Crossbow Craze: Barnett’s reviews of Jackal, Ghost 410 & more!

Barnett Crossbows Review – Get Ready to Take on the Hunt Like a Pro!

Over half a century ago, Bernard Barnett embarked on a journey from his garage, crafting crossbows for his friends and acquaintances. This passion project evolved into a company that expanded across both the United Kingdom and the United States, with Barnett becoming a pioneer and industry leader in crossbow manufacturing.

Barnett was the first to introduce features such as crank cocking devices and break action cockers in their crossbows, as well as patenting innovations like the folding foot stirrup. Barnett Outdoors LLC has consistently been held in high regard for their ingenuity and top-notch craftsmanship.

Today, Barnett carries on their legacy of excellence in every crossbow they create, whether it’s a compound, hyper, or step-through riser bow. In this review of Barnett crossbows, we’ll explore a few of their models and demonstrate why Barnett’s reputation for quality is truly well-earned. Stay tuned and let’s dive into the world of Barnett crossbows.

 

Barnett Jackal Review: Affordable Power for Crossbow Beginners

To put it simply, the Barnett Jackal is an outstanding choice for anyone new to the world of crossbows. This compound crossbow is not only relatively affordable, but it also packs a punch with its power and draw weight, making it versatile enough for hunting small, medium, or large game. Plus, it’s more than suitable for target practice.

Let’s dive into the specifics of the Barnett Jackal: When fired at point-blank range, this beast of a bow launches arrows at an impressive 315 FPS (feet per second). Using the standard 400-grain, 20-inch arrows designed for this bow, you can expect around 90 foot-pounds of force at point-blank range. As the arrow travels, the force decreases by roughly 3% for every 10 yards of distance. This means you’ll still have about 82 foot-pounds of force at 30 yards, which is enough to take down even a grizzly bear.

Measuring 35.5 inches in length and weighing in at 7.7 pounds, the Barnett Jackal has a 150-pound draw weight. It’s equipped with a foot stirrup to assist in cocking the bow, and an anti-dry firing mechanism that engages the safety lock mode once it’s cocked.

The Barnett Jackal crossbow package comes with everything you need to get started: the bow itself, three 20-inch arrows (though some packages might only include two), a red-dot sight, detachable quivers for your arrows, and all the necessary hardware for assembly.

So, if you’re looking to step into the world of crossbows and want a reliable, powerful, and versatile option that won’t break the bank, the Barnett Jackal should definitely be on your radar.

Pros:

Affordable
Powerful enough for any purpose – hunting or target practice
Anti-dry firing mechanism
Easy to use and assemble

Cons:

No rope cocking device to help you cock the bow, so you will have to dead lift 150 pounds each time you cock it

 

Barnett Ghost 410: Unleashing Power and Accuracy in Crossbow Performance

The Barnett Ghost 410 crossbow, let me tell you, is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to its performance. You know, a lot of crossbows out there barely hit 340 FPS in firing speed at point-blank range. But this monster, the Barnett Ghost 410, leaves them in the dust with an astonishing 410 FPS.

Now, consider the standard weight of the 22-inch arrows this crossbow is meant to fire, and you’ve got around 150 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. What’s even more impressive is that this energy only drops by about 2% for every 10 yards the arrow covers. Trust me, when you land a shot with this beast, there’s not a chance for any game, as long as your aim is on point.

But the people at Barnett didn’t just stop at power; they made sure this crossbow was built for top-notch accuracy as well. With a lightweight carbon riser, they’ve managed to keep the weight from shifting forward, allowing it to stay centered by the archer’s shoulder. This makes aiming feel effortless. It’s innovations like these that keep the bow’s weight at just 7.3 pounds. The trigger system and string latch work in harmony to ensure a smooth, clean release of the arrows, maintaining their stability in flight. And the scope, which comes with the package, remains dead-zero for a long time with only minimal tuning required.

Now, you might be thinking the draw weight on this crossbow, at 185 pounds, sounds a bit much. But don’t sweat it, the package comes with a rope cocking tool that’ll reduce it to around 90 pounds.

