Whether you’re looking to upgrade your outdated crossbow, or you find yourself in a state that has recently allowed their use, wading through all the crossbow options out there can be a bit overwhelming.Â
Here we’ve compiled three of the most important things to consider when shopping for a new crossbow to help you make an informed decision that suits your hunting style and physical capabilities.
#1 - Speed: Finding The Balance
Most modern crossbows have speeds that can range from 370 feet per second (FPS) to 420 FPS, and a few can reach an impressive 515 FPS. All these speeds are more than sufficient for hunting North American game, and higher speeds offer flatter trajectory leading to more forgiveness, if you misjudge the distance to your target.Â
Faster arrows also deliver greater kinetic energy, leading to better penetration, which is advantageous for larger animals, or if you come into contact with bone.
However, more speed isn’t always better. High-speed crossbows typically have higher draw weights, leading to increased vibration, shock, and noise, which can often mean more frequent string and cable replacements.
If you consistently use a rangefinder and know your distances, extreme speed becomes far less critical. For most hunters, a crossbow around 400 FPS strikes an excellent balance between ample speed for diverse hunting situations and reduced maintenance.Â
#2 - Cocking: Effortless Preparation
The cocking system for a crossbow is a crucial aspect to consider. As crossbows have become faster and more narrow, their draw weights have increased, making manual cocking more challenging.Â
A manual cocking rope system utilizes pulleys to reduce the required effort by 50%. While effective, it still demands a notable amount of strength, especially for crossbows with high draw weights.
Crossbow cocking can be made significantly easier with crank-style systems, often reducing the necessary force to a mere 5-10 pounds. These systems come in two main types: removable and integrated.Â
Removable crank cocking systems attach for use and are then detached, making the crossbow lighter to carry, but require you to remember the device.Â
Integrated systems are built directly into the bow’s stock, offering a convenient, always-ready setup that is less likely to be misplaced.
Leaving a crossbow cocked for extended periods can damage the strings, cables, and limbs, on top of being dangerous. While many crossbows require you to shoot an arrow to uncock them, newer de-cocking crossbows allow you to safely “unwind” the string using a modified crank system.Â
Some also feature braking systems, which safely holds the string in place no matter where you are in the drawing cycle, even if you take your hand off the crank.
#3 - Size & Weight: A Comfortable Fit
Crossbows come in various lengths and widths, and finding one that fits your physical size and hunting environment can make your trip to the woods far more enjoyable.
Crossbow lengths typically range from 26 inches to 34 inches. A length around 32 inches generally suits most shooters, but it’s crucial to try out different sizes to see what feels comfortable in the hand and allows for proper aiming. A crossbow that is too long or too short for your build can make it cumbersome to hold and aim accurately.
Modern crossbows have become incredibly narrow, with some as slim as 6 inches when fully cocked, compared to older models that could be up to 30 inches wide.
A narrower crossbow offers superior maneuverability in treestands, saddles, or ground blinds, increasing your shooting opportunities. It also reduces the risk of limbs contacting obstacles when fired, which can cause both a missed shot and damage to your crossbow.
Crossbows between 6 and 12 inches wide when cocked are generally considered “narrow” and offer a significant advantage.
Crossbows typically weigh between 6 and 10 pounds. Factors like integrated technology such as a cocking device, and optics can greatly influence the overall weight.
For most whitetail hunters who don’t cover vast distances carrying their crossbow, the overall mass weight is often less critical, especially since many hunters utilize tripods or shooting sticks for stability.
Conclusion:
Considering these three aspects will help you quickly and confidently narrow your choices down to a few new crossbows that aligns with your hunting needs and enhance your overall experience in the field.
If you’d like to go into a deeper dive on crossbow considerations, our friends over at TenPoint have a series of articles they put together as a buyer’s guide to crossbow shopping.
