Box speeds are the loudest numbers in crossbow marketing, and they are also the easiest to misread. A 470 FPS rating is measured with a specific bolt weight under ideal conditions, and the crossbow in your hands may shoot a little slower, especially with the heavier bolts most hunters use. A useful list of the fastest crossbows has to start from a chronograph, not a spec sheet.
That is what this page does. It ranks every crossbow I have chronographed by measured speed, from the TenPoint TRX Ultra at 511–517 FPS down, and names the fastest choice at each budget. Every reading comes from the five-shot-string chronograph testing in my individual reviews, almost all with a 400-grain bolt, and every price and rating comes from those reviews. Crossbows without a measured speed range in my reviews appear in a separate, clearly labelled list.
It is written for buyers who want speed for a reason, whether that is longer shots, a flatter trajectory or more energy for larger game, and who want to know what the extra feet per second actually cost. If you want the physics of crossbow speed rather than a buying list, read how fast a crossbow shoots.
How I Measured Speed
Each crossbow in the main ranking was shot through a chronograph in five shot strings, and the range you see is the lowest to highest reading across those strings. Almost all of them were shot with a 400-grain bolt; the TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5 was shot with a 410-grain bolt, and the Barnett Hyper Raptor T-Rex review does not state the bolt weight. The full protocol is on our testing methodology page, and every reading is collected on the test results page.
Three rules keep the list honest:
- Measured beats rated. A crossbow ranks by its chronograph reading, not its box number.
- Energy is labelled. Kinetic energy is shown as listed by the maker or calculated by me from the measured speed, never as a measurement.
- No range, no rank. Crossbows whose reviews do not record a measured speed range are in their own table with their rated speed.
Why rated and measured speed differ
Manufacturers rate speed with a specific bolt weight, often the lightest the crossbow allows. Every 10 grains of extra bolt weight costs speed, which is why the Excalibur REV X's published test fell from about 392 FPS with its 350-grain arrows to 367 FPS with a 420-grain bolt. All of the crossbows in my ranking measured within a few FPS of their ratings, which is a good sign, but your own setup may land lower if you shoot heavier bolts.
The Fastest Crossbows, Ranked by Measured Speed
This is the full ranking of every crossbow I have chronographed that is rated at 400 FPS or faster. Energy is calculated from the midpoint of the measured range with the bolt weight shown, using bolt weight in grains times speed squared divided by 450,240.
| Rank | Crossbow | Measured speed | Rated speed | Bolt | Energy (calculated) | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TenPoint TRX Ultra | 511–517 FPS | 515 FPS | 400 gr | About 235 ft-lbs | $3,495–$3,515 | 4.9 |
| 2 | Ravin R470 Stealth Gray | 463–472 FPS | 470 FPS | 400 gr | About 194 ft-lbs | $2,450–$2,550 | 4.7 |
| 3 | TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5 | 456–463 FPS | 460 FPS | 410 gr | About 192 ft-lbs | $2,499–$2,599 | 4.8 |
| 4 | Ravin R29X | 444–454 FPS | 450 FPS | 400 gr | About 179 ft-lbs | $2,499–$2,999 | 4.8 |
| 5 | Barnett Hyper Raptor T-Rex | 435–443 FPS | 440 FPS | Not stated | 163 ft-lbs listed | $1,199–$1,299 | 4.5 |
| 6 | Killer Instinct Logix 435 | 429–436 FPS | 435 FPS | 400 gr | About 166 ft-lbs | $550–$700 | 4.2 |
| 7 | Ravin R10 Pro XK7 | 415–423 FPS | 420 FPS | 400 gr | About 156 ft-lbs | $1,499–$1,799 | 3.9 |
| 8 | TenPoint TX Ultra 26.5 | 406–413 FPS | 410 FPS | 400 gr | About 149 ft-lbs | $1,999–$2,199 | 4.6 |
| 9 | Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410 | 404–412 FPS | 410 FPS | 400 gr | About 148 ft-lbs | $425–$485 | 4.3 |
| 10 | TenPoint Titan X De-Cock | 395–404 FPS | 400 FPS | 400 gr | About 142 ft-lbs | $799–$899 | 4.5 |
| 11 | Ravin R26X | 395–403 FPS | 400 FPS | 400 gr | About 141 ft-lbs | $1,999–$2,199 | 4.7 |
Two things stand out. Every crossbow here measured within a few FPS of its rating. And price follows speed only loosely: the Logix 435 at $550–$700 out-shot three crossbows that cost roughly three times as much. To run these numbers for your own bolt weight, use the kinetic energy calculator.
