Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The Best Crossbow Broadheads Review 2017

If you like to go out for a weekend hunting trip every once in awhile but can’t stand the hassle of owning or using a gun, a nice hunting crossbow is a great thing to have. However, while a crossbow is relatively easy to use with just a little bit of practice, finding the best crossbow broadheads to use can be a real challenge. Let’s go over some of the crossbow broadheads currently on their market. We’ll list their pros and cons, and then decide on which one is the best and which one gives the most value for your money. Let’s get started!

Crossbow Broadheads Overview

What are crossbow broadheads? To put it simply, they’re the things you put on crossbow bolts that actually pierce the carcass of the animal you’re hunting. A crossbow broadhead can be made from a variety of materials, but plain old steel is the most common. When you’re shopping for crossbow broadheads, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors besides just accuracy. Durability, aerodynamic stability, penetration ability, and how big of a mess the broadhead will create on the carcass are all factors that should be carefully considered. Before we start reviewing individual products, lets go over the two main categories that modern crossbow broadheads fall into: mechanical and fixed-blade.

Mechanical Versus Fixed-blade Broadheads

Mechanical (or expandable) crossbow broadheads are kind of like the hooked teeth you’d find on a great white shark. Once one of them penetrates an animal, two blades on the sides of the broadhead will automatically expand to ensure that the bolt will stay attached. Even if the animal is still alive and running around, the bolt will stay stuck in the wound, creating a clear and obvious blood trail. Mechanical broadheads have two main disadvantages, however: they’re more expensive than their fixed-blade counterparts, and they have a tendency to cause a lot of damage to the animal’s flesh (making it much harder to harvest and cook the meat).

Fixed-blade broadheads are recommended for beginners because they’re cheaper and easier to use. However, if you’re totally committed to your hunting hobby, don’t feel bad for bypassing them and going straight to mechanical broadheads.

Broadhead Grain

A broadhead’s grain is simply how much it weighs. So if, for example, you buy a 90 or 100 grain broadhead instead of a 125 grain broadhead, you can expect your bolt to fly through the air a little more quickly. However, the lighter the grain you use, the less penetration power your bolt will have.

Therefore, the animal you’re hunting should determine the type of grain you use. A bear will require the heaviest grain you can find at your local outdoors shop, a deer can be dealt with using a standard 125 grain broadhead, and using anything but the lightest grain available on a rabbit will deal irreparable damage to the carcass.

Picture
Name
Rating
Price
 
rage c best crossbow broadhead
Rage Crossbow X

$$$

Check Price
express best crossbow broadhead
Express Quad Pro

$$

Check Price
Rage best crossbow broadhead
125 Grain Fixed

$

Check Price
3-3 best crossbow broadhead
3-3 Blade

$

Check Price
express xt best crossbow broadhead
Express XT

$$$

Check Price

Other Considerations

There are a few more things you should know in general about crossbow broadheads. For one, it’s possible to get crossbow broadheads with snubbed noses for target shooting. This way, you won’t have to wear down the sharp edges on your normal bolts. Second, you can get broadheads with up to four blades for extra penetrating power. Finally, consider how often you want to sharpen your broadheads. If you already have a specialized broadhead sharpening kit on hand, this isn’t much of an issue, but if all you have is a normal knife sharpener, consider cutting down on the number of blades you have to worry about on your prospective broadheads. Now, on to the products under review!

Rage Crossbow X 2-Blade Review

rage c best crossbow broadheadThis pack of 3 2-blade broadheads is a great thing to get if you’re just starting out with your hunting hobby. The Rage brand is especially known for creating crossbow broadheads that are very precise, and this particular product is no exception.

Even better, this crossbow broadhead comes equipped with Ferrule Alignment Technology. Ferrule Alignment Technology, or FAT for short, is a new aerodynamic technology that ensures that all the blades on the broadhead remained fixed exactly in place. Like the wings on a plane or the fins on a helicopter, the blades on this crossbow broadhead will guide and steady the object while it’s in flight, greatly increasing the chance of a critical hit on the animal you’re hunting.

Shock collar technology is another thing on the blade that will help the broadhead to stick to the animal. Even if the animal tries to dig out the blades of the broadhead by rubbing its hide on a tree, the bolt should still stick.

This is a mechanical broadhead. One practice broadhead is also included.

PROS
  • Well-rounded set of broadheads for beginners
  • Even comes with a practice broadhead for easy training
  • FAT technology will keep the crossbow bolt steady in the air even if the shooter wasn’t very accurate
  • Shock collar technology will startle and mentally disarm the animal when contact is made
  • Will make for an especially precise bolt, even at long ranges
CONS
  • Mechanical blades can be difficult to maintain
  • These broadheads are significantly more expensive than average
  • The bright color of the broadhead could scare away animals, especially after you fire and miss

Final Verdict

Overall, this is the kind of crossbow bolt you want to get when you’re just starting out or want to get one of your kids into hunting. It’s an all around good broadhead that comes with few disadvantages. If I had to give it a rating, I’d rate it four and a half stars out of five. So is this the best crossbow broadhead you can possibly buy with your money? Read on to find out.

