Choosing the right beginner crossbow is crucial for new shooters and hunters. A great beginner-friendly crossbow should be easy to use, accurate, and safe while offering solid performance. In this guide, we review the top beginner crossbows based on features, performance, and value.
Top 6 Best Crossbows for Beginners
1. Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package (Quiver, 3 – 20-Inch Arrows and Premium Red Dot Sight)
An affordable and reliable choice, the Barnett Jackal is perfect for those new to crossbows. It comes with a red dot sight, a quiver, and arrows, making it a ready-to-use package.
Specifications:
- Speed: 315 FPS
- Draw Weight: 150 lbs
- Power Stroke: 12 inches
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
Pros:
Budget-friendly starter crossbow Lightweight and ergonomic design Comes with essential accessories
Cons:
Louder than some higher-end models No built-in crank system
2. BARNETT CROSSBOWS Explorer XP Crossbow Package with Carbon Arrows, Quiver, Rope Cocking Device
The Barnett XP 380 is a compact crossbow with impressive speed and power. It’s great for those who want a balance between affordability and performance.
Specifications:
- Speed: 380 FPS
- Draw Weight: 185 lbs
- Power Stroke: 13.75 inches
- Weight: 6.3 lbs
Pros: Fast and powerful for a beginner crossbow Includes a crank cocking device Easy to assemble and sight in
Cons: Slightly heavier than other beginner models String may need frequent waxing
3. Wicked Ridge by TenPoint Raider 400 De-Cock Crossbow, Peak XT – 400 FPS – Includes ACUdraw De-Cock, Lighted 3X Pro-View Scope & Three Match 400 Carbon Alpha-Nock Arrows
A high-performance yet beginner-friendly option, the Wicked Ridge Invader 400 offers speed, safety, and reliability.
Specifications:
- Speed: 400 FPS
- Draw Weight: 185 lbs
- Power Stroke: 13.5 inches
- Weight: 6 lbs
Pros: T4 trigger system for smooth shots ACUdraw system for effortless cocking Extremely accurate
Cons: Slightly higher price range for beginners Bolts need frequent retightening
4. Excalibur 308 Short Banshee
A great choice for those who prefer a recurve crossbow, the Excalibur 308 Short Banshee is simple to maintain and use.
Specifications:
- Speed: 308 FPS
- Draw Weight: 254 lbs
- Power Stroke: 11.3 inches
- Weight: 5.4 lbs
Pros: Recurve design means fewer maintenance issues Compact and lightweight Durable and long-lasting
Cons: Slower speed compared to compound crossbows Requires more effort to cock manually
5. Best TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow Package (Crossbow+Pro-View 3 Scope+Quiver+3 Arrows)
The TenPoint Titan M1 offers high accuracy and power in a compact frame, making it a great beginner crossbow for serious hunters.
Specifications:
- Speed: 370 FPS
- Draw Weight: 180 lbs
- Power Stroke: 14 inches
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
Pros: ACUdraw crank system for easy cocking Compact and well-balanced design Very accurate out of the box
Cons: Slightly expensive for beginners Scope could be better
6. Best beginners CenterPoint Sniper Elite 385 Compound Crossbow air Pistol
A well-rounded option, the CenterPoint Sniper Elite 385 is great for beginners looking for an affordable yet powerful crossbow.
Specifications:
- Speed: 385 FPS
- Draw Weight: 185 lbs
- Power Stroke: 14 inches
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
Pros: Adjustable stock for a customized fit High-speed performance at a budget price Includes a 4×32 scope, quiver, and arrows
Cons: A bit heavier than competitors Assembly may take longer for beginners
FAQ: Best Crossbows for Beginners
What is the best beginner crossbow for adults?
The Barnett XP 380 and Wicked Ridge Invader 400 are great beginner crossbows for adults. They offer a balance of speed, accuracy, and ease of use, making them ideal for new shooters.
What is the best reasonably priced crossbow?
If you’re on a budget, the Barnett Jackal Package and CenterPoint Sniper Elite 385 offer excellent performance at an affordable price. They include essential accessories, making them great value-for-money choices.
What is the most reliable crossbow brand?
Top brands known for reliability include:
- TenPoint – High-quality, precision engineering
- Excalibur – Durable recurve crossbows
- Barnett – Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Ravin – Premium technology and performance
What is the best crossbow for older hunters?
Older hunters may prefer crossbows with easy cocking mechanisms like the TenPoint Titan M1 (ACUdraw crank system) or Excalibur 308 Short Banshee (lightweight recurve design).
How are crossbows rated from best to worst?
Crossbows are typically rated based on:
- Accuracy & Power
- Ease of Use
- Durability
- Value for Money
Brands like TenPoint and Excalibur often rank the highest in reliability, while Barnett offers solid performance at a lower price point.
What is the most reliable crossbow?
The TenPoint Titan M1 and Excalibur 308 Short Banshee are known for their durability and precision, making them some of the most reliable crossbows available.
What is the best starter crossbow package?
The Barnett Jackal Package is an excellent starter kit as it includes a red dot sight, arrows, and a quiver—everything a beginner needs to get started.
What is the most durable crossbow?
Recurve crossbows like the Excalibur 308 Short Banshee are often more durable due to their simpler design and fewer moving parts. Compound crossbows like TenPoint and Ravin models also offer high durability but require more maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right beginner crossbow depends on your needs and budget. For affordability, the Barnett Jackal is a great entry-level option. If you want speed and power, the Wicked Ridge Invader 400 and Barnett XP 380 offer impressive performance. For those preferring recurve crossbows, the Excalibur 308 Short Banshee is an excellent low-maintenance choice.
No matter which crossbow you choose, practice and safety are key to a successful hunting or shooting experience. Happy shooting!
