If you’re one of those people who look for good clear days to head out hunting and have been into this hobby for a while, you are probably well aware that one of the best tools you can opt for is a crossbow.
Crossbows are extremely simple weapons but offer accuracy and power like no other. But that is if you know how to use it well. The only thing better than a standard crossbow is a PSE crossbow.
If you, too, are looking for a PSE crossbow that can accompany you on your hunting trips, then you are at the right place. This article will serve as the perfect guide to help you choose the right crossbow yourself.
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Who is PSE?
If you aren’t familiar with PSE, let us introduce you to one of the finest brands for archery equipment. Their products have been known for their accuracy and excellence. And their fame isn’t recent. They have been known for it since 1970, back when Pete Shepley first established the brand.
Pete Shepley was an electrical engineer by profession, but that is not where his passion laid. He worked as an engineer for years, but finally gave up on it and changed his field of work, pursuing his lifelong passion in archery. The company he formed in the early 1970s was known as Precision Shooting Equipment, which is commonly known as PSE today.
Initially gaining fame from his compound bow, Shepley agreed and created extremely precise and lightweight crossbows, which is exactly what the brand is famous for today.
How Does PSE Compare to the Competition?
Over the years, PSE has risen above its competition in the market. It is often referred to as the leading brand when it comes to archery equipment. It has managed to do so by consistently providing its users with top-quality products over a long period of time. Here are a few qualities of their products that help them maintain their position in the market.
Lightweight
Standard crossbows are known to be considerably heavy. And this heavyweight may be a hindrance to many hunters. PSE understands how a heavy crossbow can impact the whole hunting experience and has therefore designed its crossbows out of aluminum. The use of this material allows the brand to keep the products as lightweight as possible.
Strength and Durability
Even though its crossbows are carved out of aluminum, they are forged using a four-staged process. This process is time-consuming but ensures that even though the product is lightweight, it is still sufficiently strong to bear the harsh environment it is meant to be used in. Their reliable durability is what makes them so famous amongst users.
Precision and Accuracy
The key element during hunting is the precision and accuracy of your weapon. Without these, no matter how good your weapon is, it will be of no use to you. Crossbows by PSE are known to provide the best precision and accuracy for its users. And this is one of the main reasons hunters prefer PSE crossbows over any other.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean:
- Weight: The weight of the crossbow.
- Draw Weight: This is the amount of force necessary to draw a bow and is measured in pounds.
- Length: The full length of the crossbow.
- Kinetic Energy: This is the amount of energy transferred into your target by the arrow. It is measured in Foot Pounds of Kinetic Energy (fpke).
- Power Stroke: The distance (in inches) between the resting point of the bowstring and the position of the string when fully drawn. This is similar to the draw length on a traditional bow.
- Speed (fps): How fast the arrow flies when released from the crossbow.
- Axle-to-Axle Bow Length: The distance between the cams of a compound bow.
Review of the Best PSE Crossbows
Now that you know why PSE ranks above its competition and is best in the market, you can peacefully choose a PSE crossbow for yourself. But which one should you choose? It’s pretty simple. Listed below are some of the best products by PSE. All you have to do is pick one that suits your needs the best.
Best Overall:
PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow Package
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users investing in this product have reported it to be absolutely on par with the quality and performance that PSE promises for its users. They do agree that the pre-installed scope does not perform really well, but that doesn’t affect the performance of the crossbow itself, which is quite impeccable, according to the users.
Why it Stands Out To Us
The list of features for this product runs long. But what makes it stand out from the rest of the products on the market are not its fancy features, but the ease of use that it allows.
From assembly to its ergonomic and lightweight, compact design, everything about this product makes it easier to use. This ease of use is an incentive not only for professional users who hunt for long hours but also for beginners who are still learning and looking for a product that can be handled easily.
Bottom Line
Don’t think the top product suits you well, yet still want something that performs as well as the best? Investing in this product would be the right choice for you. It may be second by a small margin, but its functionality and design are second to none. Be it for professional use or learning; this product is the absolute best.
Product Specs
Bow Weight:
7.5 lbs
Draw Weight:
185 lbs
Length:
35"
Kinetic Energy (ft lbs):
127
Power Stroke:
14.5"
Speed (fps):
380
Axle-to-Axle:
21.5" cocked
2. PSE Thrive 365 Crossbow Package
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you were to go by the users' words, you would also believe that this product has no flaws at all. That is not what we say, but the users of this crossbow themselves. They have found everything about it, from its draw weight to its accuracy, to be absolutely on point and impressive in every way.
Why it Stands Out To Us
Many users who invest in a crossbow are not very well aware of how to keep it very well-maintained. Maintenance is a very important aspect to be considered if you want your unit to last longer. Using the right kind of lube itself can make a great difference.
What makes this product different from all the others is that it comes with the rail lube that is ideal for use with this specific unit. This allows users to take better care of their crossbow, ensuring higher durability. It is a small addition to the whole package, but one that goes a long way.
Bottom Line
This product may not have a lot of features, but it has just the right features that perform with the excellence that is needed in order for a user to experience the best of hunting with a crossbow. If that is what you are looking for as well, then you no longer need to look at any more products.
Product Specs
Bow Weight:
6.7 lbs
Draw Weight:
175 lbs
Length:
32"
Kinetic Energy (ft lbs):
118
Power Stroke:
14.63"
Speed (fps):
365
Axle-to-Axle:
18" cocked
3. PSE Fang LT Crossbow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers who have tried this crossbow out have found it to be one of the best they have used. They haven’t found anything to complain about at all. A few users wish the appearance was a little more gender-neutral, but when it comes to functionality, they all agree that this product is a perfect 10.
