Are cheaper crossbows any good?

[@jimowens381]

Walmart sells some Barnetts that are excellent. Any of the XP models are very solid. You can usually get them in the $350 range. Definitely not all the bells and whistles of a Tenpoint but definitely more than adequate.

[@DREAM_GUNS]

I agree the Barrett’s are solid machines

[@jonathanyates5198]

Very accurate bows with great triggers

[@SquidAir]

I have an xp380 and it’s honestly pretty decent

[@johnsmith-oh2xo]

I have the Barnet XP 370 and its a tack driver really nice crossbow for the money it's solid..

[@Rustshakelford]

L

[@jesseboell3661]

Rich, I bought the Barnett XP 350 last year in an emergency from walmart. For $198, it's a very solid build, comparable to my previous $450 bow. They're running out of stock, but I saw one on the shelf for $170. It has since become my go-to due to its simplicity yet good performance.

[@ieatcaribou7852]

I bought the Killer Instinct Boss 405 (awfully similar to the Lethal you reviewed with an adjustable grip) from Bass Pro here in Anchorage for $300. My son and I shot it all summer and took two bucks with it a few months ago in Indiana. Heck I even dropped the darned thing out of my tree stand, but it's honestly really solid. Some reviewers said these cheaper bows might have their limbs break but we use heavier arrows and haven't had any issues. It came with the same hyperlite arrows as the Lethal, but I don't know if such a light arrow helps the limbs. It's probably heavier than the expensive ones and I replaced the scope, but for never owning a crossbow and being able to get into the sport for sub $500 with arrows, heads, etc. I'm mighty happy. Oh yeah, the Boss has AR 15 grips and I do believe you can change them up. They have the little storage in the bottom of the grip too. I actually have an adjustable stock off my actual AR 15 and planned to put them on my crossbow.

[@reallife2849]

Plus the have cam alignment marks

[@michaelfuchsfoxdenforge6336]

Friend shot a buck at 60 yards with it the same day he bought it. Good bow!

[@bJH3105]

I been shooting my boss 405 since it came out i did change scope right out the gate but no complaints on the bow

[@jimr898]

That's one thing that makes an Excalibur top shelf. Never have to worry about that or worn parts. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 ​@@reallife2849

[@gemeni69]

I have the KI Fiery 400 which is basically the same as the 405. It’s a great Xbow for the price and I also use heavier bolts CE Piledrivers and replaced the stock scope with the Illuminix Speedring and it’s a TAC DRIVER. If you take care of the strings and lube the rail like your supposed to it will last for a good while. I agree I believe a lot of the reviews are from user error. The lifetime warranty is great and so is the customer service.

[@tarzansbigknife7217]

Rich..I'm an archery tech at Bass Pro. We've sold dozens of Lethal 405s over the past holiday season. The problem we've had with some of those crossbows was limb failure...IE..cracking or splitting..My opinion is... the bolts that come with them are too light ( 370grs w/100grn tip). for those limbs to handle with continuous use. I suggest to people interested in buying one is to shoot a heavier bolt..either the carbon express pile drivers...442grs w/100gr tip or the Gold Tip Nitros...500grs w/100gr. tip...We've had zero issues with people shooting the heavier bolts in those crossbows.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I buy 20" Carbon Express Piledrivers by the case and run them whenever and wherever I can. They shoot well and are pretty inexpensive compared to many other offerings. Screw a 100 grain field point or broadhead in for best results and that is also what I use.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Just checked and I have over a hundred of them still new and many others used and shot. Lol

[@Airon79]

Could I go with a longer bolt and heavier point ?

[@Airon79]

Should I go with a longer bolt and heavier point ? I almost did buy longer bolts when I first got my bow but I stuck with the recommended 20" bolts , now I'm kinda wishing I hadn't .

[@pamelacoso8380]

Canes ?

[@one-eyedarcher]

Cool video Rich. My buddies 80 year old dad killed his biggest buck ever this year with a Lethal 405. I'll send you a pic. Nice big 8.

[@neabowhunters8107]

I love my Barnett xp 370 Shoots lights out and is very quiet with a 425gr arrow. Shooting 365fps bow is awesome. Has some down pressure on the rail but man it’s accurate. Aluminum rail and all for $239.00 upgraded the scope for 99.00 and for way less than a tenpoint it’s every bit as accurate.

[@jonathanyates5198]

If you place 1/8" shims between the front end and riser it will relieve the downward pressure on the string. If you will search on crossbow nation you'll find multiple threads on the process

[@neabowhunters8107]

@@jonathanyates5198 Sold it and went back to the best EXCALIBUR

[@JeepITguy]

Thanks for this info. I just bought this exact bow, today.

