May 13, 2016
By Bowhunting Online Staff
As the crossbow continues to grow in popularity, more and more manufacturers are entering the crossbow market. A growing consumer base means you can expect this year's crossbows to meet those demands with better accuracy, lighter components and superior technology.
Featuring additional carbon fiber, more efficient power strokes and delivering blistering speeds, the 2016 crossbow lineup is just what the hard-core crossbow hunter ordered. Here are fifteen of the best crossbows for 2016.
TenPoint
Advertisement
Carbon Nitro RDX | $1,599 TenPoint's all-new Carbon Nitro RDX is the company's response to the growing number of crossbow hunters demanding reverse-draw technology. For the Carbon Nitro RDX, TenPoint combined its 20-inch, wrapped carbon fiber barrel and new, PolyOne engineered, carbon-fiber-infused, OnForce polymer stock to create a combination the dramatically reduces weight, shot noise and vibration. TenPoint then added an ultra-narrow, 10-inch axle-to-axle, reverse-draw bow assembly. Featuring 165-pound limbs, a custom RDX Cam System and DynaFLIGHT 97 string and cables, the Carbon Nitro boasts an impressive bolt speed of 385 fps.
The Carbon Nitro RDX also features a machined aluminum riser, nylon filament bolt-retention brush and Over-the-Top limb pocket and Zytel Limb Suspension System that isolates the limbs from direct contact with the riser for reduced noise and vibration. Like all TenPoint models, the assembly of the 3 ½-pound, T3 auto-engaging safety trigger is equipped with a DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor), and rubber safety wings prevent the shooter's fore-grip fingers and thumb from moving above the flight deck. The Carbon Nitro RDX weighs 7.8 pounds, measures 34.25 inches long and is double fluid dipped in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage. The Carbon Nitro RDX is available only as a complete package that includes your choice of cocking device, six Pro Elite carbon bolts, string stop system and a quiver.
Advertisement
Warrior G3 | $449 The Warrior G3 from Wicked Ridge features a new, semi-skeletal PolyOne OnForce stock assembly focused on weight reduction and enhanced safety, along with a narrower, lighter and faster bow assembly fitted with new, tactical-black 12.3-inch WL12 limbs powered by a new Energy Wheel equipped with DynaFLIGHT 97 string and yoked cables. This 155-pound draw-weight configuration produces a 320 fps bolt speed from a highly maneuverable platform that measures only 19 inches wide between the axles when cocked and weighs just 6.6 pounds without accessories.
The pass-through foregrip design and new, longer, glass-reinforced nylon safety wings positioned on the stock just above the grip combine to help keep the shooter's fingers, thumb and hand safely below the string's path. The stock is also fitted with TenPoint's 3 ½-pound, T3 auto-engaging safety trigger is equipped with a DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor). The Warrior G3 is double fluid dipped in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage and comes in a package that includes a TenPoint 3x Multi-Line Scope, three Wicked Ridge aluminum bolts and a quiver.
Storm RDX | $1,049 Responding to customer feedback, Horton Crossbow Innovations is now making both the 165-pound reverse-draw Storm RDX and the 175-pound Legend Ultra Lite available with an upgraded package that features a lighted TenPoint 3x Pro-View 2 scope and the all-new Dedd Sled 50, a cocking aid made from PolyOne OnForce Long Glass Fiber Nylon that reduces the force required to cock a crossbow by 50 percent. The Storm RDX still features a lightweight, three-piece ABX butt stock and barrel receiver that adjusts to seven positions and a butt plate that adjusts to three positions for a customized aiming position and length of pull.
The Storm's machined, 20-inch, tactical barrel is slotted to reduce weight and is equipped with a 2.5-inch bullpup version of the company's patented, 3 ½-pound T2 trigger. The Storm's bow assembly measures a mere 10 inches axle-to-axle when cocked and has a bolt speed rating of 370 fps. The Legend Ultra Lite offers similar features with a conventional 175-pound limb assembly rated at 330 fps.
