Ravin built its name on one idea: HeliCoil cams that rotate the string flat so very short limbs stay narrow, which is why almost every Ravin cocks to about 6 inches wide. That shared design makes the lineup look alike on paper, but the five models I have reviewed differ by more than $1,000 and in ways that matter in a stand: length, weight, energy and how loud the shot is.
This page ranks every Ravin I have reviewed so you can choose between them directly. All prices, ratings and specs come from the individual reviews. Speeds marked "measured" are my own chronograph readings with a 400-grain bolt. The Ravin LR is the one exception: I have not chronographed it, so its figures are Ravin's ratings and published test results, labelled as such.
It is written for hunters who have narrowed their search to Ravin and want the right model, and for upgraders deciding whether a Ravin is worth it over a crank-cocked crossbow. If you are still deciding between brands, start with Ravin vs TenPoint.
How I Ranked the Ravin Lineup
Every Ravin here is a forward-draw compound crossbow with integrated cocking and a cocked width of 5.75 to 6.5 inches, so width alone does not separate them. I ranked them on what does:
- Measured speed and energy. Chronograph readings where I took them. Kinetic energy figures are marked as listed, rated or calculated.
- Length and weight. The lineup runs from 26 to 34 inches and 6.5 to 8.1 lbs, which changes how each one carries and swings.
- Accuracy. My 60-yard group sizes from each review.
- Noise. My noise scores from each review's Final Score table, because Ravin models differ more here than you might expect.
- Value. Price against what each model adds over the next one down.
The four hands-on reviews followed the same chronograph, accuracy and cocking protocol described in our testing methodology.
What Every Ravin Has in Common
Before comparing models, it helps to know what you get with any Ravin, because it shapes the whole buying decision.
HeliCoil cams and a narrow cocked width
HeliCoil cams rotate the string so it sits flat, letting Ravin use very short limbs. The result is a cocked axle-to-axle width of about 6 inches across the lineup, and 5.75 inches on the R26X. That narrowness clears blind windows and tree trunks better than most crank-cocked crossbows.
Integrated cocking with about 12 lbs of effort
Every Ravin here cocks with an integrated system rather than a rope or a crank you clamp on. The R26X, R29X, R470 and LR use Silent Cocking; the R10 Pro XK7 uses the ambidextrous Versa-Draw. My reviews put felt effort at roughly 12 lbs on the R10, R26X and R29X, even though the R26X stores about 340 lbs of true draw weight. Follow your manual for the de-cocking procedure on your model; our guide on how to de-cock a crossbow safely explains the general method.
Proprietary parts and dealer service
The HeliCoil system is Ravin's own, so serious repairs go through Ravin dealer service, and you should expect to buy Ravin-compatible arrows and nocks. The limbs and cams carry a 5-year limited warranty on the R26X, R29X, R470 and R10 Pro XK7.
Best Ravin Crossbow Overall: R29X
The R29X is the Ravin I would buy if I could only have one. It measured 444–454 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt against a 450 FPS rating, and its 180 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is among the highest I have measured on any crossbow. Once zeroed, my 60-yard groups stayed inside 2 inches.
It does that in a 29-inch frame that weighs 6.75 lbs and cocks to 6 inches wide. The Quad Limb Composite design and HeliCoil cams held timing across my whole 45+ cycle testing window, and Silent Cocking brought felt effort to about 12 lbs, with a quieter cycle than the external crank I compared it against. I scored its accuracy and noise both 10/10.
The trade-offs are the $2,499–$2,999 price and the fact that roughly 300 lbs of true draw weight makes the integrated system mandatory. Its higher poundage and tactical look are more than a hunter who only shoots inside 40 yards needs. Note that Ravin says its 450 FPS illuminated scope is not compatible with the R29X.
