When looking into crossbow hunting for the first time or looking for a backup bow, less expensive models offer a fantastic alternative to more premium options. Remember that an inexpensive crossbow (less than $500) doesn’t need to be cheaply made. In this article we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you find a quality crossbow on a budget.
Saving money on a crossbow
Most people shopping for crossbows under $500 are new to the sport, so before jumping in I want to welcome you to the crew (!) and share some of the basics.
Crossbows differ from bow and arrows because they have the ability to remain drawn without any effort. What’s more, they don’t use traditional arrows. Instead, crossbows shoot quarrels and bolts, which are shorter than arrows while remaining a consistent weight to make for accurate target shooting. Typically, these bolts can be reused.
Crossbows are generally used for hunting purposes, but they can also be used for a wide variety of other shooting sports, like target shooting or field shooting. That said, hunting with a crossbow brings people back to nature in a way that rifle hunting simply can’t.
Crossbows come in many shapes, sizes, forms, and brands. Keep in mind what you plan on using the crossbow for and shop for features according to your needs, as well as your capabilities to use the specific device.
There are two main types of crossbows that you can purchase, depending on your skill level and what you plan on using it for:
- Recurve crossbows contain tips that curve away from your body when you hold the contraption. They also make louder sounds when they’re shot, which usually isn’t ideal when hunting. Recurve crossbows can be made from either fiberglass or carbon foam, depending on the weight of the crossbow you want to purchase.
- Compound crossbows have stiffer limbs and require less strength to operate. Additionally, they use strings and pulleys to initiate the shot.
Several different factors contribute to the overall cost of the product. For instance, certain brands of crossbows are going to cost more than others, and certain materials are more expensive.
When looking at the average crossbow, you will typically see that they range from $600 to $2,600. For instance, the Ravin r15 Crossbow’s price is around $2,000. Mission Crossbows are also among the most expensive devices you can buy. Finding options below $500 is becoming more difficult each year, but they still exist. Regardless of the brand, size, gadgets, or the location of your purchase, you should expect to pay at least $200 for a crossbow.
Any device that’s cheaper than $200 isn’t recommended because the quality is expected to be very poor and most likely isn’t worth the investment of your time or money. If you’re looking for a decent, entry-level model, your minimum investment should probably be around $500.
Best crossbows for under $500
CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 Camo Crossbow Package
At around $350, this budget option has beneficial features for both beginners and experienced shooters. This device has the ability to shoot arrows at a speed of 380 FPS. Additionally, this crossbow presents you with a whisper silencing system, which is beneficial for hunters who need a silent shot.
The CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 Crossbow is also a good option because it presents a compact design that’s unseen elsewhere in this class. In addition to that, this device contains compression fiberglass quad limbs and is made from aluminum, which makes the product look like an expensive, high-quality crossbow at a lower price.
Pros:
- Narrow 14-inch cocked width from axle to axle
- Contains rubber padded grips for comfort
- Includes a CNC machined cam system
Cons:
- Only has a draw weight of 185 lbs (which some hunters think is too low)
Excalibur Matrix Grizzly Black Shadow Crossbow
Coming in at around $450, the Excalibur Matrix Grizzly Black Shadow just barely makes the cut of being under $500. In addition to being affordable, this crossbow also comes with a free trophy ridge padded sling as well as a free lens optic cleaning system. Moreover, this crossbow has a draw weight of 200 lbs, which is surprising considering the price of the device.
The Excalibur Matrix Grizzly Black Shadow Crossbow device also comes in a package, so it includes other additional features, such as a scope with a mount, a quiver, as well as multiple arrows. This device is also recommended for individuals that are using the device while hunting because it contains a string suppression system that is responsible for reducing the vibrations of the device, which essentially makes the crossbow quieter to use.
Pros:
- Contains a super strong composite frame for extra stability
- Lightweight, at only 5.5 lbs
Cons:
- Only has the ability to shoot arrows at speeds up to 305 FPS, which is slower than most of the other crossbows listed
PSE Archery Jolt Hunting Crossbow Package
This crossbow is recommended for you if you are on a tight budget because it is the cheapest crossbow available that offers any level of quality. It comes with a package and is still only $125.
This crossbow is a recurve device and includes a red dot scope. Not only that, but the package that the PSE Archery Jolt Hunting Crossbow comes in also includes four 18 inch bolts, rubber string grooves, a cocking rope device, a quiver for the bolts, and rail wax lube.
