Table of Contents
Fastest Crossbows
Do you have the need for speed and are looking for a bow that can shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger? Welcome to our fastest crossbows review.
Comparison Table: Fastest Crossbows in 2021
Award | Crossbow | Specs |
|---|---|---|
|  |
|
| Scorpyd Aculeus |
|
| Ravin R29X |
|
|  |
Weight = 7.2 lbs |
| Barnett HyperGhost 425 Crossbow |
|
| Excalibur Assassin 420 TD |
|
| Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow Package |
|
Why Speed Matters
Although you’ll find hunters on the web stating that the only difference between a crossbow that shoots at 300 FPS (feet per second) and one that shoots at 450 FPS is nothing but price, there are strong points to make for why you’d be better off choosing a fast-shooting crossbow.
For this review, I am defining a fast crossbow as being one that shoots at or above the 415 FPS mark. As technology to build and demand to buy continues to drive crossbows to shoot faster, the 400 FPS level has become nearly a standard.
Advantages for speed
- Better grouping: Arrows shot at faster speeds tend to deliver straighter shots.
- More weather resistant: As we hunters use our crossbows outside, we are subject to the weather of that day and moment. Shooting with a faster bow gives the shooter better performance during a windy day.
- More humane kills: The faster, better pass-throughs we can get when killing our game, the cleaner of a kill it is for us, and the easier of a kill it is for the animal.
Quick Links: Fastest Crossbows
- Fastest crossbow: TenPoint Vapor RS470
- Best medium to large-sized game:Scorpyd Aculeus 460
- Fastest lightweight: Ravin R29X
- Best under $1,000: Killer Instinct SWAT XP Crossbow
- Fastest under $1,000: Barnett HyperGhost 425
- Fastest recurve:Excalibur 420 Td
- Fastest for the money: Killer Instinct Burner 415
1. Fastest on the Market
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TenPoint Vapor Rs470 |
470 |
8 lbs |
31" |
6.5" |
12" |
17" |
225 lbs |
Pros
- Provides silent cocking and safe de-cocking ability
- Fully multi-coated optics with unmatched brightness in low-light situations
- Elongated power stroke
- Micro-track barrel for longer string life
- S1 trigger for high performance
- Includes case and all accessories
Cons
- Cheaply made quiver
Package includes:
- EVO-X Marksman Scope
- Bubble Level
- ACUslide Cocking and De-Cocking System
- 6-Arrow Tech Quiver
- 6 Lighted Evo-X CenterPunch premium carbon arrows
- 3 EVO-X CenterPunch Broadheads
- TenPoint STAG hard crossbow case
- Integrated String Stop System
- TenPoint Neoprene Sling
TenPoint really valules speed, and their Vapor Rs470 is the fastest crossbow on the market. But the buck doesn’t stop just for the speed, this crossbow carries some amazing benefit too. Read below to check out more.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Rated as the best crossbow for hunting, this is a reverse-draw bow assembly that draws the string through the riser, creating a 17” power stroke. This power is both smooth and quiet.
The riser provides superior balance, and makes it easier to hold the bow steady and for increased accuracy. This bow is really the best, down-range, and fastest crossbow on the market.
You can be in any condition, such as a tree stand or ground blind and be good to go. You can cock and decock this bow silently any time you want with only 5 pounds of force. To decock, simply back-wind the handle, and have no fear of losing control throughout the process.
This has an S1 trigger, which is a crip trigger design that delivers a consistent pull that you’re going to love. A tight shot is produced from this crisp trigger and reverse-draw design making it the smoothest, most accurate, ultra-light technology to give you the shot you want.
The Vapor Rs470 is a super-charged shot, yet it’s a compact, lightweight bow. This is a complete package for a hunter that includes a cocking device, pro scope, bubble level, hard case, 6-pack of carbon arrows, 6-pack of lighted arrows, 3-pack of broadheads, a quiver, and more. These are all the features needed and no other crossbow is really so inspiring.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
This bow gives you the confidence to seize the hunting season- and the 10 point buck. Best for the avid hunter who wants to shoot at their top ability.