[@ajbabineau007]

2 seasons ago I got my first crossbow... a Barnett xp370 from sportsmans warehouse on sale for $250. I have had zero issues with it, and is incredibly accurate within 40 yards with cheap bloodsport 300 grain arrows, and 125 grain (2.25inch) schwacker broadheads. I don't shoot it like crazy but probably put almost hundred arrows through it. This past season I got a perfect pass through at 27 yards on my biggest buck ever. I was figuring to start cheap and work my way up with equipment. After 2 seasons I see zero need to upgrade. I'm actually considering just buying a 2nd (and maybe 3rd) of the same model and generation before they change things. Sure a ten point 515 sounds luxurious, I just can't justify it with how great this cheap Barnett XP370 has performed. Who would have thought? But dead is dead and either way I ethically should stay inside 40yards.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Can't beat it, good to hear

[@markjackson3531]

I'm new to this, why is it considered more ethical to be within 40 yards? To make sure it kills the animal straightaway instead of less arrow impact from a shot over 40 yards?

[@ajbabineau007]

@markjackson3531 Great question! maximum range is open to interpretation and varies from individuals. My personal ethical range is within 40 yards with any crossbow setup because my lack of training to be fully honest. If I trained frequently and was able to maximize the advantages these new high powered crossbows provide, and confidently hit my mark at 55+ yards, then so be it. But with my crossbow only shooting at a max 375fps, at 40 yards I am already starting to fight arrow drop by the time it get to the target. This channel has some amazing videos about this from years back. Taking about point of impact compared to aim points, and how much the deer can react and move during the arrows flight at lower speeds (like the Original Bungee - cue music). I encourage you to go through some of the old library of vids. So much to learn out there!

[@markjackson3531]

@@ajbabineau007 thanks, i will!

[@ColtPolen]

I hit a doe at 40 yards with the xp370 using 400 grain 20 inch centerpoint bolts and centerpoint deadpoint 100grain broadheads. Looked like the doe was hit with a slug, the arrow passed right through going 10 to 15 more yards sticking into the ground. The arrow and broadhead was completely fine.

[@Redelfoutdoors68]

I bought a Barnett whitetail hunter from Walmart. Great crate crossbow. Been very happy with it!

[@CheapHunter]

I've got deer with the cheapest legal crossbow and the popular cheap crossbows. The jaguar, the jackal, currently using a killer instinct I got from Walmart for like 200 bucks on sale a few yrs ago. It's more of how effective the person is at hunting rather than anything they are using to hunt.

[@fogcat1]

Shopping around for a new crossbow, great video! Thanks for posting it!

[@burkstwelve]

Lethal 405 for only $220 and shoots 405 feet per second. That is a hell of deal for an entry level hunter or even an experienced one. Like you said, if it breaks buy a brand new one and still pay less then $500 for two. My daughter still uses the PSE Fang that shoots about 310(maybe) and took a doe this year. She doesn't shoot over 30 yards. It still does the job, but she will be getting a new one once she is done with graduate school. Thanks' for the video

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

You won't see many people tossing their Ravin crossbows into their truck or car trunk and riding around with them. I wouldn't be surprised many people would consider doing it or have done it with crossbows like these. Could be one you hang up in the basement, garage or barn for varmints that become a problem as well. Nobody is beating up their high dollar stuff or if they are they aren't the sharpest broadhead in the box. Some people have this mentality that everything is "a tool" and should be treated as such. They never had to pass a Military white glove inspection and NOBODY wants to buy their used stuff secondhand because it's all beat to ***t as well. You could destroy one of these and move into the next without losing too much sleep over it.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Barnett TS370, TS380..... Centerpoint Sniper 370, Sniper Elite 385, Wrath 430/430X and Wicked Ridge M370. All of these cheaper crossbows are very hard to beat dollar for dollar. They punch way above their weight classes and give you premium features at budget friendly prices.

[@lordbane9291]

That first recurve crossbow you looked at was the first crossbow I got. Not counting pistol crossbows. Mine was the metal stock version and I went with the camo because it looked cool. Its 150 lb draw and shoots 300 grain bolt at about 210ish fps like it claimed on the box. Its actually a sweet Turkey slaying machine. Had it for 4 seasons and counting. Only ever need to replace string. I haven't ever used it for deer. Only way I can imagine that working is if I was very close to the deer.. Like 10 yards or less close. But for Turkey it works like a dream.

[@SteveCrosd]

I bought my first crossbow from Walmart. Ordered online a center point Snyper 370. They sent me a master pack meaning I got 2 crossbows sent to my house. I contacted Walmart and they told me to keep both. So I ended up with 2 for right around $250

[@markjackson3531]

Wow! nice

[@jonathanyates5198]

It never hurts to have a backup crossbow

[@GlenFogg]

I got my granddaughter a Barnett 370 and I hunted with it before I let her use it and I took a deer with it at 34 yards I am going to let her hunt with it this year.

[@GlenFogg]

She didn't know if she would hunt or not I paid $ 254 for it I love it and it's lite

[@jasonkolata1525]

I bought the barnett xp370 from Walmart 229. With tax 250. And I love it works great

[@Deathbybunjie]

That's a deal for sure! Good luck out there!

