Top 9 Best Crossbow Under $1500 (Top Picks 2023)

List of 9 Best Crossbow Under $1500 for 2021

Barnett HyperTac Pro 430 - Best Crossbow Overall

Barnett is a trustworthy company in the business of crossbow manufacturing (since 1962), bringing the latest and innovative technology to the market. The Barnett HyperTac Pro 430 offers a neat combination of design, technology, ergonomics, and high-performance but is slightly heavier than the other crossbows within the same price range.

What Makes Barnett HyperTac 430 Different?

The Barnett Hypertac Pro 430 is a compound crossbow launched in 2019 (an upgrade to the Hyperatac 420). This version has been extensively improved in its design and functionality. The new configuration sees the departure of cams attached to the inner limbs; instead, the cams are hooked to the riser (creating a static point that claims to prevent any cam lean and limb twisting). This new cam configuration is thought to reduce vibration, recoil, and excessive limb movement, making it lighter and the crossbow less noisy when fired.

In addition, it comes with a new crank cocking device that can facilitate both the bowstring cocking and decocking easily.

This crossbow comes with a 36-inch radicle which is an upgrade to previous models from the brand and superior to other scopes sold by competitors, which provide 32 mm scopes. This scope provides between 20-100 yards illumination range. l This crossbow comes with six hyper flite arrows with a 204 diameter, a stiff spine, and 60 grains rock outsert that enhances the FOC (front of center) by around 21% and 61% resulting in a greater ballistic co-efficient. They are designed with a clip-on aluminum nock, which increases string to nock engagement by 30% and improves shot accuracy.

A perfect length of pull is offered with other features like vertical-grip and multi-position.

This crossbow has a Mossy Oak Terra floodplain finish, custom trigger, safety silent mode compatible with a monopod, and complete adjustability for comb and stock.
The upgraded Haloscope 1.5 – 5x illuminated red/green attaches quickly, allowing manual alignment options. It is easily assembled except for the quiver and the scope as the installation of scope requires a Hex Wrench to fix it properly, which is not included in the package.

Testing of Barnett HyperTac 430

The Barnett, HyperTac 430 is the quietest and fastest crossbow at $1500, achieving speeds of 430 fps. It is also one of the most compact crossbows in this range, with an overall length of 31 inches, offering easy handling and cocking de-cocking features.

A pass-through foregrip and finger safety prevents free spin and dry fire.

Barnett HyperTac 430 Product Specifications

Dimension: 9.1 x 9.1 X 9.1 inches
Product Weight: 4.26 lbs.
Cocking Effort: 7 lbs.
Crossbow Type: Compound
Draw Weight: 230 lbs.
Length (Overall): 36.6 inches
Power Stroke: 14.25 inches
Arrow Length: 22 Inches
Cocking: Integrated cocking system
Axle to Axle Width: 9.1 inches (cocked)

Barnett HyperTac 430 Package Includes

Pros

Well balanced and offers easy maneuverability
Integrated crank cocking device on crossbow ensures it can be operated easily by both left and right – handed hunters
Minimal cable wear
Micro – adjustable stock and comb (does not require any external tool to adjust it)
Includes a patented integrated string hook
Includes one of the highest power strokes in this price range
Fully assembled right out of the package

Cons

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Excalibur Bulldog 440 Crossbow - Best Value Crossbow

Excalibur is a renowned Canadian crossbow manufacturer that exclusively builds recurve crossbows. The company offers some of the fastest, accurate, and most durable crossbows. The Excalibur Bulldog 440 was launched in 2019 and is our pick for best value crossbow under $1500.

What Makes Excalibur Bulldog 440 Different?

The Excalibur Bulldog is 440 is reported to have the fastest arrow speed at 440 fps of any crossbow (recurve or compound) within this price budget. Its high speed is accompanied by low overall crossbow weight, making it easy to carry and maneuver in the field. These high-speed crossbows are often preferred by hunters wanting to hunt larger games such as bears etc.

The crossbow also includes a sound dampening system, READ suppression. In addition, it has a thumb trigger which finger guards, and an anti-dry fire system safety system.

Excalibur has also launched best Twin Strike crossbow models with DualFire™ Technology that deliver an instant follow-up shot.