2. Best Runner-Up
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Scorpyd Aculeus 460 |
460 |
7.5 lbs |
34.5" |
12.875" |
24.5" |
18.5" |
180 lbs |
Pros
- Kempf Tech integrated trigger
- ACUdraw Pro cocking mechanism
- Non-folding stock
- Limbsaver butt pad
- Anti-dry fire device
Cons
- Not compact - very wide
Package includes:
- Hawke 1.5X5 X32 IR Illuminated Scope standard
- 3 Pack of broadheads
- 4 Arrow Quiver
- 12 Arrows (Scorpyd SPEC Black Eagle Arrows .001)
- String Stops
- Scope rail
- Limbsaver Sling and Butt Pad
- Scorpion Venom Lube Kit
Scorpyd’s most popular and highest-quality product they’ve ever made. This is the Aculeus 460 crossbow, and it’s the second fastest reverse-draw crossbow in the world.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
If you’ve ever wanted to try a top-of-the-line reverse-draw crossbow, this is it. With large, aggressive cams to aid the extended power that a reverse-draw crossbow gives, speed and power is the type of shot you get with this bow.
This bow has a rough texture on the grip that provides an easy hold when you’re mounting your shot. The rail of the bow is hollow, which saves weight. Speak of weight, this is under 8 pounds, so all said and done, it’s easy to carry around.
The scope fits this bow very well. It’s made by Hawk and it’s their SR scope. It’s a high quality optics scope that provides shots up to and beyond 100 yards for complete accuracy.
The entire bow is made in the U.S, which adds value points right there. Support Scorpyd, because they put their efforts and investment back into the bow, not into gimmicks.
The reverse-draw design keeps the features at the center of the bow, which brings an advantage of storing energy in the limbs and releasing it through the shot of the arrow. The Aculeus 460 came in a high second place in our best reverse limb crossbow’s guide.
What’s a real marvel about this bow are the near-parallel limbs of the crossbow. It’s a tight, compact shot that’s perfect for shooting in any position. Scorpyd does a great job offering different packages for their customers, so whether a complete hunting package or their crossbow-only kit is best for you, available options can be viewed at our Scorpyd Crossbows Guide.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
Although practice shooting doesn’t need to be 100% accurate all time, at the moment of truth out in the woods, you’re going to want to have the confidence that you’re going to get your game, and this bow is going to give that to you.
3. Fastest Lightweight Bow
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ravin R29X |
450 |
6.75 lbs |
29" |
6" |
10.5" |
12.5" |
12 lbs |
Pros
- Extremely compact design
- Silent hand crank mechanism
- Fast shot – 450 FPS
- Tactical scope and quiver
- Comes fully assembled
- Frictionless flight system
- HeliCoil cam system
Cons
- String is under cheek piece when cocked
Package includes:
- 6 – Ravin .003 Arrows & Field Tips
- 1 – Removable Draw Handle
- 1 – Quiver/Mounting Bracket
- 100 Yard Illuminated Scope
- Built-In Cocking Mechanism
- Anti-Dry Fire/Auto Safety
- Built-in Sling Mounts
Here it comes, the Ravin R29X, this badboy is light, compact and extremely fun to shoot. For these reasons, it is the fastest lightweight crossbow on this review.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Let’s start with speed, the R29X shoots 450 FPS! While weighing in at only 6.75 pounds with a cocked width of just 6 inches, that’s amazing!
Ravin’s made this package a complete hunting set up. It’s got a built-in cocking mechanism, so the only weight you’re pulling is 12 pounds- that’s goes with the rest of the Ravin series- and honestly, that’s incredible. I remember the days of drawing 180 or more pounds, but with these modern crossbows, that’s just not needed.
All this talk about specs, let’s move to what this bow includes. Arriving straight to your door step with not 2 or 3 or 4 or even 5 arrows, but a total of 6 arrows, so you can shoot, and keep on shooting until you want to stop. I’m a big fan of this scope. You can zero in on a little spec of dust at 100 yards- fully illuminated, so if you’re the hunter that likes to get game in the night, you’re all set.
This is what we call a “from field to fork” type of crossbow. You go out hunting in the field, and what you get ends up on your plate, stabbed by your fork. Gotta love it.
Safety- always a concern, but with Ravin, you know they’ve got your back with their anti-dry fire mechanism, which prevents any accidental dry fires. Life is good with all these features! Interested in Ravin Crossbows? They’re one of the best brands in the industry, and you can read more about them in our Ravin Crossbows Guide.
