Ravin R9 – 2021 Review

| Last Updated June 12, 2021

We are all super excited about the hunting season, and many of us want to put our archery skills to the test.

While there are many options in the market, Ravin R9 easily stands out. It offers you high quality and excellent performance in terms of its build and design.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Comes fully assembled and fine tuned
  • Comes with a 12 pound draw force included
  • Quiver and extra bolts and points included
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Ravin R9 Crossbow

PROS

  • Design
  • Durable
  • Features
  • Lightweight and Compact

CONS

  • Expensive

Ravin S9 Specs

Draw Weight12 lbs

Arrow Speed: 390 FPS

Weight: 6.9 lbs

Length: 34.5 inches

Width (axle to axle): 6 inches (cocked), 10.5 inches (un-cocked)

Power Stroke: 13 inches

Draw Style: Reverse Draw Crossbow

Trigger Pull Weight: 2.32 lbs

Type- Recurve or Compound: Compound Crossbow

Pros

Ravin R9 is one of the best available options in the market. You will get a crossbow that features an exceptional build, design, and other features. Once you invest in this model, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits:

Lightweight and Compact

While building this crossbow, Ravin’s priority was to keep the weight to a minimum. Only lightweight materials essential to the performance of the crossbow were included. Other parts that were only partially important or were there for the aesthetics were taken out. Hence, you get a crossbow that is possibly the lightest one in the market.

It uses carbon fiber for its main body’s construction. This ensures that the crossbow is lightweight. The size is also very compact, and hence you can easily carry it around.

Design

Regardless of the weapon you use and the overall build or design of the product is, one of the most important things to look for is always how comfortable that weapon is while you use it.

The dimensions of Ravin R9 are deliberately kept narrow so the weapon can be easily and comfortably handled. It is one of the narrowest crossbows available. This makes it super easy for you to carry it through cramped areas. You can easily pass through thick bushes and passageways without getting stuck.

Features

You will find many great features in Ravin R9. Every small detail is focused on, so you can get the best experience from your crossbow.

Ravin R9 features a Trac-Trigger Firing System (TTFS). It is a safety feature that ensures that the trigger doesn’t go off by accident, preventing serious accidents. This system is entirely mobile and hence can be attached and detached as per your convenience. You can simply slide it down the string along the rail.

Another great feature that you will get is the Versa-Draw System. It makes it easy for you to cock and un-cock your crossbow. It does so by using a spool thumb. Moreover, this system minimizes the damage that occurs to your string overtime.

Durable

Ravin R9 comes with a revolutionary technology that minimizes all kinds of wear and tear of the crossbow. It is called the HeliCoil technology. It eliminates cable wear and passing of wires through the rail. This further reduces pressure asserted on the cams and limbs. All of this ultimately ensures a long life for the crossbow.

Cons

We just went through many benefits of the Ravin R9, and, without any doubt, we can state that it is one of the best offerings in the market. We are sure it will provide you with a great experience.

However, like every other product, Ravin R9 also has some drawbacks that come with all the great features, and it is important to take them into account while making a purchase. Hence, we have listed them as follows.

Expensive

You will get the best of the best features in this product. But they don’t come for free. You will have to pay the price for them and, in this case, the price is very high.

Ravin R9, along with being one of the best crossbows, is also one of the most expensive. It is simple to use and can be used by people of all skill levels, yet affording it is always a question that needs to be asked. It is not a crossbow that can be afforded by just anyone. 

An important question that you might want to ask yourself is if the crossbow is worth breaking your bank account for, especially if you are on a budget.

Best Uses for the Ravin R9

We have mentioned in detail how Ravin R9 is a great weapon that offers you everything. But in what cases will you find it handy? Let’s try to understand the context a little and why Ravin R9 is best suited to be used in it.

Deer Hunting

Ravin R9 is a great weapon to hunt deer. It is so because it has a large range. Deer are usually sensitive animals and can sense danger easily. Hence, hiding in a far place will do you good. With a range of 100 yards, Ravin R9 makes that possible for you.

Bear Hunting

Bear is a strong animal, and to take it down, you need a strong weapon. Ravin R9’s draw weight and the high force with which it shoots the arrow makes it highly suitable for bear hunting.

Is the Ravin R9 Hard to Use? 

Ravin R9 is relatively harder to use, more than most of its competitors. It is not because it has complex functionality, but it is so because it is a sensitive weapon.

