While compound bows are easily the most popular choice when it comes to archery, crossbows are becoming more and more common. This presents a common crossbow vs compound bow debate for shooters of all skill levels. Should you use a compound bow or a crossbow? What are the differences, and how do you make a decision?
Crossbows and compound bows each have their own sets of pros and cons. Let’s go over each one to help you decide which one is right for you!
Crossbows In Detail
What Is A Crossbow?
Crossbows have been around for centuries. They are basically a bow that is placed horizontally onto a frame that closely resembles a gunstock. It features a mechanism that holds the bowstring when it is drawn and trigger to fire it. Crossbows fire smaller arrows called bolts. Because you do not need to hold back the draw weight, crossbows are generally easier to handle and fire than compound bows. They can also be equipped with optics (similar to a firearm) in order to enhance accuracy.
How Does A Crossbow Work?
Crossbows work in the same way as compound or recurve bows although they may look very different. These weapons use stored energy in order to propel the arrow or bolt. When you pull back the string on a crossbow, it pulls back on the limbs and stores potential energy. Once released via the trigger mechanism, this energy transfers into and launches the bolt. Unlike other bows, however, crossbows lock the bowstring into place so that you do not need to hold it back.
Why Buy A Crossbow?
Because of a crossbow’s ability to be co*cked and ready to shoot without holding the draw weight, crossbows offer great advantages over traditional bows. Not only can you leave them loaded until you need to fire them, but they generally provide more power and speed as well. Crossbows do not require as much skill or talent in order to effectively use. This makes them a great choice for archers who are young, have physical limitations, or simply do not have the time to practice with a compound bow.
Where To Shoot A Crossbow
Although crossbows function similarly to compound bows, they are still very different. This is why most archery ranges will not allow you to shoot a crossbow at their facilities. Not only do crossbows pack more of a punch, but they are also much louder and have differently sized projectiles. Bolts are much shorter than standard arrows, which means they could more easily pass through a worn-out target or penetrate so deep that it is difficult to remove.
That being said, there are still plenty of archery ranges that allow crossbows. Do your research and don’t be afraid of calling ahead to see if a specific archery range allows the use of crossbows. One of the easiest ways to shoot your crossbow is to invest in your own target and shoot in your backyard or other property that you have permission to use.
Compound Bows In Detail
What Is A Compound Bow?
Compound bows are the modern take on traditional bows. They are made of a variety of materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum. Using a mechanical pulley system, they propel their arrows extremely fast. These bows are fired vertically and use full-length arrows. While compound bows have a lot more technical and moving parts, they are much easier to shoot than traditional bows. They also can provide much more power and speed. Crossbows will generally use the same technology as a compound bow in order to shoot their bolts.
How Does A Compound Bow Work?
A compound bow uses a system of cables and pulleys to bend the bow limbs and create energy. Cams on either end of the bow act as levers and allow archers to hold the bowstring at the maximum draw for longer periods of time. This is due to the let off and decreases the amount of draw weight while the bow is fully drawn. Upon release, the cams rotate back around and transfer the energy from the limbs into the bowstring. Both compound bows and many crossbows use the same technology to work. Compound bows, however, are always shot vertically and without the additional stock or trigger that crossbows use.
Why Buy A Compound Bow?
Compound bows come with many benefits. First, they are much easier to use than traditional-style bows. They are one of the most popular types of bows so they are readily available. Parts and gear are easy to find and you will have many brands and varieties to choose from. Compound bows are more widely used in both competition and bowhunting. In fact, many states do not allow crossbows during their archery seasons while compound bows are legal. Compound bows are also extremely fun to shoot. So whether you are bowhunting, getting ready for a shooting competition, or simply wanting to target shoot, compound bows are a great choice.
Where To Shoot A Compound Bow
Compound bows can be shot at just about any archery shop or range that you can find. Many archery shops have indoor ranges that allow you to shoot and test out a bow before any purchases. Local archery ranges and backyards are the two most popular locations to shoot compound bows. Unlike crossbows, there are few restrictions against them when it comes to archery ranges.