Testing of Excalibur Bulldog 440 Crossbow

Speed testing of the crossbow has shown that the Excalibur Bulldog 440 is faster than its advertised speed (Between 445 to 449 fps). The crossbow comes unassembled but is swift to assemble (5 mins). It is easy to maneuver in bushes or tree stands. Another significant advantage is its low draw effort which is only 15 lbs.

The crossbow comes with an attached scope (TAC 100), an illuminated red/green scope, and trigger technology that gives it the handling feel of a gun through its ACP (Adjustable custom precision). The trigger is friction-free and provides two stages of adjustable release for smooth firing.

Excalibur Bulldog 440 Product Specifications

Excalibur Bulldog 440 Package Includes

Four Proflight 16.5 inches arrows
Four 100 - grain field points
Four arrow quivers
Charger EXT Crank Aid
Tact 100 illuminated Scope
30 mm Scope Rings
Pro - Shot ACP trigger
R.E.D.S Field

Pros

As a recurve crossbow, it avoids the hassle of complicated maintenance compared to the compound bows
Provides great accuracy and incredible power
It offers the fastest arrow velocity in this price range
Offers multiple safety features
Comes without adjustable stock
Fast, frictionless trigger, two stager release without friction that provides more accuracy of the shot
Light in weight and therefore easy to maneuver.

Cons

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Excalibur Micro 360 TD

Excalibur Micro 360 TD is a highly compact and fast recurve bow that offers speed, precision, and maneuverability. It is an ideal option for professional hunters who are looking for all these desirable features in a recurve bow but who do not want to pay the premium cost of the Bulldog. Similar to Excalibur Bulldog 440 fps, this crossbow is easy to maintain. The camouflage design aesthetics help the crossbow blend well into the environment.

What Makes Excalibur Micro 360 TD Different?

Excalibur 360 TD Pro is recurve crossbow. Its reported speed is lower than the Bulldog 440 and Barnett HyperTac Pro at 360 fps, but this is compensated for in its price of approximately $300 less than both these models. This crossbow is recommended for experienced hunters who prefer to shoot with recurve crossbows but do not want to pay the higher cost of the Excalibur bulldog 440.

This crossbow minimizes back pain and fatigue due to its perfect weight balance, whether you are a right or left-handed hunter. This could be the quietest crossbow in this budget because it is super quiet, registering only 84 decibels sound intensity on firing.

Testing of Excalibur Micro 360 TD

Like Bulldog, 360 TD pro also offers charger ext. for noise damping of the bow. The rope cocker is provided; however, it does require 142 lbs. of draw force to cock the bow manually. A silent external cranking device can reduce this effort to 12 lbs.; however, you will have to fork out for an external crank charger for this benefit. The charger ext. works by clipping onto the micro-360. Unfortunately, this device facilitator does not come with the package price. The Excalibur micro 360 also has a one-stage ACP trigger.

Excalibur Micro 360 TD Product Specifications

Dimension: 33.75 x 25 x 5 inches
Item Weight: 11.75 inches
Axle to Axle Width: 20.75 (cocked)
Draw Weight: 285
Length: 33.75
Speed: 360 fps
Bow Type: Recurve

Excalibur Micro 360 TD Package Includes

Excalibur Tact zone illuminated scope 30mm rings
Four arrows quiver
Four quill arrows along with 100-grain field points
Ambidextrous cheek piece
R.E.D.S suppressors
Guardian anti-fire system

Pros

Assembles and disassembles quickly at the push of a button, making it compact and portable due to its innovative takedown technology.
This bow is light in weight, convenient for traveling bowhunters. It is easy to carry as well with the strap attached to it.
One of the quietest shooting crossbows in this price range (with noise testing recording 83 decibels), courtesy of a built-in good sound dampening system.
Provides maximum productivity with complete comfort and safety.
The camouflage design makes it easy to blend in with the surroundings.
The upgraded version of Tact 100 scope features up to 100 yards reticle for long-range shooting and also offers quick adjustments to enhance the accuracy
It offers less discomfort, so you can easily use it without any hesitation

Cons

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Killer Instinct Swat X1

The Killer instinct Swat X1 crossbow is a new launch by Killer instinct for 2021, which is both compact, fast, and extremely easy to cock and use in the field. The Swat X1 is an upgrade of Killer Instinct’s; 2020 Swat XP crossbow. It is more compact than the Swat XP and has the shortest overall length of our reviewed crossbows at 24.75 inches. Incorporating highly synchronized X-cam technology gives the SWAT X1 Crossbow the smallest cocked and de-cocked width of any of our reviewed crossbows.

