Are you among those who still think that for getting a sharp and efficient crossbow you have to spend a fortune? Then let us tell you that you are slightly wrong here because now you are going to witness top crossbows under $500. Getting the right crossbow is not easy because the market is stuffed with liars and fancy-looking cheap products.
Moreover, crossbows these days are coming with much more sophisticated features which will not only uplift your hunting and shooting experience but also give you precision. Some of the highlighted features that best crossbow under $500 should have are:
- The crossbow should have enough FPS around 40 yards.
- The crossbow should be lightweight and compact.
- Scopes must hold zero and have reticles and three dots.
- Arrows must have appropriate weight so that they fly better.
- Cocking should be silent and smooth.
- The crossbow must come bearing a warranty card.
- Before making any decision, you have to consider your height and body mass because handling a crossbow depends on your build.
- The reason behind this is proper holding and handling of the crossbow requires lots of skill and muscles on long hunting days. However, there are different types of crossbows available but which one suits you will depend on the details.
Best Crossbow Under $500 Reviews (2021 Updated)
1- Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 Crossbow
2- Barnett Whitetail Pro Str Crossbow
3-CenterPoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow
4- Tenpoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow
5- PSE Archery Fang HD Crossbow
1- Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 Crossbow
Wicked ridge ranger X2 crossbow comes for those who are novices to hunting, but it does not mean that it is any lesser than any advanced crossbow. It is quite sturdy and compact, but sharp enough to kill the deer for you. It comes as a package and bears almost every necessary feature that you are looking for.
Design. The design of this crossbow is specially designed for slim and lightweight people. It is made up of heavy-duty design with great and innovative riser design.
It has 11 inches WRX laminated limbs, 4S cams, and dynaflight97 strings and cables. All of it is fitted into aluminum pockets. It is not easy to handle but its design assembly measures up to 15 inches from cam to cam.
Size And Weight
The overall size of the product is 34 inches in length, 12 inches wide, and 7 inches in length which means it is quite compact. However, the higher-priced range is marked due to its fastest shooting capabilities within minimal size.
It is lighter in weight 12.25 pounds which means you can go hunting without much burden on your back.
Accessories
It comes loaded with accessories like a ten-point multi-line scope, cocking device, detachable quiver, and crossbows. It means just open it up and without much more investment you can go hunting right away.
The stock is designed to provide great strength within lesser weight. Further, the whole body is enclosed in mossy break-up oak country patterns.
Safety
The crossbow is quite safe and easy to handle. Its design is molded to a single unit which ensures lesser vibration. Further, the whole body is made up of glass-filled polypropylene, which has a ten-point dry fire inhibitor.
Along with this, it has a trigger enclosed in a pistol grip, that gives you 3.5 pounds pull. The trigger is guarded with safety wings to protect your fingers from strings and moving parts.
- Lighter in weight
- High-quality American-made.
- Comes with arrows
- Easy to handle
- Slightly pricey
- Louder when shoots
There are a lot of reasons to buy this crossbow as it is strong, multi-functional, and highly safeguarded for the user. Plus, it comes with high accuracy and is easy to use when you take it out of the box.
2- Barnett Whitetail Pro Str Crossbow
Barnett’s whitetail crossbow is the one that makes the shooter happy. It is very lightweight and highly efficient. Plus, it comes with amazing accessories and is highly safe to use.
Those who have bought it have given good reviews and not less than 5 stars on online forums.
Design
The design is a single bolt assembly and usually comes completely assembled to your doorstep. It might require some final adjustments but all over it is ready to use. It is well loaded with string dampeners that make it a quiet hunter.
It is a 400 feet per second crossbow that looks fully covered in true bark camo.
Size And Weight
The size of the Barnett crossbow is 1 inch long and 1 inch wide plus the weight of the crossbow is 6.9 pounds which means go hiking, hunting, or in competition just hang it on your shoulder and move.
Accessories
When it comes to accessories then Barnett will always make you happy as it comes with a rope cocking device that makes cocking smooth and quiet.
Further, 4×32 illuminated scope, two units of 22inches hunting arrows, side mounting quiver, and lube wax. It is composed in America and has 12.5 power shots.
Safety
It is built with safety in mind and it is always asked to lube the strings after every 10 shots. Well, it has knock sensors and an anti-dry system for fire triggers. It gives you reminders for finger safety and guard.
- Noise dampeners present
- Easy to handle
- Comes assembled
- Highly précised shooting.
- Difficult cocking system
- Not for teens and women.
Though there are slight issues like not-so-good customer service for Barnett crossbow and very difficult cocking. However, the price tag that it wears is quite reasonable and it can be a great partner for hunting.
3- CenterPoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow
Here comes the best hunting crossbow under 500. It is lightweight and highly efficient. Those who like to use both hands while shooting will like it. Further, those who used it said it is one of the most reliable crossbows for hunting.