Who This Bow is Best For
4. Best under $1,000
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Killer Instinct Swat Xp |
415 |
7.2 lbs |
27" |
9.125" |
14.125" |
16.25" |
12 lbs |
Pros
- Ultra-compact
- Killer Instinct Accutac Barrel system for accurate shots
- Broadhead cage keeps bolts on track
- Center balance design for greater shot control
Cons
- A case is not included with the Elite package
- Upper limb requires heavyweight arrows
Package includes:
- LUMIX SPEED RING 1.5 - 5 x 32 IR-E Scope,
- DSC™ Dead Silent Crank
- Rope Cocker
- String & Limb Suppressors
- 5-Bolt Quiver
- 3 SWAT XP Bolts (400 Grains) with Field Tips
- Stick of Rail Lube
The Killer Instinct Swat Xp is rated the fastest crossbow under $1,000. The Swat Xp model provides a lot of punch for the price tag it is listed under, and it also received our best compound crossbow under $1,000 award.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Hunters know the importance of the scope. This bow comes with the Lumix speed scope that normally sells for over $100, but is included in the package. Next, Killer Instinct’s popular dead silent crank, rope cocker and string & limb suppressor are all included with the package.
The design of the Swat Xp is individual and unique in that the features of the bow are placed near the center of the body. This design improves the front-heavy feeling that often comes with most conventionally designed crossbows.
More on the design of the bow, the Swat Xp is built for balance and control. This bow creates a high-energy power stroke from using its full length to create perfect balance.
Killer Instinct’s Broadhead Cage technology facilitates the bolt and broadhead in the riser to take away any chance the bolt flies off the bow’s track. This is located at the end of the AccuTac Barrel and provides a more accurate shot.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
5. Fastest for
the Money
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett HyperGhost 425 |
425 |
7.7 lbs |
36.25" |
17.6" |
20.375" |
16.3" |
185 lbs |
Pros
- High-performance 425 FPS shot
- Complete hunting accessory package
- Lightweight step-thru riser
- Aluminum flight track
- Pre-installed string dampeners
- Anti-dry fire trigger tech
- Single bolt assembly for easy setup
- String dampeners for silent shots
Cons
- Does not come with crank cocking device
Package includes:
- Three 22” Hyper Flite Arrows
- Premium Illuminated Scope
- Rope Cocking Sled
- Lube Wax
Barnett does a great job placing top-notch crossbows in the hands of mid-budget bow enthusiasts. This HyperGhost 425 crossbow gives you the most speed for your buck out of all the crossbows on this list. Nowhere else are you going to get this power and accuracy for such a great price.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Let’s start with the arrows themselves- they’re called Hyperflite, and they’re small in diameter to accelerate the speed at which the arrow flies. They’re very durable and can last a long time. They’re built for down-range accuracy and significant knock-down power.
Time to move onto the bow itself- it’s jam packed with premium features that many Barnett owners already know about. The HyperGhost 425 has a built-in anti-dry fire mechanism that prevents dry firing shots. Next, this bow comes stock with a best in-class trigger-type trigger that breaks like glass it’s so crisp.
Shot and shot, you’ll experience accuracy and excellent balance due to the quality riser of the bow. It also comes with preinstalled string dampeners for quieter shots. Not all bows include this, and any hunter will tell you that staying quiet in the field is important if you want to walk away with the trophy.
Interested in comparing more Barnett crossbows? Check out our Barnett Crossbow Buyer’s Guide.
Who This Bow is Best For
Barnett includes everything needed to get out and shoot straight from this package. This is an all around excellent buy, and one that I’m confident you’re going to enjoy. Big speed, little cost- gotta love that ratio.
6. Best Recurve
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Excalibur Assassin 420 Td |
420 |
8 lbs |
33-36" |
23.25" |
30" |
18.875" |
290 lbs |
Pros
- Tru-Fit stock (adjustable)
- Completely silent shot
- Pro trigger
- Ability to cock and decock
Cons
- Steep price tag
Package includes:
- TACT-100 Illuminated Scope
- Pro-Shot Trigger
- 4 Arrow quiver
- 4 PROFLIGHT premium arrows
- 4 100gr Field points
- 30mm scope rings
- Anti Dry-Fire System
- Fail safe strap
- R.E.D.S. Suppressors
- Ambidextrous Cheekpiece
Hands down, Excalibur has built the fastest recurve crossbow and it’s called the Assassin 420 TD.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
We all know about the advantages of recurve crossbows, and the Assassin 420 plays right into these. The ability to change or tune up the bow strings ourselves, when we’re out in the field is a huge plus.
Speaking of advantages, the Assassin 420 includes a completely silent crank, which the shooters is able to both cock, and decock. If you’ve ever been in a stand or a ground blind waiting to catch that last before-supper buck and it never shows up, but your bow is cocked and you’re unable to decock- well you’ve got three options, and none of them are ideal. Having the technology is decock the bow is a major plus.
I’m a huge fan that Exaclibur has manufactured this entire bow in the U.S. From start to finish, the bow is built for bow hunters, by bow hunters. Gotta love that.
