Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Review – 2021 Guide

Barnett is a renowned brand, well known for manufacturing outstanding crossbows and many archery equipment. It has manufactured numerous models of crossbows that are ideal for individuals belonging to different skill levels and interests.

One of the best crossbows made by the brand is the Whitetail Hunter STR. This article will take a closer look at the bow and all that it has to offer.

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Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

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PROS

  • Safety
  • Easy handling
  • Powerful Shots
  • Camouflage Exterior
  • Convenient Assembly

CONS

  • Poor Scope
  • Stiff Cocking Device

Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Specs

· Draw Weight: 185 pounds

· Arrow Speed: 375 feet per second

· Weight: 6.6 pounds

· Length: 34.875 inches

· Width (axle to axle): 18.125 inches

· Power Stroke: 12.5 inches

· Draw Style: Forward Draw

· Trigger Pull Weight: 3 pounds

· Type: Compound

Pros

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR crossbow comes with several unique features that take your archery game to a whole new and exciting level. Because of these features, users can make the most of the equipment and improve their skills too. Some advantages that this bow provides include:

Convenient Assembly

Unlike traditional compound crossbows, this one does not put you through the tricky assembly. It asks for minor adjustments at the time of installation, which can be accomplished within no time without putting in too much effort. 

Only a single bolt is enough to attach all the accessories. Furthermore, the package comes with a manual that includes self-explanatory instructions to help with the setup. Hence, the one-bolt assembly is very easy and convenient.

Safety

Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow ensures the utmost safety for users. To prevent dry firing, it features the patented Soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer.

With this feature, this unit can control the pressure of the arrow on the bow. As a result, it alleviates the chances of dry firing to a significant extent.

Easy Handling

Since this bow is super lightweight, it is easy to hold, carry and transport. Besides having a snug grip on it, you can move around comfortably without tiring your arms and shoulders.

Powerful Shots

The bow provides a great amount of kinetic energy to the arrow. Therefore, each shot is released with excellent power and penetrates the target deeply so that the game dies on the spot, with minimal suffering.

These exceptionally intense shots also help you when the game is located at quite a long distance. This unit is an expert at hitting targets that are situated at a far distance.

Camouflage Exterior

The Mossy Oak bottomland camo-exterior is worth mentioning since it aids in terms of safety out in the wild. This creative pattern keeps the shooter concealed and gives him more room to be confident while shooting.

Cons

Like everything else, this crossbow also has some drawbacks. Although these downsides are minimal, considering them will keep you confident and not make you regret your purchase.

Poor Scope

The scope provided in the package is not efficient enough to fulfill the expectations of the buyers. It presents some issues while sighting in for larger distances. Moreover, other features, including the eye-relief and reticles, are also not up to the mark and do not do the job satisfactorily.

Stiff Cocking Device

A poor-quality cocking device comes in the package. It is a bit stiff and can give you a tough time to pull. For this reason, some people may have to exert more force to engage the device. Also, this stiffness will take up more time between each recurrent shot.

Best Uses For the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow

It is manufactured to suit the requirements of many archers and bowhunters. It can come in handy for the following uses:

To Hunt Large Animals

When we shoot an arrow with this crossbow, having a draw weight of 185 pounds, the arrow acquires kinetic energy of 118 feet-pounds.

This amount of kinetic energy is what shooting large and strong animals require. In other words, you can make the most of this compound crossbow for hunting large games, too.

For Tight Spaces

Barnett Whitetail STR eliminates the difficulty faced when using compound crossbows in narrow locations. In this model, the axle-to-axle width and overall length are kept compact. Hence, a hunter does not have to miss the game even if the spaces are narrow.

Is the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Hard to Shoot?

It neither has complicated assembly nor requires high-level expertise while shooting. Instead, shooting with this crossbow is a piece of cake, making it a nice option for those who are new to archery. It is an ideal product for intermediate-level users and can be enjoyed by everyone, considering that it has a one-person assembly design.

Components and Included Accessories

On purchasing this product, you also get various innovative components. On the whole, these accessories enhance your experience with the bow.

4x32mm Scope

This unit provides you with a scope included in the package that can be used to watch out for every move of the animal. By zeroing the scope, you can easily shoot down the animal and never miss a target again. This scope also features seven types of reticles.

Cocking Device

Cocking the bow requires a great amount of strength that can easily tire out a person. Therefore, this unit comes with a rope cocking device, which you can use to cock the bow with ease. This helps to prevent fatigue and makes it easier to use the bow. 

Quiver

A quiver is also included in the accessories. By storing arrows in this quiver, you can keep your hands free while moving about, trying to hit the target. Moreover, it’s very handy to grab an arrow from the quiver when you are in a hurry.

Headhunter Arrows

You also get two sturdy 22-inch headhunter arrows as a bonus with the crossbow.

Lubrication Wax

It’s necessary to lubricate the rail for a smooth arrow flight. But you don’t have to buy any lubricant wax separately since the Barnett Whitetail STR already provides you one with every purchase.

What Ages and Skill Levels is the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Suitable For?

The design and mechanism are not simple enough for a kid to understand. That’s why we recommend this compound crossbow for adults, professionals, and intermediate-level hobbyists. They can manage to deal with the stiff cocking device, whereas teenagers or younger archers may find it hard to handle.

As far as the skill set is concerned, intermediary-level archers can use this user-oriented bow. The single-bolt setup, lightweight frame, and extraordinary arrow velocity are favorable for such bow shooters. With consistent practice and dedication, they will be able to polish their abilities successfully and shoot like a pro.

