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10 Best Crossbow For The Money [Reviewing Top Options]

Whether you need it for training or hunting purposes, a crossbow makes an excellent weapon for outdoor activities. However, finding the best crossbow for the money can be quite tricky with so many options out there.

Luckily, we have done the research for you. Take your time to go through our article and make sure they match your necessities. For those who are in a hurry, here are our top picks.

best value

  • Smooth Cocking Experience
  • 3x Safe Trigger Technology
  • Anti Dry Fire Mechanism
  • Fast & Furious

Popular

  • Compact & Lightweight
  • Efficient And Accurate
  • Trigger Technology
  • Recommended For Youth

Best Crossbow For the money (Table of Comparison)

We have summarized a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance.

ProductSpecifications & FeaturesOur Rating


Wicked Ridge Invader G3 Crossbow
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Speed: 330 FPS

Draw Weight: 165 lbs

Weight: 6.6 lbs

ACUdraw Cocking Mechanism

5.0/5.0



Price: $$$$

More Details


Parker X301-MR Enforcer Crossbow
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Speed: 300 FPS

Draw Weight: 160 lbs

Weight: 7 lbs

Safety finger flange

4.8/5.0



Price: $$$


More Details


Barnett Recruit Terrain Crossbow
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Speed: 330 FPS

Draw Weight: 140 lbs

Weight: 6.4 lbs

Trigger Tech Technology with 3-lb zero-creep release

4.8/5.0



Price: $$

More Details


Bear X Crossbows Archery Bruzer Crossbow
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Speed: 335 FPS

Draw Weight: 125 lbs

4.6/5.0



Price: $$$$$

More Details


Jaguar CR-013 Series Crossbow
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Speed: 245 FPS

Draw Weight: 175 lbs

Auto-engage safety cocking

4.3/5.0



Price: $

More Details


Barnett Wildcat C5 Crossbow
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Speed: 320 FPS

Draw Weight: 150 lbs

Weight: 8.5 lbs

4.5/5.0



Price: $$$$$

More Details


Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow
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Speed: 340 FPS

Draw Weight: 160 lbs

Weight: 6.2 lbs

4.7/5.0



Price: $$$

More Details


PSE Vector 310 Crossbow
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Speed: 310 FPS

Draw Weight: 150 lbs

Weight: 6.3 lbs

Auto dry fire and Auto safety trigger

4.7/5.0



Price: $$$$

More Details


Carbon Express Covert 3.4 Crossbow
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Speed: 335 FPS

Draw Weight: 185 lbs

Weight: 7 lbs

Max Capacity: 625 lbs

4.4/5.0



Price: $$$

More Details


Barnett Droptine Crossbow
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Speed: 350 FPS

Draw Weight: 160 lbs

Weight: 7 lbs

Equipped with bristle arrow retainer

4.5/5.0



Price: $$

More Details

10 Top Rated Crossbow for the Money Reviewed

Now, what are the best rated crossbows on the market and what makes them so popular? Let's dive into the reviews.

1. Wicked Ridge Invader G3 - Best Crossbow for Hunting

The Wicked Ridge Invader features a full package based on a classic ACU-52 cocking device, a Wicked Ridge 3 arrow quiver a TenPoint 3x Multi-Line scope and 3 carbon arrows.

In terms of speed, it's stunning. A fired arrow can go up to 330 feet per second. Even if your prey hears the noise, it won't have enough time to react before the arrow reaches it. The kinetic energy put out from this hunting crossbow is impressive as well – 97 FP.

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2. Parker X301-MR Enforcer - Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting

The Parker X301 is built with quality in mind. The package includes all the required accessories to go out hunting. Apart from the actual hunting crossbow, you also get a multi-reticle scope, a 4 arrow quiver and 4 arrows. Each arrow has field points, while the quiver can be detached within a second.

The crossbow may look short at first, but it's just its compact build. It features machined aluminum parts for both durability and good looks.

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3. Barnett Recruit Terrain - Best Youth Crossbow

Often rated as the best crossbow among youth, this model from Barnett comes with a professional 4x32 scope, a rope cocking device, a lightweight quiver and 2 arrows – each measuring 20 inch.

The package includes some lubing wax as well. According to the manufacturer's specifications, you should lube the strings every 10 shots for maximum efficiency.

The bow measures 33 x 14 x 8 inches. It weighs 6.4 pounds – slightly less than its competition. As for the kinetic energy, it goes up to 91.9 feet per second. The drawing weight is stabilized at 140 pounds. Given its speed – 330 feet per second, it's one of the fastest crossbows on the market right now and exceeds most of its competition by over 10%.

