Crossbows were used extensively in the past but they are used by lots of people even today. Do you know why is that so? One reason may be that people are fascinated by the historical perspective of crossbows as they are the advanced versions of the traditional bow and arrow structure. The other reason can be that people may love the classic look of the crossbows or even with so much technological advancement and lots of new sports, they still crave and love the ancient sport of hunting practiced by their ancestors. Whatever the reason is, the crossbow is a beautiful and elegant tool which no other tool can out-match especially when it comes to hunting.

Many people tend to prefer short-cuts nowadays and use guns and rifles to hunt as they are easy to use, can be around easily and are fast as well. Crossbows may require one to put lots of effort in order to use it and may be difficult to carry as well but it is only they, who are able to provide the thrill and drill of hunting. People who understand this fact that guns and pistols, no matter how great they are, can never carry out the true meaning of hunting, enjoy the pure essence of hunting.

We believe that true hunting can only be done by crossbows. Crossbows were originated somewhere around 5th to 7th century BC. We have come so far from the traditionally and conventionally designed bow and arrow structure. Modern times call for more modern weapons and tools and that is why today so many types and designs of cheap crossbows are found worldwide. Each has its own pros and cons. Also, if you want to buy one for yourself, then we have a buyer’s guide for you along with some top reviews of the most fascinating crossbows that you will ever find anywhere. But before that let us have a look at the features a good crossbow has so we know what should we look in a crossbow actually.

Things to Look for in a Good Crossbow

A good crossbow is known for a lot of things. Let us discuss the features a good crossbow should have:

1- Power

Power is one of the most important features of a good crossbow. Why? Because it determines the shooting effectiveness of the crossbow. A good crossbow has a good amount of power in it and is capable of releasing the arrow with a high velocity and marks a longer shooting range as well. When you want to determine the power of a crossbow, then you need to look at the quality of the arrows being shot from it, the quality of the bowstring and the entire mechanism of the crossbow. That gives a person a fair amount of insight into the effectiveness and power of the crossbow in hand.

2- Precision

Precision means accuracy and determines how close you have shot to the target. If you hit the target at the right place, then, of course, it is a 100% precision. However, if you do not hit the target, then the deviation from the target determines the level of precision. Now you must be thinking, if it is about hitting and missing a target, then precision should depend on the shooter. Yes, it depends on the shooting skills of the hunter but it also depends on the crossbow as well. The overall construction and design of the crossbow, along with its power determines the accuracy of the crossbow.

3- Suitability

Suitability describes how fit is the crossbow for the purpose it is designed for. A crossbow is normally designed for hunting so a suitable crossbow would be apt and suitable for hunting and an unsuitable one will not be. However, there are also cases where suitability is checked for small range shooting and long range shooting. So, yes we judge crossbow suitability on various parameters where the most common one is “hunting”. The weight of the crossbow and the noise it makes are also checked when suitability is determined.

4- Design and Construction of Crossbows

An effective and accurate crossbow sells quickly but so does a beautifully and elegantly designed one. The crossbow which is strong and is made up of top-notch materials speaks for itself and compels the onlookers to buy it as soon as they see. Ans isn’t that the whole point? People usually go to specifications later but first narrow down their options just by reading the names of the crossbows or by having a look at them in 95% of the cases. Either they want to look cooler by carrying a chic crossbow or they want to buy that something that complements their personality too. So, it is clear that a cool looking beautiful crossbow tends to attract more people than an average one and sells more.

5- Value for Money

Value for Money is a very important factor that needs to determine when you are buying something. You wouldn’t want to buy an item that is overpriced and is not worth its price and similarly, you wouldn’t want to buy an item that is cheap and is almost useless. We look for the perfect balance. If you have two crossbows in front of you with the same price, then, of course, you will go for the one that is more beautiful looking and most preferably that more fascinating and useful features so that you make a good investment. Now that is value for money. After all, who wants to waste their hard earned money? Literally, no one!

Crossbow Reviews 2019

1- 150 lbs Recurve Open Frame Wood Stock Rifle Crossbow


The 150 lb crossbow is a type of recurve crossbow and is fully constructed of wood and metal which means that it is highly durable and strong. This crossbow is a beautiful black and brown in color and requires a draw weight of 150 pounds which makes it good for small game hunting but unfortunately, it can’t killdeers, bears or elks for you. It is a beautifully designed crossbow with the barrel of aluminum fitted onto the open-stock of dark wood. It also has a limb that is constructed of fiberglass and the overall length of the crossbow is 33 inches where the length of the bow is 27-1/2 inches from tip to tip.

Isn’t that awesome? Furthermore, it comes with adjustable sights as well and a fully functioning safety fire switch for increased safety of the user. It features a foot stirrup as well for convenient cocking and comes with two aluminum arrows and bolts. This recurve crossbow is reasonable when it comes to its price and is very accurate as well. However, it does not have a scope to help out in long range hunting and it does not include Allen wrench for assembly as well. So, it is overall a good option for those who want to do small scale hunting.

2- 55 LBS 29" Draw Length Archery Hunting Compound Bow 206 FPS


The 55 LBS 29” Draw Length Archery Hunting Bow is a type of compound bow and is really good for beginners. It has a reasonable price and is simple to use as well. This compound crossbow gives the shooters the best chance to polish their skills and ace up their hunting game. This one requires a draw weight of 55 LBS and has a draw length of 29 inches. It is highly durable and is made up of top-notch materials. This compound bow features a 41.5 inches axle to axle and has an FPS of 206 which is quite remarkable. This bow is strong and long lasting as well as it has a compressed limb span balance and has a net weight of 4 lbs.