 

Carbon Express Quad Pro Review

express best crossbow broadheadThis crossbow broadhead set is a little more, shall we say, “advanced” than the preceding broadhead set. Instead of two blades, each broadhead comes with four. While this means the bolt won’t fly through the air as quickly (thus decreasing the effective range of your crossbow), the quad blades are very useful for digging through the tough hides of large animals like wolves, bears, and elk.

On the other hand, this is still far from the heaviest of crossbow broadheads that you can find. So even if you’re inexperienced, don’t be too afraid to try this one out. While it might not be the best crossbow broadhead that money can buy, this set should serve you very well for medium-sized game hunting.

 

The front parts of the blades on these crossbow broadheads are designed to sit as close to the main shaft as possible in order to maximize the bleeding edge. This will result in a wound that’s fairly small but very, very deep. Unfortunately, this product does not come with a practice broadhead. This means that you’ll have to wear down the blades every time you go to a practice range.

PROS
  • Four blades will ensure a great wound and blood trail on the animal
  • 100 grain is at least adequate for most animals, whether you hunt big game or small game
  • The blades on these broadheads are extremely sharp, and they should stick to the animal fairly easily
CONS
  • Not the most accurate broadhead set on the market
  • Not a mechanical broadhead

Final Verdict

It’s hard to say that this crossbow broadhead set will give you the best crossbow broadhead on the market. However, the quad blades on this set are very effective and very nice from an aesthetic point of view. I give this product four stars out of five. If you decide to buy, make sure that you also buy a case for the broadheads so that you don’t cut your fingers on the blades.

Keep in mind the main disadvantage of this broadhead: the high number of blades means that the accuracy of the bolt is going to be significantly reduced. Therefore, stay away if you’re someone who is easily frustrated.

 

125 Grain Fixed Review

Rage best crossbow broadheadNow we’re on to the heavy stuff. These three blade broadheads are great for hunting in a very thick patch of wounds where it’s very hard to get in more than one shot on an animal.

Unlike the previous two crossbow broadheads, these broadheads come with screw-on tips. This way, you can adjust the shape of the broadhead as you want to better account for wind and other climactic conditions.

These broadheads are very sleek and easy to clean. The heads are so sharp that they may be able to completely go through an animal like a pig if you’re shooting up close. Therefore, these bolts are ideal if you’re planning on using a crossbow primarily to protect a farm or garden from intruding animals.

 

PROS
  • Screw on tips make these broadheads very versatile in different weather environments like rain or snow
  • Not very expensive
  • Good for close range target practice
  • Very good looking
CONS
  • Not very good at long ranges
  • Not a mechanical broadhead

Final Verdict

While these aren’t the absolute best broadheads you can get, the low price of them means that they’re a great value. As long as you keep them locked up in a warm room at all times (except for when you’re using them), these broadheads should last a long time as well. I would give these broadheads three and a half stars, but their low price forces my hand. Four stars.

 

Pack of 3-3 Blade Review

3-3 crossbow broadheadThese all-metal broadheads are not meant for hunting animals, but for practicing martial arts. They will only fit onto a very heavy crossbow and the range on them is not very far. Do not try to hunt with these bolts, because you will only wound the animal and the blades will probably not stick.

Many people would think that these aren’t the best crossbow broadheads on the market. Some people might even think that these broadheads are junk. However, the price on them isn’t very high, and there are many people out there that are interested in crossbow shooting for historical reenactment or martial arts purposes. Especially in the case of someone who wants these broadheads for martial arts purposes, it’s not always desirable to get the best product if you’re only going to be using it for a few short exercises.

 

On the bright side, the simple design of these broadheads should mean that you won’t need to get replacements for them for a long time. You should also be able to store them in a gym locker for a long time without running into any maintenance issues.

PROS
  • Very durable broadheads
  • Easy even for a beginner to understand how to use
  • Great piercing ability at close ranges
CONS
  • Not ideal at all for hunting
  • Might have a hard time keeping these blades sharp

Final Verdict

Overall, I give this product a rating of three starts out of five. Even though these broadheads are cheap, you’re not exactly getting a great deal for your money. However, since the broadheads are perfectly functional for non-hunting purpose, it would be unfair to give them a rating lower than the one I am giving.

 

Carbon Express XT Crossbow Broadhead Review

express xt best crossbow broadheadThis is one of the fanciest crossbow broadhead sets you can get on the market. You can order the broadheads to be either 100 grain or 125 grain. The blades on these broadheads resemble shark’s teeth, ensuring that any animal that gets pierced with them will never escape. Even better, these broadheads aren’t that much more expensive than the cheapest broadheads you can get. But are these the best crossbow broadheads? It’s difficult to tell.

On the one hand, all the advantages I just listed are very considerable. These broadheads are designed to spin in the air as smoothly as possible, ensuring accuracy at very long ranges. Plus, while serrated blades wear down faster than normal blades, they will stick in the animal much more easily.

 

PROS
  • Serrated blades
  • Will fly very straight in the air
  • Will leave a great blood trail for deer
CONS
  • A little more expensive than average
  • Low relative durability (difficult to store and maintain the broadheads without causing corrosion or other types of long-term damage)

Final Verdict

I give this product four out of five stars. While it’s a very great set of broadheads, it’s a set that would be very difficult for a beginning hunter to use and maintain. But compared to all the other broadhead options out there, it’s hard to make a mistake when you’re buying these.

