About Ravin Crossbows
Alright folks, let’s talk about Ravin Crossbows. This company was born out of a passion for hunting and a desire to create the most badass crossbows on the planet. These guys live and breathe crossbows, so you know they’re the real deal.
Now, what makes Ravin Crossbows stand out from the rest is their cutting-edge Helicoil technology. Picture this: instead of the traditional crossbow design with arms sticking out all over the place, Ravin’s crossbows have arms that run parallel to the sides. That’s right, these babies are streamlined and perfect for maneuvering through thick, tangled forests.
So if you’re a serious hunter looking for a crossbow that’s not just powerful but also compact and efficient, you’ve got to check out Ravin Crossbows. These guys are taking the game to a whole new level.
Ravin R15: Power, Precision, and a Fan Favorite Crossbow
Let’s talk about the Ravin R15, their flagship crossbow and a real fan favorite. This bad boy, like all Ravin crossbows, sports the Helicoil system. But it’s got a little twist – it’s strung differently compared to other models, giving it that extra oomph when firing bolts at an impressive 425 FPS.
Now, the R15’s power and accuracy are something else. It feels like you’re holding a high-quality rifle, which is rare for a crossbow. You know, that reverse recoil usually makes rifle shooters feel a bit awkward. But the R15 nails the grip, action, and feel like a champ.
Long-range precision? Check. This beast can hit small targets up to 100 yards away. And the grouping? Just fantastic, thanks to the frictionless mechanism that keeps the fletchings on point. When cocked, it’s only 6 inches wide at its widest point. Talk about compact!
Now, nobody’s perfect, and the R15 has a couple of minor gripes. Some folks find the forward grip a bit small, but that’ll depend on your hand size. Others think the stock feels too “hollowed out,” but the durable materials make that a non-issue.
So, if you’re looking for a crossbow that packs a punch, has rifle-like accuracy, and feels great to shoot, the Ravin R15 might be your perfect match.
Pros:
- Compact with a slim profile
- Popular and proven
- Frictionless launch
- Feels like a rifle
- Highly accurate
Cons:
- Forward grip could be larger and more ergonomic
- Stock is a little too hollowed out
- Stock might be too long for some people
Effortless Crank System: The Ravin R9 Crossbow Review
The Ravin R9 is another highly praised model loved by many. Its crank system for cocking and de-cocking the weapon is simply top-notch. Crank systems have been around for ages, but the R9’s crank is truly in a league of its own.
Cocking the R9 is a breeze. It requires almost no effort – you can even sit down and do it one-handed. Just let the bolt carrier fall forward; it’s connected to the crank mechanism with a sturdy nylon strap, so you won’t break a sweat or your gear.
Cocking the bow is easy with the crank, and it even has a silent mode button, so you don’t spook your prey. De-cocking? Just as simple – turn the crank the other way for a smooth, controlled release.
The R9 boasts all the fantastic features you’d expect from a Ravin crossbow: compact side-folded arms, that rifle-like feel, and a power level of around 400 FPS. Best of all, it comes fully assembled, so you don’t have to fuss with it straight out of the box.
So, if you’re looking for a crossbow with an exceptional crank system and all the other qualities that make Ravin a top choice, the R9 might just be your new best friend in the field.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use cocking mechanism
- Smooth de-cocker
- High-powered
- Familiar feel for those used to other Ravin products
Cons:
- Not cheap by any means
- Strings from the factory aren’t bad, but aren’t the best
- Warranty is only 5 years
Ravin R29 Review: Bullpup Design Meets Crossbow Power & Ergonomics
The Ravin R29 might just be the first true “bullpup” crossbow out there. For those unfamiliar, a bullpup design is typically seen in modern rifles, where part of the barrel is housed within the stock. This results in a shorter firearm that still performs like a longer-barreled one.
Now, crossbows work differently than firearms, but the bullpup concept still works wonders. By incorporating more draw length into the stock, Ravin has created an even more compact crossbow without sacrificing power. The R29 can still shoot arrows at a blazing 430 FPS.
Some folks might not dig the compact design, particularly if they’re used to full-size crossbows. The scope being so close to the nock might be a concern, but it just means R29 owners need to be more attentive to maintenance. Mainly, it’s a great option for smaller individuals or those with weaker arms who want something easy to handle without compromising power.
The R29 also boasts one of the most ergonomic forward grips in the crossbow game. It features a large D-shaped handle with finger grooves and a sectioned interior. Not only does it provide a stable grip, but it also looks seriously cool.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a crossbow that combines compact design, power, and top-notch ergonomics, the Ravin R29 could be your go-to choice.
