A good crossbow is an indispensable tool for archery and hunting. Whether you use the crossbow for leisure shooting, hunting, or sports, having a good quality model is very important.
Crossbows come in different shapes, sizes, pulling mechanisms and most importantly different prices. If money is not an object for you, you’ll have an easy time choosing the best crossbow for your needs.
The real headache starts when your finances are limited. In such a situation, you’ll have to find a quality yet decently affordable crossbow that will give you the most out of your hard-earned money. If you are on the market for are reasonably affordable crossbow, here are the best crossbows under $400 you can choose from. Let’s take a look.
1) Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow Bow Pro Package
The Killer Instinct Burner is one of the best crossbows under $400. It comes with virtually everything you need to start shooting. This includes scope, arrows and a cocking device. This crossbow comes with a 165lbs draw weight which makes it easy to shoot and beginner-friendly.
The Burner crossbow generates a whole 415fps speed which is ideal for a wide range of applications. The speed is even higher than that of most crossbows with a higher price range.
Thanks to the 6-position AR-style buttstock, the crossbow works well with different users. You can either shorten its length for smaller users or extend its length to the fullest to fit medium and tall shooters.
The Micro-lite aluminum barrel increases durability while eliminating any unnecessary weight. It also produces dead-on accuracy which is vital when hunting.
Additionally, the crossbow comes with an X-Lok adjustable foregrip for comfortable shooting and a maneuverable narrow frame that produces a well-balanced and compact weapon.
Features
- 6-position AR-style buttstock
- Micro-lite aluminum barrel
- 165lbs draw weight
- 415fps speed
- X-Lok adjustable foregrip
- Maneuverable narrow frame
- A scope, arrows and a cocking device
- Smooth operation and beginner-friendly
2) PSE ARCHERY Fang HD Crossbow Package
The PSE ARCHERY Fang HD Crossbow is another good quality crossbow available for under $400. This crossbow is renowned for its unbeatable accuracy. It utilizes reverse cam technology which increases its power and speed to provide you with the smoothest shooting experience. It also features a slim profile that helps you shoot and aim smoothly.
Featuring speeds up to 405fp and 134ft. lbs of kinetic energy, this crossbow makes a powerful hunting weapon at a great price. You can use it to take down both close and medium games at moderate ranges.
Better yet, the crossbow comes with an adjustable buttstock to fit different users and an HDV 425 1.5-5×32 variable zoom illuminated reticle scope to help you spot small targets easily.
Another good thing about this crossbow is the fairly lightweight design. It weighs about 7.3 pounds so you’ll have a comfortable and easy time carrying it in the field. Additionally, this crossbow comes with an anti-dry trigger system and an auto-safety trigger to help prevent the risk of dry fires.
Features
- Ready to shoot package
- Easy to maneuver
- Anti-dry fire and auto-safety trigger
- Adjustable buttstock
- HDV 425 1.5-5×32 variable zoom illuminated reticle scope
- Unbeatable accuracy
- Smooth to operate and beginner-friendly
- Maximum speed: 405 fps
- 205lbs draw weight
- Fairly light and maneuverable
3) Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Mossy Oak Bottomland Crossbow
If you are looking for a budget-friendly crossbow with a good performance and durable design, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Mossy Oak Bottomland Crossbow suits you. For starters, this crossbow is eye-catching thanks to its stylish design. It also comes with numerous accessories which make it ready to shoot.
This hard-hitting crossbow generates 118.6 feet-pounds of kinetic energy and shoots the arrows with an average speed of 375 fps. This makes it suitable for both close and medium-distance hunting. It also comes with a 4×32 multi-reticle scope that should help increase your accuracy when shooting long-range targets.
The aluminum and fiberglass composite construction enhances durability without adding any unnecessary weight. This makes the crossbow easy to carry and maneuver around in the field.
Moreover, it features an axle-to-axle width of 18.125 inches and a 34.875-inches length so you’ll have an easy time carrying it around. Lastly, the crossbow comes with an anti-dry fire trigger system to help prevent misfires and ensure the safety of both the shooter and the crossbow.