Crossbow Vs Compound Bow Speed And Accuracy
In general, crossbows have more speed and accuracy than compound bows. Some of the fastest compound bow speeds on the market are anywhere from 320 to 350 feet per second. Crossbows can shoot well over 400 feet per second. Even inexpensive crossbows can usually shoot around 350 to 370 feet per second. This speed also relates to more accuracy.
Crossbows are faster and generally more accurate. They can also be equipped with optics to further enhance accuracy. Crossbows shot from a solid rest also eliminate human error by holding the weapon offhand. All of these factors combine to create a clear winner in speed and accuracy.
Crossbow Vs Compound Bow Distance
Most compound bows are capable of some incredible ranges. Many archers can shoot well over 100 yards. The effective and most accurate range is generally 30 to 60 yards depending on the archer. Crossbows can shoot much further. Some models are even capable of shooting a couple of hundred yards. But for target shooting or hunting, crossbows can consistently hit out to 100 yards. They have a further effective range than compound bows.
Crossbow Vs Compound Bow Hunting
Compound bows are a much more popular choice for hunting than crossbows. Although they cannot shoot as far or as fast, they are legal to use in almost every state’s archery season. Crossbows, because of the numerous advantages they provide, are often not allowed to be used during archery-only hunting seasons. Compound bows are also much lighter and more portable, making them much better for hunting purposes. Crossbows can be heavy, awkward, and hard to take with you around in the woods.
Crossbow Vs Compound Bow Learning Curve
Crossbows are much easier to learn to shoot than compound bows. After learning how to co*ck the crossbow, it is as simple as aiming the weapon and pulling the trigger. Compound bows require more practice and learning to become efficient. You must have proper form and technique to become proficient and accurate.
Crossbow and Compound Bow Recommendations
Crossbow Recommendations
1. Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow
The Killer Instinct Lethal 405 crossbow is a great beginner crossbow. Not only does it have an excellent price point, but it comes equipped with a scope, three bolts, and a quiver. This means you are ready to start shooting as soon as you bring it home. It can shoot up to 405 feet per second and is a great option for beginners or those on a budget.
2. Barnett XP 380 Crossbow
Barnett has produced high-quality crossbows for decades. A great mid-tier option, their XP 380 crossbow provides you with all of the features of a crossbow that costs three times as much. It boasts speeds of 380 feet per second and has an adjustable stock and cheek rest. The complete package comes with a scope, quiver, and two bolts to help get you started.
3. Ravin Crossbows R10x Crossbow
If you want a top-of-the-line crossbow, look no further than the R10x from Ravin Crossbows. While it has a much higher price tag than most other crossbows, it is well worth the money. It is extremely lightweight and slim. This crossbow fires bolts at over 400 feet per second. It comes pre-tuned and ready to shoot, equipped with an illuminated scope, quiver, and three bolts.
Compound Bow Recommendations
1. Bear Archery Legit RTH Compound Bow
The perfect bow for beginners, the Bear Archery Legit RTH bow comes fully equipped with everything you need to shoot. It has a quiver, sight, arrow rest, and stabilizer. All you need is some arrows and you are ready to shoot! This bow has a great price point for everything you get. It is the perfect option for those just starting out or on a tight budget.
2. Obsession Bows Turmoil RZ Compound Bow
Obsession Bows is a relatively new company, but their bows are quickly making waves. The Turmoil RZ is a fully equipped bow package. It has a quiver, stabilizer, sight, and arrow rest. It can fire up to 350 feet per second. With 80% let-off and internal dampeners, this bow is an excellent value for the price and is the perfect bow for anyone wanting to get into hunting or target practice.
3. Black Out NV-32 Compound Bow
For those wanting a high-quality bow, the Black Out NV-32 is one of the best on the market right now. While this compound bow does not come fully equipped like the others here on our list, it is easily one of the lightest and quietest bows out there. It shoots arrows at 340 feet per second and has 70 to 85% adjustable let-off. Made with high-quality materials and precision engineering, this bow is one of the most accurate bows you can find.
Final Thoughts
Crossbows and compound bows will always be compared to one another. There will be those who say one is better, while another group advocates the opposite. The truth is, they are both very effective weapons and capable of amazing accuracy. It is just going to take some thinking and self-reflection to decide which one is the right fit for you!