- Chronograph testing measured 444–454 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt, matching Ravin's 450 FPS factory claim closely
- 180 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is among the highest I've measured on any crossbow, delivering downrange performance for larger game at extended range
- The fully-integrated Silent Cocking system reduced felt draw effort to roughly 12 lbs despite an estimated 300 lbs of true stored draw weight, with a measurably quieter cycle than the external crank device I compared it against
- At $2,499–$2,999, this is a premium-tier purchase that puts it well out of reach for budget-conscious buyers
- 300 lbs of true draw weight means the Silent Cocking system is mandatory — there is no realistic manual backup if it were to fail in the field
- The tactical stealth-black aesthetic and higher poundage are overkill for hunters who only shoot inside 40 yards
Best Compact Ravin: R26X
At 26 inches long, 5.75 inches cocked and 6.5 lbs, the R26X is the most compact crossbow I have tested outside TenPoint's reverse-draw flagship, and the lightest Ravin here. It measured 395–403 FPS with a 400-grain bolt against a 400 FPS rating, and my 60-yard groups stayed inside 2.5 inches.
Silent Cocking brought felt effort to about 12 lbs despite roughly 340 lbs of stored draw weight, and I logged 40+ clean cycles, including at 34°F. I scored its noise 10/10 and its accuracy 9.7/10. It scored 4.7/5 overall.
The cost of the short frame is energy. Its 9.5-inch power stroke limits it to up to 142 ft-lbs, well behind the R29X's 180. Choose your package carefully: the XK7 camo version with the Speed Lock scope costs $200 more than the standard black model, which ships without a scope.
- Chronograph testing measured 395–403 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt, matching Ravin's 400 FPS factory claim closely
- At 5.75 inches axle-to-axle and 26 inches overall, this is the most compact crossbow I've tested outside of TenPoint's reverse-draw flagship
- The fully-integrated Silent Cocking system produced a measurably quieter draw cycle than the external crank-cocked crossbow I compared it against, with no separate cocking rope to carry or lose
- At $1,999–$2,199, this sits at a mid-to-premium price point despite its compact size
- The short 9.5-inch power stroke trades some kinetic energy for compactness — 142 ft-lbs is solid but trails longer-riser designs
- The HeliCoil silent cocking mechanism is fully integrated and proprietary, meaning field repairs are effectively limited to Ravin dealer service
Fastest Ravin: R470 Stealth Gray
The R470 is the fastest Ravin I have tested. It measured 463–472 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt against its 470 FPS rating. Ravin does not publish an energy figure; my own arithmetic with a 400-grain bolt at 470 FPS gives about 196 ft-lbs, which is a calculation, not a measurement.
It cocks to 6 inches wide, weighs 6.9 lbs, and once zeroed my 60-yard groups stayed inside 2.25 inches. The Stealth Gray Cerakote finish showed no visible wear after 45+ cocking cycles. I scored accuracy 10/10 and noise 9.7/10.
It is not a compact crossbow. At 33.6 inches overall it is the second-longest Ravin here, so choose it for speed and width, not for a tight blind. Ravin says its 450 FPS illuminated scope is not compatible with the R470, and its R133 lighted arrows are not listed for the R470, so confirm optics and arrows with Ravin before buying.
- Chronograph testing measured 463–472 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt, essentially matching Ravin's 470 FPS factory claim
- The HeliCoil cam system delivers a narrow 6-inch axle-to-axle footprint when cocked, despite the high-velocity performance
- The Stealth Gray Cerakote finish showed no visible wear after 45+ cocking cycles and held up well to handling and field carry
- At $2,450–$2,550, this is a premium-tier purchase that puts it out of reach for budget-conscious buyers
- The HeliCoil Silent Cocking system is mandatory hardware — there is no practical manual cocking backup if it were to fail in the field
- Proprietary HeliCoil components mean field repairs are effectively limited to Ravin dealer service
Best for Long-Range Target Work: Ravin LR
The LR is Ravin's long-range model, and its difference is the setup, not the speed. An adjustable cheek comb and length of pull let you fit the stock properly, and the 1-8x24 scope dials its turrets for distance instead of relying on stacked reticle lines. A full-length Picatinny rail and a scope level are included.