When you pick up the Barnett Ghost 410 package, you’ll find the bow itself, three 22-inch bolts, a rope cocking device, string wax (which you’ll be using quite often), a scope, a padded crossbow sling, a quick-detach quiver, and an owner’s manual and warranty card. Assembling this bad boy is a cinch – the foot stirrup is integrated into the riser, and the scope comes pre-mounted on the bow.

So there you have it, folks. A powerful, accurate, and easy-to-use crossbow that’ll make any experienced hunter or archer proud to own.

Pros:

1. Extremely powerful; 410 FPS firing speed at point-blank range
2. High long-range accuracy
3. Scope included
4. Lightweight
5. Foot stirrup is part of the riser
6. Easy assembly

Cons:

1. Lots of string waxing is necessary

 

Barnett Wildcat C5: A Versatile Compound Crossbow

When it comes to compound crossbows, the Barnett Wildcat C5 is a solid option, boasting a respectable firing speed of 320 FPS at point-blank range. At 10 yards, those 20-inch bolts pack a punch with about 94 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, losing roughly 2 foot-pounds every additional 10 yards. So, within a 60-yard range, you’ll have enough power to bag game of all sizes—though you might need to get a bit closer for larger targets.

Now, the draw weight sits at around 150 pounds. If you’re the type that can deadlift that much without breaking a sweat, then feel free to cock this bad boy manually. If not, you’ll need to invest in a separate rope cocking device since it’s not part of the package. And don’t forget to engage the safety once you’ve cocked it. A little tip: give the strings some wax after every 7 shots or so. At 8.5 pounds, this crossbow is on the lighter side, making it easier to handle.

While the Barnett Wildcat C5 is primarily designed for hunting, it’s no slouch when it comes to target practice. A skilled marksman can fire off multiple arrows within 1 inch of each other from a 40-yard distance—pretty accurate, if you ask me.

The package does come with a scope, but it’s nothing to write home about. You’ll find yourself constantly adjusting it since it won’t consistently hold “zero.” If you’re all about precision, we recommend upgrading to a higher-quality scope. The good news is that the bow itself won’t put a dent in your wallet, so you’ll have some extra cash for that scope upgrade.

So there you have it—a playful yet informative rundown of the Barnett Wildcat C5 crossbow.

Pros:

1. Inexpensive
2. Decent power
3. Extremely accurate, even at long ranges (50-60 yards or more)
4. Good for both hunting and target practice

Cons:

1. No rope cocking device
2. Scope is not of great quality
3. Not powerful enough for hunting large game at long range

 

Barnett Whitetail Hunter 2: Powerful & Lightweight Crossbow for Any Game

Don’t let the name fool you, my fellow hunters and archery enthusiasts: the Barnett Whitetail Hunter 2 is a crossbow that packs a serious punch, and it’s not just for hunting whitetail deer. This bad boy is versatile enough to handle pretty much any game you set your sights on.

With a staggering 103 foot-pounds of kinetic energy at point-blank range and the ability to fire 20-inch, 400-grain bolts at a lightning-fast speed of 340 FPS, you’ll be the bane of any quarry, no matter how big or tough. The only limit is the range you’re shooting from, but we all know that getting closer is half the fun, right?

One of the most impressive features of this crossbow is its weight – or rather, the lack thereof. Weighing in at a mere 6.2 pounds, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter 2 is a breeze to handle and aim, making your hunting experience more enjoyable and your shots more accurate.

To help you manage its 160-pound draw weight, the package includes a rope cocking device. If you’re looking for even more precision, you can always upgrade to a mechanical crank cocking device. That’s some next-level archery right there!

As if this crossbow wasn’t already enticing enough, it comes equipped with a top-notch 4×32 multi-reticle scope that’s usually reserved for the fanciest of crossbows. Talk about a sweet deal!

Safety is paramount when handling any weapon, and the Whitetail Hunter 2 doesn’t skimp in that department. With an anti-dry firing system and automatic safety features, you can be confident that you won’t fire accidentally, keeping both you and those around you safe and sound.

So, if you’re in the market for a crossbow that’s versatile, lightweight, and powerful, look no further than the Barnett Whitetail Hunter 2. This beast of a bow will definitely up your hunting game, and you’ll be the envy of your fellow archers.

