In search of the best crossbow for the money? Let’s face it, hunting with guns is fun and cool while firing with a crossbow is awesome. A crossbow is an excellent alternative for people who don’t like using guns.
The use of crossbows is not new, it can be traced back to ancient times. For hunting, a crossbow is a proficient and ultimate hunting gear that offers exceptional accuracy and power.
When it comes to shopping for a crossbow, it can be an easy task if you have plenty of money and knowledge. In case you are willing to spend a huge sum on a crossbow, you can certainly, find a quality crossbow.
However, the real problem begins when you have a limited budget. This requires spending a lot of time on research. You must pay attention to numerous factors to buy a crossbow that offers the most bang for your buck.
Whether you are looking for a crossbow for sports, hunting or leisure activities, we wrote a buying guide that will help you buy the best crossbow for the money. We also wrote a buying guide, take a look at reviews of the top crossbow.
Table of Contents
Comparison of the Best Crossbow for the Money
| Image | Product | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Ravin R20 Crossbow Package * 7.1 pounds * 430 FPS * It has kinetic energy 164 and has a power stroke of 13 inches | Check On Amazon |
| 2.Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 400 Crossbow Package * 6.2 pounds * 400 FPS * Features REDS string suppressors and anti-dry fire | Check On Amazon |
  | 3.TenPoint Wicked Ridge Crossbows Warrior G3 Crossbow Package (EDITOR'S PICK) * 12 pounds * 320 FPS * Offers better power and provides smooth and crisp trigger pull | Check On Amazon |
  | 4.Barnett 78131 Wildcat C7 Crossbow Package * 6.90 pounds * 350 FPS * Has Triggertech trigger and high definition camo | Check On Amazon |
  | 5.Bruin Outdoors Ambush 370 Crossbow Package * 6.7 pounds * 370 FPS * It has AR grip and composite barrel | Check On Amazon |
  | 6.XGear 150lbs 325fps Crossbow Archery Bow * 7.65 pounds * 325 FPS * It has a quiver and a offers power stroke of 14.5 inches | Check On Amazon |
1. Ravin R20 Crossbow Package (Best Crossbow For The Money 2022)
We think the Ravin R20 crossbow is an excellent choice for someone looking for quality crossbows. This crossbow features a total length is 34.5 inches. The crossbow has a width axle of 6 inches when cocked and uncocked width axle is 10.5 inches.
A great thing about this crossbow is the kinetic energy it generates. The kinetic energy the crossbow produces is 164. In addition, the draw weight of the crossbow is 12 pounds. When we first tried the bow, we found out that when it comes to performance, the crossbow is high-performing and fast.
It features HeliCoil technology that enhances the speed and accuracy of the crossbow. The 13-inch power stroke is capable of providing 430 FPS speed of the crossbow.
The crossbow has an illuminated scope that will increase accuracy. It has a built-in cocking mechanism and an anti-dry fire system. This makes the crossbow safe and easy to use. The crossbow has a built-in sling mount that will make it easy to carry around.
The weight of Ravin R20 Crossbow is 7.1 pounds. It is a lightweight of crossbow that you can hold for a long time without putting a strain on your hand. This crossbow is compact and perfect for hunting.
Hence, we think this is a great crossbow for the money as it will make hunting fun and convenient.
Key features
*This is a compact and lightweight crossbow
*The crossbow features HeliCoil technology
*The speed it offers is 430 FPS
*It is a 13-inch power stroke that produces 164 kinetic energy
*Enhances the accuracy and speed
*Comes with illuminated scope
*Features an anti-dry fire system
*Available with built-in cocking mechanism
*It features built-in sling mount
*The weight of the crossbow is 7.1 pounds
What’s Included
1 x Crossbow
1 x Crossbow case
6 x Ravin arrows
Note:
If you want to hunt from a distance, a crossbow scope is an essential accessory. It is great for providing precise and accurate shots. There are different types of scopes, the most common ones include red dot scope and optical scope.
What we like
- Accurate and precise shots
- Compact and lightweight design, which makes it easy to hold
- Reduces vibration, which makes it easy to aim
What we don’t like
- Scope lacks multiple reticles
2. Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 400 Crossbow Package
This is a quality crossbow that is available on the market. We think the Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 400 is a decent crossbow for the money as it offers an amazing combination of comfort, power, and speed. It features 13 inches power stroke, making it an ideal choice for hunters.
I personally think the best feature of the crossbow is the REDS string suppressors. These dampeners are able to reduce noise, shock, and vibration. The string suppressors are removable, so you can easily reposition them to make sure they last for a long time.
