July 27, 2015
By Tracy Breen
Mike Clerkin from NAW TV shows you how to get real with your crossbow practice regimen.
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As crossbow popularity continues to grow in the bowhunting community, manufacturers look to stay ahead of the curve by improving on previous models and developing faster, lighter, more accurate crossbows for 2015.
Featuring new components, redesigned risers and refined power strokes, manufacturers continue to incorporate cutting-edge technology to put their crossbows at the forefront of the industry. And this year's lineup features something even the most discriminating whitetail addict will drool over.
Check out all the latest crossbow offerings for 2015:
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Barnett | Buck Commander Raptor The
Buck Commander Raptor is going to turn heads. A reverse-draw design, it has a hollowed-out stock and foregrip for a cool look and weight savings: It's only 6.5 pounds. The draw weight is 155 pounds, and it shoots a bolt at a rated 330 fps with a 15 1/2 ' power stroke. Durable laminated limbs add strength, and a carbon riser helps shave even more weight.
Price: $ 749
Darton | Rebel SS Compactness is a key feature of the
Rebel SS . It has a trackless barrel design, reducing bolt friction to yield more speed (350 fps) without added draw weight (180 pounds). The physical weight is 7.5 pounds, making this Darton's lightest crossbow to date. Plus, it's only 32 ' long, so it's great for a tree stand or ground blind. The power stroke is 13.5 '. This model has an anti-dry-fire system.
Price: $ 892.47
Excalibur | Micro 335 The
Micro 335's compact, but it packs a big punch; arrow speed is rated at 335 fps. And for a recurve design it's really narrow, with a total width of only 25 '. One of the Micro 335's most notable features is how light it is; overall weight totals a mere 5.2 pounds, making it among the lightest crossbows on the market. You also get a 10 ' power stroke, extra-durable Gen 2 CRT recurve limbs, a skeletonized stock and a great trigger. Draw weight is 270 pounds.
Price: $ 899
Arrow Precision | Inferno Wildfire II If you prefer the simplicity of recurve limbs (which let you change strings easily), try out the
Inferno Wildfire II . Its lightweight machined aluminum riser fits the cheek nicely, and it has a built-in anti-dry-fire system and a vibration-dampening system. The draw weight is 245 pounds, and speed is rated at 345 fps. The power stroke is 16 '. A large boot stirrup simplifies cocking.
Price: $ 579.99
Carbon Express | Intercept Axon The
Intercept Axon has great adjustability for a custom feel. It features a 6-position tactical AR stock and a multi-position Picatinny rail system, so accessories can be added easily. The machined trigger has the feel of one on a quality rifle. This compact powerhouse throws an arrow at 360 fps; the draw weight is 175 pounds, with a power stroke of 13.5 '. There's also an anti-dry-fire system.
Price: $ 711.45
Mission | MXB Sniper Lite Compact and weighing 5.96 pounds, the
MXB Sniper Lite is easy to handle. Speed is 310 fps with a 150-pound draw weight and 14 ' power stroke. Other cool features include a Sync Cam system for a smooth draw and cam synchronization that self-centers at full draw. Included are an automatic safety and a smart guide cable slide to alleviate down pressure on the cable and cams.
Price: $ 599
Scorpyd | Orion At 425 fps, the
Orion is one of the fastest crossbows on the market — despite a draw weight of just 165 pounds. Even at this speed, it's smooth and has a crisp trigger. The Hogue 1911 grip allows you to easily add aftermarket grips and accessories for a custom look and feel. The non-folding stock is a new design that keeps total weight down to 7.3 pounds.
Price: $ 1,799
PSE | Fang Despite its low price, the
Fang has great features, including split limbs and a comfortable stock. It has everything a crossbow hunter needs to get started, including a scope and accessories. The Fang weighs 6.8 pounds and shoots 345 fps. It has a 155-pound draw weight and an anti-dry-fire system. This one's a good option for beginners and veterans alike.
Price: $ 329.99
Horton | Storm RDX Horton's back, and its lineup is swinging for the fence. One top model is the
Storm RDX , a reverse-draw design. It's reportedly the narrowest such crossbow available. Stainless steel bearings in the cams yield a super-smooth draw cycle. The draw weight is 165 pounds, with a speed rating of 370 fps. This bow has a 16.5 ' power stroke and weighs 7.7 pounds.
Price: $ 1,219
TenPoint | Lady Shadow Here's one that should appeal to the growing crowd of female hunters. Wrapped in Muddy Girl camo, the
Lady Shadow weighs just 6.4 pounds, making it easy to carry and shoot. The ACUdraw system also makes it simple to cock. The 180-pound draw weight helps it throw a 370-grain arrow at a rated 350 fps. The Lady Shadow has a 12.6 ' power stroke.
Price: $ 1,119
Wicked Ridge | Invader G3 This line, from the folks behind TenPoint, offers many features at attractive package prices. One option is the
Invader G3 . Its lightweight, cored skeletal stock looks awesome. You also get a smooth T2 trigger and a dry-fire inhibitor for safety. Plus, the ACU-52 drawing system is easily cocked. Speed is rated at 330 fps, with a draw weight of 165 pounds.
Price: $ 523.49