Pros:

1. Powerful
2. Anti-dry firing system and automatic safety included
3. Comes with an excellent scope
4. Lightweight
5. Rope cocking mechanism included
6. Reasonably priced

Cons:

1. Bolts do not travel as fast as those fired by some other bows

 

Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro STR: A must for hunting and target practice.

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro STR takes the already impressive Whitetail Hunter crossbow series to the next level. This step-through riser variation integrates the foot stirrup right into the riser, shedding some weight and making the bow much easier to aim, shoot, and maneuver. The design cleverly shifts the weight, a mere 6.9 pounds, from the riser to the stock, which lightens the front of the bow, making it a pleasure to line up those shots.

Now, the bow has a 187-pound draw weight, but don’t let that intimidate you. The stock-mounted cocking sled and crank handle make cocking this beast a piece of cake. In fact, the cranking system is so efficient that it only takes 17 pounds of force to get the job done.

This powerhouse launches 20-inch bolts at a whopping 400 feet per second, generating 140 foot-pounds of kinetic energy right from the get-go. Needless to say, the Whitetail Hunter Pro has got the power to take down any game you set your sights on, at practically any range. To top it off, the 4×32 multi-reticle scope ensures you’ll be shooting with precision even at distances up to 80 yards, though you’ll need to hone your skills for shots over 40 yards. But when it comes to shorter distances, this bad boy’s accuracy is even more remarkable, with virtually no windage or elevation adjustments needed.

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro truly excels at hunting across all ranges and against all sizes of game. It’s also a fantastic choice for target practice, especially if you’re looking to test your skills at long range.

So, there you have it. This crossbow is not only powerful and accurate but also user-friendly and versatile, making it a must-have for experienced hunters and renowned archers alike.

Pros:

1. Lightweight
2. Comes with crank cocking device
3. Remains quite accurate, even at long ranges
4. Very powerful
5. Excellent scope
6. Anti-dry firing mechanism

Cons:

1. Accuracy decreases beyond 40 yards

 

Barnett Ghost 360: Powerful 360 FPS, 115 ft-lbs of force &  scope included.

Alright, let’s dive into the world of crossbows, and today we’re gonna talk about the Barnett Ghost 360. Now, as an experienced hunter and archer, I’ve had my fair share of handling different bows, but this one right here, it’s something special.

So, the Barnett Ghost 360 is part of the Ghost series, and you might remember our previous chat about the Ghost 410. Much of what we loved about the 410 applies to the 360 as well. First off, this bad boy is powerful. I mean, it shoots bolts at a whopping 360 FPS! You’ll find other models with different speeds too, like the Ghost 375, which fires at 375 FPS, and so on.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. This crossbow can generate a solid 115 foot-pounds of force at point-blank range, and it fires 20-inch bolts. And guess what? They throw in three of these bolts right in the package. With this kind of power, you can pretty much handle any hunting situation you can think of.

Alright, let’s talk about draw weight. The Ghost 360 has a 165-pound draw weight, but don’t worry, it comes with a rope cocking device that makes cocking it a whole lot easier. And the weight? This thing is only 7 pounds, so holding it steady and aiming is a breeze.

But it’s not just about power and draw weight, right? We need safety and accuracy too. Good news! The Ghost 360 has a 5-in-1 safety firing system that prevents dry fires and makes sure your bolt goes exactly where you want it to. Trust me, this bow is a sharpshooter’s dream, perfect for target practice.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the scope. The Ghost 360 comes with an adjustable scope that’s a cinch to tweak for distances up to 40 yards. However, for longer shots, you might need to put in a little more work.

So, there you have it, folks. The Barnett Ghost 360 is a powerful, accurate, and reliable crossbow that’s perfect for hunting and target practice. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a favorite among seasoned hunters like myself.

Pros:

1. Powerful
2. Lightweight
3. 5-in-1 firing system prevents dry firing and adds accuracy
4. Adjustable scope and rope cocking mechanism included

Cons:

1. More difficult to aim past 40 yards
2. No crank cocking device included, though some can be installed

 

Barnett Ghost 420: Elite Power, Manageable Draw Weight but Pricey.

