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.

TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow Package

Designed for the hardcore hunter who wants a smaller footprint to maximize shooting opportunities, but isn’t willing to sacrifice speed or accuracy, the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow Package shoots a blistering 460 feet-per-second and delivers unrivaled long-range accuracy.

The Flatline 460 maximizes accuracy and durability with NEW Scope Struts and a longer dovetail that increases strength by 80-percent. This combination provides a rock-solid foundation for your scope to deliver long range accuracy and “bulletproof” in-the-field durability. The NEW longer dovetail allows for more scope adjustments, heavier scope options, and provides the strength of a full-length rail without the added weight.

Featuring a perfectly balanced reverse-draw platform that is unmatched in its ability to produce speed and power, the Flatline 460 is equipped with a 2-stage, zero-creep S1 Trigger that delivers a consistent crisp, 3.5-pound pull.

Not only does the Flatline de-cock, it de-cocks safely – separating TenPoint from other crossbows on the market. While other crossbows on the market can be de-cocked, the patented ACUslide on the Flatline 460 eliminates the potential of losing control during de-cocking which can lead to injury or costly bow damage. If your hand innocently slips off the handle, the handle stops in its place.

The Flatline 460 will change the way you hunt – giving you the freedom and mobility to go further, while packing a stand or the gear you need to ultimately make you a more successful hunter. Crossbow Hunting Package

Features

ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system
Optics: Burris Oracle X Rangefinding Scope or EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope
6-pack of EVO-X CenterPunch 16 Premium Carbon Crossbow Arrows (.001” straightness, 400-grains)
Integrated String Stop System
Quiver
Sentry Bowhanger

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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Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock ACUdraw Crossbow Package

The Most Affordable De-Cocking Crossbow on the Market. Meet the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock ACUdraw Crossbow Package.

Available with the revolutionary ACUdraw De-Cock for safe de-cocking, the American-Built Raider 400 De-Cock combines the convenience of de-cocking and speeds up to 400 feet-per-second to create an affordable crossbow for all hunters that outperforms its competitors.

The light crossbow is equipped with the D-1 Trigger – a 2-stage, zero-creep design that delivers a consistent crisp, 3.5-pound pull.

Forget the hassle of carrying a target to discharge your bow, or risking damaging an arrow by discharging it at the end of the hunt – the patented ACUdraw De-Cock is simple, silent, and safe and allows you cock and safely de-cock with easy 5-pounds of force.

If you don’t take a shot, push the de-cock button and safely de-cock the crossbow with the built-in ACUdraw De-Cock. While de-cocking, you can remove your hand from the handle at any point and it will stop in its place, eliminating the potential of injury or damage that may occur with other de-cocking systems on the market.

Features

TenPoint Lighted Pro-View Scope
ACUdraw De-Cock
3 Match 400 Carbon Alpha-Nock Arrows
Quiver
2 stage D-1 trigger with 3.5 pound pull
Up to 400 feet per second

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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Excalibur Micro Mag 340 Crossbow Package Realtree Excape

The Excalibur Micro Mag 340 Crossbow Package brings best in class performance, value, accuracy, and a lifetime warranty. This crossbow is designed to take care of all your needs, capable of taking down any animal in any situation. With an aluminum frame, anti-dry fire, premium trigger, and Excalibur's R.E.D. Suppressor, this crossbow package is a dependable companion for beginners and pros alike. It's all tied together with Excalibur's premium Dead Zone Scope. If you're looking for a workhorse crossbow, look no further than the Micro Mag 340.

Package Includes

Dead Zone Scope
Guardian Anti-Dry Fire System
R.E.D. Suppressors
1” Scope Rings
4 – Arrow Quiver
3- Quill Arrows
3 – 100gr Field Points
Rope Cocking Aid
Owners Manual
Sound Deadening System
Air Brakes

Features

Aluminum frame
Anti-dry fire
Premium trigger
Excalibur's R.E.D. Suppressor

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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

What Customers Are Saying

Great purchase

Got this for my wife, we both shot it first day. Quiet, fast, accurate. Made in AMERICA!!!! Never owned Wicked ridge, but impressed enough I got one too.

- Huntteam, 12/8/2023

About Wicked Ridge

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TenPoint Viper 430 Crossbow Package

2 Color Options

Registering 430 feet-per-second and measuring a sleek 6 and-a-half-inches narrow, the supercharged TenPoint Viper 430 delivers 100-yard nock-breaking accuracy.

Equipped with a 100-yard scope, the Viper 430 maximizes accuracy and durability with new Scope Struts that increase strength by 80% to provide a rock-solid foundation for your scope to deliver long range accuracy and “bulletproof” in-the-field durability. A NEW longer dovetail allows for more scope adjustments, heavier scope options, and provides the strength of a full-length rail without the added weight.

The Viper 430 is equipped with the S1 trigger. This 2-stage, zero-creep design features an advanced roller-sear system that delivers a consistent, crisp 3 and-a-half-pound pull.

Not only does the Viper de-cock, it de-cocks safely – separating TenPoint from other crossbows on the market. While other crossbows on the market can be de-cocked, the patented ACUslide on the Viper 430 eliminates the potential of losing control during de-cocking which can lead to injury or costly bow damage. If your hand innocently slips off the handle, the handle stops in its place.

With Supercharged Speed and Super Charged Accuracy, the Viper 430 is built for the hunter who always demands more.

Features

ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system
NEW 100-yard RangeMaster Pro Scope
3-pack of Pro Elite 400 Carbon Crossbow Arrows (.003” straightness)
Integrated String Stop System
Quiver
Sentry Bowhanger

What Customers Are Saying

Overly complicated

I found the cocking mechanism overly complicated and I can see problems arising with this crossbow. In addition, I see no option for a manual cocking method which is a big negative for me. The crossbow is already on its way back to the factory for repair. I regret this purchase.

- Wbranger, 11/5/2024

About TenPoint

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