Ravin Crossbow Review Guide [Top Models Testified]

Hunters are gearing up for adventure as the hunting season approaches. Nowadays, most shooters prefer to use a crossbow for hunting because it looks more natural when compared to a shooting rifle. While crossbows do have their own obvious downsides, the thrill that comes with crossbow hunting can’t be denied.

The Crossbow brand Ravin emerged on the screen 20-years ago, and with their groundbreaking hunting equipment, shook things up in a big way. They come up with a mission to build incredibly fast and compact crossbows which have never been seen before. Soon, other crossbow producers decided to jump on the bandwagon, offering compact and more lightweight crossbows to the market, but they have been unable to outperform the mighty Ravin.

Ravin offers lots of amazing crossbows to choose from, varying in features, performance, and price tag, making it pretty hard to settle for the best. Therefore, in this article we will provide you an in-depth review of some of the best Ravin Crossbows to make this challenging task easy for you. So let’s continue with the Ravin Crossbow Review!

Top Ravin Crossbow Model Reviews 2021 [Updated List]

1. Ravin Sniper R29X Review: Powerful & Compact

The truly innovative design and construction of Ravin has made an enormous impact in the world of hunting. They are famous for crafting crossbows that are incredibly fast and powerful; nothing like we’ve seen before. The Ravin R29X Sniper is the latest model of Ravin and it includes all that you need for a successful hunting trip.

R29X is an exceptionally compact crossbow with a very small overall length in both cocked and uncocked positions. No other bows on the market have similar operational efficiency in such a compact package. The build of R29X is as unique and impressive as its performance. It has a camouflage finish to merge in with the surroundings and an exclusive predator dusk pattern which is not found on other crossbows.

It is nearly impossible to find a crossbow as fast as R29x, as 450 fps isn’t the kind of speed any other crossbow can achieve. The accuracy of this lean killer machine is further enhanced with the use of pre-tuned tactical crossbow scope and adjustable elevation mount. Ravin has also used HeliCoil technology in this crossbow for better speed, rifle-like accuracy and longer string life. HeliCoil design wraps cables in helical grooves away from both the top and bottom of the cams maintaining the cams properly balanced and allowing them to spin around 340 degrees.

Another distinctive and patented feature is the use of the Trac-trigger firing system, Ravin implements a built-in trigger which slides down the rail to attach to the string before cocking for consistent and precise shooting every time. And the frictionless flight system allows the arrows to float above the rail without any friction, for reliable accuracy and improved string and cable lifespan.

The R29X is the very first model in the Ravin Crossbow Catalog to eliminate the unpleasant cracking sound of bow cocking. This feature makes the cocking and de-cocking completely silent, which is very helpful for deer hunting from a close tree stand. Ravin R29X is a safe crossbow; it comes with an Anti-dry fire system and auto safety system for the complete safety of its users.  The package includes a fully assembled crossbow with pre-tuned scope, adjustable elevation mount, quiver and six Ravin arrows.

The Ravin R29X is the most impressive crossbow ever to offer stealth, precision and agility in one package.

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2. Ravin R20 Crossbow Review: High Accuracy & Speed

The R20 is one of the products that Ravin takes great pride in, as it provides rifle-like precision and the high-tech innovations that the maker has been striving to develop for years. It possesses innate technologies from Ravin and gives out the best outputs in terms of accuracy, speed, reliability and power. It is not wrong to say that R20 is the front runner of Ravin.

R20 is constructed from high-quality cast polymer which prevents rusting and makes it lightweight and allows users to carry it around conveniently, and the injection molding techniques used to manufacture this weapon make it quite reliable. It has a very compact design providing ease to hunters while aiming from cramped places and even from tree stands. It almost gives the comfort and experience of using an actual rifle, thanks to its exclusive pistol grip.

Because of its distinctive features, R20 has attracted considerable attention. The Frictionless Flight feature ensures the bolt doesn’t come into contact with the rail for superior accuracy. Additionally, the string and cable would last longer, indicating you make a sound investment in this model. Configured with the HeliCoil technology for reduced noise and vibration, R20 is a well-balanced and trustworthy companion for hunting.