Fastest Crossbow Tested: TenPoint TRX Ultra
The TRX Ultra is the fastest crossbow I have tested. TenPoint rates it at 515 FPS, and my chronograph recorded 511–517 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt. With that bolt at the 515 FPS rating, the energy works out to about 236 ft-lbs, my calculation rather than a measurement.
Speed is not all it offers. Its reverse-draw Twin-Riser layout produced the tightest 100-yard groups I have recorded on any crossbow, it cocks to 6 inches wide, and I scored it 10/10 for noise. The ACUslide MAXX crank cocks and de-cocks the 360 lb draw weight.
The costs are the $3,495–$3,515 price, 8.4 lbs of carry weight and TenPoint-specific limbs, strings and cables that need dealer service. If you rarely shoot past 60 yards, you are paying for capability you will not use.
- Chronograph testing measured 511–517 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt, confirming TenPoint's 515 FPS factory claim within margin of error
- The reverse-draw Twin-Riser Technology platform produced the tightest 100-yard groups I've measured on any crossbow to date — TenPoint claims roughly 70% tighter groups than a comparable forward-draw flagship, and my side-by-side testing came close to that figure
- The 8mm Zero-Torsion axles held cam timing perfectly through 60+ test shots with zero measurable drift, something I couldn't say for several competitors at this price point
- At $3,495–$3,515, this is the most expensive crossbow I've ever tested, putting it firmly out of reach for the vast majority of hunters
- 360 lbs of draw weight is not hand-cocking territory under any circumstances — you are entirely dependent on the ACUslide MAXX system working correctly
- Replacement strings, cables, and the proprietary Twin-Riser limb assembly are TenPoint-specific parts, so field repairs away from a dealer are effectively impossible
Fastest Under $2,600: Ravin R470 Stealth Gray
The R470 measured 463–472 FPS with a 400-grain bolt against its 470 FPS rating, the second-fastest reading I have taken. It costs $2,450–$2,550, so it gives you about 90% of the TRX Ultra's speed for about 70% of the price.
It weighs 6.9 lbs, cocks to 6 inches wide with Ravin's HeliCoil cams, and once zeroed my 60-yard groups stayed inside 2.25 inches. Integrated Silent Cocking brings the felt effort down without a crank handle, and I scored it 9.7/10 for noise.
At 33.6 inches overall it is a full-length crossbow, so it is not the pick for a tight blind. Ravin says its 450 FPS illuminated scope is not compatible with the R470, so confirm your optics before you buy.
- 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
Fastest Narrow TenPoint: TX Ultra 29.5
The TX Ultra 29.5 measured 456–463 FPS with a 410-grain bolt against a 460 FPS rating, and TenPoint lists 193 ft-lbs with that bolt. It is the fastest forward-draw TenPoint I have tested and cocks to just 6.5 inches wide in a 29.5-inch frame.
It held tight, repeatable 100-yard groups across my testing window, and ACUslide MAXX brought its 350 lb draw weight down to roughly 13 lbs of felt effort. It scored 4.8/5.
The cost is a little noise: in my decibel testing it was audibly louder than the dampened TX Ultra 26.5. Its energy also drops with lighter bolts, so stay close to TenPoint's recommended bolt weight. It costs $2,499–$2,599.
- Chronograph testing measured 456–463 FPS with a 410-grain bolt, essentially matching TenPoint's 460 FPS factory rating with minimal shot-string spread
- At just 6.5 inches axle-to-axle cocked, my handling tests found this the most maneuverable flagship-speed crossbow I've reviewed, usable from a saddle or tight blind
- The forward-draw platform produced tight, repeatable 100-yard groups that held up across my full testing window
- At $2,499–$2,599, this is a premium investment that puts it well above mid-tier crossbows like the Titan X De-Cock
- 460 FPS is exceptional but still trails TenPoint's flagship TRX Ultra (515 FPS), which costs roughly $1,000 more
- 350 lbs of true draw weight means the ACUslide MAXX cocking system is mandatory, with no realistic manual backup
Fastest Light Crossbow: Ravin R29X
At 6.75 lbs, the R29X is the lightest crossbow in this guide's top five. It measured 444–454 FPS with a 400-grain bolt against a 450 FPS rating, with about 180 ft-lbs of energy, among the highest I have measured. My 60-yard groups stayed inside 2 inches.