The axis to axis length of the crossbow when cocked is 6 inches while uncocked it is 10.5 inches. This makes it simple to handle the bow. A great thing about this crossbow is that it is easy to operate. It features twin PowerLoad limbs along with a string and cable system. This ensures solid and stable performance.
The fiberglass and composite construction help in keeping the weight manageable. This increases the sturdiness and durability of the crossbow, making sure it lasts for years to come (mine still feels like new after 10 years of use). It is capable of providing speed up to 400 FPS.
A remarkable thing about this crossbow is its upgraded Excalibur twilight DLX illuminated scope. It will make it easy to aim and shoot when the lighting condition is dull. It features an adjustable cheekpiece that will make it easy to handle with both, left and right-handed shooters.
Additionally, Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 400 Crossbow has an anti-dry fire system, making it safe to use. When you dry fire, the crossbow will catch the string, preventing the wildlife to know about your presence. Another good thing is the release feature. This will eliminate the need to shoot an arrow so you can recock the bow.
If you hunt in a challenging environment, this bow might be perfect for you.
Key Features
*The crossbow has 13 inches power stroke
*Features REDS string suppressors
*Excellent noise, vibration, shock reducing capabilities
*Comes with twin PowerLoad limbs
*Offers speed 400 FPS
*It features upgraded Excalibur twilight DLX illuminated scope
*Has an adjustable cheek piece
*The crossbow has an anti-dry fire system
*Excellent release feature
What’s Included
1 x Crossbow
1 x Quiver
1 x ExShield crossbow case
3 x Boltcutter broadheads
4 x Arrows
Note:
Invest in a quality crossbow target, it will enable you to practice your aim. A crossbow target will be capable of withstanding the kinetic energy and higher speeds that are produced by the crossbow.
What we like
- It features a rope string
- Available with a bag
- Offers the best combination of power and speed
What we don’t like
- This is not good for beginner
3. TenPoint Warrior G3 Crossbow Package
Another good crossbow for for the money is the Wicked Ridge by TenPoint. We think it is an ideal choice, because it is a fast, compact, and lightweight crossbow providing an exceptional user experience. This is an award-winning crossbow that offers excellent performance.
A special thing about this crossbow is its 13.5 inches power stroke. It is capable of delivering 320 FPS speed along with 96 FP of kinetic energy. This is compatible with the ACU-52 self-retracting rope cocking system. It will make it easy and simple to use.
Furthermore, the draw weight of the crossbow is 155 pounds that will make the crossbow stable. The length of the crossbow with stirrup is 37.75 inches. The axle to axle width cocked is 19 inches while uncocked is 22.6.
Thanks to the T3 trigger, you can get a smooth and crisp trigger pull. This is great for providing accurate shots. In addition, the trigger offers minimal creep for safety purposes. The dimensions of the crossbow are 37.8 x 22.6 x 10.6 inches. The weight of the crossbow is 6.6 pounds.
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Crossbows Warrior G3 Crossbow comes with a multi-line scope that will enable you to take precise and accurate shots every time. Moreover, it is available with an instant-detach 3-arrow quiver, aluminum arrows, and 100-grain practice tips.
I bought this crossbow a few years ago to test it and I absolutely loved the design of the bow.
Key Features
*This crossbow offers award-winning performance
*It is a compact and lightweight crossbow
*The length of the crossbow is 37.75 inches
*The axle to axle width of the crossbow is 22.6 inches uncocked and 19 inches cocked
*It has a draw weight of 155 pounds
*Features 13 inches power stroke
*It offers 320 FPS speed with 96 FP of kinetic energy
*Has a T3 trigger delivers a crisp and smooth pull
*It offers accurate and precise shots
*Provides minimal creep for enhancing safety
*It is compatible with the ACU-52 self-retracting rope-cocking system
What’s Included
1 x Wicked Ridge crossbow
1 x multi-line scope
1 x Quiver
3 x 100-grain practice tips
3 x Aluminum arrows
Note:
One of the indispensable accessories to have with your crossbow is a cocking device. Though you can manually cock your bow, it is good to use a cocking device. You have to get a cocking device that can easily be mounted on your crossbow.
What we like
- Perfect for beginners, but also for experienced hunters
- Powerful and durable
- Accurate to 100 yards
What we don’t like
- Lacks a rope cocking device
4. Barnett 78131 Wildcat C7 Crossbow Package
Another good crossbows you can find on the market is Barnett 78131 Wildcat C7. This crossbow features a triggertech trigger that will provide outstanding performance. It has an anti-dry fire trigger system, which will make sure your prey is not aware of your presence.
I think the best thing about this crossbow is that it comes mostly assembled. For me, as beginner back in the days, this was an amazing plus. This is a good crossbow for the money that comes with high definition camo. It is an amazing crossbow that enables the integration of the crank cocking device.
