We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n There\u2019s a crossbow speed race happening, and there are some real benefits to the new ultra-fast bows. Consider that an arrow traveling 500 fps drops only 2.5 inches from 20 to 50 yards, not to mention the energy it delivers down range.\u00a0<\/p>\n While those dragsters are marvels of engineering, we also focus on accuracy and ease of use when selecting the best crossbow of the year. Former OL shooting editor Townsend Whelen said, \u201cOnly accurate rifles are interesting.\u201d The results of this year\u2019s test show that the same is true for crossbows. Here are this year\u2019s results.\u00a0<\/p>\n Crossbows Tested in 2024<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Previously Tested Crossbows<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Natalie Krebs<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n We typically focus on reviewing the newest products from top brands, but many of the best crossbows have been around for a few years. That\u2019s why we decided to take a wider look for this year\u2019s crossbow test and evaluated the best options available to hunters, rather than just the newest. We\u2019ve also included reviews of crossbows from past tests that are still available and still excellent options.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n While we\u2019ve tested many of the best crossbows there are still a few we haven\u2019t been able to get our hands. We\u2019ll add the following crossbows to this article as soon as we can get them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Natalie Krebs<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n We measured crossbow speed using a Garmin Xero C1 chronograph. Each crossbow was shot three times, and we averaged the speeds to give you the specs listed. For context, the bolt weight and momentum are also listed for each bow. You\u2019ll also see momentum calculated for each crossbow instead of kinetic energy because momentum provides a more accurate figure of an arrow\u2019s lethality and ability to pass through an animal.\u00a0<\/p>\n Three testers shot two, three-shot groups at 50 yards from each crossbow. That gave us a total of six groups per crossbow. We averaged those six groups to give you the accuracy specs listed.\u00a0<\/p>\n We evaluated each crossbow for how easy and intuitive it was to cock and load. We also took note of safety features, the noisiness of cocking mechanisms, and each crossbow\u2019s manual of arms.<\/p>\n We tested accuracy from the bench, but that\u2019s probably not how you\u2019ll shoot when hunting, so we also shot crossbows offhand, kneeling, and off a tripod to see how they handled in field positions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some of the crossbows received extra attention to provide additional data points. We checked arrow drop, shot groups at 100 yards, and shot broadheads at 50 yards with select bows.\u00a0<\/p>\n We used the Big Shot Kinetic 650<\/a> because standard targets aren\u2019t up to the task of stopping bolts from the fastest crossbows. The Kinetic 650 reliably stopped arrows throughout our accuracy testing, and pulling bolts was easy. For broadheads, we used a Rhinehart RhinoBlock, which worked great at stopping the bolts.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Garmin Xero C1<\/a> uses doppler radar to track a projectile and measure its speed. We chose it over a traditional chronograph because it provides consistent reading no matter the lighting conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Scott Einsmann: Outdoor Life<\/em>\u2019s gear editor and lifelong archery nerd.\u00a0<\/p>\n Natalie Krebs: OL\u2019s executive editor and crossbow test veteran. She has also helped many people shoot their first deer with a crossbow through NDA\u2019s Field to Fork program<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Derek Horner: OL\u2019s engagement editor, who has hunted deer with everything from flintlocks to crossbows.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tCrossbow Test Results, At a Glance<\/h2>\n
How We Tested the Best Crossbows<\/h2>\n
Crossbows Tested\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Speed<\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/crossbow_chrono-4.jpg?strip=all&quality=85\")
Accuracy<\/h3>\n
Cocking and Loading<\/h3>\n
Handling<\/h3>\n
Gear We Used for Testing<\/h2>\n
Target: Big Shot Kinetic 650<\/h3>\n
Chronograph: Garmin Xero C1<\/h3>\n
The Test Team<\/h2>\n
Best Crossbows: Reviews & Recommendations\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Editor\u2019s Choice: Ravin R29X<\/a><\/h3>\n