Best Crossbow Under 500 and 550 Dollars – Learn From The Experts!

Truth be told, crossbows are more fun and less strenuous than compound bows. But, are also more expensive with some costing upwards of $1000. Nonetheless, there is no need for you to spend thousands of dollars on a crossbow.

For less than $500 there are some pretty decent crossbows out there. Finding the best crossbow under 500 isn’t easy though. There are literally hundreds of crossbow options to choose from and not all of them are worth your money.

In this article we will be looking at the top-notch crossbow under $500. That is the crossbows that will give you the most bang for your buck. We have scoured the internet and engaged with hunters and archers to come up with a list of over twenty crossbows.

And while we could have easily reviewed all 20+ crossbows we decided to narrow the list down to seven. That being said, here are our top seven picks of the best crossbow under 500.

These seven have been selected based on performance, accuracy, and ease of use. In a nutshell, they can be used by both pros and beginners.

A Quick Comparison Of Our Top Picks

Image
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, with 4x32mm Multi-Reticle...
BARNETT Explorer XP 400 Crossbow | Compound Crossbow with...
Excalibur E73392 Matrix G340 - MOBUC with Dead Zone Scope
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated...
BARNETT TS380 High-Speed Crossbow, with Anti-Dry Fire...
Speed
375 FPS
400 FPS
340 FPS
400 FPS
380 FPS
Draw Weight
180 lbs.
200 lbs.
230 lbs
187 lbs
201 lbs
Kinetic Energy
118.6 ft. lbs.
135 ft. lbs.
92 ft. lbs.
140 ft. lbs.
122 ft. lbs.
Power Stroke
15 7/16"
13.75"
15.5"
16.375"
12.625"
Mass Weight
6.6 lbs
6.2 lbs
5.5 lbs
6.9 lbs
6.9 lbs
Price
$377.04
$404.72
$499.99
$388.11
$699.99
Image
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, with 4x32mm Multi-Reticle...
Speed
375 FPS
Draw Weight
180 lbs.
Kinetic Energy
118.6 ft. lbs.
Power Stroke
15 7/16"
Mass Weight
6.6 lbs
Price
$377.04
Image
BARNETT Explorer XP 400 Crossbow | Compound Crossbow with...
Speed
400 FPS
Draw Weight
200 lbs.
Kinetic Energy
135 ft. lbs.
Power Stroke
13.75"
Mass Weight
6.2 lbs
Price
$404.72
Image
Excalibur E73392 Matrix G340 - MOBUC with Dead Zone Scope
Speed
340 FPS
Draw Weight
230 lbs
Kinetic Energy
92 ft. lbs.
Power Stroke
15.5"
Mass Weight
5.5 lbs
Price
$499.99
Image
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated...
Speed
400 FPS
Draw Weight
187 lbs
Kinetic Energy
140 ft. lbs.
Power Stroke
16.375"
Mass Weight
6.9 lbs
Price
$388.11
Image
BARNETT TS380 High-Speed Crossbow, with Anti-Dry Fire...
Speed
380 FPS
Draw Weight
201 lbs
Kinetic Energy
122 ft. lbs.
Power Stroke
12.625"
Mass Weight
6.9 lbs
Price
$699.99


Last update on 2024-03-28 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How To Identify The Quality Crossbow Under 500 Dollars

While they lack some of the sophisticated features found on pricier models, crossbows under $500 can still be used for target practice, deer, and turkey hunting. So what should you look at when shopping for one?

Speed & Kinetic Energy

The arrow’s speed and how much kinetic energy it packs will influence what kind of animal you can hunt. For the most part, crossbows under $500 offer speeds of 400FPs and below. On our list, the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is the only one with a 400 FPS arrow speed.

All the others clock in at 350FPS and below. The question is, is this enough? For the most part, this is enough to take down deer, turkey, and small bear at close range. 

The same goes for kinetic energy. Ideally, pricier models pack quite a punch and hence why they have hefty price tags attached to them. But for less than $500, an arrow speed of 350 FPS is more than sufficient.

Draw weight

How much draw weight is needed for a crossbow depends on what you are hunting. For the average hunter, a draw weight of 150 pounds is sufficient. This will be enough for taking down rabbits, antelope, and small deer.