It is 29 inches long and 6 inches wide cocked, and I scored it 10/10 for both accuracy and noise. Silent Cocking brought felt effort to about 12 lbs. For more on how it compares with the rest of the brand, see the best Ravin crossbows ranking.
It costs $2,499–$2,999, and its roughly 300 lbs of true draw weight make the integrated cocking system mandatory. Repairs go through Ravin dealer service.
- 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
Fastest Under $1,300: Barnett Hyper Raptor T-Rex
The Hyper Raptor T-Rex measured 435–443 FPS across five shot strings against Barnett's 440 FPS rating, with 163 ft-lbs listed. That puts it within about 10 FPS of the Ravin R29X for less than half the price, at $1,199–$1,299.
It has a 16-inch power stroke from a 220 lb draw weight, cocks to 7.25 inches wide, and uses a floating TriggerTech two-stage trigger. Its integrated Planetary De-cocking System de-cocked reliably in my testing, and once zeroed my 60-yard groups stayed tight and repeatable.
It is heavier than the Ravins at 8.2 lbs, and I scored its noise 7.8/10, so it is louder than the flagships above it. My review does not state the bolt weight used for its speed readings.
- Chronograph testing measured 435–443 FPS across five shot strings, closely matching Barnett's 440 FPS factory rating
- The floating TriggerTech trigger delivered a crisp, consistent break in every test session, a real step up from typical crossbow triggers at this price point
- The Integrated Planetary De-cocking System let me safely lower the string without firing a bolt, and worked reliably across repeated cycles
- At $1,199–$1,299, this sits well above true budget crossbows, though the included TriggerTech trigger and de-cocking system justify a meaningful part of that premium
- 440 FPS is fast but trails dedicated flagship platforms like the TenPoint TRX Ultra (515 FPS)
- 220 lbs of draw weight means the Planetary De-cocking System is essentially mandatory — manual cocking isn't a realistic backup
Fastest Under $1,000: Killer Instinct Logix 435
The Logix 435 is the speed bargain of this list. It measured 429–436 FPS with a 400-grain bolt against its 435 FPS rating, for $550–$700. That is the best price per measured FPS of any crossbow over 420 FPS that I have tested.
It cocks to 6.75 inches wide, includes a Lumix 4x32 illuminated scope, and its Let-Down Triggerbox lets you de-cock without firing. The warranty is a Limited Lifetime Warranty on non-wearable parts for the original owner.
The trade-offs are what you would expect at the price. Cocking its 210 lb draw weight with the included rope sled takes sustained effort, it weighs 8.4 lbs, my 60-yard groups stayed inside 3 inches rather than the 2 to 2.5 inches of the flagships, and I scored its noise 7.6/10.
- My chronograph testing measured 429–436 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt, matching the 435 FPS factory rating closely
- The kit includes a scope, quiver, bolts, and a rope-sled cocker, so I was shooting within an afternoon of opening the box
- The Let-Down Triggerbox let me safely de-cock the crossbow at the end of a session without firing a bolt into the dirt, a feature I don't see on every budget-tier crossbow
- Cocking by hand with the included rope sled took real, sustained effort in my testing; this is not a crossbow to hand-cock on a whim
- My accuracy testing showed wider groups at 60 yards than I've measured on premium-tier crossbows
- At 8.4 lbs, it carried noticeably heavier than lighter compact compounds during my field handling
Fastest Under $500: Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410
The Hyper Whitetail 410 measured 404–412 FPS with a 400-grain bolt against its 410 FPS rating, for $425–$485. It matches crossbows costing four times as much on speed, including the TenPoint TX Ultra 26.5, and Barnett lists about 149 ft-lbs.
It comes with a 4x32 illuminated scope and a rope-cocking sled that brings its 190 lb draw weight to about 95 lbs of felt effort. The power stroke is 15.5 inches and it cocks to 9.25 inches wide.
Speed is where the similarity to expensive crossbows ends. My 60-yard groups opened up noticeably wider than on premium models, which I put down to budget-tier tolerances, so keep shots inside 40 yards. I scored its noise 7.2/10.
