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10 Best PSE Crossbows 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sub-1 XR 410FPS Black Crossbow with Pro Package #XK034 Y

The Sub-1 XR 410FPS Black Crossbow with Pro Package by Mission Archery is a solid choice for anyone serious about archery. One of its major strengths is its impressive speed, boasting 410 feet per second (FPS), which is ideal for both hunting and target shooting. The crossbow's weight is quite light at 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around during long hunting trips or extended practice sessions.

Additionally, it features a robust aluminum frame and metal barrel, contributing to its durability and longevity. The ambidextrous design makes it versatile for both left and right-handed users.

For those looking into a reliable and high-performing crossbow, the Sub-1 XR presents a tempting option, although prospective buyers should check the draw weight and noise levels to ensure it meets their specific needs.

#2

Mission Sub 1 Crossbow Black Pro-Kit

The Mission Sub 1 Crossbow Black Pro-Kit is designed for serious archery enthusiasts and hunters. A significant feature of this crossbow is its powerful draw weight of 200 pounds, which ensures it delivers a strong and accurate shot. The crossbow's construction utilizes aluminum and carbon fiber, offering durability while maintaining a lighter weight of around 0.45 kilograms, making it more manageable during extended use.

Another notable feature is its ambidextrous design, catering to both left and right-handed users comfortably. The crossbow's low noise level is crucial for hunters needing stealth. It ranks moderately in popularity, sitting at #902,900 in Sports & Outdoors and #279 in Archery Crossbows on Amazon.

In summary, the Mission Sub 1 Crossbow Black Pro-Kit is a well-crafted, powerful, and user-friendly crossbow, best suited for dedicated archers and hunters looking for a high-performance tool.

#3

Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, with 4x32 Multi-Reticle Scope, 2 Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver

Rating
9.1
Weight
Draw Weight

Most important from
1248 reviews

Weight
Its lightweight design and ease of handling make it a great choice for hunters of various sizes and skill levels, including beginners and smaller statures.
Draw Weight
The rope cocking device is essential, especially for those who find the 165-pound draw weight challenging, and modifying the rope length can improve cocking ease.

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is a solid choice for hunters looking for a lightweight and easy-to-handle crossbow. It has a draw weight of 165 pounds and shoots arrows at a fast speed of 350 feet per second, which is powerful enough for most hunting needs. Weighing just 6.4 pounds and featuring a compact axle-to-axle width of 16.125 inches, this crossbow is comfortable to carry and maneuver, making it suitable for hunters of various skill levels and sizes. The power stroke (draw length) is about 16 inches, providing a good balance of power and speed.

It comes with useful safety features like an anti-dry fire trigger and a soft arrow retainer to keep things safe while shooting. The included 4x32 multi-reticle scope helps with aiming, and the package includes two arrows, a rope cocking device, a lightweight quiver, and lubrication wax, so you’re ready to hunt right away. One thing to consider is that while it’s fairly quiet, it might not be the quietest option on the market if noise level is a top priority for you. Also, at a draw weight of 165 pounds, some beginners might find it a bit challenging to cock without the rope device.

This Barnett crossbow offers a strong combination of speed, portability, and safety, making it a great pick for both new and experienced hunters who want a reliable, ready-to-use setup.

Rating
9.1
Weight
Draw Weight

Most important from
1248 reviews

Weight
Its lightweight design and ease of handling make it a great choice for hunters of various sizes and skill levels, including beginners and smaller statures.
Draw Weight
The rope cocking device is essential, especially for those who find the 165-pound draw weight challenging, and modifying the rope length can improve cocking ease.

Buying Guide for the Best PSE Crossbows

Choosing the right crossbow can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the market. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a beginner, knowing what to look for in a crossbow will help you find the best fit for your activities. Here are the key specs you should consider when selecting a crossbow.
Draw WeightDraw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull back the string of the crossbow. This spec is important because it affects the speed and power of the arrow. Crossbows with lower draw weights (around 75-125 pounds) are easier to cock and are suitable for beginners or those with less physical strength. Medium draw weights (125-175 pounds) offer a balance between ease of use and power, making them ideal for general hunting. Higher draw weights (175 pounds and above) provide maximum power and speed, suitable for experienced hunters targeting larger game. Choose a draw weight that matches your physical ability and the type of game you plan to hunt.
Speed (FPS)Speed, measured in feet per second (FPS), indicates how fast the arrow travels when shot from the crossbow. This is crucial for determining the crossbow's effectiveness in hunting, as higher speeds result in flatter trajectories and greater impact. Crossbows with speeds around 250-300 FPS are adequate for small game and target practice. Speeds between 300-400 FPS are versatile and suitable for most hunting scenarios. Crossbows exceeding 400 FPS are designed for serious hunters who need maximum performance for large game. Consider the type of hunting you will be doing and choose a speed that ensures accuracy and effectiveness.
WeightThe weight of the crossbow affects its portability and ease of handling. Lighter crossbows (under 6 pounds) are easier to carry and maneuver, making them ideal for long hunting trips or younger users. Medium-weight crossbows (6-8 pounds) offer a good balance between stability and portability, suitable for most hunters. Heavier crossbows (over 8 pounds) provide more stability and can reduce recoil, but may be cumbersome to carry over long distances. Choose a weight that you can comfortably handle for extended periods, considering your physical strength and the terrain you will be navigating.
Axle-to-Axle WidthAxle-to-axle width is the distance between the crossbow's limbs when it is cocked. This spec is important for maneuverability, especially in tight spaces like tree stands or dense brush. Narrower crossbows (under 18 inches) are more compact and easier to handle in confined areas. Medium widths (18-22 inches) offer a balance between compactness and stability. Wider crossbows (over 22 inches) provide more stability but can be harder to maneuver in tight spots. Consider where you will be using the crossbow and choose a width that allows for easy handling in your typical hunting environment.
Power StrokeThe power stroke is the distance the string travels from its cocked position to its resting position. This spec influences the speed and energy of the arrow. Shorter power strokes (under 12 inches) are easier to cock and suitable for beginners or those with less strength. Medium power strokes (12-16 inches) provide a good balance of speed and ease of use, making them versatile for various hunting situations. Longer power strokes (over 16 inches) generate more speed and power, ideal for experienced hunters targeting larger game. Choose a power stroke that matches your physical ability and the type of game you plan to hunt.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to the amount of sound produced when the crossbow is fired. This is important for hunting, as quieter crossbows are less likely to spook game. Crossbows with built-in dampening systems or those designed with noise reduction in mind are ideal for stealthy hunting. If you hunt in areas where game is easily startled, prioritize crossbows with lower noise levels. Consider the environment and the behavior of the game you are hunting to determine how important noise level is for your needs.

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