Best Recurve Crossbow Reviews & Rating (Latest Killer Crossbows)

Recurve crossbows are a hot favourite among hunters mainly because they are easy to load and use and their long barrel and limbs ensure accuracy and speed. Today we will be taking a deep look into best recurve crossbows and the best options available on the market.

We will be discussing recurve crossbow reviews, their features, pros and cons and by the end of this article we hope you will have a good idea as to which recurve crossbow you should choose for your use.

Why Choose Recurve Crossbow Over Compound?

  • Speed: Recurve crossbows generally fire at velocities higher than compound crossbows. This makes them more accurate than compound crossbows.
  • Less expensive: Recurve bows are usually much cheaper than compound crossbows making them a better choice for a tight budget.
  • Simple Design: With a simpler design, recurve crossbows are more maneuverable as compared to compound bows.
  • Easier to Decock: Compound crossbows usually don’t have any decocking mechanism whereas recurve crossbows can easily be cocked and decocked.
  • String Replacement: Replacing a string is easier with a recurve crossbow as compared to a compound one.

Best Recurve Crossbow Reviews (2023)

  1. CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow ( Editor’s Choice)
  2. SA Sports Empire Fever Pro Recurve Crossbow
  3. Excalibur Matrix 355 Crossbow Package
  4. Excalibur Axe 340 Kryptek Raid with SDS
  5. K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow
  6. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow
  7. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow
  8. Southland Archery Supply Desert Hawk Next G1 crossbow
  9. Barnett Outdoors BCR Crossbow
  10. Barnett Recruit Recurve Crossbow

1. CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow ( Editor’s Choice)

CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow Package With 4x32mm Scope, Camo

Speed
245 FPS
Weight
5 Pounds
Length
29 Inches 
Width Axle-to-Axle
23 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
10.5 Inches
Kinetic Energy
50 Foot-Pounds

The first product that we believe deserves to be among the best recurve crossbows is the CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow.

The CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow offers ease of use, power and safety all in one single package so we would definitely recommend it for beginners. So if you are a beginner then you don’t need to fret because this crossbow will allow you to polish your skills while also providing great performance.

This crossbow is not only easy to use but it is also quite powerful and durable so we can easily say that it is a full package.

Beginning with the safety features, this crossbow comes with an auto-safety mechanism that automatically switches on the trigger safety once an arrow has been shot. A cocking stirrup is attached to the front of the crossbow which makes it easier for you to load it and helps prevent any injuries.

centerpoint crossbow
Source: Amazon.com

Moving on to the power of this crossbow, it can easily achieve speeds of up to 245 fps which is good enough for beginners and amateurs. This may not be among the fastest speeds on the market, but this is great for beginners and it can easily be used to hunt whitetail deer and turkey. The effective range of this crossbow is around 40 yards.

The accessories included with this package are 4 aluminum bolts, an attached quiver and a sight scope. These will help beginners during the learning process. It features compression-molded fiberglass limbs which are so durable that you can use them for years on end without any wear and tear.

Features
  • Lightweight adjustable stock
  • Compression-molded fiberglass limb
  • Auto-safety cocking mechanism
  • Foregrip storage compartment
  • Cocking stirrup

Pros

  • Camo exterior
  • Safe
  • Good for beginners
  • Convenient use

Cons

  • Low quality accessories
The CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow offers ease of use, power and safety all in one single package so we would definitely recommend it for beginners.

2. SA Sports Empire Fever Pro Recurve Crossbow

SA Sports 647 Empire Fever crossbow

Speed
235 FPS
Weight
5.1 Pounds
Length
34 Inches
Width Axle-to-Axle
26.5 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
10.25 Inches
Draw Weight
175 Pounds

The SA Sports Empire Fever Pro Recurve Crossbow is another great recurve crossbow that you need to learn about. With a 235-fps speed and a draw weight of 175 pounds, this crossbow surely delivers power in its shots. It offers a user-friendly design with features such as the ambidextrous auto safety which allows users to use the crossbow with either hands.