Features
- 8 feet-pounds striking power
- The anti-dry fire trigger system
- Compatible with Barnett 17455 crank cocking device
- 4×32 multi-reticle scope
- Lightweight and portable
- Lightweight quiver, rope cocking device and lube wax
- Comes assembled and ready to use
- Maximum firing speed: 375fps
4) CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 Camo-Crossbow Package
The CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 crossbow is your best option if you are looking for a quiet operation. This crossbow features a whisper silencing system made of two string stoppers with silencers and two-limb dampeners for the best noise reduction and vibration control.
This crossbow is well-made to withstand harsh outdoor environments. The riser is crafted with aluminum while the quad limbs are made from fiberglass. Moreover, the crossbow comes with an all-weather composite stock for added durability and all-weather reliability.
It is also equipped with rubber padded grips for a comfortable and secure grip even in wet weather conditions or when you are wearing gloves. On top of the compact design, the crossbow features a narrow 14-inch cocked axle-to-axle width for smooth maneuverability.
Another feature that you’ll like about this crossbow is the high speed it delivers with 120ft. lbs of kinetic energy. It also comes with an anti-dry fire and auto-safety trigger mechanism that enhances safe handling.
Features
- Whisper silencing technology
- Narrow 14-inch cocked axle-to-axle width
- lbs kinetic energy
- Durable aluminum and fiberglass construction
- 185lbs draw weight
- All-weather composite stock
- Rubber padded grips
- Anti-dry fire and auto-safety trigger mechanism
- 380fps firing speed
5) SA Sports Empire Aggressor 390 Crossbow Kit
If you are looking for a multi-purpose crossbow that doesn’t cost a fortune, then you should go for the SA Sports Empire Aggressor 390 Crossbow. It is functional and suitable for small and medium hunting, target shooting, and other applications.
One good thing about this crossbow is its lightweight design. This makes it comfortable to shoot and easy to carry in the field. It also comes with an adjustable stock to fit different users and a shoulder sling for easy carrying.
Another feature that you will like about this crossbow is the quiet shooting. The integrated spring stops the noise and vibration, so you can have a quiet and comfortable shooting. The 185 lb draw weight makes it easy to cock even for beginners.
When you combine the draw weight and a good cocking rope, you’ll end up with a crossbow that’s easy on your back, even after a day of non-stop shooting. To top it all, a 4×32 scope is included to help improve your shooting accuracy. The scope has an illuminated reticle which comes in handy when hunting in low-light conditions.
Features
- Fairly lightweight
- Unbeatable accuracy
- Adjustable stock
- 4×32 scope with an illuminated reticle
- Shoulder sling for easy carrying
- Versatile applications
- Vertical foregrip
- 390fps firing speed
- Quiet operation
- 185lbs draw weight
6) BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow Package
If you are a beginner, the BearX Intense crossbow is your ideal option. It comes in a ready-to-shoot package that has everything you need to start shooting. The package includes a scope, quiver, bolts, cocking rope, and wax.
This red-to-hunt crossbow is ideal for both left and right-hand shooters. It measures 10” wide when cocked and 14” when uncocked. This compact design makes it easy to maneuver even in thick forests.
Even with the compact design, this crossbow delivers excellent accuracy and powerful performance. The 12.7-inch power stroke shoots the arrows at hard-hitting power of up to 400fps. Above all the crossbow comes with an anti-dry fire mechanism that helps prevent dry firing.
Features
- Ambidextrous design
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- 7” power stoke which delivers a whole 400fps speed
- 10” wide when cocked and 14” wide uncocked
- Great accuracy and impressive performance
- Ready-to-hunt package
7) Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Crossbow Package
The Killer Instinct Boss crossbow is a powerful crossbow ideal for hunting and archery. It delivers a maximum arrow speed of 405fps and a draw weight of 220lbs.
The ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field, while the 6-position AR-style buttstock adjusts to provide the most comfortable shooting position. The X-Lok foregrip is also adjustable to provide a custom fit for a wide variety of shooters.
This crossbow hits targets with a staggering 134ft. lbs of kinetic. This is sufficient to take down any small or mid-game on the first shot. The string and limb suppressors provide a quiet and vibration-free shooting, while the rope cocker helps you cock the crossbow without straining so much.
