Review of the best crossbows for sports, recreation and hunting in 2022

Updated: 02/26/2021 16:06:14

Expert: Anton Leonidovich Glinsky

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

The crossbow has become a very popular type of weapon recently. More and more modern people want to try on the skin of an ancient man. In many countries around the world there is an increased interest in real hunting with a crossbow. But in Russia this type of animal harvesting is prohibited and is punishable by law.

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However, true fans of throwing weapons are not stopped by borders; you can also use a crossbow at sporting competitions or for entertainment. Therefore, the material presented in our review is for informational and educational purposes only
. Our experts will help you understand the nuances of choosing a crossbow.

Crossbow rating

When compiling the rating of crossbows for 2022, the models that received the largest number of positive reviews from users and experts were considered. To be included in the “best” list, each candidate was carefully selected and received an expert assessment based on a comparison of the most important characteristics. The following were taken into account:

• Purpose – hunting (including underwater), sports, entertainment;
• Design – block, recursive;
• Weight, dimensions;
• Comfort of use and maintenance;
• Reliability, maintainability;
• Upgrade opportunities;
• Price;
• Manufacturer's warranty.

Models for hunting are equated to military weapons, the acquisition and storage of which is possible only with a hunting license or similar document. Without permission from law enforcement agencies, you can buy a crossbow with a string tension of less than 43 kg.

Conclusion

As you can see, crossbows come in different types and types. Now there are many manufacturers of such weapons. But there are crossbows for sport, for hunting (they are also recognized as weapons), as well as recreational items and crossbows for children. Each of them has its own characteristics and individual characteristics. Our rating contains the best crossbows at the moment. They are presented in all categories: specimens for sports, hunting and recreation are described. After much work, about 10 models were assembled. This list is compiled based on the characteristics and popularity of the models. The user can listen, or choose a similar or more convenient crossbow.

The best compound crossbows

The block system increases the power and initial speed of the bolt. The complexity of the design is justified by the shorter length of the arms, easier activation, and reduced load on the working elements, which increases reliability. The shift of the center of gravity to the front somewhat reduces the comfort of aiming, and to repair throwing weapons of this type, you have to contact a specialized workshop. Having studied reviews of compound crossbows, the VyborExperta.ru project team included models from Poe Lang and Barnett, generally recognized leaders in the development and production of throwing weapons, in the category of the best.

Ek Blade Plus

The Ek Blade Plus block crossbow for hunting has not lost popularity for the third year in a row. Powerful, at the same time the lightest in its class, a throwing weapon guarantees comfortable shooting, which is facilitated by: a balanced bullpup layout, an effective bowstring stabilizer system (STS), an anatomical pistol grip and a retractable stock.

The device is equipped with a high-quality 4x32 optical sight, which allows you to confidently hit targets at a distance of 50–70 meters. The initial speed of arrows made of aluminum or carbon exceeds 100 m/s. Weaver straps provide for equipping the crossbow with additional accessories.

Taking care of the safety of the shooter and those around him, the manufacturers equipped the crossbow with a double-sided automatic safety, an “ADF” dry-shot warning system and a stiffening rib that protects fingers from getting caught under the released bowstring.

Advantages:

• Thoughtful design, high build quality;
• Light weight – 2.9 kg, compact;
• Bowstring tension force is over 70 kg;
• Adjustable stock length and removable fore-end pad;
• Additional rigidity system that reduces the sound of the shot to a minimum.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

The absence of negative reviews confirms the Taiwanese motto.

Barnett Ghost-420

One of the most successful models of the famous American brand. The warhead of the weapon is represented by a carbon fiber block combined with a stirrup. The aluminum guide milled using Crosswire technology improves boom glide, which contributes to high starting speed.

The AVI coating applied to the monolithic plate arms effectively dampens vibration and increases the comfort of handling the crossbow. A durable hand-knitted bowstring is resistant to friction and exposure to negative environmental factors. Targeting is facilitated by the Cross Illuminated 3×32 Scope optical sight, equipped with two-color illumination.