It has a larger range than most of its competitors, and hence it needs to be dealt with care and accuracy. Hence, it is a weapon that is mostly recommended to seasoned professionals and not to beginners who are only starting to get into the game.

Components and Included Accessories 

When you buy Ravin R9, you get a full package of tools and accessories with it in order to facilitate you. You can use these accessories to assemble and maintain the unit.

You can take a look at the list of the included accessories and components and see for yourself how facilitating Ravin R9 is.

Bolts

You will get all the bolts required to piece together the crossbow within the box. Along with that, you get a wrench to tighten the bolts.

Arrows

What is more essential to a crossbow than the arrows that you will put in it? Ravin provides you with six Ravin branded arrows and nocks. These are high-quality arrows that can be used for all kinds of hunting activities.

Scope

You will get an illuminated scope that can help you see as far as 100 yards easily.

Parallel Quiver

You will need to store the arrows somewhere. Holding them in your hand will not be comfortable, let alone even a little practical. Hence, it is important to have a quiver with you. Ravin understands this and has added one to the package for your convenience. So, you can enjoy your experience fully.

What Ages and Skill Levels is the Ravin R9 Suitable For?

Ravin R9 is mostly ideal for people of all ages if they can carry their weight. However, it is not a crossbow that can be handled by beginners when it comes to the skill level.

It is a professionally-built and carefully designed model that has a range of 100 yards. This means that it is a very sensitive weapon. Highly skilled people should use it, or if they are not highly skilled, they should still be well-acquainted with the art of using a crossbow.

Besides, it is expensive, and hence only people who really can use it should buy it. Beginners should go for more affordable options.

What Makes the Ravin R9 Stand Out From the Competition?

The crossbow in question stands out in every dimension. It is designed to provide its customers with great value. However, one feature that has made it a personal favorite of most people is the comfort it provides its customers.

It has a narrow build that is easier for everyone to carry. You can carry it around inside the forest without having to reserve a clear path for it. It can fit in most places. In addition, it is compact and lightweight, which means you can carry it longer without straining your arms or hands.

Comparison Overview

In R9, Ravin has given us a great crossbow. However, there are many other crossbows by the brand that stands out. The best way to understand why R9 is the best is to compare it with others.

Ravin R9 vs. R15

R15 is known to be one of the toughest competitors of R9, and hence it makes complete sense that both must be compared.

Similarities

Both the crossbows weigh 6.9 lbs. The two are compact in size and provide you with an efficient cocking system. They also have a safety trigger.

Differences

The main difference between R15 and R9 is that the former has a shooting speed of 425 FPS while the latter has a shooting speed of 390 FPS. This means that R15 stores more kinetic energy and, hence, hits the target with a lot more force.

Ravin R9 vs. R10

Ravin has launched variants of the same technology, with the R10 being one of them. It is essential to understand the small difference and similarities so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Similarities

Both crossbows have a range of 100 yards. They both also feature a high-quality illuminated scope.

Differences

R10 is shorter than R9. The former is more compact, easier to carry around, and faster, considering that its trigger pulls weight is lighter than that of the latter.

Ravin Crossbow R9 Recommended Hunting Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Success

It is now established that the Ravin R9 is a top-notch crossbow that should ideally be used by people with experience. However, there are still certain things that can be advised to customers to improve their overall experience.

Wax the Bowstring

Maintaining one’s weapon is important. Thus, it is essential to wax your bowstring regularly. This will prevent early wear and tear of your weapon’s string and prolong its life. It will prevent the string from drying out, and it will improve its flexibility. 

Tune the Scope Regularly

Usually, people only tune the scope and its range once a season. However, it is advised by many experts to tune your scope every few uses. This will allow your weapon to remain sharp and accurate.

Don’t Use Cocking Tools

There are many cocking tools available in the market, and many people use them with their crossbows. In fact, with most crossbows, it is essential to use one because of how hard it can be to cock the crossbow.

However, Ravin R9 is easy to use and doesn’t require much force to cock it. Hence, you should do the job with your hands. Doing so will also protect your string from unnecessary wear and tear.

How to Use the Crank on a Ravin R9

Ravin R9 is a sensitive crossbow, and doing anything to it requires care and accuracy, or you risk damaging it. Hence, if you need to crank it, make sure you do it the right way. 

However, don’t worry too much. R9 is super easy to crank, and you can also follow the instructions given below to make things simpler.

