New Ravin R18 Turns the Crossbow World Inside Out

Ravin Crossbows has kicked off 2021 with a bang as it redefines the term “compact crossbow” in ways that were previously unimaginable with its new R18.

Fully assembled, the R18 is 4 ¾ inches wide by 25 inches long, but remove the stock and it drops to a mere 18 inches in length, making it easy to maneuver, even in the tightest quarters. This takedown-style crossbow is also capable of sending bolts a solid 330 fps despite its small size. What really makes the R18 stand out, however, is the fact that its limbs expand vertically — yes, you heard that correctly — vertically, rather than horizontally, at the pull of the trigger.

Thanks to Ravin’s new VertiCoil Cam System, the R18’s cams rotate 720 degrees, wrapping the string and cables around the cam and cam axle. When the crossbow is cocked, the axle-to-axle height is only 1.3 inches, but even uncocked it’s only 4.1 inches in keeping with the small profile of the bow.

The R18, which weighs in at 6 pounds, ships fully assembled and comes with the detachable stock with removable quiver system, built-in cocking mechanism for easy loading and an anti-dryfire/auto safety system. The crossbow also includes a Ravin 3-Dot Reflex Sight; three 350-grain, 16-inch bolts; three field points; and a removable cranking handle. The R18 retails for $1,549.99 and will be available starting this spring; additional details are available at ravincrossbows.com.

R18 Specs

• Weight: 6 pounds
• Length: 18 inches without the stock; 25 inches with stock
• Axle-to-Axle Height: 1.3 inches cocked; 4.1 inches uncocked
• Overall Width: 4.75 inches
• Powerstroke: 13 inches
• Kinetic Energy: 85 ft.-lbs.
• Draw Force: 12 pounds
• Bolt Speed: 330 fps

Additionally, be sure to check our first look at Ravin's R500 Series — also brand new for 2021 — and the first crossbows on the market to hit the 500fps mark.