Honestly, these are all awesome characteristics to this great recurve crossbow, but I think my favorite is Exaclibur’s patented push button, take-down mechanism they call their Quick Loc Technology. The reason I appreciate this so much is if you’ve ever rushed home to get in those last couple hours out in the field, and realized your bow isn’t ready to be transported, the Quick Loc Tech makes this process a “snap”- literally.
The package includes everything needed, and more. Check out the bag it comes with in the picture. Read more about Excalibur Crossbows with our Ultimate Buyer’s Guide.
Who’s This Bow Best For?
If you’re a fan, or want to check out one of the world’s leading recurve crossbows, I highly recommend the Assassin 400 Td.
7. Fastest for
the Money
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Killer Instinct Burner 415 |
415 |
6.7" |
34.5" - 37" |
14.75" |
18.75" |
14.5" |
220 lbs |
Pros
- 415 FPS at a great price
- Lightweight and decently compact
- Available crank cocking device
- Adjustable butt stock
- Excellent standard scope
- 3.5 lbs pro trigger
- Excellent pick for budget hunter
Cons
- Difficult to cock without crank cocking device
- Can be difficult to assemble
Package includes:
- LUMIX 4 x 32 IR-W Scope
- Rope Cocker
- String Suppressors
- 3-Bolt Quiver
- (3) HYPR Lite Bolts and Field Tips
- Stick of Rail Lube
Starting this list off is Killer Instinct’s Burner 415 crossbow. This is the cheapest fast crossbow on the market.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
This crossbow is pretty much everything you’d like to have. It’s got the speed of 415 FPS, weight under 7 pounds, a cocked width of less than 15 inches making it a bonafide, compact bow, plus it hits with a power stroke of 14.5 inches.
The draw weight on the Burner is 220, which as we know means you’ll be putting on the heavy duty gloves if you don’t want to cut up your hands. However, Killer Instinct has made their crank cocking device accessible to the Burner, so if you’re worried about the draw weight, just pick up the cocking device and you’ll be set.
I’m a fan of the Burner’s frame because it’s adjustable, so it can fit a wide variety of sized hunters. Plus, this bow is dressed in a wickedly cool camo color, which looks awesome.
Its lightweight frame and compact design make it easy to maneuver, however, as you’ll read further down below, it’s still not nearly as compact as some of the bad boys listed below.
I’m really impressed with the package that you get for the price that’s listed. It comes with an illuminated scope that has adjustable brightness, which is a huge benefit when you’re shooting early in the morning or in the evening time. This package also comes with straightness-tested hyperlite carbon cross bolts. There’s something about having three bolts that’s such a nice reassurance rather than the two that many companies place in their packages.
The trigger on this bow has a 3.5 pound weight, and is equipped with an anti-dry fire mechanism for safety, which is a plus. The barrel itself is made from microlight material that offers the shooter a lightweight way to still shoot with accuracy.
Who’s This Bow Best For?
People also asked:
What is the fastest crossbow?
The fastest crossbow on the market is the TenPoint Vapor Rs470, followed by the Scorpyd Aculeus 460FPS Crossbow, and then the Ravin R29x.
What is the best crossbow for 2020?
Here are the 6 best crossbows in 2020:
- TenPoint Vapor RS470 Hunting Crossbow Package
- Ravin R29 Sniper Crossbow Package
- Scorpyd Aculeus 460FPS ACUdraw MossyOak Camo
- Killer Instinct SWAT XP Crossbow Package
- Excalibur Hunting Crossbow Assassin 400 Td
- Killer Instinct Lethal 405 fps Crossbow Package
- Barnett Blackcat
- Ravin R26
- Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
- XGear Girls
- Daisy Youth Crossbow
To gain a more in-depth view on these crossbows, check out our 6 Best Crossbows of 2020 Guide.
Can you kill a deer at 100 yards with a crossbow?
Crossbow hunting is designed for close shots, anywhere less than 50 yards in length.
Hunting, especially with arrows, is a game of probability. What you want to do is hit and kill the target efficiently and effectively. When bowhunters play the game, more often than not, the shot is neither efficient, nor effective.
Some things that happen include, injuring the animal, the arrow hits an unintended object that was in the way, or the animal hears the shot and “jumps the string” or dodges the arrow because it heard it was coming.
For a simple answer, yes, it’s possible to kill a deer at 100 yards with a crossbow, but don’t try it.
Is 370 fps good for a crossbow?
370 FPS is a great speed for a crossbow. In fact, it’s the fastest speed that’s currently on the market.
How far can a crossbow shoot?
