Best Crossbow Under 200
Catching your prey is easier when you have the right hunting tool. Target practice also feels different when performed with a reliable bow. But if you’re a beginner, investing in the most expensive weapon could not be the best idea. So, which is the best crossbow under 200 that can comply with your needs?
Finding a promising crossbow that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg is harder than it seems.
Here's a list of Best Crossbow Under 200
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That’s why I’ve roamed the market and identified the best models for beginners. Find out how to choose one and check my top picks below.
How to Choose a Crossbow
There are many determinants that you may have to consider when buying a crossbow irrespective of whether you're a target shooter or an everyday hunter. Of course, the prime factor is the purpose - what you intend to do with your crossbow.
This is because our litigious society has provided us with many different types of crossbows and each one primarily works best at specific tasks. If you already have an idea of what is in the market, the next step is checking the following:
1. Noise
When hunting, the amount of noise you make dramatically determines your hunting success. Recurve crossbows tend to be more silent than reverse crossbows or compound crossbows. Therefore, if you're a hunter looking for a crossbow, just keep in mind that silence comes with a price as it typically impacts the speed of the crossbow.
The noise from the crossbow is usually brought up by the massive short power stroke when discharged.
2. Crossbow weight
Another essential aspect of crossbows for hunters. While the weight is a limiting factor, a noteworthy point to take home is that how heavy your crossbow is can only be determined by you.
Your physical weight or strength can limit you from performing well in your hunting or shooting games. A heavy crossbow may take a longer time to aim than a lightweight crossbow but steadier when shooting.
Lighter crossbows are usually compact and more comfortable to navigate with through the woods. The rule of the thumb should be; the hunter or shooter who is stationary should purchase a more massive crossbow for accuracy, while hunters who run across the forest need a lightweight crossbow.
3. The height of the archer
Most crossbows are built for the average person. The average height is virtually between 5.4 to 5.8 feet tall. You may wonder how your shortness or your tallness is related to crossbows, here is the simple explanation.
Bringing the string into the cocked position may be quite challenging for a short person even with a rope cocking device. Fortunately, there are shorter crossbows available in the market today made primarily for the youth. Mechanical cocking gadgets are also available but are noisy for hunters.
4. Draw weight
Most crossbows are made up of similar designs. Well, for a target shooter it doesn't really matter, but when hunting, the draw weight of the crossbow and the arrow weight should correspond and increase accordingly. If you're a hunter, it is essential that you find a crossbow with appropriate weight for that particular purpose.
5. Velocity
This is primarily one of the most critical elements that hunters look for. When hunting there is no time to waste as a single second wasted can cost you a delicious meat stew for dinner.
Velocity is quite essential for the big gamers, and it goes hand in hand with momentum. Most target shooters, however, do not really pay attention to the speed but the shot—you only win for hitting your target not aiming faster than your opponent.
Top 5 Best Crossbows Under 200
1. Leader Accessories Crossbow
Highlights:
Design
The Leader Accessories Crossbow boasts a sleek, modern design that appeals to rookies and professional shooters alike. Affordable but reliable, this is perhaps the best crossbow under 200 you can find.
Draw Weight
Ideal for hunting, the Leader Accessories Crossbow impresses with a draw weight of 175 lbs. that draws arrows at a velocity of 285 feet per second. All this in an ultra-lightweight construction coming at a nice heft of only 7.48 lbs.
Overall Assessment
This crossbow brings great value for money in a pack that includes multiple accessories, such as a red dot sight scope, padded slings, four aluminum arrows, rail lube wax, and more. Safety is ensured by the anti-dry-fire mechanism, and the weapon comes with a one-year warranty.
Leader Accessories Crossbow Video Review
2. iGlow Compound Crossbow
Highlights:
Construction
Designed for beginner hunters, the iGlow Compound Crossbow incorporates all you could wish from a compound crossbow. The rail system makes the bow easy to use and transmit sufficient force to the arrow to travel at speeds up to 250 feet per second at a draw weight of only 150 lbs.
Accessories
You can shoot with the iGlow right out of the box, thanks to the accessories included in the pack. The bow comes with eight 16-inch arrows and a rail lube that add value, while the overall cheap price makes this weapon perfect for the novice.
Overall Assessment
Blending itself in the surrounding landscape, the iGlow Compound Crossbow is perfect for hunting small game or learning the secrets of archery. Its nicely polished fiberglass limb stands out while the camouflage design gives this bow an appealing glam.
3. Bruin Attack 265 Recurve Crossbow
Highlights:
Adjustable
The Bruin Attack 265 Recurve Crossbow is another weapon that deserves the title of the best crossbow under 200. It comes with multiple accessories and an adjustable bow length from 30.5 to 33 inches.
Attachments
Perfect to use right out from the box and appealing to beginners, this recurve crossbow comes with a quick-release quiver, scope, bolts, and cocking rope among other accessories.
Overall Assessment
Coming with an exchangeable retention spring, an AR grip and adjustable tactical buttstock, this recurve crossbow is perfect for the amateur hunter or beginners. It shoots arrows at a speed up to 260 feet per second and comes with three 16-inch aluminum arrows that add value for money.
Bruin Attack 265 Recurve Brossbow Video Review
4. William Tell Archery WT4
Highlights:
Build
The William Tell Archery WT4 is one of the most praised hunting crossbows for beginners and experienced hunters shopping on a budget. The crossbow boasts a sturdy construction made of quality forged steel that ensures high durability.
Multifunctional
Ideal for those who have not yet decided which is their weapon of choice, the William Tell Archery WT4 blends the benefits of a rifle with those of a crossbow, shooting both steel balls and arrows. This makes it perfect for the novice hunter.
Overall Assessment
This hybrid crossbow and rifle comes with a 200-piece steel balls magazine and two featherless hunting arrows, allowing you to choose the weapon of your choice when shooting small game. With its draw weight of only 80 lbs., this crossbow is not the most performing, but certainly is one of the most versatile.
William Tell Archery WT4 Video Review
5. Spider Maximum Power
Highlights:
Perfect for Hunting
Made of high-quality materials and shooting arrows at a speed up to 248 feet per second, this compound hunting crossbow is ideal for a wide range of activities, from target practice to hunting. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it is ideal for hunting small and mid-sized game.
Materials
Durable and long-lasting, this hunting crossbow comes with a fiberglass limb that is strong yet flexible. Furthermore, an aluminum barrel adds up to durability and ensures precise shots of the 20-inch bolt arrows.
Overall Assessment
Lightweight, easy to maneuver, and ideal for both hunting and target practice, this compound crossbow brings versatility and is ideal for beginners and experienced archers alike. It comes at a competitive price and is no doubt one of the best crossbows under 200 in 2018.
Conclusion
Finding the right crossbow that won’t break the bank is far from easy. This tool is complex, and manufacturers justify the overall higher price due to the difficulty to build a reliable weapon. Nevertheless, whether you’re an expert or a novice, you now know which are some of your best options.