 

The Best Crossbow Broadhead For 2017

For 2017, I would have to say that the best crossbow broadhead for my money is the Rage Crossbow X 2-Blade Broadhead. Though it might not look like the fanciest broadhead on the market, it’s often better to go for a product that’s well-rounded rather than a product that’s specialized for one area but isn’t good for much else. The Rage brand of crossbow broadheads is always reliable, and all the special gadgets on this particular broadhead come at a price that’s affordable for most people who are new to hunting. Plus, even if you want to use this broadhead for another purpose, such as exhibiting it at a renaissance fair or a martial arts meeting, the main blades on the broadhead should hold up for a long time at all ranges.best crossbow broadhead

 

Don’t sweat the negative reviews for this product too much. As long as you follow the instructions for using a mechanical crossbow broadhead carefully, you shouldn’t have any major problems.

The Best Value For A Crossbow Broadhead For 2017

Though many people out there are only interested in buying the “best” product out there regardless of the consequences, there are certainly some more prudent people who are mainly interested in getting the most value for their money. For these people, the crossbow broadhead I would recommend is…wait for it…the Carbon Express Quad Pro Broadhead. You get a lot of blades for a low price, and the relatively simple design means that maintenance won’t be a huge issue. For a 100 grain broadhead, you also get a lot of cutting power, making bolts with this broadhead ideal for a relatively light crossbow. Overall, whether you’re on a tight budget or have all the money in the world, it’s hard to go wrong with the carbon express brand.

 

best crossbow broadhead

 

Conclusion

When you’re just starting out with a new hobby, figuring out what all the inside lingo means for different products and specifications can be very daunting. Even worse, the people who write reviews for the products you may be interested in typically don’t explain the terms they’re using. Therefore, even if you have a little bit of experience with buying outdoors or martial arts equipment, it always pays to read detailed information before you set any money down on the table.

None of these crossbow broadheads are a terrible choice: while some might be better for some things than for others, all of them are at least functional for hunting, practice shooting, and other recreational activities. Therefore, don’t feel bad if you like one product in particular that didn’t receive a very high rating. After all, everyone has a different perception of how valuable a particular product is to them. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

If you want to learn more about either crossbow broadheads in particular or the other parts of a typical crossbow set, www.crossbowexpert.com is a great resource. They have both youtube videos and text articles that should help you to learn all the information you need to know.

Another tip for discerning which crossbow products to buy: if you’re shopping on amazon, give more weight to reviews that are properly formatted and grammatically coherent. If a review is just spouting off technobabble without giving detailed information, you can never tell for sure how much the reviewer was concentrating during writing or even whether the reviewer was a real person. In general, exercise good common sense and pay attention to the tone of each review you’re reading.

That’s about all that can be said about these particular sets of crossbow broadheads. Good luck with your outdoors equipment shopping spree!

 Related Sources:

The post The Best Crossbow Broadheads Review 2017 appeared first on Best Archery Tips, Reviews and Products - PimpMyBow.

Source: http://pimpmybow.com/crossbow-broadheads/

Best Cheap Crossbows Review 2017

Does Such A Crossbow Even Exist?

Obviously, the title must have got you wondering if this is even real. Of course, something that is the best has to be pricey and something cheap crossbow is not really good. That’s exactly how the market works. However, the bargain hunter will always optimize his expenses and try to strike the right equilibrium between his investment and returns. And that’s exactly what I’m up to.

Picture
Name
Rating
Price
 
barnett cheap crossbows
Barnett Recruit
$$
Check Price
cheap crossbows
Barnett Jackal
$$
Check Price
best cheap crossbow
Barnett Quad 400
$$$
Check Price

So, I have scanned the internet and worked with dozens of crossbows till date to understand each of them closely and determine the ideal “value crossbow”. A “value crossbow” is the one which fetches the maximum value for you at the least cost incurred. It is essentially the most “cost-efficient” crossbow.

Do you know when was the crossbow invented? No? Well, you are not as stupid as you think you are. Actually, nobody really knows the story behind the inception of crossbows. However, one string that attaches it to the prehistoric era is that several crossbows were discovered in Chinese graves dating as early as 2500 B.C! Transitioning towards medieval history, the Greeks realized the immense potential and edge the crossbow had over traditional bows. The Greeks adopted them as warfare weapons in the 5th Century B.C. A fair part of the Greeks’ revolutionary war success was attributed to the crossbows.

The crossbows form an essential part of tribal artillery in the south-eastern part of Asia even today. It is often concluded that the art and skill associated have been handed over as legacy by their barbaric forefathers.

Now, what made the crossbow such a lethal weapon with an almost definite fatality streak? The versatility and accuracy. If you notice the structure of a crossbow closely, you would notice a bow mounted across tillers (today, known as stock). The crossbow was built in such a fashion that when fired, the arrow would move through a straight channel on the stock giving it a straight momentum, hence increasing its accuracy. As time progressed, a stirrup was developed at the front of the crossbow which allowed the archer to tame the crossbow between his feet and draw the string with both hands. The strings in crossbows are fast strings which have really high tension that propels the arrow ahead with blazing velocity.
Unlike former crossbows, the modern day crossbows are made in aerodynamic designs and better materials to deliver a much powerful and accurate shot.