  1. Grab a wrench.

  2. Locate the knob below the scope.

  3. Put pressure on it while you rotate the wrench clockwise.

  4. Release the button, and the crank handle will slip down the string.

  5. Now, just keep rotating the wrench clockwise to crank it up. It will make a cranking sound, which is an indicator that all is going well.

  6. If you are in a tree and you need to silently crank up your crossbow, then make sure to press the button while you rotate the wrench so the cranking sound is silenced.

  7. Then load the arrow and take a shot.

In case you still have some reservations, you can refer to the following video for more clarity.

Conclusion

Ravin R9 is an outstanding crossbow with efficient and effective design and build. It features the best security systems. Although it is a little expensive, you get the best features and performance from it, making it all worth it. Hence, invest in the Ravin R9 and get ready to enjoy the most comfortable hunting experience of your life.

People Also Ask

Buying a new crossbow for yourself is obviously an important decision. And Ravin R9 is an expensive option. Hence, you need to be sure that this is the crossbow you. To help you make your mind and understand the working of Ravin R9, we have answered the following most frequently asked questions just for you.

What Kind of Warranty Does the Ravin R9 Come With?

Ravin R9 comes with a five-year limited warranty. This warranty covers the defects in the workmanship and the materials, mainly of the cocking mechanism, trigger, and the stock. Furthermore, under some pre-defined circumstances, the limb assembly can also be warranted.

Where Are Ravin R9 Crossbows Made?

These high-quality crossbows are made in the state of Wisconsin in a state-of-the-art facility.

How Far Can the Ravin R9 Crossbow Shoot?

When it comes to the shooting range, you will be surprised to know that with a Ravin R9, you can shoot as far as 100 yards. For most crossbows, this range is considered far but not with Ravin R9.

How to Sight in a Ravin R9 Crossbow

It is very simple and easy to sight in Ravin R9. You simply need to adjust the windage and elevation settings to sight the 20-yard distance. Then, adjust the speed settings for a 30-yard distance. After these, all other distance settings will automatically adjust and work properly.

What Yardage Should the Ravin R9 Be Sighted In?

Normally, 50-100 yards can be easily sighted in. Where you lie in that range is more a question of your skill level than the Ravin R9 crossbow's ability.

How Fast Is a Ravin R9?

Ravin R9 is one of the fastest crossbows in the market. It can shoot an arrow at a speed of up to 390 FPS.

Why Won’t My Ravin R9 Shoot?

If you have troubleshooting with your crossbow, then it is advised that you go see a professional technician because there are several reasons why this might be the case. However, the most common reason observed is a problem with the Trac-Trigger Firing System (TTFS). It might lock the trigger to avoid any potential accidents. And you can fix this by simply removing it and putting it back in since it is mobile.

How to Set Up a Ravin R9

To set up your Ravin R9, you need to first get all the tools and the crossbow parts. Then, refer to the instructions provided to you and mount the arc on the main body by using the bolts and screws provided. Next, line up the holes on the arc and the main body and press them together to attach both parts together. This is enough to get you started.

How to Draw a Ravin R9 Crossbow

It is very easy to draw Ravin R9. The draw weight of this crossbow is only 12 lbs. Usually, people use cocking strings to draw their crossbow.

But you can do the job with your hands, considering the low amount of force required. Just hold the crossbow between your legs and pull up the string with your hands until it is in the hook.

How to Wax Bowstrings on a Ravin R9 

To apply the wax to your bowstring, you simply need to wipe the bowstring first. Then take the wax stick and rub it on the string. Once done, use your fingers to properly massage the strings, so the wax gets absorbed properly. Lastly, take a fabric cord and make a loop from it around the string. Now drag the loop up and down to remove any excess wax from the bowstring.

How to Un-Cock a Ravin R9 Crossbow

In order to un-cock your crossbow, you need to get yourself an unloading bolt. It is basically a fake biodegradable arrow. You will put this in the crossbow and shoot at six to ten feet. Now, your Ravin R9 crossbow will be un-cocked.

Is the Ravin R9 Crossbow Quiver Ambidextrous?

Yes, the Ravin R9 Crossbow Quiver is ambidextrous. This is all thanks to the Versa-Draw cocking system that makes cocking Ravin R9 super easy. It makes the crossbow easy to use by both left and right-handed people or even people with any other kind of motor disability.



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.