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In years past, crossbow manufacturers focused on increasing bolt speed while minimizing costs. Though speed is still a focal point for new crossbows, a few other trends emerged in 2025. Improved cocking that reduces draw effort while boosting safety was at the top of the list. Manufacturers also put a premium on creating models that allow the shooter to return the string to static without firing a bolt.
Though crossbow prices continue to increase, there are plenty of new models for under $1000. Many of these mid-priced crossbows list good speeds and come ready to hunt with accessories and optics. Two new flagship models—the TenPoint TRX26 and Ravin LR—are priced over the $2000 mark. These crossbows showcase the latest technologies with lightweight designs and impressive speeds. Until we have the chance to test all the new models and give a full review, consider this a first look at what’s new in the crossbow arena this year. Here are the hottest new crossbows for 2025.
TenPoint TRX 26
Specs
Width: 11″ uncocked; 5.75″ cocked
Weight: 7.1 lbs. w/ACUslide MAXX
Speed: 460 fps
Price (including accessories): $3,049.99-3,149.99
TenPoint’s new TRX 26 is is built with a micro-footprint that allows hunters to carry a light, narrow, and ultra-fast crossbow. The Twin-Riser Technology means the riser is 41 percent lighter and two times stronger than traditional designs. Top and bottom plates reduce flex, cancel post-shot noise, and reduce vibration. Equipped with TenPoint’s TriggerTech Precision trigger, which utilizes patented Zero-Creep Technology, the trigger breaks clean and promotes shot-to-shot consistency. Of course, ACUslide MAXX cocking and de-cocking continue to be a favorite amongst the crossbow crowd due to its safety and simplicity. The TRX 26 comes ready to hunt with a 100-yard RangeMaster scope and is by far the most expensive new crossbow this year.
Ravin LR
Specs
Width: 10.4″ uncocked; 6″ cocked
Weight: 8.10 lbs.
Speed: 450 fps
Price (including accessories): $2,549.99
An innovator in crossbow design, Ravin gives hunters a new model based on today’s long-range rifles. With the goal of superior downrange accuracy at its forefront, the Ravin LR, according to data from Ravin, hits a top speed of 450 fps, delivers 222 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, and provides 12-ring accuracy to 135 yards. The more extended and narrow profile boosts balance and reduces post-shot recoil. The cheek pad and butt pad are fully adjustable, and the trigger break weight is factory set at a feathery light 2.5 pounds.
The crossbow arrives fully assembled and ready to hunt, and the 1-8×24 adjustable turret scope is mounted at the factory. Additional features like silent cocking, the ability to de-cock, and an extended Picatinny rail for additional accessory mounting land this crossbow in the preminum caegory.
Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock
Specs
Width: 14″ uncocked; 9.5″ cocked
Weight: 5.8 lbs.
Speed: 390 fps
Price (including accessories): $699.99-899.99
This isn’t Wicked Ridge’s first Invader M1 launch, and with the line being the company’s all-time best-selling crossbow, it won’t be the last. Shooters have the choice between TenPoint’s built-in ACUdraw De-Cock Crank and ACUdraw 50 Sled De-Cock. Both are simple to use and allow crossbow shooters to remove the bolt and unwind the cocked string back to static. That means no more firing a bolt at the end of a hunt into a target or some rotting stump in the woods.
The de-cock feature is safe, and should the hand slip off the handle during the unwind process, the crank handle holds in place and doesn’t spin wildly. It shoots fast, although I tested this crossbow extensively and could never get the chronograph to read the 390 fps Wicked Ridge markets the crossbow with. The new Invader M1 is reasonably compact, and the included 70-yard Pro-View 400 Lighted Scope provides aim points out to 70 yards, which boosts accuracy and reduces sight-in time.
Excalibur Mag Max
Specs
Width: 11″ uncocked; 5.75″ cocked
Weight: 7.9 lbs. with accessories
Speed: 350 fps
Price (including accessories): $799.99
Excalibur has never wandered from its roots of building the best recurve-limb crossbows on the market. Excalibur’s newest crossbow, the Mag Max, is engineered to be rugged and reliable no matter the conditions. The bow’s suppressors tame post-shot vibration, and Excalibur’s trigger ensures a clean, crisp break every time.
The CeaseFire Technology means the crossbow will never fire unless a bolt is loaded. Excalibur notes that the Mag Max’s high-output limbs are their most efficient, reliable, and durable limbs to date. I like recurve-limb crossbows, and this traditional rope-cock crossbow hits a pleasing price point and comes with a ready-to-hunt package.
Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX – Buckops Cycloptic-X
Specs
Width: 7.25″ cocked
Weight: 6.9 lbs. with accessories
Speed: 425 fps
Price (including accessories): $999.99
An innovative crossbow design that will work for spot-and-stalk and sit-and-wait missions alike, the Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX sports a custom step-through riser with advanced limbs and pivoting limb pockets for enhanced durability. Other must-note features of this 425 fps crossbow include a Soft-Lok Bristle Retainer System to keep the bolt centered in the rail, reducing any chance of pre-shot movement that could lead to an errant bolt.
According to Barnett, the patent-pending Halo System ensures balanced string travel for maximum downrange accuracy. Fitted with a zero-creep, three-pound trigger, Frictionless Release Technology creates a free-floating roller between the sear and the trigger for smooth, crisp shots.
The Hyper Raptor BCX has an impressive package with a BUKOPs Cycloptic-X scope with Primetime Color Vision. I’ve looked through this scope. It’s ultra-clear, and you can record your hunt with the push of a button. The Hyper Raptor BCX has a 14-inch powerstroke and a draw weight of 214 pounds.
Killer Instinct Logix 435 RDC Crossbow Kit
Specs
Width: 10.75″ uncocked; 6.75″ cocked
Weight: 8.4 lbs. with accessories
Speed: 435 fps
Price (including accessories): $799.99
Coming in under $800, the Logix 435 RDC includes everything you need to make a clean shot in the field. The patent-pending Let-Down trigger box lets you return the string to static without firing the crossbow. The integrated crank makes cocking the bow a breeze by vastly reducing draw-weight effort. The X-Cam is synchronized to create excellent speed, yet the 56 percent let-off makes for a smooth and quiet shot. Killer Instinct fitted the crossbow with an Anti-Dry Fire safety, ensuring the crossbow won’t fire unless the bolt is seated correctly. The kit includes an illuminated glass-etched Lumix 4-32 scope and a limited lifetime warranty.
Ballista Megabat Reverse
Specs
Width: 13.3″ uncocked; 8.6″ cocked
Weight: 9.28 lbs. with accessories
Speed: 450 fps
Price (including accessories): $999.99
When Ballista built its Megabat Reverse crossbow, the manufacturer emphasized creating a rig that was quick, silent, and easy to load. Ballista claims that they have accomplished the goal through a self-retracting cord tensioner. Fast by any standard, the reverse-draw limbs and unique-looking cams allowed Ballista to lengthen the power stroke to 12.2 inches, increasing force and boosting speed to a maximum of 450 fps. More force means more speed, and with an adjustable from 32 to 35-inch stock, shooters can customize total crossbow length based on preference and hunting style.
THE 1871 CLUB
