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10 Best Barnett Crossbows 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Barnett Raptor BCX Crossbow - Tactical Crossbow with Veil Tac Black Camo, Ultra Compact and Fast 425fps, Step Through Riser, Fold Down Palm Rest, Adjustable Butt Stock, Cycloptic-X Scope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,387
Draw Weight
Speed (FPS)
Weight

Most important from
4 reviews

Draw Weight
The crossbow delivers powerful shots with its high draw weight and impressive speed, ensuring strong impact and accuracy for hunting.
Speed (FPS)
The crossbow delivers powerful shots with its high draw weight and impressive speed, ensuring strong impact and accuracy for hunting.
Weight
Durable metal construction supports the crossbow’s weight, balancing sturdiness with manageable handling.
Trigger Pull
The TriggerTech trigger system offers a smooth and reliable pull, contributing to precise and consistent shooting performance.

The Barnett Raptor BCX crossbow is a great choice for hunters looking for a compact, powerful, and technologically advanced crossbow. It features a high draw weight of 214 pounds and an impressive speed of 425 feet per second, which means it can shoot bolts with strong power and fast accuracy — key for effective hunting. Its ultra-compact design with Veil Tac Black Camo makes it easy to carry and blend into natural surroundings, ideal for stealth during hunts. The adjustable butt stock and fold-down palm rest add comfort and better control, accommodating different shooting preferences.

The included Cycloptic-X scope with Primetime Color Vision is a standout feature, improving visibility in low light by enhancing colors and clarity, which is helpful at dawn and dusk. The TriggerTech trigger system ensures a smooth and reliable pull, enhancing shooting precision. While the crossbow weighs around 6 kilograms (about 13.5 pounds), which might feel a bit heavy for some users, this weight supports its durable metal construction and power.

With a 5-year manufacturer warranty and included accessories like arrows, a rope cocking device, and string wax, this package offers good value. It suits hunters who want a mix of advanced tech features and strong performance in a tactical, easy-to-handle crossbow.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,387
Draw Weight
Speed (FPS)
Weight

Most important from
4 reviews

Draw Weight
The crossbow delivers powerful shots with its high draw weight and impressive speed, ensuring strong impact and accuracy for hunting.
Speed (FPS)
The crossbow delivers powerful shots with its high draw weight and impressive speed, ensuring strong impact and accuracy for hunting.
Weight
Durable metal construction supports the crossbow’s weight, balancing sturdiness with manageable handling.
Trigger Pull
The TriggerTech trigger system offers a smooth and reliable pull, contributing to precise and consistent shooting performance.
#2

Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow - Fast, Lightweight, Compact, Premium Crossbow with Adjustable Buttstock, Triggertech Trigger, Rope Hold Groove, Side Mount Quiver

Rating
9.7
Draw Weight

Most important from
21 reviews

Draw Weight
The crossbow is relatively heavy to cock, but manageable with the supplied tool.

The Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow is designed for hunting enthusiasts looking for a robust and efficient crossbow. With a draw weight that allows it to shoot arrows at a rapid speed of 385 feet per second (FPS), this crossbow promises quick and precise shots, which is crucial for hunting.

Its compact design, combined with a lightweight structure (weighing 6.5 pounds), makes it easy to handle and maneuver in the wilderness. The adjustable buttstock adds to its customization, ensuring better comfort and aim. Another standout feature is the Triggertech trigger, which offers a clean and crisp pull, enhancing accuracy during hunting.

Additionally, the crossbow comes with premium textures for a non-slip grip and a Veil Camo finish for effective concealment, which are beneficial for outdoor hunting. The inclusion of features like a soft lok arrow retainer contributes to safer and quieter loading. The single bolt assembly and side mount quiver simplify setup and provide quick access to arrows, making it user-friendly. Given its features, this crossbow is excellent for adult hunters looking for a reliable and swift crossbow with customization options and ease of use.