What Makes Killer Instinct Swat X1 different?

The smallest and most compact crossbow in this price range. Due to its size and small design can be easily transported (carried on the hunter’s back) and used in the tightest spots or bushiest areas. This crossbow completely encloses the arrow to support the shot and uses the entire barrel for a power stroke. The speed of 405 fps coupled with these crossbows compact design is quite impressive. In addition, the X cam technology ensures its draw weight in cocking the bow is 195 lbs. with 50% let off This crossbow comes with a rope cocker and a new DSE External crank that inserts into the back of the crossbow and can facilitate silently cocking the device (single-handed).

Testing of Killer Instinct Swat X1

In outdoor speed tests, the Killer X1 has recorded speeds of up to 388 fps (ballistic precision chronograph testing), slightly less than the manufacturer’s advertised speed of 405 fps. The arrows and bolts that come with the package possess more weight than other crossbow arrows at around 395 grains.

The crossbow incorporates a 360-degree Acutac enclosed barrel, which allows the arrows to be loaded from the top and has the safety benefit of keeping the hunters’ fingers away from the cams and strings. The other advantage of the enclosed barrel is that there is less vertical oscillation associated with firing the arrow, which ensures the accuracy of a shot. The enclosed barrel utilizes its entire length to enclose the arrow for power stroke. This is another safety feature as a fully loaded bow will not have the arrow tips protruding from it. The 3 lbs. trigger produces a neat and clean break without creep.

Killer Instinct Swat X1 Product Specifications

Dimension: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
Axle to Axle Width: 6.25 cocked
Length: 24.75
Width De-cocked: 9.75 inches
Width Cocked: 6.25 inches
Speed: 405 fps
Power Stroke: 13.75
Bow Type: Compound

Killer Instinct Swat X1 Package Includes

IR-E Scope 1.5 x 32 Lumix Speed
Compact Silent Cranking device
Quickdraw rope cocker
Quiver
Rail lube
Three 20-inch HyPR bolts (390 grains) with a half-moon nock along with the field tips

Pros

An ultra-compact crossbow under $1200.
Compact design makes this crossbow easy to maneuver.
This crossbow comes fully assembled right out of the box. Only the scope needs to be fixed.
Hassle-free arrow loading.
Silent trigger pull.
Well balanced.

Cons

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Mission MXB 400

Mission crossbows is a North American crossbow manufacturer located in Wisconsin that prides itself on innovative design (having 55 US patents pending). The Mission 400 bow is an upgrade to Mission’s popular MXB 360. It is built upon using the same structural frame as MXB 360. Like its predecessor (Mission MXB 360), it comes with 3 Beginner, Basic, and Pro package levels. Unlike the Mission MXB3 60, it is now 40 fps faster, registering speeds of 400 fps.

What Makes Mission MXB 400 Different?

This Mission crossbow possesses a great amount of kinetic energy reaching speeds of 400 fps using a 400-grain arrow. The rail and skeletonized stock minimize the overall crossbow weight while the “X-cam” reduces friction and the arrow’s high speed.

The crossbow is compact, and its reduced overall weight assists in making it highly portable in the field. This crossbow is suitable for women, youngsters, beginners, and expert hunters alike. The product offers three different package kits; it is recommended to choose one that matches your experience level and requirements. It also comes with a good range of safety features, including; forearm flange, anti-dry fire, and automatic trigger safety.

Testing Mission MXB 400

After the Excalibur Bulldog 400, this is the next longest crossbow reviewed, with an overall length of 34 inches. It registers speeds of up to 400 fps and is highly accurate to shoot. The attached upper rail system allows the crossbow to be customized with accessories such as a pistol grip. The maximum hunting range for this bow is around 40 yards offering consistency and accuracy. It has a silent draw system that offers three key features: it is removable, balanced, and silent during cocking.

