There many options available to you for hunting in terms of weapons. While we agree that the rifle is a great weapon for hunting, there are other options available as well. And each option comes with its own perks and advantages.
One of the most historical choices for hunting has always been the crossbow. The crossbow is not your traditional bow and arrow. While the bow and arrow is definitely a part of the crossbow, it is not wholly so. Unlike the bow and arrows, the crossbow consists of moving parts which shoot the quarrel.
The crossbow uses a kind of string which can be wounded back and then used to shoot forwards. This allows for people who are not physically strong enough to still use the crossbow. Another major benefit which the crossbow offers over the bow and arrows is the fact that you do not need years of training for the crossbow to work for you.
When you venture out to find the perfect and relatively cheap crossbow for yourself, you will be surrounded by several choices. For helping you make this decision, we have compiled best cheap crossbows buying guide and reviews.
Product Name | Our Rating | Check Price |
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Best Cheap Crossbow | ||
What are the kinds of crossbows which I can consider?
There are essentially two kinds of crossbows: the recurve and the compound crossbow. If you are looking for a simpler crossbow, we would recommend you to buy the recursive crossbow. The recursive crossbow is a simple weapon which does not need any sort of complicated stringing.
A lot of the moving cables and cams are removed in these crossbows. This elimination of extra weight allows you to have more agility with your weapon. Because of the lax parts involved in this kind of crossbow, you can also expect a lower price range for this kind of crossbow.
On the other hand, the compound crossbow is a sheer marvel of engineered weapons. In general, compound crossbows have smaller limbs and have a smaller size. This makes it easier for you to manipulate it around tight spaces.
These types of crossbows boast a complex weighting system which allows the crossbow to provide more potential energy to the quarrel. This also lets cocking mechanisms to be easier to use. In short, the compound crossbow is much smaller and faster than the recursive. However, these are rather expensive as compared to the former.
Are there size differences between crossbows?
There are two sizes of crossbows: small and the large. The smaller crossbows are easier to use as they provide more agility and precision. They are used for close range targets only as they do not have the mechanism to shoot the quarrels far enough.
However, the large crossbows are heavy and difficult to hold up. They are more complex and, provide more strength and impact. They are mostly used for targets which are farther away.
What are the parts which I should look out for?
When searching for the perfect crossbow for yourself, you should be wary of the following parts used in the crossbows:
Draw Weight
There are only a few things more important than the draw weight. The draw weight is the amount of weight that will be behind the arrow. This is very important to consider. Draw weights tend to have an impact on the general feel and flexibility of the crossbow. They especially influence handling and shooting distance. For most crossbows, a draw weight between 300 and 500 pounds should be enough. Most fall between 350 and 450 pounds.
Most crossbows have their draw weight mentioned. As measuring it would be very tedious. For reference, a 50 pound draw weight is enough to take down a deer. Getting a crossbow with even a 300-pound draw weight will be enough. As for now, we would recommend you try your hand at different weights and see what fits. And don’t forget to always go with what you’re comfortable with.
Arrow Velocity
Arrow velocity is another important factor to keep in mind. Arrow velocity tends to affect performance by a major fraction. The velocity of the arrows will impact deadliness, accuracy, flexibility, and shooting distance. Generally speaking, higher velocity is better. This means that the arrow will remain accurate for a longer distance. It also won’t be pulled in by gravity too easily. Arrow velocity can vary across a wide range. So just go with what you’re used to.
A good rule of thumb is to keep velocity moderate. Higher velocity means better performance but lesser comfort. The crossbow will bend more when shooting, and the draw weight will be increased heavily. In fact, the velocity can even impact the health of the strings and cables. Look for crossbows which have a medium amount of draw weight and arrow velocity. These are the two main important things to never forget. They’ll help you when buying any crossbow.
Scopes And Sights
Scopes are also an important part of using a crossbow. A scope is basically the sight through which you see and aim. It usually has either a red dot or a crosshair in the center. The choice you will have to make is between the single crosshair sights and multiple crosshairs sights. The single crosshair sights come with just a vertical crosshair and a horizontal crosshair. Their intersecting point should coincide with your target. This is the simplest and easiest to use.
A good and cheap crossbow usually uses a single crosshair sight. However, the higher ends use the multiple crosshairs which have additional lines beneath the horizontal axis. These are used for more precise hunting as the different lines provide more range precision when compared to its counterpart. Sights are the best for aiming correctly.
Red dot and holographic sights are the best. Apart from that, 4x and 6x scopes work too, although they’re harder to acquire. These scopes are normally not included with the cheap crossbows, however they make it easier to hunt as they provide a magnified view of the area in front of you.
Our Recommendations
We have compiled a list of the best cheap crossbows for you to pick out your favorite from. These product reviews will provide more insight which will help you find the best cheap crossbow.
Best Compound Crossbow - PSE Cobra Crossbow
The PSE Cobra is one of the cheapest crossbows available on the market. The major feature of the PSE Cobra is that it is handheld and it can be used using only one hand. It also features greater control and accuracy when compared with others.