For larger animals such as elk, you will need a draw weight of at least 175 pounds. A 175 pounder crossbow will pack more punch than a 150 pound one. However, a 175 pound or 200-pound draw weight may be a bit tougher to cock.

Nonetheless, you can utilize a cocking aid if you use a crossbow with a draw weight of more than 175pounds. 

Power stroke

The power stroke is an aspect that is often overlooked in favor of more common aspects such as draw weight and velocity. So what is it? The power stroke is the length between a crossbow’s strings when cocked and when uncocked.

A longer power stroke translates to more kinetic energy and velocity. However, some crossbows have shorter power strokes but still achieve high speed and power. To do this, such crossbows will often feature a higher draw weight.

Crossbows with longer power strokes do not require more draw weight to be faster and powerful.

Limb material

Crossbow manufacturers use different materials to make the limbs of their crossbows. These include carbon fiber composites, ceramic, and glass fiber composites.

Glass fiber composites are more common as they are cheaper. However, all these three materials are ideal for crossbow limbs.

Compound vs. recurve bow.

Recurve bows are similar to traditional bows. As such, more physical effort is required to pull the string to fire the arrow. Compound bows, use a system of cams and pulleys to pull the string back.

The result is that compound crossbows offer more power and arrow speed. However, recurve bows are easier to maintain since they have fewer moving parts.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your preference.

Crossbow bolts

Manufacturers will often recommend specific bolts to be used with their crossbows. This is because the bolt you use on a crossbow will affect its performance. 

crossbow bolts

Ideally, you want a bolt that is at least 20 inches in length. Anything shorter and it may get caught up in the rails of the crossbow. As for weight, a heavier crossbow will travel slower but have more penetration power.

A lighter crossbow will be faster but offer less penetration power. Thus it comes down to what you are hunting and the range. 

Cocking methods

Crossbows with a draw weight of 150 pounds and below can be cocked by hand. Where you require the aid of a cocking mechanism is where the draw weight is more than 175 pounds.

crossbow cocking method

There are several types of cocking devices available. There is the rope cocking mechanism that is the most basic. Most people of average strength can use this.

The stock integrated cocking mechanism is however, the easiest. This is the best choice for most people of average build.

The trigger

crossbow trigger

When it comes to the trigger, you want a trigger that is both light and sturdy for frictionless release. The trigger is an essential component as they hold the draw weight. For the best performance, you want a trigger with a pull weight of 2.5 pounds.

Safety

Safety features are essential, especially for beginners. These features can include anti-dry fire systems and auto-safety engaging systems. These features help keep your crossbow damage-free and also protect you from injuries.

Accessories

Crossbows come with several different accessories from quivers, scopes, rope cocking devices, etc. These accessories make work easier and help reduce additional expenses.

However, some accessories, especially at this price point, may not be of high quality. It is essential to note this when shopping for a crossbow.

Warranty

We all want products that come with an extended warranty, and crossbows are no exception. You want a crossbow that has several years of warranty on manufacturer defects.

Reviews Of The 5 Best Crossbow Under 500 Dollars

Barnett 78128 Whitetail Hunter II 350 FPS Crossbow

  • 150 pounds draw weight
  • 350 FPS
  • 4×32 scope included

Choosing which crossbow would occupy our number one spot was not easy. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II slightly edged out the other nominees. So what does it offer?

The quality of the build

This is an entry-level budget crossbow, but Barnett still put in the same care in its construction they would in a premium crossbow. The result is a high-quality aluminum rail and a bow that weighs 6.4 pounds.

When cocked it measured 16.125 inches in width, making it compact and easy to maneuver in tight spots. It offers the right balance of power, weight and builds quality, which is why it edges out the other nominees to our number one spot.

The shooting speed

Speaking of power, this compact crossbow is capable of sending arrows flying towards your target at 350 feet per second with 103 ft. lbs of kinetic energy. Thus it is no slouch. Its combination of power and compactness makes it one of the best hunting crossbow in its price range.

What about the draw weight?

What really surprised me about this crossbow is the draw weight. It has a manageable draw weight of 150 pounds. It has one of the lightest draw weights of any crossbow I have ever used. Meaning it appeals to beginners as well as pros

Pros

  • It is lightweight weighing only 6.4 pounds
  • It is narrow across the limbs making it easy to use in a tree stand
  • It has a fantastic speed of up to 350 FPS
  • Comes with a Realtree Xtra camo for year-round hunting

Cons

  • Was a bit louder than what I expected
  • Due to its anti Dry fire feature, the only way to de-cock a cocked arrow is by firing it, which can be an inconvenience when on a hunt

Verdict

As mentioned this Barnett entry-level crossbow offers the perfect balance of power, compactness, and weight. And thanks to its draw weight can be used by beginners as well as by professionals.