Obviously, you are not here to understand the history nor the mechanics of crossbows. But before I take you along and jump right into the review for the best cost-efficient crossbow of 2017, I would want you to know that at the end of this review, I will be declaring my verdict for “The Most Cost-Efficient Crossbow 2017”.

When I set out for my little quest to find the best, little did I know there were so many options available to choose from.  I wonder if some day, God forbid, the human race encounters a zombie apocalypse, would amazon still spoil us for choices. Food for thought.

Getting back to business, I have reviewed and rated various crossbows to conclude my hunt and I present to you the top 3 crossbows which is sure to entice you as much as it did to me.

So, here it goes- Ladies, gentlemen and all crossbow aficionados, presenting to you the first contender for the year.

Barnett Recruit Compound Crossbow Review

barnett cheap crossbowsIf you have just stepped into the adventurous world of game hunting and you are yet to earn yourself an expert tag, fret not as the Barnett Recruit is just what you need to pull off a pretty decent game without hurting yourself much.

With a velocity of 300 fps, the Barnett Recruit doles out close to 85 feet lbs. of kinetic energy with every release.  Despite the fact that it is not really the most powerful crossbow, the power packed in every fire is significant given its compact size.

 

The Barnett Recruit is a completely black compound crossbow sporting a composite stock coupled with composite limbs. This compound crossbow has quad limbs along with ergonomically designed pistol grips which reflect a perfect blend of design and durability. The butt stock is really adjustable to fit right into your body contours no matter what your size is. Finger reminders lace through the fore grip not letting your fingers cross ways with the string and cable which, by the way, is not a beautiful feeling. The safety and anti-dry fire mechanism prevents accidental shots and misfires which may be legal for you as well as your fellow companions. The string may pack some real power to your shots, however, the quality of the strings are not really the best in class.

The Barnett Recruit may be a really compact crossbow but if you are a close hunter who walks right into the accurate-zone of your game, this weapon is not going to disappoint you.  You can really rely on this compound crossbow if you intend on making your way through the woods and don’t want your crossbow to get messy with the branches and bushes. The Barnett Recruit is narrow enough to carry across a dense trail with really ruffling much.

The Barnett Recruit has a draw weight of a measly 130 pounds which is not really even a deal, let alone a big deal!  Perhaps the one good thing about the light draw weight is the fact that you can draw it without needing a rope-cocking device. However, you may always run the risk of pulling the string unevenly and inconsistently. The draw is smooth and quite light while the string latches securely in the cocking mechanism well enough. However, the string is not the best part of the compound crossbow one can vouch for.

The Recruit comes along with a premium red dot scope which is a pretty recurring and general scope in the crossbow industry. The red dot scope is pretty easy to use and durable. It shows promise to survive despite rugged use. While this is of really good quality, it is not something recommended if you wish to go in for long-range shots.  However, this does just as well in short range area shots. The optics do not fog easily and the adjustable illuminating rheostat works real smooth.

The Barnett Recruit package includes three 20” carbon arrows which are good enough to polish your aiming skills through target practice. Though the Barnett Co. recommends 400 grain arrows, it definitely works real well with 425 grain arrows as well at 320 fps!

The Barnett tag comes along with a standard 3-year warranty which essentially covers most of your worries. The Barnett Recruit, all in all, is an ergonomically compound crossbow which works just brilliantly if maneuverability and flexibility is your thing and you are out with a budget.

PROS
  • Affordable
  • Compact Construct
  • Composite Body
  • Warranty
CONS
  • String Quality
  • Little noisy

 

 

Barnett Jackal Crossbow Review

cheap crossbowsThe Barnett franchise is out with yet another performer grade hunting crossbow. This lethal weapon is as mean as its name – The Barnett Jackal Crossbow.

The build of Barnett Jackal is indeed of stellar grade. The Jackal is built real sturdy with quad-style limbs which also adds to its raw hunter look. These quad-styled limbs are designed in a way to provide ample stability and support. With its well designed framework it ensures a shot with decent accuracy.

The energy wheels at the end of the Jackal’s limbs ensure a really swift draw packed with power. The Jackal comes with an attached cable system that produces amazingly speedy arrow shots.

One common woe among sturdy crossbow users is the arm fatigue that it causes. Arm fatigue is often followed by shaky hands and missed shots. The Jackal’s light weight construct has ensures that arm fatigue is a rare occasion. Yet another benefit of the amazingly light construct is that anyone can use it to fire an incredible shot, irrespective of their age and physical stature.

Of the very first things that you will notice when you take a look at the Barnett Jackal is the sleek stock which sports a military-type design. The stock is not only visually beautiful to look at; it also gives you a relaxed and safe place to grip. The stock features a fore-grip which is divided for extra comfort and ensures that your hands are placed correctly. This is important to keep your hands safely away from the channel of the arrow as well as to improve the accuracy of your shots.

The jackal is a light-weight 7.7 pound crossbow. This light construct makes it really convenient to carry to your favorite location. Coupled with a 12 inch power stroke, it can be used by shooters of any skill level. The Jackal includes a “picatinny rail” which helps to almost guide your shot to the target.

