Crossbow Buyer’s Guide: Great Crossbows & Accessories for Deer Season
Awesome Hunting Gear Crossbow Hunters Should Consider For The 2024 Hunting Season
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Hunting season is nearly here, and with it comes our 2024 crossbow buyer's guide. Here, we’ve selected great crossbows and accessories for deer season. If these match your style, consider each one a great buy. But first, take a look at our crossbow buyer's guide on choosing the right crossbow gear for you.
Crossbow Buyer's Guide: How To Choose The Right Crossbow
There are many elements involved in choosing the right crossbow, and crossbow accessories. At the foundation, hunters must choose between a recurve or compound crossbow. Drilling down, and you must decide between forward- or reverse-draw styles, solid limbs or split limbs, stock material differences, and more. Our crossbow buyer's guide has it all broken down for you below.
Know Your Options
In the compound crossbow category, other options abound. For example, an integrated cocking device or rope cocking mechanism? What size and type of bolts and nocks does the crossbow accept? Is there special treatment in the cocking process?
Size & Weight
Of course, size and overall weight of the bow selected should be determined by what type of hunting you mainly do. Those who hunt from a treestand might choose a heavier crossbow than someone who stalks game. A ground blind hunter might select a more compact crossbow than someone who hunts from treestands or stalks. The list goes on.
State Laws
In addition to hunting surroundings impacting crossbow sizing, other things factor in, too. For example, are there restrictions on length or limb-to-limb crossbow length in your state? In some, it’s possible certain crossbow models might be too small. Make sure you know your state's regulations.
Drawing vs. Cocking Devices
Furthermore, ease of cocking is another big deal. Some physically limited or older folks might find crossbows difficult to draw. In that event, they might choose offerings with an easy-to-use cocking device.
Price
Price considerations are important, too. Modern crossbows aren’t cheap. Hunters should observe the offerings, study the price points, and choose the best model that your budget allows. Of course, those pricier crossbows are sweet. But crossbows toward the bottom and middle of the pack are great, too.
Standalone Crossbows vs. Crossbow Packages
Finally, if someone is just starting out, consider going with a crossbow “package” that gets you in the field with everything needed in one purchase. Oftentimes, this can get you hunting for less money. If you buy a standalone crossbow, you’ll have to outfit it with the right accessories. Not all accessories are compatible with every crossbow. Research to determine if you’re making compatible purchases, or not.
Know Your FPS
Of course, make sure your target is rated well enough for your crossbow’s feet per second (fps) rating. Fail to do so, and you’ll be heading back to the store for more crossbow bolts.
Go Into The Field With Crossbows & Crossbow Accessories That Made The H&B Cut
Ravin R29X
The Ravin R29X shoots like a dream. It’s a spec machine and offers much of the best the crossbow market makes available. It features HeliCoil technology, silent cocking abilities, and an ergonomic grip. It shoots 450 fps, delivers 180 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy, and more. Not to mention its 12-pound draw force, 29-inch length, and 6.75-pound overall weight. The stock material is crafted from polymer.
MSRP: $2,349.99
TenPoint Venom X
Another big winner, the TenPoint Venom X makes a stand. It features an AccuSlide cocking and de-cocking system, an S1 trigger, scope struts, and more. It measures 32.5 inches long, 13 inches wide (un-cocked), 9.75 inches wide (un-cocked), and weighs 6.9 pounds. The power stroke is 11.75 inches, draw weight is 215 pounds, and it shoots 370-390 fps (bolt and broadhead depending). It even comes with a 70-yard Pro-View 400 Scope.
MSRP: $1,049.99-$1,149.99
Black Eagle Executioner
Those searching for a good crossbow bolt can find it in the Black Eagle Executioner. This one comes in fletched 20- and 22-inch arrows. Vanes measure 3 inches. Straightness options come in 0.001 or 0.003. Grain weight tolerance is +/- 1. (Editor’s note: Be sure this bolt is compatible with your crossbow, or not.)