Why it Stands Out To Us
There are a number of outstanding products available on the market, so why choose this over the others? The answer is simple.
The Fang will provide you with durability like no other. A lot of products are designed to perform their best, but this one is designed to perform well over a longer period. While all products manufactured by PSE provide users with great durability, this one takes that feature to a whole other level, ensuring the unit lasts well over the years of use.
Bottom Line
Even though this product is at the end of this list, it is still well above a great number of crossbows available on the market. For a lot of users, it was the best crossbow they have ever used, and if you are fine with its vibrant skin color, then it may be the best one for you as well.
Product Specs
Bow Weight:
6 lbs
Draw Weight:
155 lbs
Length:
33.63"
Kinetic Energy (ft lbs):
109
Power Stroke:
14.125"
Speed (fps):
330
Axle-to-Axle:
19.125" cocked
4. PSE Thrive 400 Crossbow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you ask anyone who has used PSE products to name its best crossbow, you may hear the name of this crossbow. It has simply enticed all of its users with its outstanding functionality and its impeccable design, helping PSE gain its users’ trust.
Why it Stands Out To Us
There is a lot that this product offers for its users. But if we have to name one of its features that outshines all the others, it would be its anti-dry fire. Without this feature, crossbows can be very dangerous if not handled correctly.
The anti-dry fire is a thoughtful feature that you won’t find in several other crossbows. But in this product, it is added to provide the best functionality and keep the users safe, regardless of them being professionals or beginners. So if you are looking to ensure your safety above all, there is no other PSE crossbow better than this one.
Bottom Line
Overall, this product stands to be the top one on this list, and that is for some reason. From its fast and safe firing to its easy assembly, everything about it is an incentive for archers and hunters. If you want nothing less than the best for yourself, then this is the product for you.
Product Specs
Bow Weight:
6.7 lbs
Draw Weight:
175 lbs
Length:
32"
Kinetic Energy (ft lbs):
142
Power Stroke:
17"
Speed (fps):
400
Axle-to-Axle:
18.25" cocked
5. PSE Insight Trainer Crossbow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those that invested in this product did not expect much from it, given its low price range. But the performance and design that they got to experience was a sweet surprise for them. With the features that it offered, users say that there can’t be a better product within the given price range.
Why it Stands Out To Us
There are some crossbows available on the market that a professional would opt for. But there are not many that are appropriate for beginners. What makes this product stand out from most of the other PSE crossbows is that it is a product that falls in the latter of the above-mentioned categories.
The simplicity of this product, along with its low price point, makes it the ideal first bow for any hunter that is just beginning to learn about using crossbows. Its performance does not take away from experience, while its design ensures it is not too hard to be used.
Bottom Line
Tired of looking for a beginner crossbow that is easy to use, low on cost yet provides an ideal hunting experience? This product will meet all of your criteria, and still have more for you. This is a beginner crossbow that one simply can’t go wrong with, in any way.
Product Specs
Bow Weight:
4.6 lbs
Draw Weight:
60 lbs
Power Stroke:
10.75"
Speed (fps):
160
Axle-to-Axle:
20" cocked
How to Assemble a PSE Crossbow
Those who have been using crossbows for a while now have a good idea of how to assemble these units. But those who have never dealt with one before may not be well aware. If you, too, are looking to learn more about how to assemble a PSE crossbow, here is a quick guide for you.
1. Confirm that all the parts of the crossbow are present. Refer to the manual given with the product and check to see if you have all the required parts for assembly.
2. Now pick the cable slide and attach the cables to it. While you do this, ensure that the concave area is kept facing upwards, and the cables slide into the designed grooves.
3. Next, go on and peel off the cover present on the Prod/Stock connection. This will reveal the adhesive side. Attach this side to the prod side of the joint on the structure.
4. The prod and stock can be connected simply by taking the cable slide and cables attached previously and sliding it into the front slot present on the stock. When you do this, the concave side will be facing up, and the prod will not be flush against the stock.
5. You can now push all the cable straight into the track. Use the prod bold and hex key to position the prod. While you do this, the prod will start taking its place flush against the stock.
6. Finally, place and tighten the center set screw. This will allow you to lock the prod bolt in place. The foot stirrup will be placed in the two holes that you see of the prod's front. Tighten these screws, and then you’ll be good to go.
If you still find yourself a little confused, you can refer to the video below for a better illustration of the process.
Conclusion
When choosing a crossbow, one can simply not go wrong with PSE. If you, too, want to experience the best of hunting and archery, then find a good crossbow from PSE. If you feel like none of these products match your requirements, do not worry. PSE has a great number of other products to offer for you.
People Also Ask
There still may be questions in your mind regarding these crossbows. When you invest in these products, we want you to do so with no queries being left. In order to help you out, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions by other users.
Are PSE Crossbows Any Good?
If you are wondering whether PSE is a good brand to choose while looking for a crossbow, it is nothing less than the best. It is known to be one of the best companies in the market. It has earned its users' trust by providing top-quality products over all the years of its existence.
Where Are PSE Crossbows Made?
Pete Shepley established PSE in the early 1970s. The company was established in America in Mahomet, Illinois. It has spread its headquarters in Tucson as well. All the equipment offered by PSE Archery is manufactured in the Mahomet branch, where it was first established.
PSE Bow Reviews
Below are all our buyer guides surrounding PSE bows To make your experience a bit smoother, we have organized them in one place. Feel free to browse through a few and find exactly what you're looking for.
Thanks for reading.