[@chainbenwa2713]

I spent $199.99 and I love my bear X trek 380 my gold tip ballistic arrow & 125 grain broadhead weighs 471 grains total and goes over the chronograph at 335 fps. I’ve probably fired it well over 500 times just shooting targets and it’s ready for its 3rd string lol.. lays the big hogs down here in SE Texas! The arrows it comes with are pretty light but they went over the chrony at 381 and are fun for longer range targets at 45 yards. It’s very accurate too. The only thing I’ve done is replace worn strings, buy good arrows and loctite the screws. Love it

[@rhondaandrew1764]

With the string breaking that is a ware item 😊great video for beginners. I wish that I had some one to show me around the crossbow world when I started out.

[@billgalante1181]

Rich, another great and informative video, thanks for all the time and effort you put in, I really enjoy them as do others.

[@rongarofalo3482]

Nice video Rich. Happy with my Killer Instinct crossbows.

[@granthenderson2146]

Purchased the Killer instinct Fiery 400 this past season from cabelas for $199. Reviews were a mixed bag and very few due to being a new model. Few stated cracked limbs after low number of shots. After reading a bit I decided to go with a heavier bolt before even firing with the hyperlite bolts provided. Product functioned great and harvested deer with it.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Sounds good to me!

[@mikepaoletto6234]

Hey man, love your channel I deal with KI and tenpoint everyday. Im actually a fan of KI and like the simplicity. I shoot the KI 400 and love it. Thanks for talking like a professional, love your outlook. mike

[@DREAM_GUNS]

New crossbow owner here...Great video!!

[@underdogoutdoors]

Centerpoint has some decent budget crossbows. I own a Wrath X 430, and a Wrath 430, so far they do what they're supposed to without a problem.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Just bought a Centerpoint Wrath 430X a few weeks ago for $429.99 and free shipping. You can't touch that X-Bow for at least another $300+ more with something else.

[@underdogoutdoors]

I have a wrath 430 for 2 seasons, put it through it's paces, made 2 detailed reviews on it, by far the best value, I like the 430x even better.@@JohnDoeEagle1

[@robbking6633]

I bought killer instinct crossbow less then $300 and have harvest 12 deer , had an issue mail it them they repaired and mailed it back didn't cost me an extra penny. Love my crossbow it's amazing

[@kevinsloan3019]

I bought a center point 370 about 3 yrs ago and was very satisfied even though on the first buck i shot i had a limb crack caled them immediately and they had new limbs in the mail within a week great customer service imo!! I would definitely purchase again!!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Sweet!

[@RandyParks-rn8wq]

I purchased the Killer, Instinct, lethal 405 from Amazon this past summer. It shoots excellent in the backyard all way to 40 yards not had any problem with it at all. Haven’t hunted with her at this time. Had to have cataract surgery. Laugh out loud plan on doing it next year, well this season I mean anyway, I think Lehal 405 at least mines fine no problems yet. By the way, I watch all your KZbin videos. Keep up the good work.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Good luck!

[@RandyParks-rn8wq]

My lethal 405 list the driveway at 210 pound and my set up shoots an arrow at 372 ft./s because I have a Krono that’s worth a 415 grain arrow set up. I’m going right through target except for a brand new when I got which is called an Iron Man it doesn’t go through it, I really love this bowl considering it’s not very expensive. It’s my first crossbow I’ve killed three big deer they’re on my wall. I’ve got two turkey on my wall tailfeathers that is I haven’t had over 20 years but I’m retired now and I’m getting back into it this year, hopefully

[@dirtdrag]

budget crossbow series would be awesome to see.

[@cedarhillkennels3252]

I have a killer instinct lethal 405, have used it for 4 years and killed a deer with it every season since I bought it. I did go with the heavier KI bolts and use 125 grain broadheads both sh-wack-ers, lol and rage hypodermics with great success. I bought from Wyver creations a Excalibur speed ring type take-off scope. Being a reloader and having a speed ring type scope it was imperative I shoot it through a chronograph and to my surprise, even with the heavier bolts it still shot right at 387fps. I love this crossbow and for the money I have been pleasantly surprised with it. I honestly believe that with these so called faster bows and cheaper quality the heavy bolts and broadheads is the way to go to stem the problems of cracked limbs

[@RandyParks-rn8wq]

I also use have your bolts on my lease of 405 are use 415 grain total bolts I believe the arrows 390 grain that I use not counting the 125 grain field tip but yeah I’m on shirts great with the scope that came with it. It’s seems like it’s matched with the reticles

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Just bought another backup/loaner crossbow tonight direct from Barnett on super sale. I got a Whitetail Hunter STR (obsolete/discontinued) model for $299 and free shipping. I have co-worker friends that like to tag along with me but they don't own a crossbow yet. I look for these $200 - $450 crossbows in particular for that purpose. Sometimes lightly used second hand but not always or all the time. This one was brand new in the box with a warranty so that was a no brainer decision to make. I actually like the camo better on this Whitetail Hunter STR more than the replacement newer Whitetail Hunter PRO STR model. It looks cooler with the Mossy Oak Bottomland and black grip, butt-plate, cheek-weld anyway IMO. "I'd really like to come with ya, but I don't have anything to use!" Now you do bud!!👍

[@woodscrafter1971]

As stated by others, the Lethal 405 comes with super light bolts and you will break a limb if you keep shooting them. I bought it when it first came out (I resisted the crossbow vs. traditional til my body said otherwise). I think it was $350 then. Still a great value and my brother is using it now. For under $300, a great deal!! You have to do your research though and realize you need heavier bolts. You can absolutely change out the grips, BTW. Fun to watch video, thanks!