Rating
9.7
Draw Weight

Most important from
21 reviews

Draw Weight
The crossbow is relatively heavy to cock, but manageable with the supplied tool.
#3

BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow, MossyOak Bottomland, Standard 4x32 Scope with 5PK Headhunter 22" Arrows

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is a lightweight, easy-to-handle option for hunters who want a ready-to-use package. Weighing just 6.6 pounds, it’s easier to carry during long trips compared to heavier models. With a draw weight of 210 pounds, it provides enough power to deliver strong, accurate shots, and the included 4x32 scope helps with aiming. It shoots arrows at a respectable speed typical for this class, making it suitable for hunting medium-sized game like whitetail deer.

The crossbow’s compact design, thanks to its Step-Through Riser technology, shortens the length and improves maneuverability in tight spots like dense woods. Safety is a key feature here, with nock sensors and anti-dry fire mechanisms that help prevent accidental shooting, making it reassuring for both new and experienced users. The trigger pull is light at about three pounds, allowing for controlled and precise shots without much effort. Additionally, the package comes with more arrows than usual—a 5-pack of 22-inch Headhunter arrows—so you’re well prepared for multiple shots without needing immediate resupply.

This crossbow represents a solid choice for hunters seeking a reliable, straightforward setup that balances power, portability, and safety features.

Buying Guide for the Best Barnett Crossbows

Choosing the right crossbow can be a thrilling yet challenging task. It's important to consider various factors to ensure you get a crossbow that fits your needs, whether you're a beginner, an experienced hunter, or a target shooter. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and enhance your overall experience.
Draw WeightDraw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull back the string of the crossbow. This spec is crucial because it affects the power and speed of the arrow. Draw weights typically range from 75 to 200 pounds. For beginners or those with less upper body strength, a lower draw weight (75-125 pounds) is easier to handle. Intermediate users might prefer a mid-range draw weight (125-175 pounds) for a balance of power and ease of use. Experienced hunters often opt for higher draw weights (175-200 pounds) for maximum power and speed, which is essential for taking down larger game.
Speed (FPS)Speed, measured in feet per second (FPS), indicates how fast the arrow travels once released. This is important for accuracy and penetration, especially at longer distances. Crossbows typically range from 300 to 400 FPS. For target shooting or small game hunting, a speed of 300-350 FPS is usually sufficient. For larger game or longer-range shooting, a speed of 350-400 FPS provides better performance. Choose a speed that matches your intended use and shooting style.
WeightThe weight of the crossbow affects its portability and ease of handling. Crossbows can weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds. Lighter crossbows (5-7 pounds) are easier to carry and maneuver, making them ideal for beginners or those who plan to move around a lot. Heavier crossbows (8-10 pounds) can offer more stability and less recoil, which can be beneficial for stationary hunting or target shooting. Consider your physical strength and how you plan to use the crossbow when choosing the weight.
Axle-to-Axle WidthAxle-to-axle width is the distance between the axles of the crossbow when it is cocked. This spec is important for maneuverability, especially in tight spaces like dense woods or hunting blinds. Crossbows with a narrower axle-to-axle width (10-15 inches) are more compact and easier to handle in confined areas. Wider crossbows (16-20 inches) may offer more stability but can be cumbersome in tight spaces. Choose a width that suits your hunting environment and personal preference.
Trigger PullTrigger pull refers to the amount of force needed to release the arrow. A lighter trigger pull (2-3 pounds) allows for a smoother and more precise shot, which is beneficial for accuracy. Heavier trigger pulls (4-5 pounds) can be less sensitive and may require more effort to shoot. If you prioritize accuracy and ease of shooting, opt for a lighter trigger pull. If you prefer a more deliberate shooting experience, a heavier trigger pull might be suitable.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a crossbow is an important consideration, especially for hunters who need to remain stealthy. Quieter crossbows are less likely to spook game. Noise levels can be reduced with features like string dampeners and limb vibration dampeners. If stealth is a priority, look for crossbows with built-in noise reduction features. For target shooting, noise level may be less of a concern.

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