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4. Bear X Crossbows Archery Bruzer - Most Affordable Crossbow

With a stunning speed of 335 feet per second, this might be the best crossbow in terms of value for money. It is so fast that it gives your target no time to react. All you gotta do is make sure your aim is good.

We will strongly advise you to go for this model as it is very affordable. If you want to look for similar models in this price range, check out our list of crossbow under $500.

This model is an inverse designed crossbow. It's not a new concept at all. In fact, it has been used for ages. It is, however, extremely consistent and reliable. On another note, this kind of design is known for its compact style.

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5. Jaguar CR-013 Series - Best Beginner Crossbow

Jaguar's new crossbows came with a series of innovations. They were proven to be reliable, so they're still selling these days without any major upgrades or new generations.

This beginner crossbow measures 27x35 inches. It's a standard size for crossbows in this segment. It weighs 7 pounds, so it's lightweight and easy to carry around.

As for its speed, it may not be the fastest crossbow in this segment, but it can certainly tackle your prey within a couple of seconds. The arrow travels up to 265 feet per second. Obviously, the speed depends on the weight of the arrow, as well as its aerodynamics.

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Known as one of the most reliable Barnett crossbows on the market, the Wildcat C5 model comes in a full package containing a quick detaching quiver, as well as a high quality red dot sight and even bolts. Just assemble the unit and you can start practicing.

Assembling the crossbow is simple even for first timers. Some parts are separated, such as the limbs and riser. If you're not sure how to put them together, the package comes with a manual of instructions with informative graphics to explain the procedure.

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This model could be the best Barnett crossbow out there if you're looking for power and energy. The kinetic energy is rated at 122 – more than its competition. Also, it's about 19 KE more than the previous generation of this crossbow.

This crossbow will easily reach 340 feet per second – a front runner. However, it depends on the bolts you use. Most importantly, you'll have an exquisite accuracy even when you shoot from a longer distance.

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With around 310 feet per second, this model from PSE aims to deliver. It's so fast that you will inevitably gain in accuracy as well. Just aim and shoot – it's instant and goes straight to the target.

Its kinetic energy is rated at 85. To successfully hunt a deer, you'll need a minimum rating of 40. In other words, it's more than enough for whatever you want to hunt with this crossbow.

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9. Carbon Express Covert 3.4 - Best Tactical Crossbow

In terms of sturdiness and durability, this model from Carbon Express easily qualify as the best crossbow for tactical use. It comes with carbon infused limbs – durable and lightweight, as well as top quality string and cables.

The CNC machined riser and the green anodizes flight rail add to its quality. They're durable and made to last. The riser design is unique to Carbon Express only.

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This is a good hunting crossbow that features assembly tools, a scope, a quiver for 3 arrows, 3 20 inch Headhunter arrows, a warranty card and a manual of instructions. However, there is no rope cocking device for this model.

Assembly is not too complicated, however, if this is your first crossbow, we recommend you to check the manual first.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.How far can a crossbow shoot accurately?

A crossbow can shoot up to 500 yards, but the range in which it is effective is 80 yards. For most kills, the most effective range is up to 60 yards.


2.How many FPS is a good crossbow?

All crossbows with 300 FPS or higher are considered as effective e weapons and can meet the highest expectations. Under that are entry-level models.


3.Are crossbows more powerful than bows?

In general, all crossbows are more powerful than bows thanks to a higher power and higher speed they can launch an arrow.


4.How many pounds of crossbow does it take to kill a deer?

The number of pounds for a crossbow to kill a deer is in between 150 and 175 pounds. A higher pound is faster and therefore can increase the range and odds of killing a deer.

FINAL VERDICT

Wicked Ridge Invader G3 Crossbow

Bottom line, choosing the best crossbow for the money will indeed feel quite challenging. It's not impossible though since we have already done the hard work for you. All you have to do is just to assess your needs, expectations and most importantly your skill level. Each of the above mentioned crossbows can definitely improve your game.

Based on our research, we find that the wicked ridge invader is our best choice. Reviews from many users has also been very positive. We tested this crossbow ourselves and we confidently give it a 5 out of 5 star rating.


5.0/5.0
Our Rating

What We Liked:

  • Easy to use and assemble
  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Integrated cocking device
  • Faster than its competition
Roderick Harrington

Hi, Roderick here! I love to hunt and shoot. I started hunting at a very young age of 18 when I used to go with my father to hunt deer. As time passes, my interest in hunting kept increasing. With all the knowledge and experience, I thought that I should write insightful and thoroughly researched content on hunting equipments for my readers.

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Varun Sharma - May 1, 2020

This is very helpful.Thanks for sharing.

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