The best modern crossbows can shoot upwards of 700 yards in length. This would mean shooting with an open space, with a minimal amount of wind, and nothing to obstruct the arrow.
Is a crossbow good for home defense?
I don’t recommend using a crossbow for a home defense weapon. You don’t want to leave a crossbow cocked while not using it, and because cocking a crossbow takes time and precision, it’s not something you want to have to rush to do.
Although a crossbow is certainly powerful enough to use as a defense weapon, I do not suggest making its prime use for home defense.
Is the Ravin crossbow worth the money?
Options are nice to have, and in the crossbow world these days, we have a lot of choices. While making a decision, you’ll go through the process of need vs. want. And after that, you might begin to justify. For example, “I didn’t get the new fishing rod, so I’m going to get the new Ravin crossbow.”
Purchase decisions usually come down to financial decisions, and ability. The ability might be there if you budget for a $2,500+ bow, and if that’s the case, and you want to experience shooting a pro model, go for it.
Can a 175 lb crossbow kill a deer?
Yes, a crossbow with a 175 pound draw-weight can kill a deer. However, I recommend that the best speed to kill a deer is 300 FPS. It better ensures a clean kill.
Will an 80lb crossbow kill a rabbit?
It doesn’t take much to take down a small animal, like a rabbit or a squirrel. However, be aware that they, especially squirrels are bony animals, so the meat isn’t always great to eat.
Although you can kill a rabbit, or other small animal, with an 80 pound draw-weight, I recommend amping up the weight limit and getting the Ace Martial Cobra.
Why is it bad to dry fire a crossbow?
Dry firing is bad for your crossbow because the force from the string hitting the dry-fire inhibitor can damage the string itself, or the crossbow limbs.
Quality crossbows will often be equipped with a dry-fire inhibitor mechanism, which helps prevent damage to the crossbow.
Are crossbows hard to pull back?
The more weight listed on the crossbow’s draw weight, the more difficult it will be to cock the bow. The advantage is, however, that the higher the draw weight, the further and faster the arrow will shoot.
For people searching to pick up a top-notch crossbow that has a heavy draw weight, but are worried about cocking the crossbow, pick up a crank cocking device or a rope cocking device, and wear a thick pair of gloves. Just make sure that the device fits your bow.
Can I shoot a crossbow in my yard?
Different states have different laws, so make sure to double check the laws in your area. In short, a crossbow is a weapon, but it usually doesn’t fall under the same rules as a gun.
Be smart when shooting your crossbow, and if you live in an area around people, you shouldn’t shoot an arrow in the direction of where there might be people in the distance. If you live in a rural area, you’ll be better off to shoot your crossbow in your backyard.
Can you lower the draw weight on a crossbow?
Yes, you can adjust the draw weight on a crossbow, but you really have to be careful to know what you’re doing, set it to a safe draw weight, and make sure everything is completely tightened back up once you’re finished.
To adjust the draw weight up or down, you’ll have to increase or decrease the flexibility of the limbs by tightening or loosening the limb bolts.
Word of caution, however, adjusting the draw weight of a crossbow can lead to riser wearing on the bolt threads. Lastly, tightening back up the bolts completely is extremely important, so as not to allow any unnecessary vibration when you shoot the crossbow, which could damage the bow.
Here is some rule of thumb concerning draw weight:
Draw Weight Recommendations
Juniors: 45-65 lbs
Adolescents and women: 65-95 lbs
Young men and larger women: 95-125 lbs
Men: 125-145 lbs
Big men: 145-175 lbs
Will plywood stop an arrow?
When building a backstop to catch your arrow during shooting practice, you definitely want to build the right stop, so as not to either damage your arrow or anyone else in the process.
Thick plywood can do the trick, but I also recommend adding padding in there as well. Old clothes, carpet cut-outs or a horse stall mat all do the trick well.
Should I Unstring my recurve bow?
Unstringing a recurve crossbow can allow for the limbs to be relieved of pressure. When the bow is strung, the limbs are under constant pressure, and unstringing the bow is a way of maintaining its structure and extending the life of the bow.
Which type of point is most often used for hunting big game?
Broadhead arrows are used to hunt big game.
Speed is Power
In the end, speed is power. Do you need it, not at all. Is it nice to have, very much so.
When it comes to purchasing your crossbow, and you’re looking at rates of speed, speed is one component to the whole piece. It doesn’t mean it’s everything, but there’s no denying that it matters.
The game we shoot runs fast, and the arrows we shoot need to be faster.
I hope this review helps you; make sure to leave your questions and comments down below.
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