Best Products for Hunting with a Crossbow: Techniques & Accessories

A hunting crossbow isn't just a bow; it's a bridge. It's the perfect fusion of the ancient art of archery and the modern precision of a rifle. For many hunters, a crossbow is a way to extend their time in the woods, to bridge the gap between archery season and firearm season, or to get into bowhunting without the steep learning curve of a traditional bow. But a crossbow is also a complex piece of machinery, a powerful tool that requires a deep understanding of its components and a careful selection of accessories to reach its full potential. I've spent three decades in the hunting supply business, and I've seen countless hunters come through my door with a new crossbow and a thousand questions.

Think of it this way: a crossbow is a high-performance engine, and your accessories are the tools that make it a finely tuned machine. A crossbow with a cheap scope and a flimsy arrow is a recipe for disappointment, a Ferrari with bicycle tires. You've got all the power in the world, but it's not going to get you where you want to go. The world of crossbow hunting gear is filled with a bewildering array of products, from the scopes that are your eyes in the woods to the arrows that carry your kinetic energy to the target. Getting this right isn't just about maximizing performance; it's about ensuring a humane kill and a successful hunt.

This guide is designed to be your comprehensive playbook for choosing the best products for hunting with a crossbow. We'll delve into the foundational categories of crossbow hunting gear, from the scopes that are your eyes in the woods to the arrows that carry your kinetic energy to the target. We'll talk about the importance of a good cocking device, a reliable broadhead, and a simple way to store and carry your arrows. We'll cut through the marketing jargon and get to the heart of what really matters. And finally, we'll review some of the best products on the market today that have earned a reputation for their ability to help a hunter be more successful and safer in the woods. So, let’s get ready to get a little technical and find the perfect gear for your next crossbow hunt.

The Crossbow's Eyes: Scopes and Sights

Your crossbow's scope is your primary connection to your target. A good scope will give you a clear, crisp image and a variety of aiming points for different distances. A cheap scope will be blurry, dim, and will lose its zero after a few shots.

• Scopes: A good crossbow scope should have a variety of aiming points for different distances, and it should be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. A good scope will also have a high level of light transmission, which is crucial for hunting in the low-light hours of dawn and dusk.

• Red Dot Sights: A red dot sight is a great option for a hunter who is hunting at close range, as it provides a simple, easy-to-use aiming point. They are not as accurate as a traditional scope at long range, but they are a great choice for a hunter who is hunting in thick brush or from a tree stand.

• Acu-Draw or Cocking Devices: A crossbow can be a bit of a beast to cock, and a good cocking device can make the job a lot easier. A good cocking device will be easy to use, will reduce the amount of effort required to cock the bow, and will ensure that the string is cocked evenly, which is crucial for accuracy.

The Crossbow's Heart: Arrows and Broadheads

Your arrow and broadhead are the final link between you and the animal. They are the tools that carry your kinetic energy to the target, and they must be a perfect match for your bow and for the game you are pursuing.

• Arrows: A crossbow arrow, or a "bolt," is different from a traditional arrow. It is shorter, has a stiffer spine, and a different type of nock. A good crossbow arrow should be straight, have a high-quality fletching, and have a good level of FOC (Front of Center), which helps the arrow to fly true and to penetrate deeply.

• Broadheads: A crossbow broadhead is a different beast from a traditional broadhead. It needs to be tough, durable, and designed to fly true at high speeds. For a crossbow, a mechanical broadhead is a great choice, as it provides a large cutting diameter and a clean flight path.

• Quivers: A good quiver is a must-have for any crossbow hunter. It's a simple accessory that allows you to store and carry your arrows safely and quietly. A good quiver will be easy to attach and detach from your crossbow, and it will hold your arrows securely.

Product Reviews: My Top 7 Crossbow Hunting Selections

I've personally used or recommended these products to countless hunters over the years. They are all proven performers that are built to last.

1. TenPoint Viper S400 Crossbow

Price Range: $1,400 - $1,700

The TenPoint Viper S400 is a high-end, premium crossbow that is a favorite of serious hunters. It's a compact, lightweight crossbow that is incredibly fast and accurate. It features a number of clever features, like an easy-to-use cocking device and a high-quality scope that is designed to be used in low light. It's a significant investment, but the performance and the durability are worth every penny.

2. Ravin R500E Crossbow

Price Range: $2,800 - $3,200

The Ravin R500E is a technological marvel that has revolutionized the world of crossbow hunting. It's a high-end, premium crossbow that is incredibly fast, accurate, and easy to cock. It features a number of clever features, like a cocking device that is a part of the stock and a high-quality scope that is designed to be used in low light. It's a significant investment, but the performance and the durability are second to none.

3. Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

Price Range: $400 - $500

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is a fantastic option for a hunter who wants a high-quality crossbow without the premium price tag. It's a simple, reliable crossbow that is easy to use and is a great choice for a beginner. It comes with a high-quality scope, a quiver, and a cocking device. It's a great choice for a hunter who wants a reliable, no-frills crossbow that will get the job done.

4. Rage Hypodermic NC Crossbow Broadheads

Price Range: $45 - $60 (for a 3-pack)

The Rage Hypodermic NC Crossbow Broadheads are a fantastic choice for a crossbow hunter. They are a mechanical broadhead that is designed to fly true at high speeds and to provide a massive cutting diameter. The "No Collar" design means that there is no rubber collar to get in the way when the broadhead is fired, which makes for a cleaner flight path. It's a great choice for a hunter who wants a broadhead that is both reliable and lethal.

5. Excalibur Assassin 400 TD Crossbow

Price Range: $1,400 - $1,700

The Excalibur Assassin 400 TD is a high-end, premium crossbow that is a favorite of many hunters. It's a recurve-style crossbow that is incredibly accurate and easy to use. It features a number of clever features, like a cocking device that is a part of the stock and a high-quality scope that is designed to be used in low light. It's a significant investment, but the performance and the durability are worth every penny.

6. Carbon Express PileDriver Fletched Crossbow Bolts

Price Range: $40 - $50 (for a 6-pack)

The Carbon Express PileDriver bolts are a fantastic choice for a crossbow hunter. They are a high-quality, durable bolt that is designed to fly true at high speeds. They have a high level of FOC (Front of Center), which helps the bolt to fly true and to penetrate deeply. It's a great choice for a hunter who wants a reliable, no-frills bolt that will get the job done.

7. TenPoint ACUdraw PRO Cocking Device

Price Range: $250 - $300

The TenPoint ACUdraw PRO Cocking Device is a game-changer for a crossbow hunter. It's a simple, easy-to-use cocking device that is designed to reduce the amount of effort required to cock the bow and to ensure that the string is cocked evenly. It's a great choice for a hunter who wants a simple, no-fuss way to cock their bow.

The Final Shot: A Tool for Every Task

Choosing the right products for hunting with a crossbow is a personal decision that should be based on your hunting style, the terrain you're hunting, and your budget. My advice? Don't fall into the trap of buying cheap gear that won't hold up to the rigors of the field. Invest in a few key pieces that are durable, reliable, and will keep you safe and successful. Because in the end, it’s not just about the gear; it's about the knowledge, and the right gear can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.