features

Rope-hold(TM) Rope Cocking Device Groove
Patented Quick-attach Recurve Limb Design
Pass Through Foregrip with Finger Reminders
Soft-Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
Metal Injected Molded (MIM) Trigger
Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
Three Picatinny Accessory Rails

Specifications

Speed: 280 FPS
Draw Weight: 195 lbs
Weight: 6.1 lbs
Length: 32.88”
Width: 18-3/8” cocked | 25.5" uncocked

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Wicked Ridge Fury 410 ACUdraw De-Cock RangeMaster Pro Scope Crossbow Package Peak XT

The Wicked Ridge Fury 410 ACUdraw De-Cock is a a perfectly balanced crossbow that measures and ultra-compact 29" long, 9" wide, and shoots up to a lightning fast 410 feet per second. The ACUdraw De-cock is a silent cocking and de-cocking system that eliminates the potential of losing control during the de-cocking process. The Fury 410 features a reverse-draw design, D-1 trigger, ACUdraw de-cock, and a tactical x stock.

Features

Perfectly balanced
Reverse draw design
Ultra-compact
Easy-to-operate ACUdraw De-Cock
D-1 trigger
Ready to hunt package

Includes

ACUdraw De-Cock
Rangemaster Pro scope
Three carbon arrows
Quiver
String stop system

About Wicked Ridge

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TenPoint Titan 400 Crossbow with Pro-View 400 Scope ACUdraw Silent Vektra

Shooting 400 FPS and measuring 9.5” narrow, the NEW Tenpoint Titan 400 Crossbow is equipped with the ACUdraw Silent (patented) and Pro-View 400 Scope to create an unbeatable crossbow value.

The best-in-class ACUdraw Silent is the easiest ACUdraw to operate – providing silent cocking and reducing the draw weight to just 5-lbs. for easy & effortless cocking. Plus, this system is fully integrated into the crossbow, so you never need to worry about forgetting your cocking rope!

Features

NEW ACUdraw Silent: Easiest ACUdraw to operate – providing silent cocking and reducing the draw weight to just 5 lbs. for easy & effortless cocking.
T5 Trigger: 3 ½ – pound trigger features a string latch design that reduces friction to deliver a crisp consistent break for increased accuracy.
NEW 70-yard Pro-View 400 Scope: Offers aimpoints out to 70-yards and features an updated reticle for a cleaner view and greater down-range accuracy.
Lightweight 6-pounds and Compact Profile: More mobility and more shot opportunities in the field by reducing the chance for cam/limb contact in the stand or blind.
Bow hook: Easily hang your bow in the stand.
Integrated String Stop System: Reduces noise and vibration.
3 Pro Elite 400 Carbon Bolts and Quiver Included

About TenPoint

Tenpoint was established in 1994 by Rick Bednar. Rick’s association with archery and the archery industry goes back to his youth when his parents, Archery Hall of Famer, Bill Bednar, and his wife, Edith, founded Portage Archery Center in Suffield, OH. Shortly after the initial patents, the ACUdraw, a ground-breaking gear-assisted cocking device, received its first of many patents in 1996. TenPoint has improved upon the original ACUdraw design to produce the ACUdraw PRO cocking device and the ACUslide Safe Cocking and De-Cocking System. Tenpoint is a leading manufacturer of crossbows along with accessories such as crossbow bolts, broadheads, cocking devices, packs, and many more crossbow parts. Tenpoint remains the industry standard for safety, accuracy, precision engineering, durability, performance, and power for crossbows. MidwayUSA proudly carries Tenpoint’s top products, including the Havoc, Vapor, and Stealth crossbow packages, ECO-X Crossbow Bolts, and ACUdraw cocking devices.

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