This device is also recommended for beginners because it contains a package of the features needed to start learning how to use a crossbow properly. The quality is clearly lesser than that of other devices, but this is still a good beginner crossbow.
Pros:
- Includes a rubber coated foot stirrup
- Lightweight at only 5.8 lbs
- Contains a retractable shoulder shock
Cons:
- Only has a draw weight of 175 lbs
- Has the ability to only shoot bolts at 250 FPS
Arrow Precision Inferno Wildfire Crossbow
This is one of the best cheap crossbows available. It is a recurve crossbow and it only costs $300, which is cheaper than the average recurve crossbow at $800. In addition to that, this microprint camo crossbow has the ability to shoot arrows at 345 FPS, while also having a draw weight of 225 lbs. It includes a scope and presents you with a noise reduction system, which makes this product highly suitable for hunters on a budget.
With the purchase of the Arrow Precision Inferno, you will also receive four 20 inch carbon bolts as well as a detachable quiver, which is convenient for you if you’re able to shoot fast and have to reload the quiver with bolts frequently.
Pros:
- Padded sling
- Stringer cable
- Rope cocker
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Has no de-cocking feature
PSE Fang Series Compound Crossbow
At $300, the PSE Fang Series Compound Crossbow offers a significantly discounted option from what you might expect from your local hunting store. This is a compound crossbow not a recurve, and it is extremely lightweight for you to use, since it only weighs 6 lbs. In addition to this, the PSE Fang Series Compound Crossbow has the ability to shoot arrows at a speed of 350 FPS.
This crossbow is recommended because you have the option to choose the specific color that you want the crossbow in, since it can be manufactured in different colors. Additionally, this device measures 35 inches in length and includes an ADF trigger, which is an anti dry fire trigger that allows you to have precise control when shooting and pulling the trigger.
Pros:
- Includes a removable scope
- Comes with arrows
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Has a draw weight of only 155 lbs
- Budget Crossbows With a Brand Name
Barnett Recruit Tactical Compound Crossbow Package
This crossbow is highly recommended for you if you want Barnett quality at an entry level price. Starting around $299, the Barnett Recruit is one of the most affordable crossbows on this list. It has the ability to shoot arrows at a speed measuring 330 FPS, which is faster than a large amount of other crossbows on the market.
Not only that, but this crossbow also contains a trigger that has an anti-dry fire technology system, which is beneficial for beginners to feel comfortable using the device.
Additionally, the Barnett Recruit Tactical Compound Crossbow comes in a package that contains a quiver, two arrows that measure 20 inches long each, a rope cocking device, and a scope. This crossbow is perfect for beginners because it comes in a package while also having a cheaper price than the other crossbows.
Pros:
- Comes almost completely assembled
- Contains a lightweight, composite stock
Cons:
- Only has a draw weight of 130 lbs
CenterPoint Sniper Crossbow Package
The highlight of CenterPoint’s budget crossbow is its high number of features. It’s also made of high quality materials and is cheaper than the average crossbow selling for under $300. This crossbow has the ability to shoot bolts at 370 FPS, which is higher than most of the other crossbows at this price.
In addition to these features, this crossbow also contains a fully adjustable stick as well as a forearm, which is beneficial for those that are more experienced with shooting crossbows. It comes in a package, so it contains a variety of extras, including three 20 inch carbon bolts, a quiver, and a rope cocker.
The CenterPoint Sniper Crossbow is good for a wide variety of people. Beginners will appreciate getting an all in one package that suits their needs and experienced shooters benefit from the additional features that CenterPoint brings to the table.
Pros:
- Has a draw weight of 185 lbs
- Contains integrated suppressors for quiet shooting
- Represents a CNC-machined cam system
- Includes an auto safety trigger
Cons:
The bolts included are lightweight compared to the speed that the crossbow can shoot at
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow
Another Barnett makes it onto our list. This crossbow has the ability to shoot arrows at a speed of 350 FPS, which is fast compared to most of the other crossbows listed. This crossbow is also suitable for beginners because it’s lightweight, measuring only 6.4 lbs.
Not only is this crossbow name-brand and affordable, but it also comes in a package with additional features. More specifically, this package includes a scope, a rope cocking device, a lightweight quiver, two arrows measuring 20 inches each, as well as lube wax for the strings.
Pros:
- Contains stainless steel components
- Has a draw weight of 150 lbs
Cons:
Requires that you lube the strings every 10 shots