Review of Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow, Mossy Oak Bottomland

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is a crossbow that was made for the hunter who demands performance, accuracy, and durability. It has all of these things in spades. This crossbow can be used to hunt games from small animals to big games like deer.

When I first picked up this crossbow I was impressed by how lightweight it is. It has a weight of only six and a half pounds. The crossbow is constructed with fiberglass composite, which makes it very durable also. I was really surprised by how easy this crossbow is to use because all of the necessary adjustments are right there on the riser for you to make so that you can get your perfect shot every time.

The speed of this crossbow is 375 feet per second and has a kinetic energy of 118 (feet pound) which is more than enough for most hunting needs.

The Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage color scheme looks great in any setting or terrain. The stock has a rubberized grip for added comfort even after long periods of use. The crossbow has a single bolt assembly which is easy to assemble and use. It also comes with an anti-dry fire trigger-tech which helps to keep you from firing your crossbow before it is ready.

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow comes with all the accessories you would need to hunt any game animal in North America, including two 22 inches headhunter arrows, lube wax, a rope cocker, and others.

I was really impressed with how easy the crossbow is to assemble as well. It took me only about five minutes to get it ready for use, even though I had never used one before. But My biggest gripe about this crossbow is that there was a horrible instruction manual included when I bought it. For beginner crossbow users, this can be a problem.

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is a crossbow that was designed to meet the demands of serious hunters and it has all of those things in spades. It’s lightweight, durable, powerful, accurate, and easy to use.

Review of Killer Instinct Ripper 425 Crossbow

I recently purchased Ripper 425 crossbow for hunting, and I am in love! It’s so much fun to shoot. The Ripper 425 Crossbow has all the power and accuracy you need to take down your prey with ease.

This crossbow comes with wicked speed as well as downrange precision which is a great advantage when hunting. The blazing speed of 425 fps and power of 156 ft-lbs of kinetic energy makes this crossbow a beast of a weapon as well as the fastest crossbow of our list.

The weight is about right at six pounds, fully adjustable stock and forearm grip provide comfort as well as ultimate performance for accuracy to own your hunt.

The aluminum rail is rugged enough to withstand any abuse from the wild, yet sleek enough that it doesn’t weigh you down when trekking through deep woods.

This crossbow also comes with rubber shock absorbers and limb suppressors which is really nice for reducing noise and vibration after a shot.

The power stroke is 15 inches long to deliver a devastating punch that’ll make it easy to take down whatever you’re after. And lastly, the mighty draw weight of 200 lbs is perfect for delivering a lethal blow for any animal.

All in all, this crossbow is a beast of a weapon that has the power to take down any prey within the first shot.

CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package

  • 18-inch axle to axle cocked width
  • Quad limbs
  • STRING SUPRESSORS

The construction and design

Assembling the CenterPoint Sniper 370 took me a few minutes. The finished product looked really well made. When cocked it measured 18 inches axle to axle, which was impressive for a bow within its price point.

One of the things that robbed this bow of the top spot is its weight. It weighs 7.9 pounds, which is considerably more than the Barnett. All the same, this Centerpoint masterpiece does keep up with its competitor in other areas.

How powerful is it?

For instance, compared to the Barnett and other similar priced bows, this is quite powerful. It is capable of shooting 400-grain arrows at 370 feet per second. This is backed by a 112 ft lbs of kinetic energy with 13.50 inch power stroke.

How is the draw weight?

At 185 pounds it is more than the average draw weight of most crossbows. However, it is not something that cannot be managed easily by most male shooters.

First-time crossbow shooters will struggle a bit with this crossbow due to its beyond average weight and draw weight.

Pros

  • Has an impressive shooting speed of 370 FPS for 400-grain arrows
  • Very narrow axle to axle width of 18 inches makes it maneuverable
  • It is very quiet compared to some of the other bows on the list
  • Has some excellent safety mechanisms

Cons

  • Weighing 7.9 pounds and 9.2 pounds with accessories it is not the lightest crossbow out there
  • The arrows included in the package aren’t of the best quality.