The crossbow’s sound sometimes scares the prey away, leaving you empty handed, but that is not the case with Ravin R20. Because of its HeliCoil system you won’t hear unnecessary sound and vibrations. The package comes perfectly assembled and pre-tuned, so you don’t have to worry about assembling at all. Accessories that arrive with the crossbow are; an illuminated sight, 6 arrows, a sling, removable cocking handle and quiver. Optics Quality is good in both bright and low light conditions.

R20 is Ravin’s is the top of the line compound crossbow with revolutionary technology. The speed, power, and accuracy of Ravin R20 are unmatchable. It is no doubt an expensive crossbow, but worth every penny of it.

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3. Ravin R26 Crossbow Review: Light weight

Ravin produces loads of good crossbows that differ in design, performance, and price tag, making it fairly difficult to choose the best. Owing to its ultra-compact design, which has gained the attention and respect of many hunters, the Ravin R26 definitely stands out from the crowd.

Ravin R26 is one the lightest crossbows on the market. The lightweight does not mean it has a lousy construction; it is made up of high-quality cast polymer which is lightweight and durable. You will find the same production quality and craftsmanship in all of the attachments that come with the package. The R26’s compact construction comes in handy in numerous different hunting situations because it helps you to squeeze through narrow spaces with greater ease.

R26 is a high-performing machine; it can shoot arrows with a blazing speed of 400 FPS to hunt down large games easily. You can conveniently carry it around for longer times and it even won’t weigh you down for better performance. With this crossbow, when shooting from a ground blind, you do not have to stress about the limbs spreading out and hitting the surfaces of the windows, destroying both the frame and the gear.

Out of the many reasons for R26’s popularity, one is its downrange accuracy and amazing features. R26 also features the Frictionless Flight System and HeliCoil technology to make accurate shots even from a distance of 70 Yards. Every time the bow is completely drawn, the built-in trigger mechanism slides directly to the exact center of the string on the rail and fasteners. This provides a beautifully balanced draw with every shot for unrivaled downrange precision.

The safety mechanisms include an anti-dry fire system and auto engage safety for a safe and secure hunting experience. R26 makes very little noise when shooting, so that the target you’re chasing won’t be alarmed. Even the vibrations are negligible and do not affect crossbow accuracy.  The pre-assembled package comes with an illuminated scope, arrow quiver, draw handle, 6-pack arrows, accessories and 5-years warranty.

The Ravin R26 ensures brilliant performance, precision, pace and durability. It aims to do this while retaining a very compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to manage and transport.

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4. Ravin R10 Crossbow Review: Beginner Crossbow

The R10 is one of the iconic Ravin models and is suitable for beginners as well as for seasoned shooters and hunters. If you are searching for an effective crossbow which can be used even by a ten-year-old, you are looking at the right model. Let’s dig into it and see what it is offering!

It is a small and lightweight weapon, weighing only 6.5 pound providing a list of features that will tempt you to buy it. The reverse draw limbs along with the compact design make it an ideal choice for all of those trying to reduce the footprint of the dangerous weapon they are using. Furthermore, the carbon fiber built ensures the reliability and durability of the bow while minimizing its overall weight.

The most liked feature of Ravin R10 is its rifle-like layout. This design helps to transport the bow conveniently, and also makes the maneuvering around the bushes hassle-free. Also, the two-piece rigid construction provides the user with comfort and maintains the balance of the bow while firing. The crossbow comes in black and predatory camouflage pattern. Aside from that, the included attachments are also constructed from high quality material to further enhance the hunting experience.

This crossbow is designed to deliver speed, performance and accuracy. With the velocity of 400 FPS, it can easily take down most games easily. The kinetic energy produced is powerful enough to make a kill clean every time. Like all other Ravin crossbows, R10 also utilizes the HeliCoil technology for downrange accuracy and Frictionless flight system to eliminate friction and increase string life. Every time the crossbow is drawn the built-in trigger mechanism device moves forward on the rail and clasps to the exact center of the bowstring.

