- The Excalibur Mag 340 is the pick for a simple, light recurve crossbow rated at 340 fps.
- The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is a tough, entry-level compound crossbow rated at 350 fps.
- The TenPoint Siege RS410 is a compact reverse-draw with built-in silent cocking and de-cocking.
- Recurve crossbows are simpler and quieter; compound and reverse-draw models are narrower and faster.
- Check your state’s rules and your crossbow manual before your first hunt, and never dry-fire.
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The top picks
Fps, power stroke, reverse draw, cocking aids. Which of those numbers actually matter for your first crossbow? 🤔
Fewer than the box suggests. Start with a simple recurve like the Excalibur Mag 340: on paper it has the fewest parts to break, while a compound wins on value and a reverse-draw on compact, quiet carry. Choose by how you hunt (the types of crossbows guide explains each), and you’ll spend the season shooting instead of second-guessing.
Best crossbows for beginners: 3 picks by draw style
I haven’t shot these crossbows myself. These picks come from maker specs and what owners report, not my own shooting, so there are no scores here.
Here’s how the three compare on the numbers that matter most. Speeds are manufacturer ratings with a stated arrow weight; real speeds drop with heavier bolts.
| Pick | Draw style | Rated speed | Power stroke | Weight | Cocking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excalibur Mag 340 | Recurve | 340 fps | 13″ | About 5.5–6 lb (listings vary) | 270 lb draw; rope cocking aid included |
| Barnett Whitetail Hunter II | Compound | 350 fps (380-grain arrow) | 12.5″ | 6.4 lb | 150 lb draw; rope cocking device included |
| TenPoint Siege RS410 | Reverse-draw compound | 410 fps (400-grain arrow) | 13.5″ | About 7.5 lb | 220 lb draw; ACUslide built into the stock |
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1. Best recurve for beginners: Excalibur Mag 340
Excalibur Mag 340
Excalibur Mag 340 Accurate Durable Safety Hunting Archery Crossbow, Black
by Excalibur
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Key features
- Recurve crossbow: no cams or cables, restrung without a bow press
- Up to 340 fps from a 270 lb draw and a 13″ power stroke; about 5.5 lb
- Rope cocking aid included: the 270 lb draw is hard without it
- Package: scope, 4-bolt quiver, 3 bolts and an anti-dry-fire system
Specs
- Brand
- Excalibur
- Color
- Black
- Weight
- 11.79914026224 pounds
The Excalibur Mag 340 is a recurve crossbow rated at 340 fps, with a 13″ power stroke. Recurves have no cams or cables, so there are fewer parts to tune or wear out.
Its recurve limbs are listed at a 270 lb draw weight, and the included rope cocking aid brings the felt effort down to about 135 lb. Owners praise the trigger and scope but say it’s heavy to cock, especially the last inch, and some report scratched parts on arrival.
Who it’s for: a hunter who wants a light, simple crossbow and doesn’t mind a wider limb span. Check the package when it arrives, and pick up an arrow puller, since owners say the bolts sit snug in targets.
Pros
- Simple recurve design with no cams
- Owners describe a crisp trigger and a clear scope in low light
- Light and well balanced for its class
Cons
- Heavy to cock, particularly the last inch
- Wider than compound and reverse-draw models
- Some owners report scratched parts on arrival
2. Best compound for beginners: Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is a compound crossbow rated at 350 fps with a 380-grain arrow. It weighs 6.4 lb, has a 12.5″ power stroke and uses a TriggerTech trigger.
Owners like that it takes rough handling and is easy to clean, which suits hunters who carry it on an ATV or through brush. Common complaints? A basic scope, a loud shot and unclear assembly instructions.
Who it’s for: a first-time crossbow hunter who wants a dependable compound and plans to upgrade the scope later.
Pros
- Owners report good accuracy and speed for the class
- Handles rough use and cleans up easily
- Light enough to carry on long walks
Cons
- The included scope is basic
- Louder than many crossbows on the shot
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
3. Best reverse-draw: TenPoint Siege RS410
TenPoint Siege RS410
TenPoint Siege RS410 Crossbow Package ACUslide Graphite Grey
by TenPoint
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Key features
- Reverse-draw crossbow: 410 fps, 26.5″ long, 7.5″ wide cocked
- Built-in ACUslide crank cocks it and de-cocks it without a shot
- 13.5″ power stroke and a 3.5 lb two-stage trigger; about 7.5 lb
- Made for TenPoint bolts: check the length, nock and weight
Specs
- Brand
- TenPoint
- Model
- CB21012-1819
- Color
- Graphite
- Length
- 1 Inches
- Weight
- 16.8 Pounds
The TenPoint Siege RS410 is a reverse-draw crossbow rated at 410 fps with a 400-grain arrow. It’s 26.5″ long without the foot stirrup and about 7.5″ wide cocked, so it fits tight blinds and treestands.
Its ACUslide system cocks and de-cocks the crossbow quietly without firing a bolt. It also has a two-stage S1 trigger rated at 3.5 lb, a RangeMaster Pro scope and a MICRO-TRAC barrel that TenPoint says cuts the flight deck surface (where the string rides on the rail) by 50%.