Mission MXB 400 Product Specification

Dimension: 38 x 20 x 11 inches
Item Weight: 17 lbs.
Axle to Axle Width: 17.75 pounds (un-cocked)
Length: 34 inches
Speed: 400 fps
Power Stroke: 14
Bow Type: Compound

Mission MXB 400 Package Includes

Pros

One of the quietists cocking systems on the market:
Comes in 2 finishes - black and camouflage
It offers positive cocking control (PCC)
Recommended for all hunter proficiencies: beginner, expert, male or female
Ideal for hunting all size-types of game
Offers different package kits according to the hunter's experience

Cons

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Mission Sub - 1

This is the most trustworthy crossbow for the North American games. It is specifically designed for hard-hitting and for superior stealth. The compact frame offers a high-quality aim without compromising it. The innovative feature makes it easy to de-cock by a single push button.

What Makes Mission Sub - 1 Different?

The Mission Sub 1 offers a smooth draw; it has a fairly compact frame built mostly of metal, making it very durable. It features six different lengths of pull adjustments that come in at 3 lbs. and a 2-step trigger with an increased limb. It also includes a balance leveler built into its structure. It is capable of delivering 1 – inch shot groupings at 100 yards.

This allows a cable change, a string, and a pull weight change ranging from 150 to 250 lbs. The speed it offers is around 410 fps, around 130 ft. lbs., and uses 350-grain projectiles.

The Benchmark fire control system prevents unplanned firing while making it safe.

Testing of Mission Sub - 1

The compact body is mostly machined with little plastic components. Therefore, the crossbow is highly durable; although weight – wise, it lies within the middle range at 7.5 lbs. The Sub 1 offers easy handling thanks to its solid grip, a metal rail, a scope mount, and a crisp pistol pull. The butt grip is adjustable, allowing the hunter to tweak it according to their comfort level. Overall, this crossbow is ranked among the best bows made by Mission.

Mission Sub - 1 Product Specifications

Dimension: 37 x 19.5 x 10 inches.
Item Weight: 200 lbs.
Axle to Axle Width: 10.7 inches cocked.
Length: 30.25 inches.
Speed: 350 fps.
Power Stroke: 13.75 inches.
Crossbow Type: Compound

Mission Sub - 1 Package Includes

Pros

This crossbow possesses Bolt retaining arm
Has a Hawke illuminated scope (pre - attached)
Offers removable silent draw (RSD)
Fully Synced Cam
Very durable, fully machined
Allows effortless arrow launch

Cons

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Mission Sub - 1 Lite

The Mission Sub 1 lite has been developed against the highly popular and commercially successful Mission Sub 1. It takes many of Sub 1’s best features and incorporates them into this model. What the customer gets in exchange for their purchase is a premium product that is versatile and lightweight- (at 6.9lbs in addition, the Sub 1 lite and incorporates the brand’s Benchmark fire control system, which allows easy cocking and de-cocking (without the need for arrow firing). The cocking system of this crossbow is impressive with 180 lbs. limbs that have an 80% let – off that makes the crossbow very user-friendly and ideal for newcomers who want ease and great functionality.

The bow’s speed is 335 fps (50 fps less than the Sub1), and its CNC rail provides the hunter with controlled acceleration. The highly synced Cams permit easy de-cocking through a push button and match grade trigger. The Sub 1 Lite is lightweight, a feature that will make it particularly appealing for women hunters and young hunters alike. And it hosts an array of sought-after safety features such as ambidextrous safety, anti – dry fire, and an arrow retention finger.

What Makes Mission Sub - 1 Lite Different

Made in America, the Mission Sub 1 Lite crossbow is a lightweight model with an innovative Patented Benchmark Fire control technology. This model is well balanced and offers an adjustable length for comb and an adjustable cheekpiece that can facilitate optimum posture for scope viewing and aiming.

Mission Sub - 1 Lite Product Specifications

Mission Sub - 1 Lite Package Includes

Illuminated crossbow scope by Hawke.
M - Quiver - 3 arrows.
19 inches arrows (250 gr) - 3
A Soft - sided case for crossbow
Cocking Aid Rope
Rail lube

Pros

It has cocking aid rope
This crossbow offers ultimate adjustability
The rail lube that comes along increases the durability of the bow
It comes with a versatile Quiver
You can easily load an arrow with the arrow retention arm.

Cons

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Ravin R10

The Ravin R10 is a compact crossbow geared to all user types, from beginners to more experienced hunters. It comes with all the latest features that a hunter looks for in a good crossbow, like accuracy, speed, and portability. It is among the longer crossbows in overall length; however, it compensated for this in a compact axle to axle width, which stands at only 6 inches when cocked. This one is integrated with the Heli coil technology that makes it more powerful.