I have not chronographed the LR. Ravin rates it at 450 FPS and 180 ft-lbs with a 400-grain arrow, the same output as the R29X, and published chronograph tests put it at about 448 FPS. Published accuracy testing reported three arrows inside an inch at 75 yards.
The costs: at 34 inches and 8.1 lbs it is the longest and heaviest Ravin here, and it costs about what an R29X costs while matching its rated speed. Ravin's 135-yard effective-distance figure is a capability claim, not a hunting range. Only three arrows are included.
- Ravin rates it at 450 FPS and 180 ft-lbs with a 400-grain arrow, the same output as the R29X, the most powerful Ravin I have reviewed
- An adjustable cheek comb and length of pull let you fit the stock properly, which matters for consistent long-range shooting
- The 1-8x24 adjustable-turret scope dials for distance instead of relying on stacked reticle lines, and the package includes a scope level
- At 34 inches long and 8.1 lbs, it is longer and heavier than the R29X, which matches its speed and energy
- At $2,449–$2,499, it is a premium purchase aimed at a narrow group of shooters
- Ravin's 135-yard effective-distance figure is a capability claim, not a recommended hunting range
Lowest-Priced Ravin: R10 Pro XK7
The R10 Pro XK7 is the way into Ravin at $1,499–$1,799. It ships pre-assembled, and I was shooting groups within 25 minutes of opening the box, the fastest setup of any crossbow I have tested. It measured 415–423 FPS with a 400-grain bolt against a 420 FPS rating, with 156 ft-lbs listed.
At 32.5 inches, 6.5 inches cocked and 6.8 lbs it carries easily, the Versa-Draw system brought felt cocking effort to about 12 lbs, and my 60-yard groups stayed inside 2.25 inches. The included XK7 illuminated scope held zero across my testing.
Its weak point is noise. I scored it 6/10 for noise, the lowest of any Ravin I have reviewed, and its 3.9/5 overall rating is the lowest here. If a quiet shot matters on pressured deer, the R26X or R29X is the better Ravin.
- Chronograph testing measured 415–423 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt, matching Ravin's 420 FPS factory claim closely
- Ships pre-assembled — I was shooting groups within 25 minutes of opening the box, the fastest setup of any crossbow I've tested
- The Versa-Draw HeliCoil cocking system reduced felt cocking effort to roughly 12 lbs regardless of the crossbow's true stored draw weight, and produced identical draw length every cycle
- At $1,499–$1,799, this sits well above true entry-level crossbows, even though it's positioned as a ready-to-hunt package
- The HeliCoil cam rotation system is proprietary to Ravin, so replacement parts and service are effectively limited to Ravin dealers
- 156 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is solid but trails flagship-tier crossbows built specifically for maximum downrange energy
Compare Every Ravin Crossbow
The first table pulls speed, cocking effort, weight, price and rating from each review.
Swipe sideways to compare →
| Product | Speed | Draw | Weight | Price | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravin R29X | 450 FPS | 12 lbs felt | 6.75 lbs | $2,499–$2,999 | 4.8 / 5 | Check price on Amazon |
| Ravin R26X | 400 FPS | 12 lbs felt | 6.5 lbs | $1,999–$2,199 | 4.7 / 5 | Check price on Amazon |
| Ravin R470 | 470 FPS | — | 6.9 lbs | $2,450–$2,550 | 4.7 / 5 | Check price on Amazon |
| Ravin LR | 450 FPS | 12 lbs | 8.1 lbs | $2,449–$2,499 | 4.5 / 5 | Check price on Amazon |
| Ravin R10 Pro XK7 | 420 FPS | 12 lbs felt | 6.8 lbs | $1,499–$1,799 | 3.9 / 5 | Check price on Amazon |
The second table shows the specs that separate the models in the field.
