Crossbow vs Compound Bow: Speed, Accuracy, and Energy

The efficiency hole between compound bows and new crossbows appears to be widening exponentially. In the previous few years of crossbow testing, we reviewed bows — the Ravin R500, Tenpoint Nitro 505, and TenPoint TRX 515 — that shot speeds quicker than 500 fps, which was unattainable to think about only a few years in the past. For reference, the quickest compound bow within the 2024 Bow Take a look at — the Mathews Raise — generated a velocity of 283 fps with a 406 grain arrow and a 29 inch draw set to 59.2 kilos of draw weight. 

That efficiency distinction is so substantial that many bowhunters nonetheless argue that crossbows don’t belong in common archery seasons. Many people additionally marvel when crossbow development would possibly start to plateau or when extra recreation companies would possibly crack down on crossbow efficiency. 

However in case you look extra intently, crossbows have their disadvantages, too. And flagship compound bows are higher than they’ve ever been. Perhaps the efficiency hole isn’t as vast because it appears at first look? Beneath, we’ll dig into the target efficiency variations between crossbows vs compound bows. 

Arrow Pace

Crossbows have the plain benefit right here. As a result of most trendy crossbows make the most of cocking units, they don’t require a lot effort to cock and subsequently they are often designed for large draw weights. For instance, the quickest crossbow in the marketplace, TenPoint’s TRX 515, has a 300-pound draw weight. However you cock it by merely turning a crank. 

A compound shooter should be capable to draw his bow along with his personal power — although trendy cam design definitely helps. Most bowhunters are snug drawing a 60- to 70-pound compound bow. There’s solely a lot velocity {that a} compound can ship with that quantity of draw weight. Right here’s a take a look at the three quickest crossbows and compound bows from our 2024 bow test, the place we chronographed every bow. You’ll discover that crossbows have a few 150 fps to 200 fps benefit. Even in case you cranked the compounds as much as 70 kilos, they’d nonetheless get smoked by the crossbows. 

Crossbow Speeds

• TenPoint 515: 495 fps (445-grain arrow)
• Ravin R26: 453 fps (402-grain arrow)
• Centerpoint Sinister 430: 432 fps (398-grain arrow)

Compound Bow Speeds (406-grain arrow, 29-inch draw, approx 60-pound draw weight)

• Mathews Raise: 283 fps
• PSE Mach 30 DS: 281 fps
• Elite Ethos: 278 fps

Drop

As arrow velocity will increase, arrow drop over distance decreases. In different phrases, the quicker crossbow arrows drop a lot much less at distance than compound bow arrows do. 

That is essential in a searching situation the place hunters have to evaluate vary to be able to make correct holds. Say for instance you vary a deer at 40 yards. As you draw your compound bow the buck takes just a few steps and is now at 45ish yards — or possibly he’s extra like 50? For many compound setups that’s sufficient vary distinction to make a considerable change in level of influence. Not a lot with flat-shooting crossbows. 

For instance the extremes of this distinction, we performed a easy experiment. We shot crossbows and compounds at 20 yards and 50 yards. We used the identical level of purpose and maintain level at each distances. In different phrases, we used the 20-yard pin or reticle hash at 50 yards. We then measured the distinction between 20-yard and 50-yard arrows as an example drop. Right here’s what we obtained.

• TenPoint 515 crossbow (495 fps): 2.5 inches of drop
• Ravin R26 crossbow (453 fps): 6.8 inches of drop
• Mathews Raise compound bow (283 fps): 28.5 inches of drop

As you possibly can see, the quickest crossbows have impressively little drop from 20 to 50 yards. Arrows flung by compound bows drop considerably past 20 yards.  

Accuracy

There’s one vital metric the place crossbows and compound bows are a lot nearer than most bowhunters understand: accuracy. Throughout our annual bow check we shoot the entire prime crossbows and compound bows for accuracy at 50 yards. A staff of three shooters shoot three arrow teams after which we common these teams to get an image of accuracy for every bow and crossbow. 