When it comes to the Barnett Ghost 420 crossbow, let me tell you, this bad boy is all about pure, unadulterated power! I mean, just think about it: a jaw-dropping 420 feet per second firing speed and a whopping 153 foot-pounds of kinetic energy transferred to those 22-inch bolts? Yeah, this monster will knock any game out cold, no matter how big it is. So, if you’re into big game hunting and prefer to keep your distance from the wild, then you better have this beast by your side.

Now, don’t freak out when I tell you it’s got a hefty 185-pound draw weight. Trust me, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds, all thanks to the nifty rope cocking mechanism. However, unlike some other top-notch bows, this one doesn’t come with a crank cocking device. But hey, no worries, you can always add one if you’re willing to shell out a little extra cash. Just a heads up though, this bow is already on the pricier side compared to other Barnett crossbows we’ve talked about.

But let’s be real, the Ghost 420 is an elite hunting bow, and it’s worth every penny. With its high accuracy, incredible power, and a sweet 1.5-5×32-millimeter scope, it’s a force to be reckoned with. And the cherry on top? It weighs only 7.6 pounds, so aiming is a breeze.

So, my friends, buckle up and get ready for a thrilling hunting experience with the Barnett Ghost 420. Just remember to play it safe and have fun out there!

Pros:

1. Extremely powerful (153 foot-pounds of force at point-blank range) and fires arrows very fast at 420 FPS
2. Lightweight
3. Excellent scope included
4. Accurate even at long range of 40-50 yards or more
5. Rope cocking mechanism included

Cons:

1. Expensive
2. No crank cocking device included

 

Barnett Hyperghost 425: Unmatched Power & Precision in a Lightweight Crossbow

The Barnett Hyperghost 425 is a hyper crossbow, meaning that they use small diameter Hyperflite arrows, from Barnett. These arrows are only .204 inches in diameter and weigh 380 grains, meaning that they slice through their air and easily pierce and devastate their targets. On top of this, the bow fires arrows at an extraordinary 425 feet per second, making it the fastest firing crossbow considered here in this list of reviews. Because the arrows are slightly lighter and thinner than usual, the bow generates 152 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon being fired – ever-so-slightly less than the Barnett Ghost 420. Still, this bow has enough devastating power to bring down game of all kinds, even at great distances.

It’s got a very high draw weight of 206 pounds, which is understandable given the bow’s power. However, the rope cocking mechanism that comes included in the package substantially reduces the difficulty of cocking the bow. It weighs only 7.7 pounds, making it easy to handle and aim. This is all the more extraordinary given the bow’s superb power. It also comes with a 1.5-5×32-millimeter multi-reticle scope, helping you to improve the bow’s accuracy all the more. Also, there is an anti-dry firing mechanism to ensure safety.

When it comes to power, the Hyperghost 425 is simply in a class by itself. With this power and excellent construction and quality, however, comes a fairly substantial price tag.

Pros:

1. Extremely powerful
2. Lightweight
3. Very accurate
4. Includes illuminated scope to further improve accuracy
5. Includes rope cocking and anti-dry firing mechanisms

Cons:

1. Expensive

 

Conclusion

Hey, in this wild ride through the world of Barnett crossbows, we’ve scoped out some of the most gnarly and high-performing options on the market. We’ve been checking out the deets on each bow, like how fast they fire, the epic kinetic energy they deliver to arrows, their size and weight, what types of arrows they shoot, and those sweet extras like rope or crank cocking mechanisms and anti-dry firing mechanisms.

So, after putting our heads together and evaluating these rad features, if you’re all about that stopping power, you’d be stoked to get your hands on the Barnett Ghost 420 or the Barnett Hyperghost 425.

Now, if you’re trying to save some cash but still want a beast of a crossbow, the Barnett Ghost 410 might be your jam. And hey, if you’re a newbie just starting to sharpen your crossbow skills, the Barnett Jackal’s got your back.

No matter what kind of crossbow aficionado you are or what you’re hunting for in a crossbow, Barnett’s got some serious versatility to hook you up. So, get out there and have a blast hunting!