It also has a strong and durable piece layered limb that is used to draw weight. It enhances its accuracy via a decent connection with rigid tolerances and its limbs are also kept in place by the back pivoting limb pockets. The overall design of this sleek crossbow is highly decent and simple and gives off a modern aura. This 55 lbs compound bow also gets a slight waffle look because of cutouts in its riser. The 55 lbs hunting compound bow is a very useful bow and does what it is capable of very splendidly. It is simple to use and is very accurate as well. Also, its price is highly reasonable making it a good choice for all shooters. However, this bow does not have additional adjusting features.

3- MTech USA Composite Crossbow 31" Overall 130 Lbs. Draw Weight


The MTech USA Composite Crossbow 31 inches is one of the best crossbows for hunting. However, you can also use it for target practicing. This crossbow features a draw weight of 130 lbs which is awesome and the good news is that this amount of draw weight is enough to kill most of the animals. You can up your hunting game with it as it is highly accurate as well. This composite crossbow has foldable limbs made up of fiberglass and comes with an aluminum alloy barrel too. There is an auto safety switch which is quite useful.

This one is pure black in color and is beautifully designed that when combined with its remarkable features makes it very hard to resist. This composite crossbow comes with two 14 inches bolts and an extra drawstring as well. It also comes with adjustable sight and a foot stirrup that helps greatly in providing the necessary draw weight for the crossbow to shoot. Also, this crossbow is rather light because of its composite handle which makes it easier to carry as well. This one is for experts and people who are into more serious hunting and is worth having.

4- 175LB Recurve Crossbow Red Dot Scope Integrated Quiver


The 175 LB Recurve crossbow red dot scope integrated quiver is a crossbow constructed by the renowned brand named MTech USA. It is a type of recurve crossbow and a length of 30.5 inches and a width of 26 inches. The 175 lb draw weight is enough to even kill deers, elks and bears for you. So, yes this recurve crossbow is for more serious shooters. Also, it is quite appealing to look at as well as it stylishly designed in a modern way and features a camo design. The limb and stock of the crossbow are constructed of fiberglass and actually, these parts are the ones featuring camo design on them. The arrow speed of this crossbow is super awesome as it shoots at 245 feet per second. Awesome. Right? This 175 lb recurve crossbow also comes with a red dot scope to aim more accurately and also includes four arrows along with a quiver and a cocking rope. The scope is adjusted on the upper side of the crossbow and gives it a more beautiful look. However, the more the draw weight is, the more difficult it gets to cock the crossbow.

5- Mtech USA 180LB Crossbow - 36 Inch Gold Camo


The MTech USA 180 LB Crossbow is a 36 inches glorious piece of equipment which is quite perfect for hunting and sports shooting. It has an overall length of 36 inches and a width of 21.5 inches. It is a professional crossbow which requires a draw weight of 180 lb in order to perform. Also, it features a compound bow action and a patented “No Dry Fire” trigger mechanism which prevents dry firing. It features a camo design on its composite limbs and stock and a beautiful pulley system that further increases its elegance apart from its effectiveness as well. It is a 370 FPS crossbow which means that the arrows fire from this crossbow at a remarkable velocity of 370 feet per second. That’s huge. Seriously!

This compound crossbow also includes a 4x32 scope, an integrated quiver, a cocking string, and a shoulder strap as well. The shoulder strap makes it easier to carry such a powerful crossbow which can give you some hard time carrying it otherwise. So yeah, the benefits and features of this crossbow are amazing. It also includes four 20 inches arrows and is a very powerful and strong crossbow which is quite expensive but is worth its price.

Features:
  • The following are the features of the MTech USA 180LB Crossbow. Let us have a look at them:
  • 180 Lb draw weight
  • Arrows fire at 370 FPS
  • Patented “No Dry Fire” trigger
  • God Camo coated composite limbs and stock 4×32 Scope
  • Shoulder strap
  • Integrated quiver
  • Includes 4 20 inch arrows
  • A very powerful crossbow at a great price
Measurements:
36 (L) X 21.5 (W)

6- Valiant Sniper Compound Rifle Crossbow 185 lbs 4x32 Scope Package


The Valiant sniper compound rifle crossbow is a professional crossbow that has a rifle like the design and is very focused on its precision and accuracy. It requires an immense draw weight of 185 lbs which is capable of killing deer, elks, and bears and makes it quite effective to perform large scale hunting. Also, it is of 21.5 inches from axle and axle and has a shooting velocity of 370 feet per second. It is pure black in color and looks quite sleek and classy.

It has a power stroke of 13.5 inches and features a length of 36 ¼ inches from foot-claw to stock. The black coated composite limbs and stock gives it a graceful look. This sniper rifle crossbow also includes a 4x32 scope which becomes very useful in doing long range shooting for aiming. Also, it comes 4 pieces of 20 inches bolts made up of aluminum which means that they are strong yet light-weighted to be used easily. This new Valiant crossbow is for more expert players and is bound to make your hunting experience a splendid one with its remarkable features and beautiful look.

Features:
  • 185 Lbs draw weight
  • Arrows fire at 370 FPS
  • Patented Trigger Technology-Dry Fire-Inhibitor
  • Black coated composite limbs and stock
  • 4×32 Scope
  • Includes 4 Pcs of 20-inch Aluminum Bolts
  • A very powerful crossbow at a great price
  • Measurements:
  • Feet per second: 370
  • Axle to Axle: 21.5"
  • Length foot claw to stock: 36 1/4"
  • Power Stroke: 13.5"
  • Draw Weight: 185 lbs
  • Weight: 7.34 lbs

The above-mentioned crossbows are one of the best and are available at very affordable rates in stores online. So, which one are you getting for yourself?