Buyer’s guide: A look at some of the best crossbows for 2023

Crossbows are being used and “allowed” in more states than ever before, with Minnesota just recently legalizing them for hunters of all legal ages, even without any health limitations.

These devices are here to stay, folks, and there are more of them on the market than ever before. This story is a good place to start your search. That said, these rigs are a considerable investment, so do yourself a favor and test-shoot some of the options listed below at your local archery pro shop. Educate yourself on terminology, options, and personal preferences before you make your purchase.

Here are some of the best crossbows for 2023.

Ravin | R10X XK7

The new Ravin R10X XK7, which is powered by the company’s famous HeliCoil technology, now fires bolts at 420 feet per second without sacrificing accuracy. Hunters will appreciate the “custom” feel in part due to newly designed stock that includes an adjustable cheek pad and butt stock. It also integrates silent cocking – a feature any hunter knows is great from in the blind or in the stand.

A new 100-yard illuminated scope includes an integrated speed lock that will stay dialed in – shot-after-shot. That drastically helps reduce or even eliminate problems once you calibrate the scope.

The crossbow also became even more hunter-friendly thanks to Kings’ XK7 camo that is inspired by the natural colors and terrains of North American environments, uniting seven abstract shapes and textures to provide the ultimate concealment, no matter the distance.

Ravincrossbows.com

Barnett | Hyper XP 405

The Hyper XP 405 features a narrow 10-inch, axle-to-axle profile when cocked, making it super maneuverable in tight quarters. The short, custom composite laminated limbs and Hunter Pro Scaled HPX cams provide plenty of power without added foreend weight for a more stable shooting platform. The parallel limb configuration, combined with a track-mounted string dampener, significantly reduces recoil and noise during the shot while enhancing accuracy.

As its name implies, the Hyper XP 405 is built around Barnett’s HyperFlite narrow-diameter arrow technology. Pairing the Hyper XP 405 with HyperFlite arrows provides a deadly accurate combination of blistering speed, maximum kinetic energy, and deeper penetration.

Barnettcrossbows.com

CenterPoint | Wrath 430X

CenterPoint Archery merges speed and stealth in the Wrath 430X, a crossbow that includes the modern, premium features normally only found in far more expensive models. Measuring a scant 9 inches axle-to-axle fully cocked, this ultrasleek bow adds a folding stock and stirrup to make the Wrath 430X one of the most compact crossbows a hunter can own. Its inverted cam design shoots at 430 feet per second and delivers up to 164 foot-pounds of kinetic energy for a devastating impact.

With the addition of a silent crank, the Wrath 430X is a top choice for serious hunters. It’s fully loaded with auto safety, anti-dryfire, rope cocker, three carbon arrows, quiver, and 4×32 mm illuminated scope.

Centerpointarchery.com

Mission | SUB-1 LITE

The SUB-1 LITE is the most versatile crossbow in Mission’s lineup and weighs in at a mere 6.9 pounds and is incredibly easy to cock, making it a crossbow anyone can handle. It features the same Benchmark Fire Control technology found in the SUB-1 and SUB-1 XR, which includes a 3.3-pound match grade trigger, the Easy-Load bolt retention arm and the ability to safely uncock with the push of a button. With its lightweight, compact frame, and uncompromising commitment to high quality materials, the SUB-1 LITE delivers a premium crossbow experience for any shooter.

MissionArchery.com

Wicked Ridge | Rampage XS

The Rampage XS is their lightest crossbow ever at 5.8 pounds and measures four-inches shorter than the previous version and is equipped with a lighted scope, shoots 390 feet-per-second and is available in two stock options – the XS Stock with built in ACUdraw Cocking Device, or the NEW Tactical Stock with an AR-style adjustable butt stock and Rope-Sled.

The Rampage’s narrow, 175-pound bow assembly is built for success in tight hunting situations.

Wickedridgecrossbows.com

Excalibur | Assassin Extreme

Excalibur Crossbow’s Assassin Extreme features Micro High-Output Express limbs for increased durability and blazing fast speed of 400 feet-per-second performance. A whisper quiet Charger Crank System is a true dead-silent integrated crank aid. The Pro-Shot match-grade trigger system features a light pull weight combined with a crisp, clean, and consistent break. Although fast, R.E.D.S. Suppressors substantially reduce shock, vibration, and noise.

Like all Excaliburs, the crossbow is nearly bulletproof and among the leaders in durability on the market.

ExcaliburCrossbow.com

Ten Point | Nitro 505

The Nitro 505 is the fastest crossbow in the world, clocking in at 505 feet per second, but you’ll find top accuracy thanks in part to the reverse-draw design and a host of other features. Included is a 100-yard EVO-X marksman elite scope with new scope struts that increase strength by 80% for a rock-solid foundation. Also included is a smooth two-stage zero-creep trigger with a roller sear system that provides a greater trigger control for long range shooting. Silent cocking and de-cocking are provided by their Acuslide system.

Tenpointcrossbows.com