With a 3.5 pound trigger, it is quite normal to trigger a suspicion regarding the safety.  But it seems like the engineers at Barnett’s have already thought through this. The 3.5 pound trigger is easy to pull, while being “crisp” enough to not misfire at the same time. The military design is something bind hunterscan appreciate while trying to camouflage with the surroundings.

What really makes the Barnett Jackal stand out of the crowd is its impeccable performance standards that make it an ideal choice. The unique blend of quad limbs, high energy wheels and a stellar cable system, this crossbow can shoot with a speed of up to 315 feet per second. The Barnett Jackal has an easy going draw weight of 150 pounds with 95 FP of kinetic energy packed into every arrow fired from this lethal weapon. This is perhaps one of the best configurations out there to take on almost any North American game.

The picatinny rail provides a really comfortable guidance and platform to mount your arrow and deliver an almost accurate shot. The well drafted balanced design allows for amazing straight shots. The 3.5 trigger pulls smooth enough to avoid any jerks that may throw your aim off the shot.

The Barnett Jackal package includes everything you need to start hunting. The package includes an easy-to-understand instruction booklet. It is recommended to follow the steps to assemble your brand new Barnett Jackal safely within minutes. The package also takes away your pain to go to the nearest home depot as it comes packed with necessary bolts and screws along with a convenient set of hex keys.

The scope is accurately pre sighted to 20 yards which is really convenient to start with. Anyways, you can also adjust the scope to meet your needs. The included quiver comes along with three 20-inch bolts which gets you started almost immediately. The Barnett franchise also offers a 5-year warranty which is likely to ease your maintenance headaches.

All in all, it is a really bright pick for hunters across all skill sets.

Affordable

PROS
  • Great design
  • Balanced build quality
  • Warranty
CONS
  • No rope-cocking system
  • Little noisy

 

 

Barnett Quad 400 Crossbow Review

best cheap crossbowJust starting off on your quest to be the best? Want to go slow and yet maintain the finesse of the art? The Barnett Quad 400 crossbow is something you should have your eyes on.

With an amazing velocity of 345 fps, the Barnett Quad 400 translates each shot into a kinetic energy of 106 feet lbs. with every release.  This may not really be the most powerful crossbow of all times but it definitely gives you a chance at that grizzly bear or cape buffalo if you have enough bravado to take a shot from a distance of 30 yards.

 

The Barnett Quad 400 comes pre-strung, so all you have t do is attach it to the stock and mount your quiver to set right off to the woods. With a draw weight of 150 pounds it does get a bit heavy to carry around. It is recommended to buy a hand-cranking cocking device or a rope-cocking mechanism from the aftermarket if you do not wish to pull a nerve or two on your neck and shoulder. However, along with the nerves you may always run the risk of pulling the string unevenly and inconsistently. The draw is smooth and quite light. However, the string is not the best part of the compound crossbow one can vouch for.

The Barnett Quad 400 is built well enough to look beautiful while it hangs on your wall while its quality may not essentially be the most promising in the category. There are concerns regarding safety considering the hazards that may arise due to the snapping of the limbs or ripping of the strings.

The Barnett Quad may be a really uncomfortable crossbow to carry but if you are a close hunter who walks right into the accurate-zone of your game, this weapon is not going to disappoint you.

The Barnett Quad comes along with a 4x32mm scope which is a pretty recurring and general scope in the crossbow industry. The scope is pretty easy to use and durable. It shows promise to survive despite rugged use. While this is of really good quality, it is not something recommended if you wish to go in for long-range shots.  However, this does just as well in short range area shots. The scope is pretty easy to sight-in though.

The Barnett Quad 400 comes along with an anti-dry fire mechanism to prevent misfires and accidental shots which may cause serious damage.

The Barnett Quad 400 package includes three 22” carbon arrows which are good enough to polish your aiming skills through target practice. Though the Barnett Co. recommends 400 grain arrows, it definitely works well with 425 grain arrows as well. As always it is recommended to not shoot with arrows below the manufacturer’s recommendation.

The Barnett tag comes along with a standard 3-year warranty which essentially covers most of your worries. The Barnett may be a great option for hunting rabbit to hog-sized games. However, the low cost somehow seems to have derived its compromise on the build quality.

PROS
  • Affordable
  • Design
  • Warranty
  • Easy-To-use
CONS
  • No rope-cocking system
  • Little noisy

 

 

Now, that we are at the end of the face-off, it is verdict time. The essential points while picking a hunting crossbow include a sturdy build quality. An effective draw weight with a compact structure is an absolute for swift maneuverability. While all of these are important, what adds value to the product is – getting all of these at a fairly reasonable price-point.

barnett-recruit

 

The verdict for “The Most Cost-Efficient Crossbow 2017” is to be announced. The very compact ace of maneuverability, with a sturdy construct and a durable build quality, having the lowest price-point for an amazing hunting crossbow; the Most Wallet-Friendly and Best Hunting Crossbow is none other than- The Barnett Recruit Compound Crossbow!

The post Best Cheap Crossbows Review 2017 appeared first on Best Archery Tips, Reviews and Products - PimpMyBow.