A remarkable thing about this crossbow is that it is capable of firing bolts at 350 FPS and generates 91 FP of kinetic energy. In addition, the crossbow has a draw weight of 165 pounds. This bow has ergonomic design that will make sure it offers optimal maneuverability and comfort. Moreover, it has a quality and stable built offering a powerful draw.
The Barnett 78131 Wildcat C7 Crossbow features quad style and energetic limbs that provides an excellent shot at hunting. I like the way the bow is designed; very comfortable to hold. That is why it has the perfect placement of thumb hole. This crossbow comes with a rope cocking device, 4 x 32 scope, quiver, and arrows.
Key Features
*This is a high performing crossbow
*Features anti-dry fire mechanism
*Has triggertech trigger
*The bow comes assembled
*Capable of providing 350 FPS with 91 kinetic energy
*Well-constructed and durable
*Has ergonomic design making it easy to control
*Manufactured for providing utmost comfort
*It has quad style and energetic limbs
*Available with quiver, arrows, scope, and rope cocking device
What’s Included
1 x Crossbow
1 x Quiver
1 x Rope cocking device
1 x 4 x 32 Scope
2 x 20-inch arrows
Note:
Not all the crossbows have a noiseless operation, this is why you should get a noise dampening kit. It is crucial for hunters to have a crossbow that offers silent operation. If your crossbow makes noise, it will spook the animals. So, get a noise dampening kit that will reduce the noise made by your crossbow.
What we like
- Comes with solid arrows
- Ergonomic design
- Excellent for amateurs
What we don’t like
- Noisy when shots are fired
5. Bruin Outdoors Ambush 370 Crossbow Package
The Bruin outdoors Ambush 370 is made of high-quality materials. I think the best feature of the crossbow is that it is light in weight. This crossbow is designed keeping in mind all types of the hunter.
The crossbow has 13.75 inches of power stoke. It is a powerful bow offering 370 FPS with 380-grain carbon bolts, making it capable of killing large wildlife. A great thing about this crossbow its construction. This is a reliable and sturdy crossbow that includes composite/ aluminum barrel, and reliable limbs. It ensures the bow will last for a long time. I personally don’t own one of these, but my colleague John does. He’s very pleased with the bow.
Additionally, the crossbow has 175 pounds draw weight, making it perfect for both, beginners, and advanced hunters. A wonderful feature of the crossbow is its quick detachable quiver. It will enable you to store plenty of arrows and have them within easy reach.
Barnett 78131 Wildcat C7 Crossbow features an anti-dry fire trigger pack to keep you safe and protected. It comes with an adjustable AR tactical buttstock. The bow has AR grip thanks to its lightweight compact riser design. In addition, it has an exchangeable retention spring making sure it offers exceptional performance.
The weight of the bow is 6.7 pounds, which you can hold for a long time without any trouble. The length of the bow is adjustable; you can choose from 34.5 to 37 inches. The axle to axle width is 4 inches when cocked and 18 inches when uncocked.
I think this might be a good choice for you if you are looking for a powerfull, beginner friendly bow.
Key Features
*It is a top-quality crossbow with 13.75 inches power stroke
*Features composite/aluminum barrel
*Has anti-dry fire system
*This bow has lightweight compact riser design
*Available with exchangeable retention spring
*Comes with a detachable quiver
*The crossbow has adjustable AR tactical buttstock
What’s Included
1 x Ambush 370 crossbow
1 x 4×32 scope
1 x 3-bolt quiver
1 x String stopper with silencers
1 x Cocking rope
1 x Limb dampeners
1 x String silencers
1 x String wax
3 x Carbon bolts
Note:
With the help of a crossbow sling, you can conveniently walk with your crossbow. This will make it easy to do other tasks like using binoculars or drinking water without setting down your crossbow. It will even allow you to have your hands free.
What we like
- Comfortable and AR grip
- Comes with detachable quiver
- Sturdy and powerful crossbow
What we don’t like
- Removing arrows from the target can be difficult
6. XGear 150lbs 325fps Crossbow Archery Bow
XGear Crossbow is a wonderful choice for all types of archers. This bow features 14.5 inches power stroke, which is capable of delivering high performance. I think it is a great bow that provides maximum speed of 325 FPS. The draw weight of the bow is 150 pounds and trigger pull is 5 pounds. This crossbow is manufactured for delivering exceptional user experience.
A great thing about this crossbow is its arrow tip weight; it weighs about 125 grains. The length of the crossbow is 33 inches and the width is 22 inches. For protecting you, the crossbow has anti-dry fire mechanism. Thanks to this feature, your prey will not be aware of your presence.
