About CrossbowAuthority
We are a team of certified archery instructors, mechanical engineers, and consumer research analysts on a mission to provide the most trustworthy, independently tested crossbow reviews on the internet.
Founded 2026 · 14 certified expert reviewers · 40+ products tested
Our Mission
CrossbowAuthority was founded with a simple goal: to create the most trustworthy, test-backed resource for crossbow shoppers. With hundreds of brands and thousands of models available online, choosing the right crossbow is overwhelming — and a bad purchase means missed shots and wasted money.
Our team spends dozens of hours testing each crossbow we review, using standardised protocols developed with certified archery and engineering expertise. We evaluate speed, accuracy, build quality, ease of cocking, and long-term durability — then supplement our findings with reader feedback.
Our Values
Unbiased Testing
We purchase products at retail price and refuse to be influenced by brands. Our ratings reflect genuine performance, not sponsorships or gifted samples.
Test-Backed
Every recommendation is grounded in hands-on shooting sessions and validated through our standardised chronograph and accuracy testing protocol.
Reader-Focused
We factor in reader feedback and long-term ownership reports. Spec-sheet FPS numbers that don't hold up on the chronograph don't earn our recommendation.
FTC Compliant
We clearly disclose affiliate relationships on every page. Our editorial scores and recommendations are not influenced by which brands offer commissions.
Our Expert Team
Hank Dawson
NASP Certified Instructor with 18 years of bowhunting experience. Develops and oversees our testing methodology across every crossbow category.
Priya Anand
B.S. Mechanical Engineering. Leads chronograph testing, cam timing inspection, and long-term durability assessment on every unit tested.
Cole Bennett
9+ years of recreational archery experience. Analyzes reader data and price tiers to build our best-of lists and value comparisons.
Our Testing Methodology
Purchase & Assembly
We purchase crossbows at retail price and document the assembly and initial cocking experience from a consumer perspective, timing setup and noting any missing hardware or unclear instructions.
Sighting & Break-In
Every crossbow is sighted in and run through an initial break-in cycle of shots before formal testing, matching manufacturer guidance.
Chronograph & Accuracy Testing
We run each crossbow across a chronograph with multiple bolt weights and shoot fixed-distance accuracy groups at 20, 40, and 60 yards to quantify speed and precision.
Build & Durability Inspection
Our engineering lead inspects limbs, cams, rail wear, and trigger mechanism safety to assess durability beyond the spec sheet.
Annual Re-Review
We revisit and update reviews to account for new model years, pricing changes, and long-term durability data. Every page carries a "last updated" date.
Affiliate Disclosure
Last Updated: 2026
CrossbowAuthority participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
When you click on links to Amazon or other retailers and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission. This comes at no additional cost to you — you pay the same price whether you use our link or not.
Our editorial content is not influenced by affiliate relationships. We do not accept payment for positive reviews, and our ratings reflect genuine testing and analysis. If we do not like a crossbow, we say so — regardless of affiliate potential.
In compliance with the FTC's 16 CFR Part 255 guidelines, we disclose our material connection to product sellers on every page where affiliate links appear.
Questions about our affiliate policy or editorial standards? Contact us at editorial@crossbowauthority.com.