Verdict

This is not the kind of crossbow you get if you are a first-time crossbow hunter. It is more suited to experienced male hunters and shooters. All the same, it offers up some exciting features such as the shooting speed and compact design. It can be used to hunt in tight positions such as in a tree stand or ground blind.

Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow

  • 400FPS shooting speed
  • 4×32 illuminated scope included
  • 165lbs draw weight

Barnett’s STR platform was previously reserved for the company’s high-performance premium crossbows. So you can bet I was eager to try out the affordable Whitetail Pro STR crossbow. The STR platform is designed to shift weight from the riser to the stock for improved stability.

First impressions

My first impression of the Whitetail Pro STR was of the bow’s construction. As with any other Barnett product, this bow looks very well made. It’s also easy on the eyes thanks to its dark Tru Bark camo.

The axle-to-axle width of the bow when cocked was slightly less than 18 inches. Not as impressive as that of the Centerpoint but it is still ideal for shooting in tight spots. As for the draw weight, it is a manageable 165 pounds.

Included with the crossbow is Barnett’s crank cocking device. This adds up to make this crossbow ideal for all types of shooters and hunters.

It comes with an amazing kinetic energy of 140ft. lbs with a power stroke of 16.38 inches. And for safety purposes, it has an advanced anti-dry fire trigger system, which can prevent accidental injuries.

The shooting speed

Where this crossbow really excels is in the shooting department. This baby pumps out some serious kinetic energy capable of taking down most big game animals. As for the speed, it sends arrows flying at a sizzling 400 feet per second.

At this price range, you will be hard-pressed to find another crossbow that can match the power and speed of the Whitetail STR. When it comes to power and speed.

Overall package performance

For hunting this crossbow is amazing. Thanks to the cocking mechanism, even a ten-year-old can cock it. Also, it weighs less than 7 pounds meaning you will have no problems hauling it about on a hunt.

Pros

  • Has a fantastic shooting speed of up to 400 FPS
  • It is a very accurate crossbow thanks to the STR platform
  • There is a string dampener that greatly reduces the sound
  • It weighs 6.9 pounds making it one of the more lighter crossbows out there
  • It comes with an illuminated 4×32 scope

Cons

  • The accuracy of the crossbow reduces beyond 40 yards
  • The package does not come with a carrying sling.

Verdict

The best crossbow for hunting needs to be lightweight, easy to cock on the go, and have a crossbow scope. The Pro STR has all these features, making it one of the best crossbows for hunting. Also given its weights and included cocking mechanism it is ideal for all types of hunters.

Wicked Ridge by TenPoint Invader G3 Crossbow

  • Tenpoint 3X multi-line scope included
  • 19-inch axle to axle width when cocked
  • 165lbs draw weight

Tenpoint is known for producing high-end crossbows. So I was curious to know how it’s a more budget-friendly line of crossbows compare to the company’s other offerings. The Wicked Ridge Invade G3 is one of the budget crossbows from Tenpoint.

The draw weight and overall weight

This Tenpoint crossbow is your average beginner-friendly crossbow. Its 165lbs draw weight is well within the accepted standard for such a crossbow. Also, it is a compact bow that does not weigh a lot. It comes with 97 FP Kinetic Energy and the power stroke is 13.5 inches. 

Overall the crossbow weighs 6.6 pounds. It is thus one of the lightest crossbows within this price point. In terms, of length, it measures 37.75 inches which is also within the accepted range for such a crossbow.

The performance

As with its draw weight and overall weight, the performance of this crossbow is not extraordinary. Nonetheless, given its price tag, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The 330 FPS speed is acceptable.

On the other hand, the 19-inch axle-to-axle width is ideal for shooting in tight positions. The powerful limbs, raiser, and energy wheel combine to offer a smooth performance.

Safety features and trigger

I was impressed with a 3.5-pound trigger on this crossbow. It is easy to pull and does not feel too soft. An anti dry fire inhibitor is also included that prevents too much damage to the crossbow. This inhibitor helps ensure consistent accuracy.