Source: http://pimpmybow.com/best-cheap-crossbows-review-2017/

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

The Best Crossbow 2017 Review

So, you wish to be the greatest archer of all times?  Enjoy shooting? Or are you simply preparing for the game hunting season to begin?  Whatever it is, I’m going to let you into the perfect guide to choosing the best crossbow for 2017.

best crossbow for the money

Do you know when was the crossbow invented? No? Well, you are not as stupid as you think you are. Actually, nobody really knows the story behind the inception of crossbows. However, one string that attaches it to the prehistoric era is that several crossbows were discovered in Chinese graves dating as early as 2500 B.C! Transitioning towards medieval history, the Greeks realized the immense potential and edge the crossbow had over traditional bows. The Greeks adopted them as warfare weapons in the 5th Century B.C. A fair part of the Greeks’ revolutionary war success was attributed to the crossbows.

Picture
Name
Rating
Price
 
best crossbow
Excalibur 405

$$$$
Check Price
crossbow reviews
TenPoint Venom

$$$$
Check Price
best crossbow for the money
Barnett Ghost 410

$$
Check Price
crossbows reviews
Matrix 380

$$$
Check Price
best crossbows
TenPoint Vapor

$$$$$
Check Price

The crossbows form an essential part of tribal artillery in the south-eastern part of Asia even today. It is often concluded that the art and skill associated have been handed over as legacy by their barbaric forefathers.

Now, what made the crossbow such a lethal weapon with an almost definite fatality streak? The versatility and accuracy. If you notice the structure of a crossbow closely, you would notice a bow mounted across tillers (today, known as stock). The crossbow was built in such a fashion that when fired, the arrow would move through a straight channel on the stock giving it a straight momentum, hence increasing its accuracy. As time progressed, a stirrup was developed at the front of the crossbow which allowed the archer to tame the crossbow between his feet and draw the string with both hands. The strings in crossbows are fast strings which have really high tension that propels the arrow ahead with blazing velocity.
Unlike former crossbows, the modern day crossbows are made in aerodynamic designs and better materials to deliver a much powerful and accurate shot.

Obviously, you are not here to understand the history nor the mechanics of crossbows. But before I take you along and jump right into the review for the best crossbow of 2017, I would want you to know that at the end of this review, I will be declaring my verdict for “The Best Crossbow 2017” and “The Cash-Saver Crossbow 2017”.

best crossbows

When I set out for my little quest to find the best, little did I know there were so many options available to choose from.  I wonder if some day, God forbid, the human race encounters a zombie apocalypse, would amazon still spoil us for choices. Food for thought.

Getting back to business, I have reviewed and rated various crossbows to conclude my hunt and I present to you the top 5 crossbows which is sure to entice you as much as it did to me.

So, here it goes- Ladies, gentlemen and all crossbow aficionados, presenting to you the first contender for the year.

Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 Crossbow Review
best crossbow

You know, sometimes in life, all you need is an incredibly fast and powerful crossbow and a successful hunt. The Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 Crossbow may probably be your halt when you are out mining through the exhaustive list of crossbows available.

With its sturdy construct, perfectly balanced body and swift performance, this deadly device is designed to keep the newcomers at bay. The Matrix Mega 405 is a recurve bow designed for especially experienced hunters. The commanding design of this crossbow is perhaps more than a novice can handle, safely.

 

Along with having a sturdy construct, the Matrix Mega 405 is relatively lighter in weight which makes it a lot easier to handle. This makes it especially easy to carry and eliminates the chances of having an arm fatigue. An arm fatigue can cause jittery-hands which will not really help you take your best shot.

Excalibur, known excellently for producing durable bows, has the Matrix Mega 405 boast of a really powerful structure which ensures the much needed stability for heavy draws. This is additionally supported by a riser which is easily attachable.

Speaking of design, Excalibur has done what it always does to its product- yet another elegant design. While it is way ahead in aesthetic aspects, the “mossy oak” pattern is something you will appreciate when you are trying to camouflage for the big game. The brilliant design allows for an almost silent fire of the arrow which is always an advantage for those stalking their prey on populous grounds.

Excalibur has put in sufficient thought in the direction of safety as well. Having a maximum speed of around 405 feet per second (Yes! You read that right) and a draw weight of 290 pounds (Yes! This as well), safety is something every shooter is going to be concerned about. Can you imagine pulling such a heavy draw without probably straining a nerve or a muscle? No, right? Excalibur seems to have taken care of this by attaching a rope cocking device to ease the significant amount of energy required to work with the 14 inch power stroke. Another important highlight in terms of safety is the anti-dry firing device which essentially can prevent fatal misfires.

The Matrix Mega 405 is perhaps one of the finest recurve crossbow in terms of exemplary power, speet and performance. The 405 feet per second speed coupled with the heavy 290 pound draw weight sums up to an amazing potential energy which just amplifies once shot and transformed into kinetic energy.

The package consists of almost everything you will need during a hunting game, except a water bottle! The high precision scope makes it really easy to zoom into. As mentioned earlier, its durable construct and string dampener will help you hold your crossbow steady even on bumps and let you fire with sound not more than a whisper.