[@AgronomistatIA]

I picked up a Barnett XP350 bow for $180 at walmart 2-3years ago. It was my first crossbow.....It has not disapointed. Now my 3 sons are starting to hunt. I had $200 in amazon gift cards from doing surveys. Found the Killer Instinct Leathel 405 kit for $220 that you were looking at on Amazon after deer season closed. Ordered it and the thing looks & feels impressive......hopefully it holds up like the barnett XP350. Overall I'm feeling good only spending $380 on two very solid crossbows. Can't wait fo see you review/test them.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Right now everybody is running super sales and it's past season so they are moving excess inventory. It's the perfect time to buy right now for the next few months before warming up and people start going outside and shooting again. I know I have hit some really good deals the last month myself. -$200 off....-$300 off, usually free shipping and sometimes no sales tax (depending on the dealer and total volume of sales) etc etc.

[@sirmykal9764]

Excellent video sir! Tons of great information!

[@blainemullen8646]

My 1st crossbow was a Lethal 405, took a buck with it in my 1st season. I do believe the grip is AR compatible. I sold it off for 2 reasons. I wanted a narrower cocked/uncocked bow. And it fell, and the cantilevered scope mount took the hit. Had scope alignment issues after that. Moved to a Centerpoint Wrath 430.

[@emptypockets9187]

My brother bought his son a Barrett 385 xp crossbow at Walmart. It shoots really good and it shoots 385fps with a 400 grain bolt. That center point wraith 430 shoots good. It shoots around 420 fps with a 400 grain. I bought a Barrett ts380 it’s an older model but designed to more like an ar and it’s grips and cheek surface is rubber so it feels very comfortable to hold. It shoots 385 fps 400 grain.

[@jontewatkins4584]

I bought 3 Barnett XP 385 for $161.00 at Walmart. Great gift ideas.

[@bowhunter3703]

I started my crossbow experience with the first bow you mentioned ($139 made in Taiwan) over 40 years ago. When Crossbows became legal to hunt with, I managed to kill 4 deer with ti, all within 20 yards, all pass thru. I then bought another crossbow (MK 250 made in Taiwan) and killed many deer with it, all within 30 yards. After that, I bought a famous brand crossbow that cost me over $500 and one of the limbs started delaminating after 20 shots. I had them replaced under warranty but ended up paying a $50 service fee. I am 70 years old and will probably stay with what I have for now.

[@Kwagga29]

People would be surprised to find out how many crossbows are mare in Taiwan. I sell crossbows as a side business and even the big name brands gets made in Taiwan (I believe TenPoint and maybe one more brand are the only exceptions). They might be designed in USA, but the factory is based in Taiwan - guess it is just cheaper that way. BUT, that should never discourage anyone from buying these crossbows - they are amazing pieces of equipment that will serve the hunter for MANY years (at a fraction of the price)

[@JASONBECKFISHING]

Walmart doesn't except any returns on any type of firearms and they tell you to contact the maker of the crossbow which is something to take into consideration. I now place like basspro don't have issues retuning, but for me warranty plays a big part when buying a crossbow.

[@airguntrucker]

Great overview! The first thing you need to learn when shopping online is weeding out the ridiculous reviews that are obviously brand fanboys or haters or 1* because the UPS driver left it at the wrong door and nothing about the product. My focus for years has been air rifles so the crossbow is the next fascination for me. Thanks again.

[@jrd8640]

The safety release jamming is usually from getting rail wax in there and it just needs cleaned out

[@uriellemus2452]

I have that wooden mankung crossbow with 150lbs for 6 years , more than 50 burah deers hunted at max range of 55mts , realy good crossbow , i have never replace the limb , only strings and keeps shooting as new, and hade dryfire it many times by accident

[@mitchellray2784]

Love my little Recurve Wildcat. Great for rabbits, squirrels, and bullfrogs. I reckon it would work for deer if I kept the distance reasonable and did my part. It’s a tack driver if you practice, learn the trigger, and add a little blue loctite to the bolt holding the nose piece

[@Kwagga29]

accuracy and shot placement is key. If people can hunt with low poundage recurve bows, then you should be able to get the job done as well..... maybe not on Cape Buffalo or Bison... but for white tail and medium sized game at 20yards and under, you should have no problems

[@carvin2003]

My Tenpoint had to go in the shop during hunting season. I bought the KI Lethal 405. After a few shots in the back yard to sight it in I took it hunting. I got a doe the first time hunting and she dropped in sight. Now it's my backup bow, but I am very confident with it. It is really fast and accurate. I've updated the scope and shoot 500gr arrows with a 3" Swhacker. It's a great bow for the money!

