No matter your experience or knowledge level, choosing the appropriate budget crossbow for hunting needs is essential. Factors to keep in mind include size, weight, and features.
Crossbow manufacturers generally produce budget models that utilize similar technologies and production processes as their more expensive versions, giving you maximum value for your dollar. This guarantees you maximum performance.
1. Barnett Whitetail Hunter
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter crossbow is one of the most widely purchased bows today due to its price, quality, and ease of use. It is ideal for hunting or target shooting alike. Although slightly heavier at 6.4 pounds, it helps increase accuracy. Furthermore, its high-quality material limbs contribute to comfort while using this bow.
It comes equipped with many of the features expected on higher-end crossbows, making this model a pretty impressive value for its price point. These include nock sensors and anti-dry fire features to help keep you safe when firing your crossbow. These safety measures are essential if hunting is part of your plan, as accidents resulting in severe injury could quickly arise from misfires.
At this crossbow, one feature we particularly appreciate is its built-in scope. Though some may find its quality subpar, it adds value and comes at no significant additional cost. Furthermore, its lightweight construction makes it easier for hunters to carry into the woods. This feature can especially come in handy when hunting from tree stands or large areas where walking may be involved to reach their hunting spot.
This Barnett crossbow features an easy crank-cocking system and a Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer, making it simple and accessible to users of all skill levels. Furthermore, its trigger requires only three pounds of pressure to fire.
Another feature of this bow is its Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern, making it suitable for most hunters. Versatile and adaptable to various environments, its darker shade provides additional concealment if hunting from ground blinds.
2. Excalibur Grizzly
If you’re on a tight budget and searching for an economical crossbow, look no further than the Excalibur Grizzly. At just 5.5 pounds total weight, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry while in the field, and its skeletonized stock helps reduce weight for a more comfortable shooting experience.
The Grizzly has a compact fixed power scope and rope cocking aid, making it an ideal option for beginners learning archery or experienced hunters looking for more affordable options. Compatible with various target points, this crossbow is perfect for any hunting situation!
Another fantastic feature of this crossbow is its limb pocket storage compartment, enabling you to conveniently store arrows while prepping for hunting trips over longer distances. This can save time and effort in the field.
Excalibur offers this durable crossbow with its lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind that you’re getting an exceptional product. Its lightweight nature makes the Grizzly ideal for novice archers or anyone accustomed to shooting heavier bows.
One downside of this crossbow is its lack of an anti-dry fire mechanism, which is shared with budget crossbows. Therefore, an arrow stabilization kit might be worth purchasing to ensure accurate shots on target.
Excalibur’s Matrix SMF Grizzly Bow is an affordable powerhouse designed to shoot fast. Capable of shooting an arrow at over 300 feet per second, making it suitable for all sorts of game hunting, this 200-pound draw weight bow meets all state-specific maximum draw weight regulations.
This powerful bow features an aluminum riser and magnesium cams to withstand constant use and a removable string-dampening set designed to improve accuracy and durability. Furthermore, it features skeletonized limb guards and string dampeners, which serve to improve accuracy and durability; its pair of string dampeners help absorb recoil shock to reduce shock vibration noise; additionally, they’re removable so you can rotate or reposition them easily, prolonging their lifespan further.
3. BearX Constrictor Strata
Bear X has earned a reputation for manufacturing outstanding crossbows at an accessible price, and this model does not disappoint. Boasting a compact design perfect for hunting in tight spaces like ground blinds and treestands, with speeds reaching up to 410 feet per second firing speed capability and features such as adjustable cheek pad/stock (3″ of adjustment), anti-dry fire trigger system, and 190-lb draw weight, it features premium finishes along with handy features like adjustable cheek pad/stock (3″ adjustment), anti-dry fire trigger system, anti-dry fire trigger system, etc.
The Constrictor Strata measures 10″ when cocked and 14″ uncocked, enabling hunters to maneuver easily in tight spaces without bogging down in brush or branches. Furthermore, its narrow dimensions allow it to achieve lightning bolt speeds of 410 fps, which will easily take down even the most significant game animals.
As an added feature, this model features an ambidextrous top mount 5-arrow quiver equipped with a 360-degree pivot that allows hunters to position it either right or left of their bow for use when hunting – secured in place using cam strap and locking mechanism so it won’t come flying off during shots.
This bow is easy to handle and features a smooth and accurate trigger with 3 inches of motivation pull adjustment for comfortable shooting from shooters of all sizes. Furthermore, its high-quality materials can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use.
This Bear X crossbow comes in two camo patterns – Veil Stoke and True Timber Strata – and can be purchased as part of a complete, ready-to-hunt package that includes scope, quiver, cocking rope, and three Bear X Arrows with 100-grain field points and inserts to help deliver accurate shots every time. Furthermore, for added convenience, this crossbow comes with a manual cocking sled and rail lube/string wax to get you hunting quickly and safely.
4. Killer Instinct 425
The Killer Instinct 425 crossbow is one of the top budget crossbows available and not just an economical purchase – it is also a fantastic piece of hunting equipment! Equipped with intelligent technology patented for hunting purposes and boasting high precision and well-balanced construction, this crossbow suits users of all experience levels and speeds. Furthermore, its multi-patented design enables fast shooting speeds at a distance while energy-efficient components enable effective performance over long ranges.
This crossbow is also highly silent; its advanced X-cam system reduces noise and vibrations during operation to help you close in on your target without alerting nearby animals. Furthermore, you can add string silencers for added accuracy and stealth hunting. Assembly is easy thanks to an owner’s manual, which will walk you through the process; unfortunately, its safety switch can sometimes make noise when engaging or disengaging itself – one downside to note here!
Killer Instinct crossbows are known for being very durable and reliable. Crafted with top-of-the-line materials, customer service at Killer Instinct is always there if there are any issues with them – simply call or email, and they will send replacement parts as necessary.
Killer Instinct Speed 425’s great advantage lies in its incredible accuracy, perfect for both bowhunting and target shooting. Additionally, the company provides accessories in the pack like a rope cocker and rapid draw cocking device; a set of HYPR Lite 20-inch carbon crossbow bolts with field tips and quiver; 3x scope; quiver; non-illuminated scope; straightforward assembly process and lifetime warranty!