Pros

  • Comes with a scope included
  • There is also a three-arrow instant-detach quiver included in the package
  • Weighing 6.6 pounds, it is lightweight
  • It is also compact for shooting in tight positions
  • Comes with a locking mechanism

Cons

  • The speed is not as impressive as that of other similarly priced models
  • The axle to axle width is wider than that of other similarly priced models

Verdict

The Tenpoint Invader G3 is a basic beginner crossbow made by one of the best crossbow manufacturers out there. This means its quality and performance are at par with other similarly priced and even pricier models.

Excalibur Crossbow, Matrix GRZ 2 Package Realtree Xtra

  • 18 inches long
  • 200 lbs draw weight
  • 5.5 lbs overall weight

The last entrant on our list is the Excalibur Matrix GRZ 2 package. This crossbow is the lightest on the list. So why is it last? Well, while it has a lot to offer it also falls behind in some aspects. Nonetheless, it is a great crossbow for its price.

Power and speed

While it is the lightest on the list, it is also the slowest. However, this is not a bad thing. Capable of sending arrows flying at speeds of 305 FPS it is no slouch. This speed is enough for hunting most animals.

The power stroke of this crossbow is 11.2 inch while the overall length is 33.25 inch.

Construction and design

What it lacks in speed it more than makes up for in the design. Weighing 5.5 pounds, it is one of the lightest crossbows. The Realtree Xtra camo that is applied all over the crossbow is another plus in regards to its design.

Safety features

Excalibur invested a lot in this crossbow’s safety features. The feather-lite skeletonized stock has finger guards. There is also a rope cocking device included that helps in cocking. And with a 200-pound draw weight, this cocking aid is necessary.

Pros

  • Is one of the most lightweight crossbows at this price point
  • Comes with a four-arrow quiver included
  • There is a rope cocker device included
  • 11.2 inch of good power stroke
  • A fixed power scope with 1-inch rings is also included in the package
  • The black tactical Realtree Xtra camo is great for all year round hunting

Cons

  • It has a pretty heavy draw weight of 200 pounds
  • The shooting speed is not all that exciting

Verdict

This crossbow is no doubt without its fair share of drawbacks. But it is still a decent crossbow for its price tag. Also, there aren’t many crossbows that are as light as this one. Of course, the draw weight is a bit of a turn-off, but there is a cocking device included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average weight of the quality crossbow?

Most crossbows weigh between 5 pounds and 7 pounds. However, there are some that weigh more than 7 pounds. Essentially, the ideal crossbow, especially for beginners, is one that weighs less than 7 pounds.

Do the crossbows have a scope attached?

Most crossbows under the 500 dollars come with a scope attached. However, these scopes are usually mediocre given the overall price tag of the bow. Therefore, while some do come with scopes, it is always a nice idea to buy a better one. If you are a night crossbow hunter try one of these from the best night crossbow scope.

What is the average draw weight of the crossbows?

Draw weight is an important factor to consider when shopping for any type of crossbow irrespective of your budget. On average crossbows under the 500 price tag have a draw weight of between 150 lbs and 200 lbs? A draw weight of 200lbs is on the higher side. Most shooters both beginners and pros are better served by a draw weight of fewer than 200 lbs.

What is the target for the best crossbows?

The target you select for your crossbow should match its performance. For a crossbow with a 370FPS and below, you want something without a pass-through. RedHead’s Crossbow field-point target is the right choice for such crossbows.For faster crossbows, the Black Field Logic Block will be the right choice.

What essential crossbow accessories should I have?

A shooting stick for stabilizing your crossbow either when standing or kneeling. Another essential accessory is a rope cocking mechanism. This is especially if you do not want to cock your crossbow by hand.

Compound vs. Recurve CrossBow: What is the Difference?

There are many different crossbows, but the two main types that people will encounter are compound and recurve. The difference between them is where they store their energy. A compound crossbow stores its energy in a metal component called a u0022cocking lever.u0022 This pulls back on the string, which loads the bow’s limbs to create tension. Recurves use recurved limbs to increase power without any additional levers or pulleys. A compound crossbow can propel the arrow much faster while recurve crossbow can not.

Conclusion

Crossbows are amazing for hunting. As such, to get the whole crossbow hunting experience, you will need a quality crossbow. And due to how costly they can be to manufacture crossbows cost considerably more than standard bows. Nonetheless, there are a lot of decent crossbows in the under 500 price tag. When looking for the crossbows under 500, it is important to consider the quality. Some offer additional features, while others are best for hunting specific types of game.

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