[@darkling54]

I just bought a barnett xp350 for $95 on sale out the door and honestly it punches way above its price. Not sure about the power on game but its pretty impressive so far.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Great to hear!

[@frederickbierweiler8020]

great video Rich

[@Anontesla]

4:26 Yep they got one of the XP’s on clearance for $211 on the way to go pick it up. It was a regular order at $400 so I’m excited.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Awesome 👌 !

[@jenniferrobinson5813]

Barnett great trigger, true anti dryfire. The Barnetts I've had were plenty accurate. My experience with customer service (replacing scope) was positive. Yeah, Barnetts don't have the build quality of a high end crossbow, but your not looking for high end at Wally World...

[@jonathang8571]

Loving these reviews! As someone who bought a Killer Instinct 415 Burner in this range ($300 at the time on Amazon) a year an a half ago, really appreciate how you break down the benefits of these cheaper models. Would I have picked a different model if I had known more? Probably. It's a little bulky but not a bad unit for the price and I was able to kill two deer last year with it.. That's what counts. :)

[@cdc9776]

Very informative video. Thanks Rich!!!

[@johnhast1979]

I have a sniper 370 that I got as a back up and I love that bow . Great crossbow for the money .

[@baileymichael4326]

Nice video my friend a lot of people don't understand I love to hunt I'm a beginner but at the same time I've been a busboy at IHOP for 13 years make decent money but it's not like I'm. Able to afford a 2000 crossbow I spent 200 I got the Killer Instinct Firey 400 for 2oo$ and it shoots great better than some more of the expensive ones love the video keep up the good work my friend Mikey Daytona Beach Florida

[@kendittig6142]

afternoon Rich, i rarely comment but this ones a bit long. i am a traditional bow hunter, been shooting and hunting with a recurve since 1978. yep old. three years ago i tore a rotator cuff in three places, thought my trad days were over, it happened mid summer, no chance for recovery before archery season so rather than sit out i dove head firstdown the crossbow rabbit hole. i bought the centerpoint heat 410 from dunhams on a clearance, came with a crank. swapped out scopes and shoot it only enough to zero it. took two deer the first sit and another a week later. used it again last season. shot it three times, one for checking zero the other two were on does. shot it 5 times this year pre season, sitting in the dark last week in my stand, 2b, i always feel the limbs, yep the one is cracked and splintered, the bow has a total of less than 35 bolts fired thru it, never dry fired. min bolt weight per manufacture is 390, i shoot a 420 total bolt weight. bows junk. now back in 2005 i bought a ten points titan tl4 for my son for an upcoming hunt in africa in 2006, he took all his animals in africa with the ten points, a buddy used it after his bow broke on that trip. the bow is currently on loan, to a cousin that hunts archery season with it. the bow is 19 years old, strings and cables changed once and spits a 425 grain bolt at 280fps, price point on thr ten points was it was at the time the low end bow, cheapest model, and still going. i am totally convinced that this constant need for speed selling bows that are lower end bows at or above the 400 fps range is more of an issue than anything else, so much stored energy in such a small space has to go somewhere. a good solid built bow at the 300 to 350 range will last a long time when compared to the speed demons being built, reguardless of price. i am all healed up and have returned to my bent stick and string, but i belong to a deer management program, and for that i use a crossbow, current bow is an excalibur micro mag 340, little bugger spits a 400 grain over my chrno at 339/341 just this morning, havent fired the 350 setup its rated at. i believe this bow will out live me, simply because its built for realistic speeds that i can hunt anything on the planet with it with the correct set up. started watching your vids a bit ago, they are tasteful put together well and enjoyable to watch. keep making videos and posting, wishing you and your daughter a safe and successful deer season at home in pa. be safe and straight shoots and short blood trails to ya. i just might have to head out on one of your future meat and greets someday.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Great story thanks for this!

[@williamcarella8879]

Thank you for supporting the thin blue line that protects our communities

[@Deathbybunjie]

Won my first jury trial today as a prosecutor, good stuff

[@MidwestAntics]

Walmart and Dunhams near me usually have pretty good deals. I’m on my second year with my Barnett Assault 350, I’ve shot over a hundred arrows in my backyard and she’s still in great shape and shooting good. Keep the strings waxed and the rail lubed. 👍🏻

[@davesr4587]

I bought my Kill Instinct 405 last year. I wanted to try a crossbow as shooting a compound bow I was not vary good at. With being a first time crossbow owner, I had a hard time getting it put together, but I over came it. It didn't take me long and I got it sighted in and I was shooting consistent. On the 2nd day of bow season 2023 I took my vary first buck with this crossbow. Now granted it was within 3 yards (lol), I nonetheless got a kill shot and he only ran 80 yards maybe. I love this crossbow and would recommend it to anyone as a beginner crossbow. It's a great beginner crossbow at an affordable price which is what I was looking for.

[@Deathbybunjie]

That's great congratulations!