Design
The whole body is made up of aluminum and composite, which makes it simple to carry while hunting. The basic highlight of this crossbow is that it comes with a whisper silencing system, dual limb dampeners, and two spider silencers. All these components make it a superior and quiet gadget.
Size And Weight
This high power 370 FPS crossbow is35.5 inches in length, 18 inches from axle to axle, and draw weight capacity is 185 pounds. Otherwise, it weighs 7.9 pounds without accessories and 9.2 pounds with all accessories attached.
The interesting thing in it is quad limbs along with a precision cams system that gives hunters the speed and accuracy they wished for.
Accessories
The complete package of the Centerpoint crossbow comes with a rope cocker, three-bolt quiver, three 20 inches carbon bolts, three 100-gram field points, and a 4x32mm non illuminated scope.
The vibration and noise reduction system makes it the quietest crossbow for hunting.
Safety
The frame structure of the crossbow comes with a rubber-padded open frame stock with a slightly raised padded cheek piece for gripping and control. There is a Picatinny rail for mounting the optics and scope.
Plus, this crossbow has an anti-dry fire system and auto safety feature for preventing your fingers from getting hurt.
- Whisper silencing system
- Padded rubber grips
- Narrow yet solid frame
- For all weather types
- Heavier in weight
- Two hands are required for shooting.
All in all, the CenterPoint crossbow is the elite piece of hunting and it is the fastest. The users have claimed that it is the quietest crossbow with great padded grips that helps in holding the crossbow in all weathers.
4- Tenpoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow
If you are slim, have a less muscular body, and are fond of shooting, then no need to worry because we are presenting you with the sharp Tenpoint wicked ridge crossbow. It is compact, precise, and lightweight. Further, it comes with a built-in cocking device which reduces 50% its shooting weight.
Design
The design of the crossbow is ideal for new shooters who do not know much about assembling. As this crossbow is one bolt assembly. It is built in America by American designers. The limb pockets are lighter in weight and made up of aluminum. The ACU draw is inbuilt which increases the accuracy and sharpness of the shooter.
Size And Weight
The size is quite compact and the ultra-narrow 15 inches wide bow body is designed to do the tightest shooting. You can easily turn down deer with this crossbow. The overall weight of the bow is 175 pounds.
Accessories
Wicked ridge crossbow comes with exciting accessories as a package. First of all, it has a 3x multi-line scope that allows the shooter to shoot up to 20, 30, and 40 yards. There is a partial line available for 550 yards shooting. Secondly, there is ACU draw 50 which makes it easy to cock for all ages people. Lastly, you will get stylish and rubber-built hanging arrow quivers weighing around 4.75 ounces, but arrows are not included.
Safety
This crossbow can perform in tight situations very quietly and have a T4 trigger for the safety of fingers. This trigger features Dry fire inhibitor and a super crisp 3.5 pounds pull. Moreover, it has 11 inches WRX double laminated limbs, 5S cams, and Dyna flight cams.
- One bolt assemblies
- Instant detach quiver
- Gordon glass limbs
- T4 trigger
- No arrows included
- Accessories require upgrade
It is a reasonable crossbow under 500 because it is light in weight, very easy to cock it comes with T4 triggers for fingers safety. It is great to deal within a suitable budget.
5- PSE Archery Fang HD Crossbow
Last but not least on our list, you can call it the cheapest crossbow. However, it is the cheapest but it does not mean that you cannot kill with it, as it comes with great shooting specs.
Like it has kinetic energy 134ft, LBS, and amazing reverse cams technology hunting scope.
Design
The design is compact and lighter weight. The silencers of the crossbow are amazing but require a little upgrade. However, the fang HD crossbow design launches the arrow directly towards the target with the speed of 405 FPS which makes it a powerful hunting gadget.
Size And Weight
The detailed size of the crossbow is 32 inches in length and when it cocks its width will be 15.5 inches otherwise when it uncocks its width will be 23 inches.
The weight is around 5.8 pounds and the cocking system of the crossbow is swift and easy for men, women, and novice users. The draw weight is 165 pounds that creates kinetic energy of 97ft- pounds and fps 330.
Accessories
The PSE fang crossbow comes with many accessories like three inches carbon bolts along with 100-gram bullet points, a cocking rope, a wax lube, five-bolt quiver, string stops, limb dampers, high precision 4×32 scope, and interestingly five years warranty.
However, it is advised to use the bolts and scope for practice sessions, and when you go hunting replace them.
Safety
The anti-dry fire triggers prevent the fingers every time you fire. Further, there is a reminder for finger’s safety. The soft coat trigger grip allows the pros and new shooters to handle it easily.
The cocking system is smooth and you can de-cock without shooting the arrow. Auto safety triggers are the key feature of all ten-point crossbows.
- Easy to handle
- Light in weight
- Easy to assemble
- Smooth cocking system.
- Quiet ordinary quiver and scoop
- Require more vibration dampers.