Pros:
- Very short design
- Extremely light and wieldy
- Looks cooler than any crossbow I’ve seen
- High-powered
Cons:
- Too short for some people
- Rear pistol-grip doesn’t seem to serve any purpose
- Some people may not like the unconventional forward grip
Long-Range Precision: Ravin’s 20 Sniper Crossbow & Advanced Scope
This crossbow packs all the standard features you’d expect from a premium model. At first glance, it might not seem different from the R9, but there’s one key distinction in this version of the Ravin bow.
It’s designed specifically for long-range shooters. If you approach bowhunting with a sniper mentality, this crossbow is perfect for you. All Ravin crossbows come with a scope, but this one has a more powerful and precise scope. Opaque caps help you avoid giving away your position from lens reflections until you’re ready to strike.
An elevation adjustment plate below the scope lets you not only adjust the crosshairs but also raise and lower the entire scope platform. This means you can dial in the crossbow for the most precise accuracy possible. The well-padded cheek rest is great for those spending lots of time with their eye on the scope.
A standout feature of this scope is its ability to track the differences between your aim and impact. The Ravin Sniper scope does this by tracking where your crosshairs were on your last shot. Input the data to show where the arrow actually hit, and the computer takes care of the rest. It then displays two crosshairs, taking the guesswork out of windage.
One minor issue is that you need high-quality arrows for optimal results. Using cheap arrows will reduce accuracy and defeat the purpose of investing in a top-notch crossbow.
So, if you’re looking for a crossbow designed for long-range precision and advanced scope features, this Ravin model is a top contender. Just remember to pair it with high-quality arrows to make the most of its capabilities.
Pros:
- Great scope
- Elevation adjustment
- Heavily padded cheek rest
- Thick and ergonomic forward grip
- Designed to absorb recoil
Cons:
- Scope may be excessive for some users
- Longer and slightly heavier than some of Ravin’s other bows
- Requires premium arrows for best results
Ravin R26 Compact Bullpup Crossbow: Lightweight, Powerful, & Night-Ready
Here’s another compact “bullpup” crossbow, pushing the concept even further. Weighing just about 6.5 pounds, it’s perfect for taking your son or daughter hunting. The crossbow is nearly the same length as the arrows it fires, meaning its size has been minimized as much as possible.
The width has also been slightly reduced, measuring 5.75 inches across at its widest point when cocked. Though it’s only a 0.25-inch difference from other bows on this list, it’s still an improvement.
This crossbow features the R29’s D-shaped forward grip, providing better leverage to control such a small bow. However, smaller weapons tend to have more recoil, which is true for both firearms and crossbows. With its light frame, this crossbow requires a tighter grip for safe use.
Power-wise, it delivers 400 FPS, slightly lower than some other models but still well within the range needed for most hunting purposes. It’s powerful enough to take down any animal that can be hunted with a crossbow.
The scope on this bow is decent. While not as powerful as some other Ravin scopes, it’s still adequate. Though it may be a relatively low-powered scope, it’s illuminated for easy nighttime use.
In summary, if you’re looking for a compact, lightweight crossbow with decent power and an illuminated scope for nighttime hunting, this model is an excellent choice. Just be prepared to handle the increased recoil that comes with its smaller size.
Pros:
- Extremely light
- As short and narrow as possible
- Still powerful enough to do the job
- Illuminated scope
Cons:
- Harder to control the recoil
- Potential safety hazard due to the string being close to your face
- Scope isn’t as nice as those found on other Ravin models
Comparison
So, when it comes down to it, these Ravin crossbows have a lot in common. At first glance, you might even find it hard to tell them apart. But that’s the thing – they’re all built around the same core design. Ravin’s claim to fame is that they’ve “re-invented the crossbow,” and while that might be a bold statement, there’s no denying that the subtle differences between their models can make a huge impact on performance and usability.
Now, if you’re looking for a crossbow with long-range capabilities, the R20 is the way to go. Sure, you could swap out the scope on one of the other models if the R20 isn’t your cup of tea, but when it comes to nailing those long-range shots, the scope is king – and the R20’s got the best one.
For a versatile, all-around performer, you can’t go wrong with the R15 or the R9. These top sellers are popular for a reason – they’re designed for just about any shooting style, making them perfect for newcomers and experienced archers alike.
If you’re struggling with the weight and length of your crossbow, consider one of the bullpup styles. These bad boys pack a punch without weighing you down or being too bulky, so even if you’re not the strongest archer out there, you can still wield a powerful crossbow thanks to advancements in technology.
When it comes to Ravin crossbow problems, they’re few and far between, and their customer service is top-notch. That means you’ll get the help you need quickly and without any hassle. And let’s be honest, good customer service is a game-changer. Ravin excels at replacing parts and honoring warranties, so you can trust that they’ll address any issues or concerns you might have.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a Ravin crossbow and see for yourself why everyone’s buzzing about them.