What we’ve discovered is that the majority correct compound bows are very near probably the most correct compound bows. Right here’s a snapshot of the 5 most correct crossbows and 5 most correct compound bows (when arrange with stabilizers).

There was a 0.66-inch distinction between the averages of probably the most correct crossbows vs compound bows with crossbows having the slight benefit. That distinction is actually irrelevant in a searching situation. 

It’s essential to notice that what we had been actually testing right here was discipline accuracy: how precisely a daily archer can truly shoot the bow or crossbow in the actual world. If we’d have shot the bows out of a mechanical taking pictures machine, like a Hooter Shooter, we’d seemingly get completely different outcomes. However for bowhunters, the factor that issues most is the query: “How properly can I shoot the bow?” In order that’s what we measured.

We didn’t stack the deck in favor of compound bows with skilled shooters, both. The compound bow testers had been myself, Dustin Cimato, and P.J. Reilly of Lancaster Archery. Reilly and Cimato are professional shooters and veterans of the archery world. In case you put them on a random public archery vary they’d seemingly be the very best shooters on the road, however they’re not profitable nationwide 3D tournaments. As for me, I’m a workaday archer. I’ve been bowhunting since I used to be 14, and I shoot diligently each summer time in order that I’m able to be a deadly hunter within the fall. I don’t compete, I hold my bow up for the winter, and I’ve by no means had formal teaching. In different phrases, I’m most likely identical to you. 

It’s additionally price noting that the crossbows had been shot from a place to optimize accuracy. We used a secure bench, both a bipod or a taking pictures relaxation, and rear bag. —A.R.

Why Trendy Compound Bows Are So Correct

One of many greatest innovators in compound bows is Rex Darlington, who helped form compound bows into the tack drivers we all know in the present day. He additionally designed probably the most correct bow we shot on the 2022 bow check, the Darton Spectra E. You’ll discover Darlington’s patents utilized in nearly each flagship bow, particularly his synchronized cam system.

“That cam system takes away lots of the problems the shooter creates,” Darlington says. “It contributes quite a bit to the consistency and accuracy of the bow.” 

A technique it makes bows correct is by eliminating nock-travel points. Anybody who shot an early cam ½ system can recognize the complications the synchronized cam alleviates. 

You would possibly suppose that an arrow taking pictures from full draw travels in a straight line, however in some bow designs the nock finish would transfer at an angle. Within the worst designs, it will journey at an inconsistent angle. To unravel the inconsistency problem, many archers timed their cams for a little bit downward nock journey to provide the arrow a constant path. One other problem was that with every draw size adjustment, the nock journey modified, which made tuning bows a headache. Mainly the synchronized cam system makes bows very easy to tune.

In keeping with Darlington, one factor contributing to Darton’s accuracy is that their manufacturing course of and specs additionally make every bow very constant. 

“That bow ought to shoot a bullet gap simply by lining issues up, and there shouldn’t be any extra tuning than that to the bow,” he says.We’ve seen that within the final three bow assessments. Each bow shot a bullet gap with the identical 350 backbone arrow with little or no adjusting wanted.

Past the synchronized cam system present in virtually each bow, most of the prime bows had a large limb stance. 

“The limbs have gotten wider as a result of it helps distribute stress and makes them much less susceptible to fatigue. They maintain up higher,” Darlington says. “It additionally takes extra effort to twist them, which makes the bow extra secure.”

Bows used to have snug, albeit torque-prone, grips. Lately most bows have a sq., flat grip that promotes even and constant grip strain. There’s a motive goal archers want a grip of that fashion, and bowhunters reap the identical advantages. One other X issue is that there’s extra archery data accessible. You may go to YouTube proper now and get taking pictures recommendation from nice coaches like John Dudley or George Rylas IV, and plenty of bowhunters have. So you’ve got fewer set off slappers on the market and extra folks taking pictures strong type. —S.E.

