A cross-bow is a handy tool for hunting, shooting, and other activities that don’t require much in the way of precision. They’re also fun to play with. The best crossbows are made from sturdy materials like wood or nylon, which tend to be the most durable and lightweight. The design features an adjustable arm that goes around the bow’s upper portion, where it then connects to a mechanism that allows the user to bend the arrowhead. When you release your shot, the force of gravity pulls the string back toward the body, giving you maximum range and power. You can adjust the pull on the strings by changing the amount of pressure you apply when you draw the bow. This makes it easy to change the point of impact and get consistent results every time.
There are many things to think about while deciding which crossbow is best for your upcoming project. To locate the ideal product for your needs, read on for some crucial information.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Crossbow
When shopping for a new crossbow, there are several factors to consider. The following section looks at these in detail.
Intended Use
Crossbows can be used for hunting or fishing but they’re not all designed to kill large animals. Some models have a narrower focus and work better than others for particular tasks.
- Fishing: Because this crossbow type is small and light, casting a line with it is simpler. Additionally, the barrel is shorter, which makes it simpler to move in limited areas.
- Hunting: These types of crossbows feature a longer barrel with a more powerful motor that allows them to take on larger game like deer and boars.
Material
Aluminum is used in the majority of contemporary crossbows because metal is both robust and light, making it portable. Steel variants, which employ a tougher composition with a higher weight capacity, are still available. In cold temperatures, steel holds up better than aluminum, which can become brittle.
The main difference between aluminum and steel is that aluminum absorbs energy during impact whereas steel does not. As such, aluminum is softer and more likely to dent or scratch. While this won’t affect your ability to shoot the bow, it could cause problems if you ever run into an animal hard enough to make contact.
Power Source
Almost all modern day crossbows use some kind of power source. Battery-powered options are popular as they allow users to keep shooting without having to worry about changing batteries. They are particularly useful when camping or hiking when other power sources might not be available. However, even with their advantages, they don’t compare in performance to gas-powered models. And since batteries need maintenance and replacement, they’re less durable than gas-powered counterparts.
Fortunately, most manufacturers today include detailed instructions on how to care for and maintain the unit.
Length
A good length depends largely on intended use. For instance, a fisherman looking for a pole saw would want something long and sturdy, while a hunter wanting a potent weapon would prefer something short and sharp. For those who enjoy both hunting and fishing, a medium length (around 16 inches) would probably suit best. Longer lengths go beyond 24 inches, though they do increase in strength and durability.
Weight
It’s important to remember here that although the term lightweight seems like it would mean it’s easy to handle, that’s far from the case. A heavy crossbow will be harder to manage, especially during a hunt. However, heavier models tend to offer greater force, making them ideal for big game hunters who spend hours stalking their prey.
Barrel Size
Depending on whether you plan to use the bow for hunting or fishing, you’ll want different sized barrels. If it’s a combination of both, a medium-sized barrel will work fine for trapping small animals like squirrels or mice, but bigger ones should be reserved for killing larger creatures.
Smaller barrels (under 8 inches) are great for precision shots at close range; they’ll limit the amount of recoil experienced by the shooter. Larger barrels (over 12 inches) maximize the amount of kinetic energy transferred to the target, making them ideal for gutting fish or removing the heads of larger animals.
Grip
Finding the right grip comes down to personal preference based on comfort level and handedness. Common styles include pistol grips, thumb loops, and finger grooves.
- Pistol grip: This classic style features four fingers and a thumb wrapped around the handle. It’s very similar to a standard handgun grip, except the hand is positioned sideways instead of upright.
- Thumb loop: Also known as a lanyard loop, this simple addition allows the user to hang the end off their belt so it won’t get in the way during movement.
- Finger groove: Similar to a pistol grip, the fingers and thumb wrap around the handle, only the hand is facing forward this time allowing the user to operate the bow with one hand.
Types Of Crossbows
Crossbows come in many different sizes and styles. The most common types are traditional, long-range bows that can shoot bolts up to 40 yards or pull a trigger that releases a crossbow bolt; and short-range models with the ability to shoot arrows from a standing position.
Traditional bow crossbows
People from all across the world continue to use these bows, which have been around for thousands of years. They work well and are really simple to use. There is only one drawback: they aren’t particularly good at shooting beyond about 20 feet. This isn’t a bad thing though because these bows usually aren’t good enough to compete against modern firearms at distances. Instead, focus on close combat situations where you need an edge over your opponent quickly.
Short-range model crossbows
Modern crossbows take advantage of improved technology to create some seriously accurate weapons. These crossbows typically feature advanced cocking mechanisms designed to make reloading effortless. Many also incorporate dual strings so you can alternate between pulling one string to draw the bow and then releasing it to launch a bolt.
The best short-range crossbows will have an effective range of roughly 50 feet and be accurate down to 1 foot away from their target.
Long-range model crossbows
Most crossbows fall into the short range category but there are certainly options available that extend your shooting capabilities to include medium and long shots. Some even have sights similar to what you’d see on a rifle scope. However, keep in mind that firing a crossbow is far more challenging than firing a regular gun. Instead of using a reticle like you would with a rifle, you’ll probably need to change your sight picture based on the target marks.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Crossbows are a niche product that serves as an intermediary between long-range optics and short-range optics. For this article, we focused on crossbows that were designed specifically for use with smartphones.
We looked at the various features that make up a quality crossbow and how well they would work with a smartphone. The bow was obviously crucial to our selection process because it’s important to keep the center of gravity low in order to maintain proper balance when using any kind of crossbow. With that in mind, we only chose models with a draw length of 30 inches or shorter. Anything longer than that and the phone starts to tip forward toward the archer rather than aiming where you want the arrow to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbows
What is the difference between a compound and digital bow?
The most obvious difference is in how they’re activated. With a digital bow, you use a computer or some other device to manipulate the limbs of the bow to adjust their length and angle, while with a compound bow, you physically change those lengths and angles by moving parts on the back end of the bow.
How do I choose a crossbow?
First decide what kind of shooting you’ll be doing. If it’s target practice at home, then focus on lighter options that won’t break the bank. But if you plan to compete in archery matches or go camping several times a year, then look for something tougher to build/maintain.
Can anyone learn to shoot a crossbow?
Anyone can learn how to use a crossbow. While there are many different points of view when it comes to mastering the use of a crossbow, one thing is true across all approaches: practice. Over time, someone can get better with consistent practice.
Is it legal to own a crossbow?
In general, the answer is “no.” However, each state has its laws regarding the carrying of concealed weapons, so make sure to check your state statutes before heading out to the range. Also, note that local regulations may differ from state to state, so make sure to review them as well.
How long will a crossbow last?
For the majority of hunters, this period will likely be between 3 and 5 years. For the common hunter, 5 to 10 years.