R10 also incorporates the anti-dry fire mechanism and automatic safety for secure hunting, in addition to the Versa-draw cocking mechanism for safe loading and unloading. Over the grip, the extended safety wings also protect the fingers from any danger. Noise dampeners are not included with this crossbow, however, the noise produced by the arrow while shooting is not so loud to alert the prey. The pre-tuned and pre-assembled Ravin R10 crossbow package includes an illuminated Ravin  scope, three-arrow quiver, six arrows, mounting bracket and 5-years limited lifetime warranty.

All in all, it is an excellent choice for crossbow hunting for beginners and experienced hunters alike. Even though the market has faster models to offer, the features and ease-of-use makes the R10 an impressive crossbow.

Specifications:

5. Ravin R29 Sniper Crossbow Package:

The new R29 Sniper Package is developed on the foundation of the R29 platform, and it is the newest addition to the Ravin lineup for 2021. It is much smaller than some other models of this brand, but the smaller size does not affect the precision, accuracy, power and speed of this beast.

Ravin is famous for manufacturing heavy-duty equipment, which can endure intense usage for years to come. The R29 is also crafted from a high quality material; the stock is made up of cast polymer which is skeletonized to further reduce the weight of this crossbow. The stock features massive cutouts on the butt stock, riser and the limbs to improve the overall balance of this weapon.

It is one the most compact crossbows by Ravin, only next to the Ravin R26. The design is very elegant, with a camouflage finish that helps you to blend in with the surrounding environment. The compact structure also indicates that the bow is less likely to crash through branches and bushes when it is carried on your back. The manufacturer provides the bow fully assembled and tuned, so you can start shooting right away.

The R29 is a compactor version of the famous R20, and therefore its performance is as remarkable as its predecessor. It offers a rifle-like accuracy and efficiency with speed ranging up to 430 FPS and massive kinetic energy to clean kill even the largest game. Although the power stroke is shorter than other Ravin bow, yet it delivers bone crushing power and poundage like all other Ravin weapons. It also utilizes HeliCoil technology Trac-Trigger firing system for better performance and accuracy.

Now moving on to the safety features of R29, it incorporates the auto safety mechanism along with the anti-dry fire system to shield both you and the bow from harm or injury. While this crossbow is somewhat louder than other Ravin crossbows, the vibrations are minimal to help with precision as the bow provides outstanding control. This ready to hunt package comes with an illuminated scope, built-in crossbow cocking crank, draw handle, quiver with arrows and a mounting bracket for a wonderful hunting experience.

Specifications:

Final Verdict

No matter which Ravin crossbow you will finally buy, you will be highly satisfied with the performance. All you have to do is identify the features you need, the desired speed, the required kinetic energy as well as the price tag, and then choose the one that meets your needs. We have provided a very detailed Ravin Crossbow Review for your convenience.

The Editor’s choice is none other than the mighty Ravin R29X Sniper. It is a complete package offering the fastest speed in the market along with downrange accuracy, innovative technology, and all of this in a very compact design. If the price is not an issue, R29X is just the perfect bow for you!

If you have a limited budget and you need everything that Ravin can offer in an affordable price tag then we strongly recommend buying Ravin R10 without even thinking twice about it. It is one the cheapest crossbows by Ravin, offering amazing speed and power to satisfy the requirements of even the most serious hunters.

Buying Guide 

Ravin is a company owned by a team of professional hunters, shooters, and designers with the goal of building the most accurate crossbows on the planet and then improving them year after year. The innovative technologies that are used in Ravin crossbows are:

• HeliCoil Technology:

This groundbreaking technology has many industry-changing benefits all of which work together to produce the most accurate crossbow ever developed. The HeliCoil system coils cables in helical grooves away from both the top and bottom of the cams, keeping the cams properly stable. It helps the cams to rotate an amazing 340 degrees, and while drawing and firing the crossbow, both cams remain perfectly straight. This groundbreaking design produces an extremely lightweight crossbow packed full of creative features that delivers rifle-like accuracy.