Though we call it the cheapest crossbow due to its price tag, the features are quite worth talking about. This crossbow is sharp, lighter, well safeguarded, and smooth for new and experienced hunters.
Wrapping Up
The above crossbow reviews under $500 include the bestselling crossbows. They are nice, cheap, spiced with lots of key features. However, if you are still scratching your head which one crossbow you should opt for, then we suggest you go for Barnett Whitetail Pro Str Crossbow and ten-point wicked ridge 360 crossbows.
For the reason that it will teach you how to shoot, and once you get enough experience then you can get your hand on a much more advanced crossbow. So, this is it for this informational best crossbow under 500 crash class.
Features To Check Before Buying The Crossbow Under $500
Crossbow is not a new device to forecast as it was earlier used by the Chinese and many more dynasties for hunting plus wars. Though, in today’s modern world the crossbows have become much more modern too, so make sure to look at the speed, cocking system, weight, and purpose you are buying it for.
For your better accord, we have penned down some key features too.
- Performance Under Budget
Crossbows were not very pricey from the beginning but as soon as they got the attention of the comer’s market started to increase specs and features to increase the price.
However, while talking about the crossbows under the $500 budget one should not think to compromise over features. The main point of setting a budget is to get maximum performance for hunting within limited money.
- Weight
As you know, crossbows are not meant to play while sitting idle. They are for hunting and shooting for which you have to carry them. nowadays much more advanced and harp shooting crossbows hold many accessories attached to them. Still, designers made them lighter in weight.
Further, all those who are pro in hunting suggested that lightweight crossbows are always appreciated. They are easy to carry and handle. Usually, experts suggest that a crossbow that weighs around 5-6.5 pounds is good.
- Cocking System
Once you are out in the premises for hunting the last thing you would expect is to scare your prey while latching. Therefore, it is advised to check the cocking system before buying it. Go for a smoother latching system. However, it is also useful to wax lube your crossbows timely.
- Bolts
The lighter the bolts, the more they fly. However, it is not advised to get cheaper arrows because if you do that whole pressure will be applied to your crossbow.
Try to get the arrows with good grain weight compatible with your crossbow model and also the type of hunter you are.
- Scope
The scope is the basic need of a crossbow, without which hunting is not possible. Initially try to go for the scope that enables you to get your target easily.
Once you become used to it, go for advanced scope. Moreover, always grab the crossbow that gives built-in or attached scope.
- Feet Per Second
Crossbow is all about its speed and kinetic energy. We are not saying that you will get the most popular crossbow with the best kinetic energy and speed at $500.
However, it is possible to get a crossbow that can give you a speed of 40 yards. Initially, people shoot for 20-30 yards but still, it is good to have farther FPS.
- Accessories
At a budget of $500, you can enjoy a complete kit with a crossbow. Many manufacturers give you bolts, quivers, arrows, and rope cockers along with excellent performing crossbows.
However, we are not giving you the false hope that you will get A- class kit but still, many companies offer good services under this budget.
Further, if you are not satisfied with the package kit then you can always go outside for accessories. Like you can get much more specialized scope and crossbow bolts etc, once you start a more intense hunt.
- Warranty
Crossbows are not meant for days and months, instead, they are meant for years and many hunts. In case of any loss, damage, and break you need to have a good warranty so that you can get it covered.
Many fancy crossbows come with lifetime warranties but here we are talking $500 crossbows. So, in this case, you must look for years of warranties.
FAQs
1- How Far Can A Crossbow Shoot Accurately?
If you are not aiming for any target then we can say that a crossbow can shoot up to 500 yards. However, if you are hunting then a crossbow can hit up to 40-50 yards. Mostly the crossbow designed for beginners has a shoot limit of up to 30-40 yards.
2- How Long A Crossbow Will Last?
It depends on the way you use it and the many things that made the crossbow work. Strings, bolts, and cocking system. Mostly the strings of the crossbow were damaged quickly. Therefore, it is advised to lube them and change them after every 2 years. Mostly, crossbow strings can run up to 4-5 years.
3- Can We Kill An Animal With a Crossbow?
Yes, you can kill whitetail deer and even bear with a crossbow. However, the main point to consider is the feet per second and the grain weight of the bolt. If you have adequate FPS and heavy grain bolts then you can easily pierce the flash of the animal.
4- Is Crossbow Good For Self-Defense?
Since early ages Chinese and many other states have kept crossbows for self-defense and hunting. So, yes you can say that crossbows are legal firearms that can be used for self-defense.
Master of Modern Bowhunting, Watson knows archery equipment forward and backward. An accomplished bowhunter in his own right, his successes in the field demonstrates to novices that bowhunting isn’t something to be kept behind closed doors. Making it more accessible to beginners and advanced bowhunters alike; Watson has become an expert in the construction and use of longbows, compound bows, crossbows, archery and bowhunting gear; he now shares his knowledge openly.