- Chronograph testing measured 404–412 FPS across five shot strings with a 400-grain bolt, closely matching Barnett's 410 FPS factory claim
- At $425–$485, this is one of the most complete out-of-box packages I have tested — quiver, two HyperFlite arrows, illuminated scope, and rope-cocking sled all included at a budget price
- The included rope-cocking sled reduced felt draw effort to roughly 95 lbs from the crossbow's true 190 lbs draw weight, making it manageable for smaller-framed or new shooters
- 410 FPS on paper is solid, but my accuracy testing showed noticeably wider groups at 60 yards than premium-tier crossbows I have reviewed
- The rope-cocking sled is a manual accessory rather than an integrated system, adding a step and something extra to carry compared to ACUslide or HeliCoil designs
- Build materials feel appropriately budget-tier — the stock and rail have more flex than what I measured on $2,000+ crossbows
Fastest Recurve and Other Crossbows Without a Measured Range
Some fast crossbows I have reviewed do not have a measured shot-string range in my review. Their speeds below are the makers' ratings, with published test results or my own chronograph check where the review records one. Do not compare these directly with the measured ranking above.
| Crossbow | Rated speed | Test result, where recorded | Price | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TenPoint Flatline 460 | 460 FPS (410 gr) | Not cited | $2,099–$2,299 | 4.6 | Check price on Amazon |
| Ravin LR | 450 FPS (400 gr) | About 448 FPS | $2,449–$2,499 | 4.5 | Check price on Amazon |
| Excalibur Hybrid X | 435 FPS | About 429 FPS (400 gr) | $1,965–$2,099 | 4.3 | Check price on Amazon |
| CenterPoint Wrath 430 | 430 FPS | Not cited | $729–$799 | 4.3 | Check price on Amazon |
| Killer Instinct NEO-X | 415 FPS | My chronograph matched the rating | $649–$699 | 4.1 | Check price on Amazon |
| Excalibur REV X (recurve) | 400 FPS (350 gr) | About 392 FPS (350 gr), 367 FPS (420 gr) | $1,569–$1,599 | 4.0 | Check price on Amazon |
The fastest recurve crossbow
The Excalibur REV X is the fastest recurve crossbow I have reviewed. Excalibur rates it at 400 FPS with a 350-grain arrow, and a published chronograph test recorded about 392 FPS with the supplied arrows. It is a no-cam recurve, so the shot is loud: a published test measured about 106 dBA with a 420-grain bolt. Its built-in ChargerX crank cuts the 413 lb draw to about 16 lbs of effort.
What Speed Costs You: Price, Noise and Weight
Speed has three costs beyond the price tag, and this list shows all of them.
Price per measured FPS
Dividing the low end of each price range by the midpoint of its measured speed shows how much each foot per second costs:
| Crossbow | Measured midpoint | Low price | Price per FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410 | 408 FPS | $425 | About $1.04 |
| Killer Instinct Logix 435 | 432.5 FPS | $550 | About $1.27 |
| Barnett Hyper Raptor T-Rex | 439 FPS | $1,199 | About $2.73 |
| Ravin R470 Stealth Gray | 467.5 FPS | $2,450 | About $5.24 |
| TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5 | 459.5 FPS | $2,499 | About $5.44 |
| Ravin R29X | 449 FPS | $2,499 | About $5.57 |
| TenPoint TRX Ultra | 514 FPS | $3,495 | About $6.80 |
The last 50 to 100 FPS are by far the most expensive. What the flagships add for that money is mostly accuracy at long range, a narrower frame, a quieter shot and easier cocking, not just speed.
Noise and handling
Faster does not have to mean louder. The four flagships at the top of the ranking scored 9.5 to 10 out of 10 for noise in my reviews, while the budget speed picks scored 7.2 to 7.8. The difference is dampening and build quality, not FPS. The budget picks also weigh more, at 7.6 to 8.4 lbs against 6.75 lbs for the R29X.
Cocking effort
High speed usually means high draw weight. The flagships hide it behind integrated cocking, at about 12 lbs of felt effort on the R29X and 13 lbs on the TX Ultra 29.5, while the Logix 435 and Hyper Whitetail 410 rely on rope sleds. If cocking is a concern, the cocking effort estimator shows what a rope sled leaves you pulling.
Do You Actually Need the Fastest Crossbow?
For most deer hunting, no. Every crossbow in the main ranking shoots 395 FPS or more, which is plenty for whitetails at normal crossbow ranges. Speed earns its price in three situations:
- Longer shots. A faster bolt drops less between aiming points, so a small range error costs less. The bolt drop chart shows the difference at your distances.
- Larger game. More speed means more energy with the same bolt, which gives you margin for elk-sized animals where your state allows crossbows.
- Less time in the air. At 40 yards, a bolt at 514 FPS takes about 0.23 seconds, and one at 408 FPS about 0.29 seconds, ignoring the slowdown downrange. That 0.06-second gap is small but real if a deer reacts to the shot.