Additionally, you can benefit from the release mechanism in the crossbow which lets you uncock arrows without having to fire them. With a quiver that ensures everything is within reach and a set of four Diablo and field tip arrows included in the kit, you can rally off to the closest practice ground as soon as you have your Matrix Mega 405 assembled. Assembled? Yes, you obviously have to take some pains. However, the instruction manual is simple enough for your kid or nephew to set it up for you.

PROS
  • Super-fast
  • Quiet & Powerful
  • Sturdy construct
  • Excellent scope
CONS
  • Too heavy to draw

 

 

TenPoint Vapor Crossbow Review

best crossbowsIf TenPoint Vapor has earned its reputation in the crossbow industry, it is probably because of the vapor.
The TenPoint Vapor is particularly famous amidst the hunter and target shooter community.

Owing to its exemplary power and innovative design, it boasts of an effective performance when it comes to hitting stationary as well as moving targets.

As we know, the construct of a crossbow enjoys the highest weight when considering the features to choose the best. The TenPoint vapor has a light-weight construct which helps you move your crossbow in tandem with your reflexes at good speed.

 

The parallel limbs essentially facilitate sufficient support and stability while drawing and releasing the arrow. Also, the carbon fiber barrel ensures the accuracy of your shots. The vapor is relatively smaller than its peers at 12.6 inches, which plays to its benefit really well. The vapor is pretty easy to shoot and maneuver anywhere. The light body weight adds to its mobility and ease of carrying factor.

Similar to the Excalibur Matrix Mega 405, even the TenPoint Vapor sports a “mossy oak” design which make it relatively easy to camouflage with the environment.While the crossbow is designed slightly smaller than its peers, it plays well to the advantage of young archers in terms of handling.

When it comes to picking a crossbow, another thing that should be on your mind is safety. Despite making the 3.5 pound trigger easy to pull, it is still crisp enough to not take a cue at accidental pushes.
Another safety feature worth a mention is the dry fire inhibitor which essentially prevents lethal misfires. These features come coupled with a really convenient safety switch. The carbon fiber barrel features a slightly angled design to avoid sore fingers and increase the accuracy per shot effectively.

The TenPoint Vapor is potent enough to fire up arrows up to an impressive 360 feet per second with a 165 pound draw weight. The vapor also sports a HE cam to allow an impressively smooth draw and release of an immensely power-packed arrow.

Speaking of taking down a game, the vapor can easily take down almost every game a novice would wish to take down while the field tip arrows can penetrate a variety of targets rather swiftly. Arm fatigue is not a major concern while using the vapor owing to its light-weight construction. Lesser arm fatigue directly relates to lesser shaky hands and better shots.

Hunting season has to be the quietest season since nobody wants to startle a prey. But what if your crossbow’s fire has a “swoosh” sound before the arrow even reaches your high-reflex prey? Well, no need to really worry about that while using the vapor. The innovative bow to barrel mounting system essentially dampens and muffles the sound to a great extent. A silent crossbow lets you take a second shot even if you miss your first one as the arrow fired earlier was too quiet to make a difference in the ambience.

The package containing this beautiful piece also has a jump start kit consisting of an adjustable scope which can increase the accuracy of your shots up to 40 yards with negligible weight-add and an aluminum mount. Seems like TenPoint understands the fact that an instruction booklet is probably the most unnoticed component of a package. The TenPoint vapor comes along with a DVD to guide you set up your brand new vapor.
The protective case that is included in the package lets you carry your bow around with ease. Carbon fiber points and arrows are included for those who want to venture out into the field to practice almost immediately.

PROS
  • Durable
  • Light weight construct
  • Easy to use
  • Well-balanced
CONS
  • Not impressive for professional shooting
  • Smaller than peers

 

 

Barnett Ghost 410 Crossbow Review

best crossbow for the moneyThe Barnett Ghost 410 is the compact manifestation of Barnett’s earlier 400 version of the compound crossbow. While being an easy to handle package, it promises the speed and power enough to enthrall your peers and you.

The Barnett Ghost 410 flaunts a unique combination of being light in weight but sturdy at the same time. The main advantages of a light weight crossbow are maneuverability and ease of handling which essentially eliminates the chances of arm fatigue. Arm fatigue is one of the most common reasons for shaky hands and ruined shots. This baby measures 20inch axle-to-axle and weighs an easy 7.3 pounds.

 

The riser is constructed with light weight carbon material which essentially should add to the compound crossbow’s stability and balance. The construct of this crossbow ensures that you are not thrown off-balance while drawing on this.The Ghost comes in a jet black variant which gives it a sleek finish along with a no-nonsense attitude.

The safety aspects of the Ghost are worth a mention. The Barnett Ghost 410 comes along with a safety switch which engages itself automatically and prevents the arrow from releasing unless secured well. This almost eliminates misfire risks, if any. Nevertheless, the Barnett Ghost 410 also has an anti-dry firing device which not only prevents an accidental fire but also does not allow the arrow to dry-fire which can really ruin the bow’s performance. With comfortable grasps on the well-designed grips, you may also appreciate the thoughtful finger slots which keeps your hand well below the release channel.