PSE Archery
RDX 400 | $1,099 Engineers pushed the reverse-draw cam system on the new PSE RDX 400 to peak performance, resulting in a blistering bolt speed of 400 fps. The crossbow also features an independent, machined aluminum barrel and composite stock, patented PSE X-Tech limbs, a crisp, 3-pound trigger and field serviceable capabilities. The RDX 400 features a 165-pound draw weight and 17-inch power stroke. It measures 39 inches long, 18.25 inches between the axles and weighs 7.9 pounds.
The RDX 400 package includes: dual String Stops, XO 3x32 illuminated scope, anti-dry fire and auto safety trigger, five-bolt quiver, three 20-inch Thunder Boltz carbon bolts with fieldpoints, 22-inch discharge bolt, deluxe neoprene no-slip sling, deluxe case, speed loader cocking device, cocking rope and rail lube. Finish options include Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo or black.
TOXIN | $1,050 For 2016, Darton is introducing a whole new TOXIN series of crossbows, each featuring Darton's compact, bull-pup tactical stock, an off-hand guard, a dry-fire prevention system, a trackless aluminum barrel design and patented barrel dampener and suppressor. The TOXIN 180, powered by patented Dual Sync Cams, features a 185-pound draw weight and 18-inch power stroke that propels 400-grain bolts at 400 fps. The TOXIN 150 has a 180-pound draw weight and 15-inch power stroke and is rated at 380 fps, while its narrow limb configuration allows maneuverability in any hunting environment.
Lightest and narrowest of the TOXIN series is the TOXIN 135, which has a 180-pound draw weight, 13.5-inch power stroke and still propels bolts at 350 fps. Other highlights of the TOXIN series include a fully machined aluminum arrow track, Teflon-coated barrel, Weaver-style scope mount and integrated LimbSaver noise- and vibration-dampening technology. All of the TOXIN crossbows come in two variations — camo with a standard Forearm (SS) or Shadow Black with a TACT (XT) front end that includes an adjustable vertical grip.
MXB-Sniper Lite | $599 Mission Archery's MXB-Sniper Lite weighs less than 6 pounds, is incredibly easy to cock and is designed for unparalleled balance and accuracy. It features a patent-pending Smart Guide Cable Slide that alleviates downward pressure on the cable and Mission's new SyncCams. The result is less torque within the cam system, enhanced durability and accuracy, an ultra-smooth draw cycle for easy cocking and precision cam synchronization that self-centers at full draw for consistent shot placement shot after shot.
The MXB-Sniper Lite also features a new, patent-pending RSD (Removable Silent Draw) System, the first-ever silent-drawing mechanical cocking device on the market. The MXB-Sniper Lite measures 32.75 inches long, 20.5 inches wide, has a 14-inch power stroke, 150-pound draw weight and fires bolts at up to 310 fps. The crossbow comes standard with a two-tone stealth concealment package and Zebra Hybrid bowstrings.
X-Force Advantex | $399 With a lighter and better-balanced overall feel, the new X-Force Advantex from Carbon Express features a narrower front end for increased maneuverability, a split-limb design to improve performance, a new rifle-like stock for accuracy-inducing comfort and fit, a new precision trigger mechanism for an amazingly crisp trigger pull and increased shootability, adjustable foregrip placement for increased shooter comfort and both single-point and traditional sling mounts.
With an overall weight of just 6.9 pounds, its 165-pound draw weight helps propel bolts at 320 fps. The X-Force Advantex comes as a ready-to-hunt kit with a lever-action three-bolt quiver, three PileDriver 20-inch crossbolts with practice points, 4x32 scope and rail lube.
Instinct Order | $1,099 Once again, outdoor retail giant Cabela's has teamed up with one of the top brands in hunting to create the first-ever private label crossbow from TenPoint. The new Cabela's Instinct Order by TenPoint is billed as an "ultra-fast, ultra-lite" rig that is ideal for both treestand and ground assault missions. The Order has a speed rating of 350 fps and features a weight-shedding, carbon-injected polymer barrel and TenPoint's Functionally Superior Bullpup stock.
