Investing in an ultra-fast crossbow can significantly improve your hunting game. However, sometimes it is difficult to know how to choose the perfect model.
There is a wide array of fast models on the market but this article highlights the top five on the market. As a hunter, only you know your exact skill set and unique needs in a crossbow.
The information in this article will only guide you to the best crossbow for your ultra-fast adventures.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Fastest Crossbows
- OUR TOP PICK: Ravin R20 Crossbow Package
- RUNNER-UP: Barnett Whitetail Pro STR
Comparison of the Fastest Crossbows
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Pros and Cons of Fast Crossbows
Like with any sort of hunting gear, there are both pros and cons associated with fast crossbows. Below is a list of considerations to make as you decide whether one of these is the right investment for you.
Pros
There are certain advantages you can only gain with a fast crossbow, such as:
Remarkable Speed
The fastest crossbows have been specially designed for incredibly high shooting speed, which is the most obvious advantage. These speeds are perfect if you are a hunter looking to increase your efficiency in the woods.
Extended Range
With high speeds comes an extension of a crossbow’s shooting range. The fastest models can hit targets from farther distances than the average crossbow. Long shooting ranges are perfect for hunters who’ve developed strong, shorter shooting skills.
Increased Power
The faster an arrow flies through the air, the more power it has in contrast to arrows shot at lower speeds. This kinetic energy ensures a higher impact on your target. Some hunters consider ultra-fast crossbows to be more ethical because of the higher chance of killing a target in a single, powerful shot.
Cons
Every type of crossbow has some cons which temper the benefits. Here are a few cons:
Loudness
Fast crossbows shoot with far more power than the average model. These powerful shots also tend to be louder. This crossbow noise can scare animals and they may have time to escape if you do not shoot from close enough. Increasing proximity to your target helps lessen the animal’s reaction time to the sound.
Chance of Error
With ultra-fast models, an error is easier than ever due to such high arrow speeds. Hunters who use fast crossbows must have very precise shots. These are best for hunters with lots of experience to maximize accuracy.
Wear and Tear
When using one, the high intensity of your shot can create wear and tear on the weapon. You may need to replace its parts periodically. Taking good care of your gear is a simple solution to expanding the lifespan of your crossbow.
How to Choose the Fastest Crossbow for Your Experience Level
The more hunting experience you have, the easier hunting will be. That being said, hunters of varying experience levels still choose to use them. Consider the following elements when choosing a crossbow that fits your skill level:
Speed
The fastest crossbows require the most precision for accuracy. If you feel highly confident in your shot, these could make a great weapon for you.
If you are still perfecting your aim, a more conservative fast model may be the best place to start.
Crossbow Weight
Some are heavier than others. To comfortably carry a heavy model with you through the woods, you will need to be strong enough. Consider the weight of the crossbow when choosing the best one for your needs.
Draw Weight
The force required to cock your crossbow varies from model to model. These come with cocking devices to make this process easier. If it does not include a cocking device, make sure the draw weight seems realistic for your strength level.
Review of the Fastest Crossbows
The following review of the fastest crossbows is intended to guide you to the best model for your needs. Remember to consider the pros and cons as listed above and the elements of a model to match your skill level.
Best Overall:
Ravin R20
PROS
CONS
As the best overall, the Ravin R20 is another incredibly fast model. At 430 FPS, this crossbow is powerful. Hunters love that it is designed for ultimate shooting accuracy.
This model uses a Trac-Trigger firing system for precision. HeliCoil technology complements this system. HeliCoil serves to balance the cams and keep them level as you shoot. The cams also have a rotation ability of 340-degrees.
The Versa-Draw cocking system helps you cock it with little effort and the frictionless design increases your chances of an accurate shot. It has a very compact structure, weighing under seven pounds. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry and transport. This model comes fully assembled and ready for use.
Bottom Line
The Ravin R20 is a top product in the ranking of the fastest crossbows. With a shooting speed of 430 FPS, this crossbow comes fully equipped with an array of features for accuracy. Its cams are popular for the versatility of their rotation and its cocking system helps you spare your energy for what really counts: precision. Aiming has never been easier from behind this compact crossbow.
Fastest Shooting Crossbow:
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There have been tons of buyers for this item, and most of them report that they absolutely loved using this crossbow. They loved how smooth and crisp the trigger is and doesn’t require much give. Moreover, the slinging bolt slings perfectly, and it is not too heavy to carry around. All in all, they had amazing things to say about their experience because of this crossbow.