The Barnett Ghost 410 can fire up to maximum speeds of an amazing 410 feet per second! This really ensures that you can keep pace with your agile moving target. With a 185 pound draw weight and energy-release metric of up to 150 pounds, the Barnett Ghost 410 is an extremely powerful crossbow which can fire through and across almost any target.

The package comes along with an informative instruction manual and quick setup tools which helps you get your crossbow ready in a matter of minutes. An exceptional highlight is the 5-year warranty provided by Barnett.
Along with the standard stuff, you get an accurate 3×32 mm scope which works pretty efficiently up to 20 yards with factory settings. This scope can be adjusted for groupings and to make shots from a distance as well. The attachable rope cocking mechanism makes the drawing process rather smooth and easy. Convenience is something that the talon style sling provides whenever you are off hiking to your next location. The package includes 3 arrows and a quiver.

PROS
  • Safety switch
  • Light weight construct
  • Price
  • Well-balanced
CONS
  • Little Noisy
  • Does not camouflage

 

 

Excalibur Matrix 380 Crossbow Review

crossbows reviewsThe Excalibur Matrix 380 crossbow is a well-balanced and light weight product by Excalibur. It is an excellent product in terms of handling. Also, its camouflage is a great plus for those seasoned players who do not want to give away their position while hunting in the blind. The Excalibur Matrix 380 gives you the power and speed you need to make an absolute humane killing shot.

Usually, archers choose a recurve bow considering it light weight and easy to handle and care for. The Excalibur Matrix 380 is a recurve bow which is really durable and simple to maintain while on the field. This is a go to product for any archer preferring maneuverability irrespective of their skill levels.

 

The limbs of the Excalibur Matrix 380 offer a durable and sturdy build quality which facilitates ample balance and stability when aiming. The riser is capable of putting up a smooth show while firing a long-distance shot. The riser attaches pretty easily to the mount and is ready for business in minutes. The rear stock is made out of lightweight materials. The rear stock is designed in such a way that they fit rather comfortably against your shoulders. True to Excalibur’s product history, even the Excalibur Matrix 380 offers sufficient sturdiness to ensure a stable aim even during jerks and jolts faced by outdoor hunters.

While the design is extremely comfortable, the “real tree” pattern makes it a perfect camouflage which blind hunters would appreciate. The “real tree” design makes the crossbow blend into the forest environment. Along with the woody texture, it also includes suppressors that reduce the shot noise radically and eliminates the chances of you startling and losing a high-reflex prey. The design being really compact allows smooth maneuverability in tight spots and confined spaces.

In terms of safety, the Excalibur franchise stands true to its standards even with the Matrix 380. The anti-dry firing not only prevents lethal misfires but also protects the overall performance of the bow. The trigger is really easy to pull while the response is slightly delayed giving the archer sufficient time to ensure accuracy of the shot.

Along with a smooth release trigger, the Excalibur Matrix 380 also boasts of a pretty decent velocity at 380 feet per second to keep up with the pace of really agile moving targets. The arrows backed by a 260 pound draw weight has enough energy to penetrate through almost any target.

PROS
  • Excellent Camouflage
  • Light weight construct
  • Easy Maneuverability
  • Well-balanced
CONS
  • Overweighed draw
  • Pricey

 

 

TenPoint Venom Crossbow Review

crossbow reviewsIf maneuverability is your major concern and you often find yourself cramped while blind hunting, probable the Tenpoint Venom crossbow is your bet. With an ultra-compact design and no compromise on the velocity, the TenPoint Venom is a pretty good investment.

A sturdy and heavy construct may be a common woe for archers who struggle with their aim because of arm fatigue. The TenPoint Venom is a solution to the pain with its durable yet light build measuring 17.6 inch axle-to-axle. The mossy oak design gives it an extra point while hunting in the blind.

The TenPoint Venom is capable enough to fire up arrows up to an impressive 372 feet per second with a 185 pound draw weight. The venom also features a HE cam to allow an impressively smooth draw and release of an immensely power-packed arrow. The impressive compact construct makes it an easy weapon to use across all skill levels.

 

The 3.5-pound trigger is easy to pull. However, it has sufficient resistance to prevent accidental shots from being triggered. Like the vapor, even the venom is designed with an anti-dry fire system and safety switch. However, one thing game hunters should be wary of is the audible click that the trigger produces that can startle your prey. However, the dampeners can eliminate any twangs created by the strings.

The package includes a quiver and 6 strong carbon tipped arrows. The main feature of the venom is the ACU draw 50 which essentially reduces the draw weight by almost 50% to facilitate an easy draw pull. It also makes it easier to hold the draw a bit longer; however, your upper body strength is a large factor.

PROS
  • Excellent Camouflage
  • Light weight construct
  • Easy Maneuverability
  • ACU draw 50
CONS
  • Overpriced
  • Audible safety click

 

 

So, finally we are at the end of an amazing review for the best crossbow 2017 and it is verdict time.

With a heavy price, the Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 is hands-down the Best Crossbow 2017 bet when it comes to crossbow hunting. This mean little weapon is worth every cent invested.

crossbow reviews

 

For the ambitious archers with a relatively narrow budget, The Best Cash-Saver Crossbow 2017 is the Barnett Ghost with a sturdy and efficient system at a beautiful price.

what is the best crossbow

 

So start preparing for the game fellow hunters!

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