Advantages:

• Possibility of increasing bowstring tension from 43 to 84 kg;
• High starting speed of the boom;
• Rubberized shoulders, dampening noise by 30%;
• A practical sight that combines optical and collimator sights;
• Equipment.

Flaws:

• The trigger release is somewhat tight, requiring some getting used to;
• Complex assembly.

The enhanced “Ghost” has repeatedly proven its suitability for hunting large animals. As testimonials from owners indicate, the crossbow is perfectly adapted for use in the field.

Best recurve crossbows

The appearance of recurve crossbows retained the features of throwing weapons produced more than two thousand years ago. The design is distinguished from block systems by its lightness, simplified operation, rapid reloading, and reliability. Buying a recurve crossbow means getting rid of problems with complicated settings. The disadvantages of this type of crossbow include the low initial speed of the arrow, the noise of the shot, and the increased shoulder span. When selecting nominees for the title of best “recursive” models, we focused on practicality, which, according to users, is best met by the following models.

ManKung MK-XB27-GODC

Another work by gunsmiths from Taiwan. The original design in combination with aluminum and composite materials reduces the weight of the model to 3.1 kg. A retractable tactical stock with a customizable cheek rest, as well as a forend that can be moved along the Weaver rail, allows you to customize the weapon to the individual characteristics of the shooter.

The provided increase in bowstring tension from 43 to 79 kg transforms a recreational weapon into a hunting weapon. The device is equipped with a reliable safety system and is equipped with a practical collimator.

Advantages:

• Ease;
• High ergonomics;
• Build quality, reliability.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

In reviews of the ManKung MK-XB27-GODC crossbow, users note the ease of reloading, which takes no more than four seconds with practice.

Yarrow X-Ray

Popular among recreational enthusiasts, the Yarrow X-Ray model is successfully used as a hunting crossbow. Practical, ergonomic throwing weapons provide comfortable shooting and do not require skills in operation and maintenance. Folding arms made of carbon fiber reinforced composite accelerate the arrow to 60 m/s, which, with a tension force of 43 kg, allows you to hit targets at a distance of 70 meters or more.

Skeletal design improves balance and reduces weight without sacrificing strength. The steel stirrup and aluminum inserts are protected by an anti-corrosion coating. A convenient collimator with three marks contributes to shooting accuracy. A distinctive feature of the model is a safety system that minimizes unauthorized release of the bowstring when the safety is removed.

Advantages:

• Lightness – 2.7 kg;
• Safety;
• Ease of operation;
• Shako for 6 arrows.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

A simple, trouble-free crossbow, the Yarrow X-Ray is an excellent solution for improving your shooting skills. With a lot of advantages and unpretentiousness, the model is more appropriate for the entertainment status. As a hunting weapon, it is recommended only for small animals.

Interloper (CR-039B) "Scout"

Behind the modest size and lightness of the Interloper (CR-039B) “Scout” pistol-type crossbow lies the power that allows you to completely beat a half-inch board from ten meters. The improved version of the MK-80A4AL is designed for entertainment, as well as improving shooting skills.

Equipped with a butt, a handle under the forend and a collimator sight. In addition to aluminum and plastic arrows, it involves shooting with harpoons or balls. Steel increases the reliability and wear resistance of the trigger mechanism. In the basic version, with a tension force of 36 kg, it does not require a permit upon purchase, but can be strengthened by installing more powerful arms.

Advantages:

• Compact and powerful;
• High shooting accuracy at a distance of up to 10 m;
• Lightweight loading system due to the lever;
• Variety of ammunition;
• Low price;
• Warranty up to 5 years.

Flaws:

• Rapid wear of the bowstring, which is easy to replace;
• Danger of ricochet when firing light ammunition.

Some users point out design flaws, expressed in the self-unscrewing of the shoulder fixation screw and the play of the lining on the handles, which is more than compensated by the low price, as well as the practicality of the weapon.

The best crossbows for spearfishing

Unlike firearms, water does not limit the capabilities of throwing weapons. A crossbow for fishing lowered to depth (commonly known as a “rubber band”) retains lethal force sufficient to kill large fish from a distance of 3–5 meters. Unlike its land counterparts, instead of the shoulders and bowstring, the harpoon, which replaces the arrow, is driven by elastic rods. The silent weapon guarantees high accuracy, reloads quickly, and does not lose functionality during intensive use in the aquatic environment.

