Crossbow Buying Guides
Everything you need to know before buying a crossbow — written by certified archery instructors and testing engineers.
Last updated: 2026 · Expert written & test-backed
Buying Guides
Choosing the right crossbow before you buy — by type, draw weight, and use case.
Best Crossbow Broadheads for Deer
Best crossbow broadheads for deer hunting: how to choose between mechanical and fixed-blade heads, cutting diameter, and our top tested picks.
Best Crossbows for Beginners 2026
Best crossbows for beginners in 2026: our top picks for first-time buyers, tested for ease of cocking, forgiving accuracy, and honest value.
Best Crossbows Under $500 & $1,000
Best crossbows under $500 and under $1,000 for 2026: our top tested picks by budget tier, with real chronograph data and honest tradeoffs.
Crossbow Draw Weight by Body Size
Best crossbow draw weight for your body size: how true vs felt draw weight works, legal hunting minimums, and picks by strength level.
Crossbow Hunting Laws by State
Crossbow hunting laws by state: which states allow full archery-season use, which restrict it, and how to verify current rules before you hunt.
Crossbow Safety Rules for Beginners
Crossbow safety rules every beginner should know: anti-dry-fire basics, finger placement, cocking safety, and range etiquette that actually prevent injury.
Crossbow vs Compound Bow Guide
Crossbow vs compound bow compared: accuracy, learning curve, hunting regulations, and cost, to help you choose the right hunting weapon.
How Fast Is a Crossbow Bolt (FPS)
How fast does a crossbow bolt travel? FPS explained: what it means, how we chronograph it, and real speeds across crossbow types.
Crossbow Cost Guide: Budget Tiers
How much does a good crossbow cost in 2026? We break down real budget, mid-range, and flagship pricing tiers using our own hands-on tested models.
How to Choose Crossbow Bolts
How to choose the right crossbow bolts: matching weight, length, and spine to your crossbow for genuine accuracy and safety.
How to Sight In a Crossbow Scope
How to sight in a crossbow scope step by step: bore-sighting, distance-marker adjustment, and confirming zero before hunting season.
Is Crossbow Hunting Easier Than Bow?
Is crossbow hunting easier than bow hunting? We break down accuracy, physical demand, and field skill to answer honestly, not with marketing hype.
What Is FOC in Crossbow Bolts?
What is FOC and why does it matter for crossbow accuracy? Front of center explained with real tested bolt data and flight-stability results.
Best Crossbows of 2026: Our Top Picks
Best crossbows of 2026: our top picks across compound, recurve, and pistol types — each hands-on tested, ranked by category, and linked to the full review.
Compound vs Recurve Crossbow Guide
Compound vs recurve crossbows compared: speed, maintenance, cost, and reliability, tested head-to-head to help you choose the right type.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Keeping the crossbow you already own running well — waxing, storage, and fixing common problems.