• Frictionless Flight System:

This unique technology enables the arrow to float freely just above the rail, removing friction for perfect accuracy and improved string and cable lifespan. Moreover, you can see how it is utilized to make the bow more efficeint, in the above Ravin crossbow review.

•  Trac-Trigger Firing System:

Ravin has introduced a patented built-in trigger system that slides on the rail to move forward, once the bow is drawn it clasps automatically to the exact center of the string to facilitate straight-line nock movement.

• Versa-Draw Cocking System:

This ultra-compact, properly integrated cocking mechanism is incorporated into the sleek stock of Ravin bow in conjunction with the Trac-Trigger Firing System. The Versa-Draw Cocking System is ambidextrous with a total cocking force of 12 Pounds and has the capacity to quickly cock and un-cock your weapon silently. This system makes Ravin the easiest cocking crossbow.

Factors to Consider While Buying The Ravin Crossbow

Speed:

Velocity is directly linked with the amount of power with which the bolt will hit the target. It is recommended to go for options that propel the bolt faster so that you can achieve the kill with a single hit. Depending on the model you purchase, Ravin crossbows can produce blazing arrow speeds from 400 to 450 feet per second.

Draw Weight:

The draw weight is the amount of power that is applied to draw back the arrow to take a shot. Higher draw weights ensure increased range and higher velocity. However it can also add up to fatigue and affect your accuracy. It is therefore recommended to consider options with bearable draw weights.  Many of the Ravin bows have a 12 pound draw weight, which is very easy to handle with the aid of an integrated cocking system and makes Ravin a fast loading crossbow.

Weight of the Bow:

Hunting expeditions can require long durations of movement. Weight of the bow can have a significant impact on the overall hunting experience as it can increase fatigue levels. However since heavier bows are more stable than lighter ones, it is recommended to find the perfect middle ground so that both hunting experience and shot stability are not compromised. Many of the above mentioned crossbows are very lightweight and compact, and can be manipulated easily in the woods.

Budget Considerations:

The budget remains one of the top considerations while purchasing crossbows. While there can be tradeoffs between budget and most expensive crossbows, beginners can opt for cost effective options and opt for better options later on as they progress.

Ravin is a high-end brand with a heavier price tag on their crossbows, but the value they offer is worth the money.

Safety System:

When it comes to shooting with crossbows, the safety feature is a major consideration. Crossbows should be able to disconnect the safety lock before shooting the arrow after loading the crossbow.

However, safety mechanisms vary from brand to brand. Several companies are paying a little consideration while others have sophisticated safety systems and sensors. You can totally depend on Ravin to be safe to hunt, as it comes with the standard safety features such as Anti-dry fire system and auto safety mechanism to prevent any accident.

FAQs

How long is the Ravin crossbow warranty?

All Ravin Crossbows are protected under a limited five-year warranty against material defects and stock manufacturing, trigger and cocking mechanism, and limb assembly when usually used in compliance with Ravin’s written instructions and guidance.

What is the best arrow rest position?

There are two good positions for arrow rest:

• Button head screws
• Flathead screws

What should be used for lubing the bowstring?

The Ravin polymeric bowstring conditioner which is a non-wax lubricant is highly recommended for lubing. See your Ravin instruction manual for more guidance.

What are the Ravin R26 crossbow problems?

Overall R26 is a stunning crossbow that delivers speed, power, accuracy and whatnot. But the string and cable system, unlike other Ravin crossbows, is only unique to R26 and not interchangeable.

How to uncock a crossbow by hand?

It is not safe to uncock a crossbow by hand as it is a very dangerous process. It is not safe to uncock a crossbow by hand as it is a very dangerous process. Starts cocking a crossbow with one hand for trial purposes first, if you can do it effectively then only start uncocking.

Watson R

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.