| Model | Speed | Length | Cocked width | Power stroke | Energy | 60-yard group | Noise score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R29X | 444–454 FPS measured | 29" | 6" | 12.5" | 180 ft-lbs | Inside 2" | 10/10 |
| R26X | 395–403 FPS measured | 26" | 5.75" | 9.5" | Up to 142 ft-lbs | Inside 2.5" | 10/10 |
| R470 Stealth Gray | 463–472 FPS measured | 33.6" | 6" | 13" | About 196 ft-lbs (calculated) | Inside 2.25" | 9.7/10 |
| Ravin LR | 450 FPS rated | 34" | 6" | 13" | 180 ft-lbs rated | Not tested by me | 8.6/10 |
| R10 Pro XK7 | 415–423 FPS measured | 32.5" | 6.5" | About 10" | 156 ft-lbs | Inside 2.25" | 6/10 |
The pattern is clear: Ravin's speed rises with power stroke, from 9.5 inches on the R26X to 13 inches on the R470 and LR, while width stays almost the same. The R29X is the outlier that gets 12.5 inches of stroke and 180 ft-lbs into a 29-inch frame, which is why it ranks first.
Which Ravin Crossbow Should You Buy?
- You want one Ravin that does everything well: the R29X.
- You hunt from a tree stand or saddle and want the lightest, shortest Ravin: the R26X.
- You want the most speed and do not need a short frame: the R470 Stealth Gray.
- You practise at long range and want a dialing scope and adjustable stock: the Ravin LR.
- You want a Ravin for the least money and noise is not a priority: the R10 Pro XK7.
Who should skip each pick
| Pick | Skip it if |
|---|---|
| R29X | You only shoot inside 40 yards, or $2,500 is more than you want to spend |
| R26X | You want maximum energy for larger game at longer range |
| R470 Stealth Gray | You hunt a tight blind and need a short frame |
| Ravin LR | You want a light crossbow to carry, or measured data from my own testing |
| R10 Pro XK7 | A quiet shot matters to you |
R26X vs R29X: the most common Ravin question
These two are the Ravins most buyers cross-shop, and the choice is energy against size. The R29X adds about 50 FPS and 38 ft-lbs and tighter 60-yard groups, for 3 more inches of length and 0.25 lbs more weight. If you hunt whitetails inside 40 yards from a stand, the R26X is enough crossbow. If you want margin for larger game or longer shots, the R29X is worth the extra money. Our Ravin R29X vs R26X comparison goes through it in detail.
Are Ravin Crossbows Worth It?
For the right hunter, yes. A Ravin gives you a narrow, light, accurate crossbow that cocks with about 12 lbs of effort and, on the better models, a very quiet shot. The four I chronographed all matched Ravin's ratings closely, which is not true of every brand.
They are not the right choice if you want a crossbow under $1,000, if you want to service it yourself, or if you dislike being tied to one brand's arrows and dealers. For a budget alternative with integrated cocking, the TenPoint Titan X De-Cock measured 395–404 FPS for $799–$899, though it cocks to 9.75 inches wide. Our ranking of the best TenPoint crossbows compares the other side of the market.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Ravin
- Buying speed instead of fit. The R470 is faster than the R29X, but it is 4.6 inches longer. If you hunt a blind or saddle, length matters more than 15 FPS.
- Assuming every Ravin scope and arrow fits every model. Ravin says its 450 FPS illuminated scope does not fit the R29X or R470, and its R133 lighted arrows are not listed for the R470. Check the Ravin illuminated scope review and the arrow specs before buying accessories.
- Choosing the wrong R26X package. The standard black R26X has no scope. The XK7 camo package with the Speed Lock scope is $200 more.
- Ignoring the noise difference. The R10 Pro XK7 scored 6/10 for noise against 10/10 for the R26X and R29X. On pressured deer, that gap can matter.
- Treating long-range capability as a hunting range. The LR's 135-yard figure is a capability claim. Set your ethical range from your own groups, and see how fast a crossbow shoots for why bolt speed does not extend it on its own.
Before You Buy: A Ravin Checklist
- Decide your longest ethical shot. Under 40 yards, the R26X is enough; beyond that, look at the R29X.