MSRP: $50.99-$58.99
Carbon Express D-Stroyer 380
Another solid bolt selection is the Carbon Express D-Stroyer 380. It features Dual Spine Weight Forward Technology for tighter groups and better penetration. It also has BuffTuff reinforcement for a more durable and quieter bolt. Furthermore, it has .0025 spine sorting tolerance and +/- 1.0 grains weight sorting tolerance. Real straightness is +/- 0.003. It comes with moon nocks (plus C nocks — which are compatible with crossbows that use Capture or Alpha Nocks). These feature 3-inch Fusion vanes. (Editor’s note: Be sure this bolt is compatible with your crossbow, or not.)
MSRP: $44.99
TenPoint Axis Tripod
Some crossbow hunters like to use tripods for added stability. The TenPoint Axis Tripod is an excellent option. It uses only half the floor space of other tripods, making it ideal for hunting blinds. It also weighs significantly less than most competitors, collapses down to 25 inches, and extends to 40 inches. The “Hunt Hammock” keeps key items within easy reach. It comes with a built-in compass carry bag.
MSRP: $199.99
Buck Ops Cycloptic-X
New for 2024, the Buck Ops Cycloptic-X is revolutionizing the crossbow game. It uses a new technology called Primetime Color Vision, which produces a clear, bright image even as shooting light fades. (It’s not thermal or night vision, but a new type of technology.) Of course, it has a 1.39-inch HD screen, fully adjustable red/green reticle, manual focus lens, and onboard video capabilities (with micro-SD card slot) for filming the hunt.
MSRP: $599.99
Helix FJ4
The Helix FJ4 is an excellent crossbow broadhead. It builds upon the single bevel design and adds two additional bleeder blades. It delivers excellent penetration, devastating wound channels, and more. Re-sharpen the blades as needed (carefully). As for cutting surface, the 100- and 175-grain broadheads offer 2 1/16 inches, 125- and 200-grain offer 2 1/8 inches, and 150- and 225-grain offer 2 ¼ inches. It comes in a three pack.
MSRP: Varies
Rage Hypodermic Crossbow
Always a favorite, the Rage Hypodermic Crossbow delivers a punishing wound channel. This two-blade broadhead has a hybrid tip. It comes with a stainless steel hypodermic ferrule, 0.035-inch blade thickness, and a 2-inch cutting diameter. It features the High-Energy Series Shock Collar. It weighs 100 grains.
MSRP: $54.99 (per pack)
SEVR Robusto 2.0
Another great broadhead is the SEVR Robusto 2.0. It’s made just for bowhunters, and offers great terminal performance. With it comes increased FOC, better arrow energy, and great wound channels. It weighs 150 grains and delivers a 2-inch cut.
MSRP: $16.99 (per broadhead)
Iron Will Single Bevel 100
The Single Bevel 100 by Iron Will is another popular broadhead. These are engineered to maintain arrow rotational spin through impact. Furthermore, it incorporates a single bevel bleeder blade. You can choose right or left hand twists to match your fletching. Get it in three or six packs.
MSRP: Varies (per pack)
BIG Shot Iron Man 24-Inch Xtreme 500 High Kinetic Energy Crossbow Target
Lastly, crossbow hunters need a good target. The BIG Shot Iron Man 24-Inch Xtreme 500 High Kinetic Energy Crossbow Target checks that box. It’s rated for field points traveling up to 500 fps (and 220 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy). Of course, arrows (bolts) are easy to pull. It even comes with a great nylon facing, and even works well for long-distance shooting (thanks to a large frame).
MSRP: $189.99
Outfit Your Hunt
Regardless of the gear you choose, find items within your budget that fit your style. If you’re confident and capable with it, that’s all that matters. Enjoy the outdoors based on how your budget allows, and enjoy every minute in the field. Stay positive, and it’ll be a great fall and winter. We encourage you to bookmark this crossbow buyer's guide to keep for future reference!