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Just chiming back in to confirm the TruGlo 1X 30mm crossbow red dot is a solid performer and well worth the money if you are looking for a decent crossbow red dot for a good price. I have one on my William Tell 120# Mini Striker pistol crossbow and it is fantastic. They can be had for around $47 - $51 right now everywhere on sale and are worth every penny. They sell for $79.99 regularly if you don't catch a sale which is still reasonable for what you get. It takes a common 2032 battery so they are easy to find and not expensive which is another huge plus when it comes time to replace them. You can find those batteries anywhere and they don't cost a small fortune. The package also already comes with a good mount and spring loaded flip up lens covers included. No need to have to purchase them separately adding to the cost. For about 50 bucks you can't do any better...🙂

[@Bms20082]

The killer instanct one you looked at is a great crossbow, i use it to hunt, very reliable.

[@tomvawter4531]

Nice video. Im a new subscriber. Getting ready for another N.C. bow season now.

[@TravisBailey-xk6ld]

I appreciate your shows good information

[@charlesly3270]

I have the center point wrath 430 and people on KZbin been saying it's only really 407-415 fps. At the crossbow/broad head range the other day that thing was ripping through the 12x12 foam blocks targets at 20 and almost through the blocks at 30. Very accurate crossbow, brand new never sighted but was hitting the bullseye. Not bad for the price and is good bow under 1000.00

[@diaryofagoat-lass1023]

Those prices man! You would FAINT at the prices here in Canada for even basic Crossbows like this. I got lucky and scored my Bear X Trek (complete kit) on clearance for 399.00+40 in tax. (In hindsight maybe I should've grabbed the Bear X Intense they had for 499 on clearance that came with the crank instead of shelling out flat 150 for a crank later on. (we all make mistakes) I remember looking at the Killer Instinct Lethal crossbows but could never find any for less that 450 CND. This video makes me feel better after watching some random dude do an unboxing and firing video for a Bear X Trek 380 crossbow and said it was crap. 💔 (after him standing at 40 yards and burying his bolt 5 inches deep into a solid wood stump! dude had to get an Ax to get the arrow out and he still chopped it off.) Only thing I agreed with was the fletchings out of box are rather cheap as they crinkle after the first shot and need replacing. (not a problem for my local Archery shop setting me up with a Fletching Jig, replacement fletches and glue. One time purchase. Lifetime tool and replacement skills.

[@nhebayernh764]

$263 for my Ki burner 415…. Love it. Bought on Amazon on sale

[@Anontesla]

Bought the center point 325 for $211 amber love it!!!!!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Wow 👌

[@sambalsamo]

Cool video! Thank you for info, I’m a big compound hunter, and looking for something for my finance, and never knew people were so big into crossbows! Haha

[@sambalsamo]

@ she’s 5’2 110 pounds… she could never pull enough poundage… the we will stick with crossbow for her, but thanks for the input!

[@JoeSyxpack]

The one where it said it "jammed up" I'll bet was user error. Probably didn't have the arrow seated all the way back and the anti dry-fire engaged. Which is an easy fix, but if you don't know crossbows you'll probably figure it's broken. I picked up a crossbow on clearance a few years back for 150 bucks. It's a Wildgame XB 370, that I'm pretty sure was made by Barnett. Didn't care for the scope so I swapped it out for a Truglo. Got two deer with it so far and expect I'll get another this year. It's been pretty solid and no complaints. Probably should have bought two of them so I'd have a backup.

[@ryansumners3153]

I picked up a barnett xd350 from Walmart for $300 and love it.

[@jeffhays1968]

Gotta start somewhere ! Many of these are really solid equipment for the price. Not all of us can afford the high end screamers, for sure. Barnett bows for the middle end to lower end are fine for the most part.

[@douglasborgaro6801]

I started with a Carbon express, intercept Supercoil. It was a rope cocker with aluminum rail and a scope that wasn’t bad actually. I was using 414 grain total arrow weight at 350-355 fps. At 390 grain arrow weight, it was at 365-370 fps. Shot numerous deer with it. My first crossbow experience! Very accurate as well! It was around $5-600 when I bought it. Unfortunately, the company was bought out or something went down. You can no longer get this bow in the same quality category or the same model.

[@jasondunlap6937]

Thanks for the video, I commented a while back asking for this. I am interested in crossbow hunting, but can’t justify $1000+ on something I’ll use 3or 4 times a year. Good info on the video

[@Deathbybunjie]

Now now we all hunt differently, no problems there

[@jimashby43]

Great video for me, just looking into it now, after air guns.

[@fishingkywatersguy7219]

I bought the lethal 405 a bit over 3 years ago. For a budget entry setup, it is great. Now as many have commented, the base arrows are too light in my opinion for this setup, has I had limb delaminate this past season. Even with that, I will still continue to use KI brand. The warranty hands down was the best for this situation, but I will be upping my bolt weight to something around 550 grain. To answer your question, that is an AR-15 style grip that has the bolt up inside the center.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Awesome, thanks, and good luck out there!