- Measure your blind or stand. A 26-inch R26X and a 34-inch LR handle very differently.
- Weigh the crossbow with scope, quiver and arrows against how far you walk.
- Confirm scope and arrow compatibility for your exact model with Ravin.
- Find your nearest Ravin dealer, because serious repairs go through dealer service.
- Price a dozen spare arrows of the type your manual specifies.
- Check your state's equipment rules with our crossbow hunting laws by state guide. It is a starting point, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Ravin crossbow?
The R29X. It measured 444–454 FPS with about 180 ft-lbs, grouped inside 2 inches at 60 yards, weighs 6.75 lbs and scored 4.8/5, the highest of the Ravins I have reviewed. It costs $2,499–$2,999.
What is the fastest Ravin crossbow?
Of the Ravins I have reviewed, the R470 Stealth Gray is the fastest. It measured 463–472 FPS on my chronograph with a 400-grain bolt, essentially matching its 470 FPS rating. The R29X is next at 444–454 FPS.
What is the best Ravin crossbow for deer hunting?
For most whitetail hunters, the R26X or the R29X. The R26X is shorter and lighter and measured 395–403 FPS, which is plenty inside 40 yards. The R29X adds energy and range margin for larger deer and longer shots.
What is the lightest Ravin crossbow?
The R26X, at 6.5 lbs. It is also the shortest Ravin here at 26 inches and the narrowest at 5.75 inches cocked. The R29X is close behind at 6.75 lbs.
What is the cheapest Ravin crossbow?
Of the Ravins I have reviewed, the R10 Pro XK7 is the lowest-priced at $1,499–$1,799. It measured 415–423 FPS and sets up quickly, but its shot was the loudest of the Ravins I scored.
Are Ravin crossbows quiet?
The R26X and R29X are among the quietest crossbows I have tested, and I scored both 10/10 for noise. The R470 scored 9.7/10. The R10 Pro XK7 is the exception at 6/10, so check the individual review if noise matters.
Can you de-cock a Ravin crossbow?
The Ravin LR's Silent Cocking system can de-cock silently without firing an arrow, and my R10 Pro XK7 review logged more than 40 cocking and de-cocking cycles. Procedures differ by model, so follow the manual for yours.
Is the Ravin LR better than the R29X?
Not for most hunters. Ravin rates both at 450 FPS and 180 ft-lbs, but the LR is 5 inches longer and 1.35 lbs heavier. The LR's adjustable stock and dialing scope suit long-range target shooters; the R29X is the better hunting crossbow.
What warranty do Ravin crossbows have?
The R26X, R29X, R470 and R10 Pro XK7 list a 5-year limited warranty on limbs and cams. Register your crossbow and keep the receipt, and remember that dry-firing voids the warranty.
Final Recommendation
The R29X is the best Ravin crossbow I have tested: fast, accurate, quiet and light, with energy to spare. If you hunt from a tree stand inside 40 yards, the R26X is shorter, lighter and enough crossbow for less money. Choose the R470 for the most speed when length does not matter, the LR for long-range target work, and the R10 Pro XK7 if price decides and you can live with a louder shot.
To see Ravin against every brand and budget, read our best crossbows roundup, or browse all compound crossbows.
Read nextPick a scope that matches your RavinRavin scope compatibility differs by model. See which scopes suit 400 to 470 FPS crossbows.More Crossbow Guides
Best TenPoint Crossbows in 2026, Ranked
Seven TenPoint crossbows ranked on measured speed, width, weight and cocking system, from the Titan X De-Cock to the TRX Ultra, with who should buy each.
Read guideRavin R29X vs R26X: Which to Buy
R26X for stands, blinds and shots inside 40 yards at $500 less; R29X for larger game and longer range, with 50 FPS and 38 ft-lbs more. Measured verdict for each hunter.
Read guide
Best Crossbows in 2026, Tested
Our highest-rated crossbows across every price tier, from the TenPoint TRX Ultra flagship to the Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410, each chosen for a specific buyer.
Read guide