JBL Reaper 100

The ergonomic, perforated carbon fiber handle makes the JBL Reaper 100 underwater crossbow feel like an extension of your hand, allowing you to point at your target and pull the trigger. The streamlined headband of the weapon evenly distributes the energy of the shot along the barrel with minimal recoil. Premium latex gives the rods increased wear resistance, and Kevlar hooks guarantee secure fastening. Harpoons made of hardened spring steel are not subject to bending or deformation.

Advantages:

• Double sling;
• Reliable fixation of the harpoon by the trigger mechanism;
• Quickly bring into combat position.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Leaving no chance for the victim, the crossbow fully justifies the name “Reaper”. The rather long model of the JBL Reaper 100 does not in any way affect the maneuverability of the underwater hunter when moving in dense algae.

MVD Predator Zeso Open 120

Excessively bulky at first glance, the MVD Zeso Predator Open 120 crossbow does not at all hinder the movements of the underwater hunter. When creating the model, the manufacturer used high-tech CAD/CAM equipment. The weapon is equipped with a sensitive stainless steel trigger, the unauthorized activation of which is limited by a reliable safety lock. The ergonomic handle provides a secure grip, recoil damping, and quick targeting.

The material chosen for the barrel part with a guide along the entire length is a durable anodized aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which prevents deformation of the weapon under physical and mechanical stress. The ceramic coating guarantees resistance to corrosion and temperature changes. The weapon, equipped with a reel and line, is designed to hit targets from a distance of up to 6 m.

Advantages:

• Ease of use;
• Collapsible design simplifies transportation;
• Elimination of accidental shooting;
• Reliability, accuracy of combat.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

From user reviews of the MVD Predator Zeso Open 120, we can conclude that the weapon’s characteristics exceed the asking price. The crossbow, poorly suited for hard-to-reach places, has earned high praise for underwater sea hunting.

Salvimar Hero 95

The next development of the famous Italian manufacturer will bring pleasure to professionals and amateurs who choose sea and ocean coasts for hunting. The oval cross-section and streamlined shape of the lightweight aluminum barrel eliminate interference when moving at great depths.

The Teflon guide, which occupies the entire length of the upper part of the weapon, ensures good sliding of the projectile and contributes to the accuracy of the shot. The anatomical pads included in the kit allow you to adjust the handle to the right or left hand.

An adjustable trigger mechanism with a five-fold safety margin allows for optimal trigger pull adjustment. The Salvimar Hero 95 crossbow speargun kit includes a Max reel, as well as a Capture harpoon with a shark fin hook.

Advantages:

• Easy handling when submerged;
• Customization to the individual characteristics of the user;
• Strength, wear resistance;
• Reliable safety system;
• High hit accuracy.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Although the Salvimar Hero 95 receives extremely positive reviews, some users note discrepancies in the stated and actual parameters of the underwater crossbow, which does not in any way affect its popularity.

Remote target marking

Another task that a crossbow does well is marking certain protected targets. For example, you need to mark some structure so that it can be easily identified by aviation, but this is difficult to do due to the vigilance of enemy forces. How to cope with such a task? For this, there are special crossbow bolts - luminescent or coated with a radiating composition that irrigates the roof of the desired building. And powerful crossbows, which can be fired from tens of meters from the target, make it possible to deliver an arrow unnoticed.

How to choose a crossbow

Before you start choosing a throwing weapon, you need to figure out which crossbow is good in a given situation. According to their purpose, crossbows are divided into entertainment, sports, hunting and children's. If in the first and last categories the main criteria are personal taste and price, then in sports weapons the emphasis is on the number and range of settings. In crossbows for hunting, practicality and reliability are considered the main things, followed by equally important characteristics.

Arrow speed

The range of departure speeds of crossbow arrows covers the interval 40–130 m/s. The ammunition's flight range, penetrating or stopping power depends on this characteristic. At the same time, this characteristic rarely becomes a selection criterion and is more often used for advertising purposes. The actual speed of an arrow is directly related to its weight and the momentum created by the tension force.