- Includes three aluminum crossbow darts
- Comes with vibration dampening pads for ease of use
- Is self cocking which ensures that the strings are aligned correctly
- Track style allows for greater accuracy
- Auto safety is activated when it cocks itself
- Made from hardened form of plastic
Overview
The PSE Cobra Crossbow is one of the best cheap crossbows due to its agility and accuracy. Several measures are taken during manufacturing to ensure that the crossbow is accurate yet still powerful. However, sighting with this particular crossbow can be difficult as it is very delicate and prone to hand movements.
OUR RATING
The delicate horizontal line may be a bit difficult to handle because it often bumps with your hand. Other than that, the PSE Cobra Crossbow is definitely a lethal weapon which can be used to shoot down small game such as rabbits or squirrels. This handheld crossbow packs in a lot of power. This is why it can easily pierce through the vital organs of these small game animals and make the kill very humane.
Runner-up - CenterPoint Tyro 4X
CenterPoint’s Tyro 4X is a prime example of how the company excels in the production of first class weaponry and hunting equipment.
You can rest assured that your hunting experience will be one of the finest. This surprisingly cheap crossbow is especially engineered for all of your hunting needs, as the features are top-notch while the price is low.
- Features a sleek and camouflaged design
- You can fully adjust the tactical stock and forearm
- For ease of aim, a 4x32mm scope is also installed on it
- It boasts an amazingly fast 370fps shooting velocity, which is enough for a lot of animals.
- It is made completely from industrial grade aluminum
- An extra option for anti-dry fire is also available with this product
- This also features a 175 pound draw weight
Overview
The CenterPoint Tyro 4X is an all powerful tool for all of your hunting needs. The major features of this product are what most would assume to be of a premium tier product.
OUR RATING
This crossbow is lightweight due to the use of aluminum in it. While this is not the lightest or the smallest crossbow on the market, but it is definitely much lighter than the ones you get on a normal or average price. The crossbow is only 21.5 inches wide when it is un-cocked; this is a relatively small size when compared to the other crossbows. And when cocked up, this crossbow is only 18 inches wide.
The best part about this product is that it only weighs in at 8 pounds. This means that you can rest assured knowing the crossbow will not cause you any kind of fatigue or pain in the back.
Best Handheld Crossbow - PSE Viper SS Crossbow
The PSE Viper SS Crossbow is a highly versatile weapon which offers accuracy, control and speed all in one package. While the PSE Viper SS Crossbow is a particularly cheap crossbow, it still provides several safety features for you. This is a handheld crossbow so you can easily maneuver it according to your need.
- It is handheld and precise
- Shoots up arrows at around 215 FPS
- Provides a finger guard for safety
- Has an integrated cocking mechanism with a safety lock
- The draw weight is around 50 pounds
- For precision shooting, it provides track style rail
Overview
The PSE Viper SS Crossbow is definitely one to keep. With the handheld design, you will have an easier time with this weapon. It is suitable and strong enough for shooting some small game animals such as squirrels and rabbits.
OUR RATING
The safety features on this cheap crossbow are numerous. There are several guards and locks which allow you to safely operate this crossbow. The anti dry fire trigger offers a much safer way of firing the shots without making a lot of sound or injury to yourself.
SA Sports Empire Terminator
The SA Sports Empire Terminator Crossbow is a powerful weapon designed by SA Sports. This crossbow features several aspects that make hunting seem easy and efficient. The draw weight of this cheap crossbow is 175 pounds, and the arrow velocity is 260 feet per second. With specs like that, you can bet that the Empire Terminator won’t disappoint you.
- Features an arrow velocity of 260 feet per second.
- Draw weight is 175 pounds.
- Features an Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System.
- Has a rope cocking device for easier loading.
- Bow is 20 inches wide, from one axle to the other.
- Comes with an illuminated 4x32 shooting scope.
Overview
The product features an illuminated 4x32 scope, which makes shooting easy and precise. This crossbow also features a cocking device for the rope. The device helps to load the arrows and keep it steady.
OUR RATING
It also features an Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System which will help prevent dry fires. It also has a Nock Sensor and a CNC Aluminum Flight system. All of these put together give you the best shooting experience.
The general feel of the bow is excellent. It does not slip easily. The arrow velocity is 260 feet per second. This is the perfect speed to get a good shot, considering the draw weight. This makes the crossbow good for medium-sized animals.Carbon Express Blade X-Force
The Carbon Express Blade X Force is one of the best cheap crossbows on the market right now. The major features of this crossbow include lightweight and lightning fast action. Once assembled correctly, this crossbow will work wonders for you. You can use it to hunt down medium sized to small sized animals easily.
- Provides you with 320 feet per second speed
- 5% lighter than other crossbows
- Extruded aluminum rail
- Adjustable butt stock
- Adjustable grip handles
- Offers 86.3ft/lb kinetic energy
Overview
This is a customizable crossbow which allows you to customize and personalize it after every hunt and according to your need. Even though the features might make it sound premium, it is definitely a cheap crossbow.
OUR RATING
The butt stock and grip handles can be adjusted to facilitate your changing stance and position. It is a full sized crossbow suitable for new hunters as well as seasoned hunters. It provides a lot of safety features which make truly make it a one of a kind.
Conclusion
Cheap crossbows are difficult to find as purchase because most of the times, you have to pay a high price later on when these wear out or simply just don’t work. With that being said, these reviews will provide you a proper guide to buying the crossbow best suited for you in a fairly reasonable price.
Happy hunting!