[@kevindietiker7887]

Hi that killer instinct crossbow came with string dampening on it and I got a wicked ridge invader for Christmas that didn't come with that on it stock. I had to buy them. So for the killer instinct to come stock with them is a plus in my opinion.

[@Dutch.1722]

KI speed scope is sweet

[@rikertvonfulton16]

I have a Bear apocalypse. its been solid so far. I have had it for about 6 years.

[@ChristopherWorkman1996]

I'm a beginner looking to buy a crossbow. Here in West Virginia, firearms deer season is only from mid-November to early December, while archery season is from September to New Year's Eve. By the time gun season comes in, the weather is bad and the rut is over.

[@Deathbybunjie]

That's cool good luck!

[@rustypipes12]

The main issue with compound crossbows is the need for a bow press for basic string maintenance. The strings stretch . Recurves can be maintained by the owner.

[@Deathbybunjie]

I have a press. It's pretty easy lol

[@gramps5157]

Right now 8/18/24 Ten Point has a Cross Bow for $399. Pre Owned Certified with a 3 year Warranty. It's the M370. 370 Ft. per second. Nice looking and nice Cross Bow for someone just starting out. I'm thinking about it myself because my Ten Point is as old as Bungie.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Sweet deal that's cool.

[@theamputeehunter2074]

I bought the Barnett XP 350 and I have it sighted it out to 30 yards and also harvested 2 doe last crossbow season and I would highly recommend it and I also bought it from Walmart and liked it much I bought a 2nd one and paid 225 shipped to my house

[@Deathbybunjie]

What a great deal!

[@theamputeehunter2074]

@@Deathbybunjie thanks I appreciate that

[@jonenglish6617]

My first and second deer were killed killed with a 125 lb draw Astro daco hornet. Those deer stayed dead

[@kdavis269]

What was the usable hunting range at 125 draw?

[@jonenglish6617]

I never shot one past 20 yards but that was a good spot, the deer got close@@kdavis269

[@jonenglish6617]

@@kdavis269 I never killed a deer past 20 yards

[@leelaporte9959]

Still have both my fierce 405s no problems going on the 3rd year

[@morganmanuel8666]

I have a killer instinct 405, its a great crossbow. Bought it after Christmas last year, started hunting with it this year and its been great. Haven't killed a deer with it yet but thats not the crossbows fault.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Lol good stuff, good luck

[@bushinbritishcolumbia6935]

Yeah,,,,,you should buy one and test it out,,,,fling some bolts down range,,,,and good an opinion on it,,,,,id be curious to see results from and a affordable bolt slinger

[@boomerrangerron]

Great video review Rich and honestly you really can kill deer with cheaper slower crossbows! That said, I'm probably the only one in America who has not taken a deer with a Barnett crossbow! I've had two now, and their customer service is superb, perhaps even better than TenPoint. But thanks to you I do have three hogs with two Barnett crossbows! I personally think that they've all gotten too expensive and really one of the best values around is still Wicked Ridge, TenPoint's second label. In fact, the M-370 is still now only $499 at both Bass Pro and Cabelas! And the 370 FPS can't be attained with heavy arrows, as the best I've been able to hit is around 350 or so! That said at 15 yards, complete pass-throughs and five deer bagged this season! Thanks for sharing, as this is a great way to gift a new crossbow hunter and get them started!

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I have a Barnett TS380 and a Wicked Ridge M370 and love them both!

[@jamesspaur2267]

Yeah you can change the 405 grip. I got one and love it

[@Dawsonator32]

I’m not new to crossbows or hunting and I had a Killer Instinct Lethal 405 and I have to say the last review isn’t wrong. I bought one with a bent rail and the bolts would have a gap from the rail. It’s not user error, however killer instinct did make it right so I proudly use killer instinct because they will back up their products.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I just got a M-48 Hell Hawk 80# to play around with mostly set up as a bow fishing rig and also primarily for hunting squirrels. I tell you what for $59 - $69 and another $21 - $32 for a CVLIFE 1x22x33 reflex red/green dot you can't beat it. It shot all the way through both sides of a pizza box and stuck in a tree. Lol Ok, so this thing is for real and not a kids toy....EXCELLENT! 😄 There's no doubt that it will easily take squirrels, gophers, rats, chipmunks, carp/gar/sucker fish or even rabbits. The only downside is it doesn't come with any instructions and you have to figure it out yourself, but it's not too bad. Also getting the string on takes a trick where you can use the legs of a chair covered with socks. I temporarily did that with one of my shop barstools out in my garage and it worked ok. I'm in the process of fabricating and welding something much better, smaller, lighter and portable up out of steel right now. I also am going to build one out of common wood consisting of ordinary things anyone will have around the house for those who don't have a welder or know how to. I will feature both of what I did in a video on my channel once I get it accomplished. Other than that this thing is awesome with that red dot for that kind of money. I'm going to use custom made longer carbon bolts/arrows with either 3" or 4" fletches for it too for better accuracy and adaptability for hunting broadheads. The stock adjustable sight will work too, but these elcheapo red dots make it much more accurate and easier to shoot. I can't believe how nice those red/green dots are for $21 to $32 (depending on where). The crossbow itself goes for $59 to $69 (depending on where). Overall I am very pleased and it will be nice to keep in the truck or boat at it's price point. 👍

[@Deathbybunjie]

Not sure why lots of them do not come with directions these days but otherwise good to hear!