What Makes the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Stand Out From the Competition?

Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR crossbow wins the race on account of numerous unprecedented features. First, its draw weight is the most noteworthy of all. At 180 pounds, it accelerates the arrow with an amazing speed of 375 feet per pound. 

The price point is also another factor that brings the Barnett Whitetail STR crossbow into the limelight. Brands generally hike prices as the number and versatility of features increase. However, this unit allows us to reap the benefits of the latest features without costing too much.

Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

Comparison Overview

This section compares different types of crossbows offered by Barnett and other market-leading brands. This comparison will help determine if the Whitetail Pro STR is what you are looking for 

Barnett Whitetail Pro STR crossbow vs. Barnett Whitetail Hunter II

These two products are from the same brand, but different ranges. Let’s see how they compare.

Similarities

Both crossbows are similar in the following ways:

Type

These two products are compound bows. Hence they follow the same technique of use and have similar purposes too.

Single-Bolt Assembly

There is no difference in the installation procedure of these two units. In fact, both feature a single-bolt setup.

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Differences

The differences between Barnett Whitetail Pro STR and Barnett Whitetail Hunter II are as follows:

Draw Weight

The Pro STR exhibits a greater draw weight at 187 pounds, as compared to 160 pounds of Barnett Whitetail Hunter II. Resultantly, the arrow speed of the former is more than that of the latter.

Camouflage Pattern

The Pro STR exterior mimics the TrueBark appearance, whereas the other product has a Realtree camo design.

Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow vs. Carbon Express Covert Tyrant Crossbow Set

The STR crossbow is a symbol of pride for Barnett. Another bow that has gained great popularity is the Covert Tyrant by Carbon Express. Here’s a comparison between the two;

Scope

A 4x32mm scope comes with bots of these units.

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Weight

If we compare these products’ weight, then the Barnett STR is much lighter, weighing only 6.6 pounds. Meanwhile, Carbon Express weighs 6.85 pounds.

Kinetic Energy

Barnett STR delivers 118.6 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, which is more than 103 ft-lbs produced by the Carbon Express unit.

Bear X Saga 370 Crossbow vs. Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

The Saga 370 crossbow is one of Bear’s signature products. Let’s see how it compares to the famous Barnett model.

Draw Weight

The draw weight of both these crossbows is the same at 180 pounds.

Mass Weight

The Bear X Saga model weighs around 7.5 pounds, making it bulkier and heavier than the Barnett Hunter STR Crossbow.

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How to Assemble the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR crossbow has a straightforward installation method. As discussed earlier, this compound crossbow involves a one-bolt assembly. Before using it, you must gather all the accessories and attach them to their respective positions.

In the end, all the attachments will be fixed in place with the help of a single bolt. To make it simpler, we have broken down the whole procedure into different steps.

  1. After unboxing the package carefully, apply the lubrication wax on to the cables and rail track.
  2. Then join these cables with the rail track by pushing them in the direction of the scope.
  3. Keep pressing it until a ‘tick’ sound is heard.
  4. Next, check if the cables are seated well. For this, pull them slightly backward.
  5. Make sure the string is off of the shock absorber.
  6. Once you are satisfied with the placement, screw in the bolt firmly and verify the fitting when done.

This is how you will assemble the crossbow in a few minutes. For more assistance, be sure to refer to the video below for a full overview of what was just described.

Conclusion

We can conclude that the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is the most well-performing yet affordable crossbow in the market. The combination of good draw weight and powerful arrow flight is what makes this unit attractive for all archery fans. They can shoot a deer, elk, and other trophy game precisely as long as they use this crossbow.

People Also Ask

Barnett crossbows can lead to a tremendous improvement in an archer’s skills if used wisely. However, those investing in a Barnett model for the first time might have some questions. Below are some answers to the most frequently asked queries to help you make the right decision.

What Kind of Warranty Does the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Come With?

The Barnett Whitetail STR crossbow is backed by a one-year warranty, which is liable only for the construction and frame. This warranty does not cover free replacement or repair of mishandled components. Moreover, you must register yourself within the first ten days of purchase to avail of this warranty.

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Where Are Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Crossbows Made?

Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbows are manufactured in the United States of America.

How Far Can the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Shoot?

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter crossbow can shoot a target as far as up to 60 yards. The arrow speed is also good enough to travel this much distance with a little drop.

What Yardage Should the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow Be Sighted in?

It can be sighted in for distances of up to 80 yards.

How Long Can You Keep a Barnett Crossbow Cocked?

Keeping the Barnett crossbow cocked unnecessarily is not recommended in any case. Don’t keep it cocked for longer than four hours, and try giving a break or a rest to the bow for at least 30 minutes in between continuous shootings of four hours.

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What String Does a Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro Crossbow Use?

Barnett mostly uses synthetic cables or strings in its crossbows. These strings are relatively stronger and last for approximately a hundred shots.

What Arrows to Shoot on a Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow?

20-inch headhunter arrows are the most compatible with this model.

What is the Difference Between Barnett Whitetail Hunter and Barnett Whitetail Hunter 2 Crossbows?

Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR has a draw weight of 185 pounds, whereas Hunter II has comparatively less draw weight of 160 pounds. Besides, the STR model boasts a Mossy Oak bottomland exterior. On the other hand, the Hunter II unit comes with a Realtree camo pattern.

What Weight Field Point to Use For Whitetail Hunter 2 Crossbow?

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter 2 makes a perfect match with a 380-grain arrow. At this value, the field point is 100 grain that enables the shooter to obtain the promised arrow speed and kinetic energy.