A worked example
Say you are choosing between the Hyper Whitetail 410 at $425 and the R470 at $2,450 for deer at 30 yards. The R470 is about 60 FPS faster and calculates to about 46 ft-lbs more energy. Both are far above what a whitetail at 30 yards needs, so the $2,025 difference buys tighter groups, a lighter crossbow, a quieter shot and easier cocking, not a more effective hunting shot. If those matter to you, it is money well spent; if they do not, speed alone does not justify it.
Common Mistakes When Buying for Speed
- Comparing rated speeds across brands. Ratings use different bolt weights. Compare measured speeds with the same bolt, as in the ranking above.
- Dropping below the minimum bolt weight to chase FPS. A bolt lighter than the manual allows can damage the crossbow. Never do it.
- Forgetting the scope has to match. A scope's speed ring or reticle is calibrated for a speed band. Use the scope speed matcher and check compatibility, because some flagship scopes do not fit some flagships.
- Expecting speed to fix accuracy. The Hyper Whitetail 410 is as fast as the TX Ultra 26.5 but grouped noticeably wider at 60 yards. Trigger, build and practice decide groups.
- Ignoring noise and weight. A fast budget crossbow can be louder and heavier than a slower flagship. Check both before you choose on FPS.
Before You Buy a Fast Crossbow: A Checklist
- Decide why you want speed: range, energy or a flatter trajectory.
- Compare measured speed with the bolt weight you will hunt with, not the box number.
- Check the minimum bolt weight and length in the manual.
- Confirm the scope's speed rating matches the crossbow.
- Check the cocking method and whether it de-cocks without firing.
- Weigh noise, weight and length against where you hunt.
- 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 fastest crossbow on the market?
The fastest crossbow I have tested is the TenPoint TRX Ultra, rated at 515 FPS and measured at 511–517 FPS on my chronograph with a 400-grain bolt. Other brands may rate faster models, but this ranking only includes crossbows I have measured.
What is the fastest crossbow under $1,000?
The Killer Instinct Logix 435, which measured 429–436 FPS with a 400-grain bolt for $550–$700. It cocks with a rope sled rather than a crank, and its 60-yard groups were wider than on the flagships.
What is the fastest crossbow under $500?
The Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410. It measured 404–412 FPS with a 400-grain bolt for $425–$485, matching crossbows that cost four times as much on speed, though its 60-yard groups were wider than premium models.
What is the fastest Ravin crossbow?
Of the Ravins I have tested, the R470 Stealth Gray is the fastest at 463–472 FPS measured with a 400-grain bolt. The R29X is next at 444–454 FPS and is lighter and shorter.
What is the fastest TenPoint crossbow?
The TRX Ultra, which measured 511–517 FPS. The TX Ultra 29.5 is the fastest forward-draw TenPoint I have tested, at 456–463 FPS with a 410-grain bolt. Our best TenPoint crossbows ranking covers the whole lineup.
Is a faster crossbow more accurate?
Not by itself. Speed flattens the trajectory, which helps when range estimates are off, but trigger quality, build tolerances and bolt consistency decide group size. The Hyper Whitetail 410 matched the TX Ultra 26.5's speed but grouped wider.
How fast should a crossbow be for deer?
Every crossbow in my ranking shoots 395 FPS or more, which is plenty for whitetails at normal ranges. Shot placement, a sharp broadhead and knowing your effective range matter more than an extra 50 FPS.
Do faster crossbows need special bolts?
They need bolts that meet the manual's minimum weight and length, and some models specify proprietary arrows. Never shoot a bolt lighter than the minimum to gain speed, because it can damage the crossbow.
Are fast crossbows louder?
Not necessarily. In my reviews, the TRX Ultra, R29X, R470 and TX Ultra 29.5 scored 9.5 to 10 out of 10 for noise, while slower budget models scored lower. Dampening and build quality matter more than speed.
Final Recommendation
If you want the fastest crossbow I have measured, it is the TenPoint TRX Ultra at 511–517 FPS, and it backs the speed with the best long-range accuracy I have recorded. The Ravin R470 gives you most of that speed for about $1,000 less. On a budget, the Killer Instinct Logix 435 is the speed bargain under $1,000 and the Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410 is the fastest under $500, as long as you accept rope cocking and wider long-range groups.
If you hunt deer inside 40 yards, any crossbow on this list is fast enough, and our best crossbows for deer hunting roundup weighs the other things that matter more. To compare every model, browse all compound crossbows.
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