Why Trendy Crossbows Aren’t Extra Correct

Whereas Darlington is understood for his compound bow designs, Darton makes crossbows, too. Darlington supplied perception into what’s holding again crossbow accuracy.

“The factor about crossbows is, in case you take the arrow weight and you work the quantity of saved power, it’s like taking pictures an under-spined arrow out of a compound bow,” he mentioned. “So, you’ll encounter arrow flight points you wouldn’t settle for out of a compound bow.”

The problem isn’t the crossbow. It’s that the bolts they shoot aren’t optimized for his or her 300-pound draw weights. The consequence is identical as taking pictures a poorly-tuned compound bow. One other pitfall is a few crossbow package deal bolts lack straightness and backbone consistency. So, how do you get probably the most out of your crossbow? Scale back the velocity by taking pictures a heavier bolt or a crossbow with a decrease draw weight.

“[Mission Crossbows] has just about dominated crossbow tournaments, however they’re not taking pictures very quick speeds out of their crossbows,” Darlington mentioned. “Their weights are underneath 200 kilos and that’s one of many issues that contributes to their accuracy.” 

We’ve seen proof of this over the course of the final three crossbow assessments. Bows within the low to mid 400 fps vary are usually extra correct than the quickest crossbows in the marketplace. For instance the Ravin R26 (452 fps) shot a 1.65 inch group common and the Tenpoint TRX 515 (495 fps) shot a 2.54 inch group common.

Lengthy-Vary Accuracy

If we had stretched the vary of our check to 70 yards or 100 yards, you’d see crossbow accuracy begin to pull forward of compound bow accuracy. Most common compound shooters would have a tough time delivering 6-inch and even 8-inch teams at 100 yards. Taking pictures from a supported place, with a scope, the crossbow has too nice of a bonus for all however the very best compound shooters to beat. However even with in the present day’s ultra-fast crossbows, 100 yards shouldn’t be thought-about an affordable searching vary. The bolt could be in flight for about three quarters of a second (greater than sufficient time for the animal to maneuver). Plus, at that vary, wind can severely change a bolt’s level of influence. (I don’t know any average-joe crossbow hunters who’ve practiced sufficient with their setup to accumulate correct windage changes for 100-yard photographs.)

Kinetic Power

Some bowhunters get hung up on kinetic power. Your arrow’s power is one consideration for making a clear kill, however it’s removed from probably the most vital issue. However earlier than we dig into the main points right here, let’s take a look at the numbers. Beneath you’ll see power comparisons of the quickest crossbow and quickest compound bow in our 2024 check. 

• Tenpoint TRX 515 crossbow: 495 fps / 445 grain arrow = 242 foot-pounds KE
• Mathews Raise compound bow: 283 fps / 406 grain arrow = 72 foot-pounds KE

Crossbows blow compound bows away when it comes to KE. You may optimize the KE of a compound bow by rising arrow weight, however you’ll nonetheless have a tough time getting even near what a top-end crossbow can ship. 

However realistically, this isn’t all that essential of a knowledge level for bowhunters. All of those bows ship loads of power for satisfactory penetration with a well-placed arrow tipped with broadhead. 

Right here’s the important thing factor to recollect: No matter their KE, arrows from compound bows and crossbows kill by the identical mechanism: reducing via important organs and inflicting exsanguination. Even probably the most highly effective crossbows won’t create the form of hydrostatic shock that rifle bullets create. For instance a little bit 55-grain .223 bullet generates 2,282 foot-pounds of power (or about 9 instances extra power than probably the most highly effective crossbow). By way of power and lethality, crossbows are far more much like compound bows than they’re to rifles. 