Why It Stands Out To Us
This is a crossbow with an array of impressive features and is surely a package deal, which is why we believe this is a valuable addition to this list. Its accuracy is astonishing, even at long ranges. Moreover, it is compact and has great functionality and performance, which allows you to elevate your hunting game a level or two.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a pretty solid crossbow that does not only get the job done beautifully but also has a nice look to it. Being designed specifically for hunting, the manufacturers have taken note of every concern and come up with an excellent product.
Best for the Money:
CenterPoint Sniper 370
PROS
CONS
It’s no secret that the fastest crossbows can be quite expensive. However, finding a great, more affordable model doesn’t have to be a struggle. The CenterPoint Sniper 370 Package ranks best for the money for its affordability and high-quality design.
With a firing velocity of 370 FPS, this is a bit slower than the most expensive ones but still qualifies as one of the fastest. The body of this crossbow is made of aluminum, which makes it lightweight and easy to use. Hunters love this one for also being easy to set up with great, detailed instructions.
The cam system is designed for accuracy and the fully adjustable stock is perfect for versatility. Quad limbs deliver power to this crossbow. It also features integrated string compressors to keep your shots as quiet as possible. With a detachable quiver and three included bolts, this crossbow is an excellent, affordable package. Additionally, the sling is included for effortless portability.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a model that won’t break the bank, look no further than the CenterPoint Sniper 370. At an affordable price, this crossbow is still incredibly high quality. Its speed of 370 FPS is close to the higher-end models on the market. Aiming and shooting have never been easier with specialized quad limbs and cams. The dynamic combination of features makes it the perfect package for hunters on a budget.
Fastest Hunting Crossbow:
CenterPoint AXCG200CK2 Gladiator 405
PROS
CONS
The CenterPoint AXCG200CK2 Gladiator 405 Realtree Xtra ranks as the fastest hunting model in this guide. Shooting at a remarkable speed of 405 FPS, the speed of this is nearly unmatched. This is also popular for its stealthy features.
Hunters love the silencing system on these strings. In addition to dampeners for noise control, vibrational control helps reduce your detectability. The aluminum rail has a shoot-through riser for the most powerful shot possible. The quad limbs are also designed for ultimate accuracy with a CNC Machined Cam System.
Auto-safety technology makes safety a priority with this crossbow. As a lightweight model, it is fairly compact. This model is perfect for portability’s sake and offers increased mobility. It comes with a rope cocker for ease of use and is a complete package with arrows and a sling.
Bottom Line
The fastest hunting crossbow is the CenterPoint AXCG200CK2 Gladiator 405 for its remarkable speed, power, and quality of design. At 405 FPS, this ultra-fast model is quieter than most. With special features for string silencing and vibration dampening, it keeps you quiet in the woods. Hunters looking for a strong, compact model love this one. Remain light and mobile while hunting with this speedy crossbow.
5. Scorpyd Aculeus 460FPS ACUdraw
PROS
CONS
Looking for the “fastest crossbow on earth?” The Scorpyd Aculeus 460 FPS ACUdraw is one of the best for its unique and innovative design.
This bow is the definition of ultra-fast, shooting at 460 feet per second. In addition to its remarkable speed, hunters love this for its ease of use. The ACUdraw Cocking mechanism lessens the amount of force you need to cock it.
Its Kempf Tech Integrated Trigger Housing is also popular among hunters. With this specialized trigger feature, you can rely on it to only fire when you actually want it to. The latch on this bow will not release the bowstring unless an arrow is there for it.
Other great features include a non-folding buttstock. This model also comes with a scope rail, string stops, and sling studs. Its MossyOak Camo stock is more lightweight than most other crossbow stocks on the market.
Bottom Line
One of the best for this year is the Scorpyd Aculeus 460 FPS ACUdraw. Designed for optimal speed, this crossbow requires less force than others as you cock it. You can count on this crossbow to only fire when you truly want it to. With a non-folding buttstock, this is a great crossbow for hunters in need of an excellent model.
Fastest Recurve Crossbow:
SA Sports Empire Fever Pro
PROS
CONS
The SA Sports Empire Fever Pro is the fastest recurve crossbow out there. If you are a hunter looking for a great recurve model, this is the best one for acceleration and power.