Weighing just 6.4 pounds, the Order is one of the lightest crossbows on the market, and its compact, 13.5-inch wide (when cocked) XLT bow assembly and 34.4-inch overall length makes it easy to maneuver in the field. The Instinct Order comes as a complete package that includes a TenPoint 3x Pro-View 2 Scope, your choice of ACUdraw or ACUdraw 50 cocking aid, quick-detach 3-bolt quiver and three carbon bolts.
INFERNO Flame | $549 Arrow Precision's new INFERNO Flame features a stout, 185-pound draw weight that results in a scorching bolt speed of 385 fps. This 7.85-pound, well-balanced crossbow comes dipped in Trek camo and features a comfortable, ribbed front grip with an extended thumb guard for added safety. The INFERNO Flame has a 14-inch power stroke, measures 36.25 inches long without the foot stirrup and 17.5 inches wide between the axles when cocked.
Like all INFERNO crossbows, the Flame comes as a package that includes a 4x32 multi-reticle (red and green) illuminated scope, four 20-inch carbon bolts with 100-grain fieldpoints, quick-detach quiver, padded sling, anti-dry fire trigger, rail and string lube and a rope cocking device.
Empire Aggressor 390 | $599 The tactical look and feel of SA Sports ' Empire Aggressor 390 is achieved through features such as an integrated, full-barrel Picatinny rail, adjustable Picatinny mount foregrip, ergonomic tactical drop front grip, adjustable AR-style rear stock with carbon-fiber design accents, side-mounted Claw Lever Latch quick-detach quiver with Picatinny mount and machined aluminum /adjustable string stoppers.
The radical CNC machined cams offer 65 percent letoff, and the trigger assembly breaks at a mere 3.5 pounds. The Empire Aggressor 390 package includes a side-mount, quick-detach quiver with three 20-inch carbon bolts, 4x32 illuminated multi-range scope, rope cocking device and hex keys.
Ventilator EXTREME | $1,529 The most noteworthy feature of Scorpyd's Ventilator EXTREME is its 440 fps bolt speed, but it's hardly the only one. The solid Barnsdale limbs, 175-pound draw weight and 18 ½- inch power stroke produce an astounding 173 foot-pounds kinetic energy. And all that is accomplished with a crisp, 1.95-pound trigger. Meanwhile, the reverse-limb configuration keeps weight back toward the shooter and makes for a compact package.
Further enhancing maneuverability is the folding stock, which can be used to make cocking the crossbow less cumbersome or to take advantage of shot opportunities in extremely tight quarters. The Ventilator EXTREME weighs 8.1 pounds, measures 35.5 inches long, less than 13 inches wide between the axles when cocked and features a built-in anti-dry fire mechanism. The base kit includes string stops, sling studs, scope rail and cocking aid, while the Scope Plus package adds your choice of Hawke scope, quiver, sling, Bowjax limb dampeners and six Gold Tip bolts.
Justice | $539 Velocity Archery's new Justice features an accuracy-enhancing 4-pound trigger pull, an ambidextrous safety, string recoil noise suppressors and a dry-fire inhibitor and has a five-position adjustable black tactical stock. Rated at a speedy 370 fps and 122 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, the Justice has a 185-pound draw weight, 14-inch power stroke, measures 26 inches long, 21.5 inches wide and weighs 8 pounds.
The Justice comes with a 4x32 illuminated reticle scope, quick-detach four-bolt quiver, three Inflix 20-inch carbon bolts, three 125-grain fieldpoints, Velocity Archery padded neoprene quick-detach sling, cocking rope and rail lube and is finished in Reaper Buck camo.