What makes Ravin R10 different?

Ravin R10 does not possess a rail; instead, this crossbow introduced a roller system in which two rollers are placed at the pointed end of the bow. This prevents friction. You can easily find the trigger mechanism at the nock end.

This crossbow is perfect for the narrow spaces as when it is cocked; it has 6 inches of the axle-to-axle distance. With a speed of 400 fps, Ravin R10 offers deep penetration with a great amount of kinetic energy. To prevent accidental fire, Ravin includes a feature of an anti-dry fire safety system.

Testing of Ravin R10

The Ravin R10 will clock speeds upwards of 400 (405-410 fps clocked on two consecutive shots by one reviewer), coupled with its speed is its power, it packs 142lb of kinetic energy in its limbs. It also comes with a useful external cranking handle that can be stored in its housing. However, it is important to note that drawing up the bowstring is a noisy affair with the handle (which could potentially forward discerning game). It is recommended to use a 400 – grain arrow with a 100-grain tip combination for optimum functionality of the Ravin R10. Choosing a lower grain arrow or tip could damage the bowstring or cables.

Ravin R10 Product Specifications

Dimensions: 33 x 26 x 8.75 inches
Item Weight: 15.4 lbs.
Speed: 400 fps
Length: 33 inches
Axle to Axle width: 6 inches
Draw weight: 12lbs.
Power Stoke: 11
Draw Weight: 270
Crossbow Type: Compound

Ravin R10 Package Includes

Pros

The Ravin R10 comes as a pre - assembled crossbow
Rapid shooting speed
Easy to use and lightweight (reducing hunter bow fatigue and back pain)
The predator camo design blends in easily with the surrounding environment
It offers complete safety by preventing dry fire

Cons

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Wicked Ridge NXT 400 – Cheap Crossbow

The Wicked Ridge NXT 400 is an American-built crossbow manufactured by Tenpoint. The 400 fps speed and 6 inches width when cocked offers speed and compactness and optimizes the accuracy rate. Overall, this crossbow is medium in weight at 7.4 lbs.

What makes Wicked Ridge NXT Different?

Wicked Ridge NXT 400 comes with intriguing features as well as its design. The barrel is constructed from aluminum and cutouts on the buttstock, making it lightweight, less noisy, and reducing bow vibration. The NXT 400 is competitively priced and is the most economical purchase decision costing approximately $1100.

The Wicked Ridge is built with a 3.5lbs: T5 trigger that improves accuracy. It also has several incorporated safety features, including (a dry fire inhibitor, safety wings (to position the shooter’s fingers under the flight deck. The “vector guard” technology used in manufacturing allows the arrow to fly straight and produces match-grade downrange accuracy. This crossbow comes with a built-in cocking device feature ACUdraw that allows cocking of the bow with minimal effort (5lb draw effort).

The bow includes a lightweight 8.5 inches long pro-scope installed at the top of the crossbow that is 20, 30, 40, and 50 dots calibrated and is multi-coated to gather optimal amounts of light.

Testing of Wicked Ridge NXT 400

This crossbow is ultra-quiet and has outstanding safety features. The ACUdraw feature is integrated into the bow making the bow very easy to cock (drawing effort required only 5 lbs.). The speed on this crossbow is fast and lies at the faster end of crossbows in this price bracket at 400 fps.

Wicked Ridge NXT Product Specifications

Dimensions: 37 x 12 x 6 inches
Item Weight: 7.6 lbs.
Speed: 400 fps
Length: 33 inches
Overall weight: 7.4lbs
Power Stroke: 15.5
Draw Weight: 200 lbs.
Axle to Axle Width: 6 inches
Crossbow Type: Compound

Wicked Ridge NXT Package Includes

Pros

Wicked Ridge NXT 400 becomes ultra-narrow when cocked (6 inches, obtained by only two other crossbows in this review).
Ideal for tree stands and ground blinds for ultimate stealth.
It is in the medium category for overall weight compared to other crossbows reviewed at 7.4 lbs. and has a durable construction.
Built - in cocking device.
Safety features: Dry Fire Inhibitor, Safety wings, and trigger safety
Easy to handle.

Cons

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