This bow shoots at a speed of 235 FPS. It is popular among hunters for its convenient design with thorough safety features. These include a wide palm grip, auto safety, and foot stirrup. Hunters appreciate the versatility of the adjustable rail scope mount and the flip-open storage compartment that offers easy organization.
This recurve crossbow is designed for longevity, with a durable aluminum track and barrel. The scope helps you get the perfect shot and four aluminum arrows are included. This bow is easy to assemble and use with detailed instructions. Its Kyrptek camo print is perfect for hunters. The package is complete with a padded sling for ultimate portability.
Bottom Line
When it comes to the fastest recurve crossbow, it’s the SA Sports Empire Fever Pro. This model is designed with your safety and ease of use in mind. An array of features for shooting accuracy makes this a customer favorite. Like many ultra-fast crossbows, this one makes some noise. However, it is significantly quieter than other fast models. Its versatility and durability are ideal for your hunting success.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying a Fast Crossbow
Hunting is a serious passion and hobby and requires more than just skill. The right equipment can make a great difference, especially the right crossbow. Choosing one from the wide range of options on the market can be intimidating, so we are here to help you out. Below are a few things that you need to consider before making a purchase or narrowing down options:
Reason
Knowing the purpose for which you want to buy a crossbow is the first and foremost step. If you want to shoot targets, you can get an inexpensive one; however, if you are looking to shoot game, you need something that can handle that. The type of animal you will be shooting is also an important factor along with deciding on a budget.
Target Animal
The animal that you will be hunting dictates the speed you want on your crossbow. Smaller animals don’t require much speed and vice versa. Speed for a deer is typically around 200 FPS (Feet per Second).
Power Stroke
This is the string length of a crossbow between its cocked and un-cocked position. The lengthier the power stroke is, the faster you will lose your arrow. For high speeds, be sure to choose a bow with high power to handle the weight.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Although using a crossbow is super fun and allows you to hunt your animal better, it would be erroneous to say that there aren’t some things to be mindful of. We have highlighted them below:
Noisy
Since these crossbows have significant power, they make a considerable amount of sound while shooting. While this may not have many implications on shorter distances, it could give your animal time to react on longer distances. However, this does not happen in most cases, but it is still something you should be aware of.
Spare Parts
Since slower crossbows are still more popular, they are more in number. This means that in case of damage, coming across spare parts of a fast crossbow can be a little harder than for a slower one. However, as production is increasing, this problem is waning away.
Requires More Practice
A fast crossbow demands that you be more careful about your stance and movement while shooting. Your actions will have an impact on the shot; hence, there are more chances of messing up. However, it’s a matter of practice, and after some time, you will love the feeling of this in your hands.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is great variety among the fastest crossbow models. While each popular model has its unique features, certain qualities of the best are consistent across the board. Remember to consider the pros and cons of hunting with a fast crossbow as you shop. As you assess your individual skill level alongside this review, we hope this information guides you to the perfect model for you.
People Also Ask
We want to make sure that we leave you satisfied, and with all your questions answered. Therefore, after discussing all the important aspects, we have also answered some common questions that have been asked. We hope you can benefit from these.
How Fast Can a Crossbow Be Reloaded?
Although it largely depends on the bow you are using, to reload it, most people require a cocking rope. Technically, it can be done without one, but that doesn’t work out well. However, with a cocking rope and a bolt ready, it would normally take up to 60 seconds, and 30 if you are very quick.
How Fast Does a Crossbow Shoot in MPH?
Crossbows speed is generally measured in Feet per Second (FPS). One FPS makes 0.6818 MPH. Faster models can give a speed of about 276 MPH, whereas, an average modern crossbow can be expected to give 225 to 239 MPH.
How Far Will a Crossbow Kill?
If you are not concerned about hitting a target, then a powerful modern crossbow will go as far as 500 yards; of course, at this distance, it won’t penetrate any game. For hunting purposes, it depends on your skill. An experienced hunter can shoot from 80 yards as well, but generally, 50-60 yards is a good enough distance. You should try out even shorter distances if you are a beginner.
What's a Good FPS For a Crossbow?
As mentioned earlier, the FPS you choose is dependent on the animal you are hunting. For an elk, you need a crossbow with 300 FPS or more. However, if you are shooting smaller animals like deer, then a bow with 250 FPS works just fine.