Ease of Use

It’s comparatively straightforward to grow to be a reliable crossbow shooter. In case you’ve shot a rifle earlier than, you’ve already obtained the fundamentals coated. Cocking, loading, and decocking crossbows takes some follow earlier than you’re feeling snug, however crossbows are considerably extra consumer pleasant than they had been just a few years in the past. There are two downsides of crossbows: first they’re a little bit awkward within the discipline, and second they require continuous upkeep (it is best to get the strings modified yearly). A brand new set of crossbow strings will price about $130. Compound bow shooters ought to get their strings modified as properly, however most of us don’t need to do it yearly. 

Their greatest profit is that they will stay cocked and loaded whereas within the stand. You don’t have to attract undetected the best way you’d with a compound bow.

Changing into competent with a compound bow takes considerably extra follow. Mastering the art of searching with a compound bow takes most of us a lifetime. However taking pictures a compound bow is enjoyable. I look ahead to these summer time evenings slinging arrows in my yard whereas the solar units. I don’t know of any crossbow hunters who shoot their bows recreationally. 

Construct High quality

By way of workmanship, prime compound bows are superior to crossbows. Many have lovely designs, carbon risers, and excellent ergonomics. The most effective compound bows are excellent machines and anybody with an appreciation for top of the range searching gear will recognize them.

On the flipside, even the costliest crossbows in the marketplace are missing when it comes to construct high quality. Most have an extreme quantity of plastic components. Their ergonomics are clunky. They’re all shockingly loud (government editor Natalie Krebs wears ear plugs whereas crossbow testing). 

We’ve additionally seen a number of main malfunctions with crossbow limbs or cocking units over time. In current historical past, we’ve by no means had a compound bow come to items throughout certainly one of our assessments.

Price

This one is a draw. In our opinion, it’s price going with a prime finish compound bow or crossbow, and each are spendy. Look to spend about $1,000 to $2,500.

The most costly crossbow package deal (the TenPoint 515) in our check goes for about $3,400 at Lancaster Archery. Our most costly compound bow (the Hoyt RX8) prices $1,950, which appears considerably cheaper, however you then’ve obtained so as to add a sight, relaxation, stabilizers, quiver, and arrows. You can simply sink $3K right into a high-end compound bow setup. On the opposite finish of the spectrum, yow will discover each serviceable compound bows and crossbows within the $600 to $750 vary. 

Learn subsequent: Best Compound Bows for the Money and Best Crossbows for the Money

Crossbow vs Compound Bow FAQ

Are compound bows extra correct?

Broadly talking, compound bows are simply as correct as crossbows at average searching ranges. That’s to not say that each compound bow is extra correct than each crossbow. And bear in mind, the archer (not the bow) is all the time a very powerful issue within the accuracy equation.

What are the disadvantages of a crossbow?

Crossbows are loud and a bit unwieldy in comparison with compound bows. Plus, they are often troublesome to cock whereas in a tree stand. Nonetheless crossbows do have loads of benefits over compound bows (see beneath).

Are crossbows simpler to purpose than bows?

Sure, crossbows are simpler to purpose as a result of they’ve scopes and maintain themselves at full draw. Nonetheless taking pictures a crossbow offhand might be difficult. The most effective crossbow accuracy comes by inserting the bow on a taking pictures relaxation, taking pictures sticks, or the rail of a tree stand or blind.

What are the benefits of a crossbow?

Trendy crossbows are ultra-fast and comparatively straightforward to make use of. Anybody aware of taking pictures a gun can decide up a crossbow and shoot successfully at average ranges. Plus, crossbows stay cocked, so the archer doesn’t have to attract whereas the critter is in vary.

Remaining Ideas on Crossbows vs Compound Bows

In comparison with compound bows, crossbows are extra highly effective and simpler to make use of. However we shouldn’t over estimate their capabilities. They don’t seem to be “cross weapons.” Most will not be impressively correct. On the opposite aspect of the coin, top-end compound bows might be extremely correct in the appropriate shooter’s fingers. 

Whereas it’s true that crossbows are rushing forward with improvements and unbelievable velocity, on the subject of cheap archery ranges, compound bows are simply as correct—and in the appropriate fingers, much more correct.