Modern crossbows are extremely durable and fast, but that doesn’t mean they work for everyone. If you haven’t tried target practice with a crossbow, you may not really know what it’s like to use these archery weapons. They are powerful enough to take down big game, but they also require time to get the hang of it.
For those who are just starting out, picking a bow with a high velocity may not be the best way to go about it. A safer, modern bow with lower weight and cocking device is the right starter bow to learn how to shoot with.
BEST CROSSBOWS FOR BEGINNERS
There are hundreds of crossbows on the market currently. Picking the best one for you means understanding what your goals are. Do you want to practice shooting with a crossbow? Are you looking to hunt with a crossbow? If so, what type of game are you after? Large game requires a different kind of bow.
Most crossbows today are able to take out a deer at about 50 yards, but you’ll need to become proficient enough to shoot from that distance beforehand. Realistic ranges for starter crossbows are between 25 and 45 yards. This means that you don’t necessarily need to buy the fanciest bow to start with since you’re learning how to aim anyways.
Should you pick a recurve or compound crossbow to start?
When people think of a crossbow, they generally picture the recurve because of its longer limbs and body shape. This style has been around for hundreds of years, and its value is in the reliability and simplicity of use. There are no cables or pulleys used in this crossbow. You simply load, cock, and shoot.
One thing to remember about the recurve is that it’s not as fast as the compound bow, and it also has a wider axle to axle (ATA) ratio. However, if your goal is to learn to shoot and you don’t need 360 FPS or higher, then a recurve is a great option.
Compound crossbows are the most popular for hunting because they have low draw weights and high FPS. In addition, due to its construction with different pulleys and cables, compact bows have shorter ATA, allowing it to be more portable and easier to handle in the field.
Beginner kits are also much better when you’re starting out because they come with everything you need to assemble and ready your crossbow for target practice.
Crossbows for Women
While some crossbows are specifically designed for women, choosing one of these is not necessary. Selecting a crossbow for anyone should be based on their size and upper body strength.
Some women prefer to use lighter and smaller crossbows as these tend to be better suited to those with smaller frames. Compound crossbow are the perfect weapon choice for most women because of their lightweight design.
The speed or velocity of the bow is also important. With a faster bow, the more likely you will be to hit your target. If you are hunting fast-moving targets, then it’s imperative to purchase a bow with 300 FPS or higher.
Draw weight is also important. Choosing a crossbow with a higher draw weight but one that you can comfortably draw is key.
Youth Crossbows
Youth crossbows are designed for target practice and typically come in a recurve style. While there are some high-priced, compound bows available for younger archers, you want to make sure that they also come with safety attachments, such as anti-dry fire and safety slide technology.