The crossbow is also compatible with the DSC Dead Silent Crank bought separately for consistent and hassle-free cocking.
Features
- Maximum firing speed: 405fps
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Adjustable stock and X-Loc foregrip
- Lumix 4×32 illuminated scope
- String and limb suppressors
- Rope Cocker
- DSC Dead Silent Crank compatible
- Staggering 134ft. lbs of kinetic energy
Related Posts
- Best Crossbows for Deer Hunting
- Best Crossbow Red Dots
- Best Rangefinders for Hunting
- Best Hunting Red Dot Sights
- Best Crossbow Scopes for Hunting
Best Crossbows under $400 Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Crossbows under $400
Velocity
One of the most important features of a crossbow is velocity. Velocity is measured in feet per second(fps) as it’s a measure of how long the arrow can shoot in a second.
A crossbow with a high velocity delivers better speed and performance. Since the fps vary significantly depending on the bolts that you are using, try to look for a model that produces a high velocity of at least 400fps.
Weight
There are two types of weight that you should consider when shopping for the best crossbow. First, it’s important to consider how heavy the crossbow weighs. This is crucial because you are going to carry the crossbow everywhere you go. A heavy model with decreasing your maneuverability and make your hunting expedition cumbersome.
Even without the bows, arrows, and scope, the ideal crossbow should be light and portable. It should be lightweight enough to be easy on your hands when shooting and comfortable on your shoulder when you are carrying it.
The other type of weight that you should consider is the draw weight. Draw weight refers to the amount of force you exert to draw the crossbow back to its cocked position. For easy handling, look for a crossbow whose draw weight isn’t too high.
Noise
If you plan to use the crossbow for hunting, you’ll want it to offer a quiet shooting operation. Typically, animals have a better hearing sense than humans, so they’ll be able to hear the slightest noise.
The last thing you would want is to spook the game cause of the noise that the arrows produce. So, try to look for a crossbow that has some sort of built-in silencing mechanism.
Size
Crossbows come in different sizes. When you are looking for the best model, make sure that you consider the size then try to get one that’s as narrow as possible. Narrow crossbows make maneuverability in thick bushes easy. They also expand your hunting grounds so you can explore more targets.
Safety
Safety is very important in crossbows. While most people see a crossbow as a safer weapon, this is not always the case. Typically, crossbows are as dangerous as firearms and other weapons.
To avoid fatal injuries, you should make sure that the crossbow that you choose to buy comes with multiple safety systems. This includes proper hand-guards, a trigger-blocking safety system and an anti-dry-fire system.
Durability
Your crossbow is going to be subjected to harsh conditions whenever you are outdoors hunting. This calls for a crossbow that’s well-made with high-quality and rugged materials.
The frame should be crafted with high-strength materials preferably aluminum or composite. Such materials enhance durability without adding any unnecessary weight.
Also, avoid any crossbows with cracked or split limbs as they can inflict serious injuries. Lastly, make sure that the strings and cables are precision-made to prevent snapping.
Read: Best Hunting Binoculars under $ 500
Best Crossbows under $400 FAQs
Q: What’s the Difference Between an Entry-Level Crossbow and the Under $1000 Models?
Other than the price difference which is obvious, most entry-level crossbows don’t come with a fully equipped accessory kit like the $1000 counterparts. Premium-quality crossbows have much more to offer other than the arrows, scopes, bolts and quivers. They have a sling for easy carrying as well as high-quality and more arrows.
Q: Which is More Accurate, a Bow or a Crossbow?
A premium-quality crossbow is more accurate than a conventional bow. It provides better speed, power and greater accuracy than a regular bow. However, cheaper crossbows are less accurate compared with regular bows. They also lack safety mechanism features.
Q: How Long Should I Leave My Crossbow Loaded?
It’s not safe to leave your crossbow cocked for a long period. However, if you happen to leave it loaded, make sure that it doesn’t stay in that state for more than 24 hours. Premature string and cable stretching can occur and this can interfere with the crossbow performance.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this buying guide will help you find the best crossbow under $400 that meets your needs. Knowing what you need in a crossbow helps make the selection process much simpler. Use our buying guide above and weigh in the features of each crossbow, then settle for a model that works best for your needs.