The weight of the XGear 150lbs 325fps Crossbow is 8.9 pounds. The crossbow comes with a 4×32 aluminum scope, a padded sling, 20 inches aluminum arrows, cocking rope, quiver, and rail lube wax.
Key Features
*This is a lightweight crossbow
*It features 14.5 inches power stroke
*Capable of delivering high performance
*Offers maximum speed of 325 FPS
*The draw weight of the bow is 150 pounds
*Weight of trigger pull is 5 pounds
*The arrow tip weight is 125 grains
*Length of the crossbow is 33 inches
*Width is 22 inches
*The crossbow has an anti-dry fire mechanism
*Weight of the crossbow is 8.9 pounds
*Comes with a 4×32 aluminum scope, a padded sling, 20 inches aluminum arrows, cocking rope, quiver, and rail lube wax
What’s Included
1 x Crossbow
1 x Padded sling
1 x Cocking rope
1 x Rail lube wax
1 x Quiver
4 x Aluminum arrows
Note:
Thanks to the crossbow case, you can take your crossbow anywhere without damaging it. A carry case will ensure the optics of the crossbow doesn’t get misaligned. It will be spacious enough to keep your accessories safe as well.
What we like
- Offers excellent speed
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Comes with a scope
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for young archers
Buying Guide for the Best Crossbow for the Money
Choosing the right crossbow for your needs is a challenging and dreadful task. You will have to consider a lot of factors to ensure the crossbow is perfect for you. Since crossbow is a long-term investment, you don’t want to have a crossbow that will become obsolete in a few years.
Without a doubt, you want to buy a crossbow that will last for years to come. This is why why wrote a buying guide that will help you buy the best crossbow for the money.
Type of the Crossbow
The first thing you should focus on is the type of crossbow. There are many types of crossbows available on the market. The most common ones are:
*Recurve crossbow
*Compound crossbow
*Bullet crossbow
*Rifle crossbow
*Repeating crossbow
Draw Weight
One of the factors that you need to consider is the draw weight of the crossbow. Not all the crossbows are made equal; this is why every crossbow has a different draw weight. It is usually dependent on how much pull it will take to draw the bow. In addition, the weight has a direct impact on the speed of the crossbow. The heavier the crossbow, the faster the arrow speed.
Speed
The most important thing you need to focus on is the speed of the crossbow. The speed of the crossbow depends on the purpose of using it. For instance, if you are looking for the highest speed crossbow, the best choice might be a compound or reverse crossbow.
Moreover, you should even consider the bolt used in the crossbow. For providing maximum speed, the bolt strength and size must be correct.
Noise
The market is filled with different types of crossbows. Not all the bows offer crossbow quiet operation. For hunting, you need to have a bow that makes less noise. The quietest crossbow available on the market is recurved model with parallel limbs. However, it is not the fastest bow. The reverse or compound crossbows are fastest bows. So, you should keep your purpose in mind when deciding which crossbow to get.
Price
It is one of the most crucial factors that you should not ignore. On the market, there are both, cheap and expensive crossbows. Though it is correct an expensive bow will be made from top quality materials, there are some crossbows that are inexpensive and of high quality. You have to keep in mind you will get what you are paying for. One thing that you should definitely avoid is not getting a low-quality crossbow.
Weight of the Bow
Not many people pay attention to the weight of the crossbow. It is an imperative factor as the stability of the bow depends on the weight. A heavy bow will make sure it stays stable and will make it easy to control.
In case you need a crossbow for hunting, it must be lightweight. This is because you will be walking all day and will need to carry it around. The thing you need to keep in mind is your strength and how much weight you can easily carry.
Extra Features
Though crossbows have a basic design, some bows are available with extra features. These features are included for enhancing safety, dependability, and accuracy of the crossbow. The most common features are noise-dampening devices, cocking devices, and scopes. Thanks to the scope, you can make an accurate shot. The cocking aids help to cock the bow properly. The noise dampening device will reduce noise and vibration.
A great crossbow will have all these features making it a perfect option. Depending on your needs and budget, you can get a crossbow that you like to most.
Bottom Line
We hope this buying will help you choose the best crossbow for the money. You can easily choose a bow from our list keeping in mind the factors you need to pay attention to. Yet, the final decision is dependent on your preference.
If you want to get a powerful and high performing crossbow, buy TenPoint Crossbows Warrior G3 Crossbow Package or Bruin Outdoors Ambush 370 Crossbow Package.
For having a durable and sturdy bow, invest in Barnett 78131 Wildcat C7 Crossbow Package or XGear Crossbow Archery Bow.
In case you want to buy a lightweight crossbow, Ravin R20 Crossbow Package is an ideal choice.
Related: check out my Barnett Wildcat C5 Review!
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