Who it’s for: a hunter who sits in a stand or blind and wants a narrow, fast crossbow with safe de-cocking built in. Some owners mention quality-control and manual issues, so inspect it on arrival.
Pros
- Very compact for handling in tight spaces
- ACUslide makes cocking quiet and de-cocking safe
- Scope with lighted aiming points for low light
Cons
- Heaviest of the three picks
- Some owners report quality-control and manual issues
- Owners mention a strict return policy
How to choose a crossbow: 8 specs that actually matter
A spec sheet can list twenty numbers. These eight decide whether a crossbow fits you and how you hunt.
- Draw style: recurve (simple), compound (narrow, efficient) or reverse-draw (compact, balanced closer to you).
- Draw weight: compound hunting crossbows usually run about 150–220 lb, and recurve models go higher (the Mag 340 is listed at 270 lb); higher means harder to cock.
- Cocking method: a rope cocking aid cuts the effort roughly in half (a 270 lb draw feels like about 135 lb), and a crank or built-in system does more.
- Weight: you’ll carry it far more than you shoot it, so lighter is easier on long walks.
- Width and length: narrow crossbows fit blinds and treestands better.
- Speed (fps): rated with a set arrow weight, so compare like with like.
- Safety features: an anti-dry-fire mechanism and an auto-engaging safety are worth having.
- Legal fit: some states set minimum draw weights or bolt rules, so check before you buy.
Think about the gear around the crossbow to. Plan for a scope, bolts, broadheads, a quiver and a case: matching broadheads, a quiver and a strong case round out the setup.
Crossbow pros and cons for new hunters
A crossbow isn’t a shortcut, but it does remove some hurdles. Here’s the honest trade-off.
Pros
- The string stays locked back, so you don’t have to hold a draw while you wait
- Easier to learn than a vertical bow for many new hunters
- Helps hunters whose shoulders or strength rule out a vertical bow
- Legal in archery seasons in many states (rules vary)
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier to carry than most vertical bows
- Slower to reload than a recurve or compound
- Cocking takes effort or a cocking aid
- Strings, rails and cams need regular upkeep
// Free printable
Get the range log I actually use.
Seventeen printable pages: session log, score tracker, a 30-day drill challenge, a bow maintenance card, a first-season checklist and more. Join the monthly email and it lands right away.
Crossbow safety: do’s and don’ts before your first hunt
I learned about dry firing the embarrassing way, at a busy range: the whole range reacted. A crossbow stores far more energy than a hand-held bow, so a dry fire can wreck its limbs, strings and cams.
Do
- Practice with the same bolts and heads you’ll hunt with.
- Inspect the string, cables and rail before every outing.
- Use a cocking aid for a straight, consistent cock.
- Wax the string and lube the rail as the manual says.
Don’t
- Dry-fire your crossbow.
- Shoot with a frayed or damaged string.
- Load a bolt until you’re ready to shoot.
- Skip your state’s crossbow rules.
Crossbow hunting tips for your first season
Once your crossbow is set up the work shifts to practice. Know your range, your target and what’s behind it.
- Know your effective range: practice at the distances you’ll actually shoot, on a crossbow target.
- Match the broadhead to the game: a sharp head of the weight your manual recommends.
- Keep up with maintenance: string wax, rail lube and a check of every bolt.
- Check your backstop: never shoot without a clear line and a safe background.
- Be patient: wait for a broadside shot rather than rushing one.
This video looks at a different budget crossbow, the Killer Instinct Vital X. It’s a useful look at what to check on any entry-level model.
Before you scroll to the questions, here are those eight specs on a single page you can keep open while you shop.
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions readers ask most.
What draw weight should a hunting crossbow have?
Compound hunting crossbows usually run about 150–220 lb, and recurve crossbows often go higher because, without cams, they need more draw weight to reach the same speed. Pick one you can cock safely with a cocking aid, and check your state’s minimum.
Is a recurve or compound crossbow better for beginners?
A recurve, for most beginners: it’s simpler and has fewer parts to tune. A compound is narrower and usually faster, so pick a compound or reverse-draw if you hunt from a tight blind.
How do you choose the right broadhead for your crossbow?
Use the head weight your crossbow maker recommends: TenPoint and Ravin build around 100 grains, Excalibur around 150. Then test it at the range to make sure it groups with your field points.
Can you use a crossbow for competitive shooting?
Yes. The IAU (International Crossbow Shooting Union) is the world governing body for field and match crossbow, with match events at 10 m and 30 m, and many local clubs hold crossbow and 3D shoots.
Can you leave a crossbow cocked?
Most manuals say not to store or transport a crossbow cocked or loaded. De-cock it at the end of every hunt, using your manual’s method or a de-cocking bolt.
Final thoughts
Start with the Excalibur Mag 340 if you want the simplest crossbow; pick the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II for value or the TenPoint Siege RS410 for a compact stand setup. Whichever you pick, practice before the season and learn your crossbow’s safety features.
Track your practice sessions with the free range log, and you’ll see your groups tighten week by week.