With the same impulse, the lighter projectile will be faster than the heavier one. So, with a tension force of 74 kg, an arrow weighing 23 g will come off the stock at a speed of 105 m/s, with a weight of 27 g it will slow down to 100 m/s, with 45 g - 90 m/s.

Type

By type, crossbows are divided into recurve and compound. The former are similar to a standard bow, which is mounted on a stock. The bending of the shoulders increases the tension of the bowstring, the release of which is accompanied by an impulse that sets the movement of the arrow. Easy-to-use “recursive” guns are demanding on the shooter’s physical training. The minimum number of parts reduces the risk of failure and also simplifies weapon repair, which is important in field conditions such as hunting.

In block systems, several elements are involved in increasing the tension force of the string-cable. Platooning such models does not require any special effort, and the momentum is many times greater than that of recursive designs. Accordingly, the take-off speed increases, as well as the arrow's flight range. A significant disadvantage of block-type crossbows is the complex settings and repairs, which are accessible only to specialists.

Design

Structurally, crossbows are divided into rifle, bullpup, pistol and underwater. The main difference between the first two designs is the shift in the center of gravity, which is reflected in the balancing of the weapon. The rifle design suffers from a disadvantage common to most long-barreled firearms in the form of a front-heavy design.

In a bullpup, the loading unit with sights are located behind the handle, which ensures optimal balancing. Shifting the center of gravity back complicates the design due to the retractable butt and increases the price of throwing weapons.

Pistol crossbows are smaller copies of rifle and bullpup crossbows. Compact models are most often used for entertainment purposes or as an option for acquiring skills in shooting short-barreled firearms.

Size and weight

In weapons for sports and entertainment, size and weight are considered secondary factors, while for hunters these indicators are equated to the speed of the arrow and the tension of the bowstring.

The most cumbersome include rifle-type recurve systems, the significant dimensions of which are determined by the reach of the shoulders and the length of the stock. The relative compactness of the “recurves” is achieved through the “bullpup” layout or by reducing the arms, which negatively affects the power. Block structures are more comfortable in this regard, since their tension force is less dependent on the size of the shoulders.

The weight of throwing weapons ranges from 900 g to 4.5 kg, and also depends on the materials of manufacture. The heaviest are crossbows made of wood. Aluminum alloys occupy an intermediate position; carbon and composites are used in the lightest models.

Silently eliminating sentries

How is a crossbow useful in a situation where you need to “take down” sentries? It ensures noiselessness and high accuracy, and the effect of its use is such that the object is unlikely to be able to not only run away and warn others, but also shoot back: even if the wound turns out to be non-fatal, moving with a huge arrow in the body will be problematic. It is also important that the sound of a fired arrow is not associated by a person of our time with danger and will not cause an unnecessary reaction. If you miss, the arrow will simply fly past and stick into the ground without disturbing the sentries. In this case, the shooter will have a chance to repeat the shot.

Which crossbow is better

The rating compiled by our team is not of an advertising nature. When naming the best, we relied on hard facts, and also followed the principle that the main word in the choice remains with the majority. Limited information did not allow us to consider all the candidates, perhaps the most interesting ones.

We consider the best crossbows of 2022 to be:

• Block – Barnett Ghost-420, a combination of lightness, balance, power;
• Recursive – Yarrow X-Ray, simplicity and practicality;
• Underwater – JBL Reaper 100, guarantee of a plentiful catch.

According to amendments to the law “On Weapons”, from January 30, 2022, hunting using bows and crossbows, the arc strength of which does not exceed 27 and 43 kg, respectively, is allowed on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Sabotage purposes

This may seem too similar to the plot of an action movie, but the crossbow is also successfully used for sabotage purposes. Using an arrow with a cutting tip, a good shooter can easily cut wires up to 2-3 cm thick, rope or fire cords. Using incendiary arrows you can achieve your goal much faster than using the corresponding small arms ammunition, since they contain more incendiary composition. There are also explosive arrows that can also be used in sabotage operations.