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10 Best Lightweight Crossbow 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow - 460 FPS - Fastest Compact Crossbow on The Market - Includes 100-Yard EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope, ACUslide Cocking & De-Cocking System & 6 EVO-X 16 Carbon Arrows

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,214
Arrow Speed
Weight
Size and Dimensions

Most important from
11 reviews

Arrow Speed
Insane upgrade from the PSE Fang, with bolts burying past fletchings even at 70 yards.
Weight
Super accurate, easy to use, and the size and weight are great.
Size and Dimensions
Super accurate, easy to use, and the size and weight are great.
Scope
Customer service issues with scope mounting bolts and speed ring adjustment; disappointing experience with TenPoint.

The TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow stands out in the lightweight crossbow category, primarily due to its impressive arrow speed of 460 FPS, making it one of the fastest compact crossbows available. This speed, along with a compact design (26.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide), is ideal for hunters looking for maneuverability without sacrificing performance.

One of the main strengths of this crossbow is its high-quality EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope, which allows for accurate shooting at long distances up to 100 yards. The scope's features, such as external target turrets for windage and elevation adjustments, enhance usability in various hunting conditions. Additionally, the S1 Trigger offers a crisp, precise pull, which contributes to accuracy.

The inclusion of the ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system is another highlight. It enables silent cocking, which is crucial for staying stealthy in the field, and provides safe de-cocking, reducing the risk of injury or accidental discharge. While it is lightweight at 3.5 pounds, users should be aware of the crossbow's overall size and may find it bulky to carry for extended periods. The TenPoint Flatline 460 is a great choice for serious hunters who want a blend of speed, accuracy, and safety features in a lightweight crossbow, though its compact design might not suit everyone’s preference for portability.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,214
Arrow Speed
Weight
Size and Dimensions

Most important from
11 reviews

Arrow Speed
Insane upgrade from the PSE Fang, with bolts burying past fletchings even at 70 yards.
Weight
Super accurate, easy to use, and the size and weight are great.
Size and Dimensions
Super accurate, easy to use, and the size and weight are great.
Scope
Customer service issues with scope mounting bolts and speed ring adjustment; disappointing experience with TenPoint.
#2

RAVIN R10 XK7 Crossbow Package - High-Performance Hunting Bow with Helicoil Technology, Crank Handle, and Illuminated Scope - Lightweight and Pre-Assembled - Ideal for Archery & Outdoor Sports

Rating
10.0
Arrow Speed
Weight
Noise Level

Most important from
207 reviews

Arrow Speed
Delivers outstanding quality, performance, and accuracy right out of the box.
Weight
Lightweight design and ease of shooting make it ideal for users with limited shoulder mobility.
Noise Level
The cocking mechanism is not silent as described and produces a noticeable loud gear noise.

The Ravin R10 XK7 is a lightweight crossbow designed with serious hunters in mind, weighing just 6.8 pounds, making it easy to carry during long hunts or in tight spaces like treestands. Its compact size and slim frame help with steady aiming and reduce fatigue. One standout feature is its Helicoil technology that allows cams to rotate 340°, which enhances accuracy to a level comparable to a rifle. The included Versa-Draw crank system simplifies cocking, making it accessible even for users who might struggle with manual cocking. The Frictionless Flight System reduces contact between the arrow and rail, boosting both accuracy and the string's durability.

The crossbow package comes with useful extras such as a 100-yard illuminated Speed Lock scope for better targeting, a quiver, three premium arrows, and draw handles. This makes it a ready-to-go option for archery and hunting. Given its price range and features, this crossbow is well suited for hunters seeking an innovative, lightweight, and accurate tool, especially those valuing ease of use and portability. Beginners willing to invest in a high-quality crossbow will find it appealing, while those focused on raw power or very quiet operation might want to research further.

Rating
10.0
Arrow Speed
Weight
Noise Level

Most important from
207 reviews

Arrow Speed
Delivers outstanding quality, performance, and accuracy right out of the box.
Weight
Lightweight design and ease of shooting make it ideal for users with limited shoulder mobility.
Noise Level
The cocking mechanism is not silent as described and produces a noticeable loud gear noise.
#3

Wicked Ridge by TenPoint Commander M1, Peak Camo - 380 FPS - Includes Built-in ACUdraw, Multi-Line Scope & Three Match 400 Carbon Arrows - American-Built, Narrow Profile All at $599.99

Rating
8.8
Draw Weight
Weight
Trigger Mechanism

Most important from
83 reviews

Draw Weight
Effortless cocking with the built-in crank makes drawing the bow feel as easy as stirring pancake batter.
Weight
The lightweight design and narrow width make it incredibly easy to carry and maneuver in tight hunting spots.
Trigger Mechanism
The smooth trigger enhances the shooting experience, delivering consistent and reliable shots.
Scope
Accuracy is impressive, with tight groupings from 35 to 50 yards after just a few scope adjustments.