Fang | $399 PSE also upgraded its top-selling 2015 Fang crossbow with redesigned cams to create the new Fang 350, which has a 155-pound draw weight, 14.25-inch power stroke and speed rating of 350 fps. Its one-piece synthetic stock features a high-comb cheek rest, pistol grip and adjustable forestock grip designed to hold the shooter's hand well below the string path.
This compact powerhouse weighs a mere 6.8 pounds and measures 35 inches long and 19.25 inches between the axles. It comes stock with a 4-pound auto safety, anti-dry fire trigger and dual BackStop string stoppers. The Fang 350 package includes a 4x32 scope, cocking rope, five-bolt quiver, three 20-inch carbon bolts with half moon nocks and fieldpoints and rail lube. Finish options include Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo or black.
Turbo GT | $799 TenPoint's new Turbo GT pairs a new stock and barrel design with the company's time-tested technologies to make a hard-hitting rig that boasts a speed rating of 350 fps. The Turbo GT's stock assembly features TenPoint's new, shorter Fusion S stock and 19.5-inch synthetic barrel, fitted with a 4-inch bullpup version of the 3.5-pound T3 auto-engaging safety trigger. Made from PolyOne OnForce polymer, the Fusion S stock features optimal comb height and a two-position adjustable butt plate to match the shooter's length of pull. Foregrip cutouts reduce weight and allow shooters to wrap their hand into the grip for added safety.
The Turbo GT's 175-pound XLT bow assembly measures 13.5 inches wide when cocked, and features 11-inch IsoTaper Limbs, MRX cams and DynaFLIGHT 97 string and cables. The Turbo GT measures 35 inches long and weighs 6.5 pounds, making it three inches shorter and half a pound lighter than its predecessor, the Turbo XLT II. The Turbo GT comes as a complete package that includes a TenPoint 3X Pro View 2 scope, your choice of cocking aid, three Pro Elite carbon bolts and quiver.
Brood | $500 The new Cabela's Brood by TenPoint is built for small-framed shooters but still makes a big impact in the field thanks to a 150-pound draw weight and bolt speed of 300 fps. Weighing just 5.9 pounds and measuring 33.9-inches long, the Cabela's Brood features the ideal length-of-pull, physical weight and overall size suitable for women and youth.
Its lightweight stock features a pass-through foregrip and safety wings to help keep the shooter's hand below the bowstring's release path. The combination of the pass-through grip and safety wings make the Brood one of the safest crossbows on the market. The Brood comes as a package that includes a TenPoint 3x Multi-Line Scope, Patented ACU-52 cocking aid, quick-detach 3-bolt quiver and three carbon bolts.
Stryker
Katana | $1,149 Stryker's all-new Katana is the brand's best crossbow yet, boasting portability, power and performance. With a speed rating of 385 fps via the 155-pound draw weight and 13-inch power stroke, the Katana is highly efficient yet quiet at the shot. Measuring 35 inches long and 19€‰3„16 inches wide, the Katana features a 2.5-pound anti-dry-fire trigger, oversized manual safety and ambidextrous cheek piece.
The skeltonized frame keeps overall weight down to 6.5 pounds and has a pistol grip with soft rubber inserts. The Katana is available in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo or BlackOps and comes with a Tact-Zone illuminated scope, four Accustrike Light bolts, quiver and rope cocking aid.
Excalibur
Matrix Bulldog 400 | $1,299 Excalibur says its new Matrix Bulldog 400 is the perfect combination of power and comfort, with a speed rating of 400 fps, skeletonized riser for reduced weight and new, shorter Bullpup Ready Rest Stock for improved balance. Measuring 35€‰3„4 inches long and 30€‰1„4 inches wide, the Bulldog is more manueverable than prior models in the Matrix series.
The Bulldog has a 280-pound draw weight, 14-inch power stroke and features PowerLoad Limbs, Quad-Loc riser, Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire System and Recoil Energy Dissipation System to quell shot noise and vibration. The Bulldog is finished in Realtree Xtra camo and comes with a Tact-Zone illuminated scope, four Diablo bolts, quiver and rope cocking aid.
