If you are considering the purchase of a first or newer crossbow, keep these 6 points in mind. There is no one “best bow” so buy one that best fits your needs, dimensions, abilities, and goals. For sure, these are generalizations, but you need facts. Here you go:
Recurve vs. Compound
I own each style of bow and took both kinds to Africa on safari, so one isn’t necessarily superior over the other. Recurve limbs are simpler, may be easier to replace, and often can be relaxed with a cocking rope and the proper procedure. Recurve bows cock like a vertical recurve bow such that the farther you pull the string back, the more force is required. If you are considering one, make sure you can cock it manually or purchase a cranking device. Recurve bows have fewer moving parts than compounds and won’t go out of tune- that is, one cam working differently than the other.
Compound crossbows, by contrast, are usually easier to cock since the cams reduce draw weight as the string approaches full cock. The Excalibur 365 is the maximum bow I can manually cock, while the TenPoint Nitro 505 shoots much faster and cocks with a crank. Compound bows can be more compact and store more energy resulting in greater arrow speed from shorter limbs and a narrower profile which can help when hunting in tight places like blinds or tree stands.
Cocking Device
Crossbows cock differently and with various devices and this can be a deal breaker on some models. TenPoint has this process down to a science with their ACUdraw 50 and ACUdraw systems. The “50” uses a traditional cocking rope, yet the handles and the rope nest in the stock. In this way you never have to wonder if you brought your cocking rope or where it is for a quick extra shot. Likewise, the handle for the ACUdraw system nests in the stock and cocking is as easy as turning a crank.
Mission and Barnett bows offer a standard cocking rope, yet they do not have a traditional cocking stirrup which give a much better cocking posture. I’m just 5’8” tall and cocking a long bow with a stirrup forces me to pull the rope nearly to my chin, a poor mechanical advantage. Without the cocking stirrup, I can cock the Mission and Barnett primarily with my leg muscles and doing so is a breeze.
Trigger Pull
Considering all of the factors of various bows, one of the most important is trigger pull. If you are a rifle shooter, you know the importance of trigger pull. You want one that’s crisp (about 3 pounds or less of pressure) and has no creep- felt trigger movement. This varies not only from brand to brand but model to model within a brand. Here’s where the importance of shooting the bow in the shop really comes through. On some of the most expensive bows I’ve tested, I can feel the trigger move and must continue the squeeze further. You want a trigger that’s firm enough for safety, yet fires with no felt travel.
Trigger Tech is a custom trigger manufacturer for crossbows that has become standard on bows like the Barnett above. I’ve used them on two models and love the result.
Scopes and Sights
Most crossbow models come as a package with accessories such as a quiver, cocking device, arrows, and a sight, usually a scope. The sight shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for a bow that you really like because you can replace the scope with another model or a red-dot sight.
If you are a fan of quality optics, you may want to check out the Burris Oracle X, Sig Sauer BDX, and the Garmin Xero X1i. Each of these models feature range-finding capabilities that instantly determine the distance and point of aim.
Size
Just like a firearm, how well a crossbow fits your stature will impact shooting consistency. The stock should fit your frame well and you should be able to swing the bow without difficulty. Weight and size become important if you are very mobile or hunt from compact places such as ground blinds or tree stands. Does the bow come with standard sling studs? If so, you can carry the bow over your shoulder like a rifle.
Warranty/Price
Finally, the amount you pay for a crossbow is probably the greatest choice of all. Prices range from under $300 to nearly $4,000 for top-of-the-line bows with range-finding scopes. Usually, the more the bow costs, the better the warranty, yet you should ask about the fine print, such as how the bow will be repaired. Do you need to mail it back to the factory or can a local shop fix it? Is the warranty transferable? Unlike compound bows, crossbows hold value well and you may want to sell this model to a buddy when a new one catches your eye.
Ultimately, selecting a bow is a matter of choice. How much speed do I want or need? How will I cock the bow? Will it be for target shooting, hunting, or both? What kinds of sight you like to use and so on? If you can’t decide, purchase a used bow, try it for a year and, after saving a few more bucks you’ll know exactly what you want.