The Wicked Ridge Commander M1 is a lightweight crossbow weighing just 5.8 pounds, making it very easy to carry and maneuver, especially for hunters who need mobility in tight spaces. Its narrow 9.5-inch width helps reduce the chance of accidentally hitting limbs or other objects when aiming from a blind or stand. The crossbow shoots arrows at a speed of 380 feet per second, offering solid power for most hunting needs.

One standout feature is the built-in ACUdraw cocking device, which lowers the effort needed to draw the bow to about 5 pounds, a big help for those who want to avoid strain or forget to bring a separate cocking tool. It comes with a 4x multi-line scope, pre-sighted at 20 yards, which supports accurate aiming up to 50 yards—good for beginner or intermediate users. Noise levels aren’t explicitly mentioned, but the compact design usually helps keep noise down during shots. This model includes three high-quality carbon arrows and a quiver, adding convenience right out of the box. The crossbow is ambidextrous and American-made, giving assurance of quality and reliability.

Some might find 380 FPS less powerful compared to heavier crossbows designed for longer-range shots or bigger game. Also, the scope’s fixed 4x magnification may limit versatility in very close or very distant shooting scenarios. The Commander M1 is well suited for hunters or target shooters who want a highly portable, easy-to-use crossbow with solid accuracy and built-in convenience features, especially those valuing light weight and compact size over maximum power.

Rating
8.8
Draw Weight
Weight
Trigger Mechanism

Most important from
83 reviews

Draw Weight
Effortless cocking with the built-in crank makes drawing the bow feel as easy as stirring pancake batter.
Weight
The lightweight design and narrow width make it incredibly easy to carry and maneuver in tight hunting spots.
Trigger Mechanism
The smooth trigger enhances the shooting experience, delivering consistent and reliable shots.
Scope
Accuracy is impressive, with tight groupings from 35 to 50 yards after just a few scope adjustments.

Buying Guide for the Best Lightweight Crossbow

Choosing the right lightweight crossbow can significantly enhance your hunting or target shooting experience. The key is to find a balance between weight, power, and ease of use that suits your specific needs. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a lightweight crossbow, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Draw WeightDraw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull back the string of the crossbow. This is important because it affects the power and speed of the arrow. Lightweight crossbows typically have a draw weight ranging from 100 to 200 pounds. For beginners or those with less upper body strength, a lower draw weight (100-150 pounds) is easier to handle and still effective for target shooting and small game hunting. More experienced users or those hunting larger game may prefer a higher draw weight (150-200 pounds) for increased power and speed.
Arrow SpeedArrow speed, measured in feet per second (FPS), indicates how fast the arrow travels once released. This is crucial for accuracy and penetration, especially at longer distances. Lightweight crossbows generally offer speeds between 250 and 400 FPS. For target shooting or small game hunting, a speed of 250-300 FPS is usually sufficient. For larger game or longer-range shooting, consider a crossbow with a speed of 300-400 FPS to ensure better performance.
WeightThe weight of the crossbow itself is a key factor in its portability and ease of use. Lightweight crossbows typically weigh between 5 to 7 pounds. A lighter crossbow (5-6 pounds) is easier to carry and maneuver, making it ideal for long hunting trips or younger users. However, slightly heavier models (6-7 pounds) may offer better stability and balance, which can improve accuracy. Choose a weight that you can comfortably handle for extended periods.
Size and DimensionsThe size and dimensions of a crossbow, including its length and width, affect its maneuverability and storage. Compact crossbows are easier to handle in tight spaces, such as dense woods or hunting blinds. Look for a crossbow with a length of 30-35 inches and a width of 15-20 inches when cocked. Ensure the size fits your body frame and the environments where you plan to use it.
Trigger MechanismThe trigger mechanism determines how smoothly and safely the crossbow fires. A good trigger should have a light, crisp pull to enhance accuracy and reduce fatigue. Look for crossbows with a trigger pull weight of 3-5 pounds. Some models also feature anti-dry fire mechanisms, which prevent the crossbow from firing without an arrow loaded, enhancing safety. Choose a trigger mechanism that feels comfortable and secure to you.
ScopeA scope helps you aim more accurately by providing a clear view of your target. Lightweight crossbows often come with either a red dot sight or a magnified scope. Red dot sights are simpler and quicker to use, making them ideal for beginners and short-range shooting. Magnified scopes offer better precision for long-range shots and are preferred by more experienced users. Consider your shooting distance and experience level when choosing a scope.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a crossbow can affect your hunting success, as louder crossbows may startle game. Lightweight crossbows often incorporate noise-dampening features like string suppressors and limb dampeners. If stealth is important to you, look for models with these features to minimize noise. For target shooting, noise level may be less of a concern, so you can prioritize other specifications.

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