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

@@Deathbybunjie A M-48 Hell Hawk 80# mini crossbow would make a nice gift and conversation piece as well. It would allow someone to start getting into crossbows without spending very much money on the first. For us seasoned guys it makes a nice backup, extra or beater to accompany your other, larger, much more expensive crossbows. You can be out the door for less than $100 including a red dot and extra bolts/arrows. I always say it that way because when someone says "bolt" anyone who is not seasoned starts thinking what size, length and thread pitch. They don't know a bolt is a shorter arrow made special for crossbows. Not sure how that term came to be but it makes little to no sense. A regular compound or recurve "bow" uses the the term "arrow" and always has.

[@Koopwins]

We both live in Pennsylvania but my local walmart doesn't sell guns, bows, crossbows, or even blinds, whole section where all the guns and ammo use to be is just fishing poles now. Makes me sad

[@Deathbybunjie]

Me too

[@Rstpete1]

Great vid Rick, interesting. Another idea for a vid. Context: 72 and fighting cancer. Had to skip last fall. Looking to 2024 I think I need to look to a smaller light more compact crossbow for easier carrying. I love my Excalibur Micro 335 and Matrix 380 but they are big and heavy. How about a vid on light weight compact crossbows. Us older infirmed guys still want to hunt. Thanks for all you do. Been watching from your beginning.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thank you for this and I wish you the absolute best!

[@JUNEORJUNE]

NICE VIDEO MISTER. ARE CROSSBOW STRONGER THAN BOW FOR CARP FISHING AND GAR? WHICH SHOULD I BUY?

[@Deathbybunjie]

Either with heavier arrow probably gets it done! Totally your preference I bet.

[@JUNEORJUNE]

@@Deathbybunjie GOT IT

[@BackyardBroadheads]

I love Barnett but the wildcat is hard to draw and the trigger poundage is high. Also the bolt sticks out in the front. A recruit or raptor fx or any XP is a big step up for not much more money

[@calebfox7313]

My daughter and I were hunting this year and shot my biggest buck today with killer instincts, 405

[@Deathbybunjie]

Awesome congratulations!

[@Airon79]

I was in Walmart today and saw a virtual compound bow that looks like the real thing but appears to have exercise bands for strings and I think the draw weight is adjustable from 10 lbs and up . I know this video isn't about compound bows but figured I would tell everyone about it .

[@Airon79]

Ha ha , I think you stumbled upon that compound Bow at 11:25 !

[@Deathbybunjie]

Notice you don't need stuff like that for crossbows. Just sayin' 😆

[@lukeroberts4952]

Why is the bear behind you happy and smiling. You would think he'd look angry

[@donutdan1508]

That's a Maine bear! All that Jazz Cabbage keeps em pretty happy.

[@timcyarb]

I actually liked this video but i do have a minor complaint. Several times in the video you mentioned that the people were not crossbow people and pointed to the fact that they didn't know the vernacular of the parts. Yet several times during the video you refer to the bolts or a crossbow as arrows. If you are going to nitpick other people and their verbiage then i suggest you make sure yours is correct as well. Crossbows do not fire arrows they fire bolts. But in all seriousness this was an excellent video and gave a ton of good information about more than just crossbows. It also touched on how to separate the wheat from chaff with online reviews. Definite thumbs up from me.

[@susanliggett3982]

Affordable crossbows great video sir, Killer Instinct good affordable crossbows IMHO, I've got two of them a Ripper 415 then a Ripper 425 both of them great deer killing machines for me. -W. Liggett

[@michaelcobb3713]

Shot my cheap center point for 3 years with no issues

[@JimmyDickens1]

Same! I’ve harvested four deer with mine so far using the optic it came with. It does great for what I need!

[@danielhamilton7919]

I have the 405 killer instinct I would recommend this crossbow. It very accuratel hard hitting crossbow

[@joorourke8134]

Excellent video and learning the terminology was super helpful! This is going to sound like a strange question but I'm a writer. In an apocalyptic scenario, would any of these be the best pick for purposes other than game animals? Not sure how else to ask that without sounding like a criminal, but in the novel there isn't going to be a Cabelas/Bass Pro shop available, just a Walmart or similar type store in a po'dunk semi-rural town. My characters aren't going to have access to $2k bows and it sounds like those would be too much anyway.

[@joorourke8134]

Do you have any thoughts on inexpensive but quality mini-crossbows?

[@Deathbybunjie]

There are some good minis out there but I'm a crossbow hunter so prefer hunting gear. Not much experience with minis. Apocalypse? I say any of them would get the job done haha.

[@stepheno.2730]

At the end of the day, you gotta keep it real. You get what you pay for.

[@FDRGREG]

Good thought about user error.