The hand saver palm grip is another great safety feature which helps protect your hands from any kind of injury while shooting. Other safety features include a boot-style foot stirrup which makes this crossbow perfect for both professionals and beginners.

SA Sports 647 Empire Fever
Source: Amazon.com

Durability of this crossbow is ensured by the integration of the aluminum barrel and track which ensures a long lifespan for the crossbow despite rough use in the woods. The quick detach quiver on this crossbow makes it much easier to access the arrows. It can also be mounted with an adjustable weaver style scope for better sighting.

An integrated broadhead wrench has been molded into the stock with a flip-open storage compartment. The crossbow comes with accessories such as aluminum arrows, a 4×32 mm scope, user manual, padded shoulder string and quick detach quiver.

Features
  • Hand saver palm grip
  • Picatinny rail
  • Ambidextrous auto safety
  • Integrated broadhead wrench
  • Flip open storage compartment
  • Adjustable Weaver style scope mount
  • Crank cocking device capable

Pros

  • Safe to use
  • Suitable for both beginners and professionals
  • Comes with various top-notch features
  • Durable

Cons

  • Low quality bolts
All the amazing features and quality accessories definitely make the SA Sports Empire Fever Pro Recurve Crossbow worth your money.

3. Excalibur Matrix 355 Crossbow Package

Excalibur Matrix 355


Speed
355 FPS
Weight
5.4 Pounds
Length
34.75 Inches
WidthAxle-to-Axle
26.31 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
12.25 Inches
Draw Weight
240 Pounds

The next contender for the title of the best recurve crossbow is the Excalibur Matrix 355 Crossbow Package. It is a well-engineered and well-thought-out crossbow produced by the manufacturers of Excalibur. This one is quite suitable for hunting small to medium game. The crossbow features an ergonomic design which comfortably fits against the shoulder making it easier to draw and fire the bolt.

It weighs almost 5.4 pounds and requires only a simple assembly. However, don’t be deceived by its low weight because it packs as much power as most of its heavier counterparts so you will surely get the best of both worlds. A Tact-zone-5-reticle scope is included in the package which helps ensure accurate shots. In order to sight the scope, you need to shoot just a few shots in order to achieve perfect accuracy. The scope is illuminated so each reticle has a green/red centered in the middle which helps in improving visibility when light levels are low. Regardless of the distance, the alignment and accuracy of the unit stays consistent.

The power of this crossbow can be estimated from the fact that it can fire at a maximum speed of 355 fps which is the fastest speed in the recurve crossbows mentioned till now. This speed is perfect for the 18-inch 350-grain carbon bolts.

Features
  • Tact-zone-5-reticle scope
  • Ergo-grip stock
  • Compact Recurve Technology
  • Quad-Loc riser
  • Realtree camo w/tact-zone
  • Realtree Xtra Finish

Pros

  • Powerful output
  • Easy to assemble
  • Ergonomic design
  • Accurate

Cons

  • No safety mechanism
Final word
The Excalibur Matrix 355 Crossbow Package is a great product by manufacturers of Excalibur and we would surely recommend this recurve crossbow to you.

4. Excalibur Axe 340 Kryptek Raid with SDS

EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW Micro MAG 340- Realtree

Speed
340 FPS
Weight
5.5 Pounds
Length
31.75 Inches 
Width Axle-to-Axle
22 Inches (cocked) 25 inches(uncooked)
Power Stroke
13 Inches
Kinetic Energy
62 Foot-Pounds

Another best recurve crossbow on our list is the Excalibur Axe 340 Kryptek Raid with SDS which is also the second Excalibur product on our list. This crossbow comes with various extraordinary features which allow you to use it not only for target shooting but also for hunting. It has an uncocked width of 25 inches and a cocked width of 22 inches along with a length 0f only 31.71 inches which makes it quite easy to handle.

Manufactured using Gen II limbs and an aluminum frame, this crossbow weighs only 5.5 pounds. With a draw weight of 270 pounds, it can fire bolts at a speed of 340 fps.

EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW Micro MAG 340- Realtree EXCAPE w/Dead Zone Scope
Source: amazon.com

It also comes with a complete silencing kit which helps reduce the noise produced while shooting so that you do not alarm your prey beforehand. Air brakes, a sound deadening system and sound suppressors are included in this list.

Rubberized and ergonomic grips of the crossbow make it very comfortable to hold. A dead zone scope has been mounted on the crossbow which makes it easier for beginners to sight the crossbow. Despite the 270-pound draw weight, it can easily be cocked using the rope cocking aid which cuts down the draw weight to half its actual value.

Safety features of this crossbow include the guardian anti-dry fire system which prevents misfires by breaking at about 3.5 pounds. The safety wings keep your fingers well away from the string to prevent any injuries.

Features
  • Gen II limbs
  • aluminum frame
  • Air brakes
  • sound deadening system
  • sound suppressors
  • Rubberized and ergonomic grips
  • dead zone scope
  • guardian anti-dry fire system

Pros

  • Silent
  • Accurate
  • High quality
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Heavy draw weight

Final word
The Excalibur Axe 340 Kryptek Raid with SDS crossbow is reliable, lightweight and compact which will work well for both beginners and experts.

5. K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow

Speed
245 FPS
Weight
5 Pounds
Length
33 Inches
Width Axle-to-Axle
26 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
10.5 Inches
Draw Weight
175 Pounds

The K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow is another great option for people looking for the best recurve crossbow. It is suitable for beginners but it also packs the power required for bowhunting or target shooting. The coking rope helps significantly reduce the actual draw weight of 175 pounds making it easier to cock your crossbow.

With an effective range of about 40 yards, this crossbow can provide speeds of up to 245 fps which is good enough for a recurve crossbow. It can easily hunt small to medium sized game such as turkey, whitetail deer and varmint etc. It is also quite accurate when used for target shooting.

EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW
Source: budk.com

The parts of this crossbow are quite well made which helps ensure durability in the future. It weighs almost 5 pounds and has a length of about 33 inches. It features an 18.5-inch power stroke when using 16-inch aluminum bolts. The included red-dot scope can be used to help improve accuracy. This scope easily attaches to the crossbow’s picatinny rail.

This crossbow comes in a complete package with various accessories including a wax, stringer, quiver with 4 aluminum arrows, red-dot scope and a sling. These help beginners in operating the crossbow easily and getting a handle on things very quickly.

Features
  • tough composite stock
  • red-dot scope
  • cocking rope included
  • 40 yards effective range

Pros

  • Good for beginners
  • Many accessories included
  • Quality construction
  • Good for hunting and target shooting

Cons

  • Complex assembly

Final word
The effective specifications and quality construction make the amazing K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow the best recurve crossbow for beginners.

6. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow

Centerpoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow

Speed
370 FPS
Weight
11.9 Pounds
Length
36.5 Inches
Width Axle-to-Axle
18 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
13.5 Inches
Draw Weight
185 Pounds

The next crossbow that we have chosen for you is the CenterPoint Sniper 370. With a 370-fps speed and a draw weight of about 185 pounds, this crossbow surely has the power to take down any kind of game with absolute ease. The axle-to-axle width of this crossbow reduces to about 18 inches when it is fully cocked. This width is narrow enough for working in tight spaces.

The foregrip and stock of this crossbow is fully adjustable which fits according to your shoulder for a comfortable and convenient fit. This gives it a very customized feel. It also features quad limbs along with a precision-machined cams system which helps in delivering accuracy and power for the perfect shot.

Integrated string compressors in this crossbow allow for a vibration-free and quiet shot which is important for a successful hunt. You need to make sure that your game remains unaware of your presence till the very last moment. The CNC-machined rail along with the shoot-through riser is quite durable and also lightweight.

Being lightweight, this crossbow is quite easy to maneuver in the field and is also easily portable. For the safety of the users, it comes with an anti-dry fire trigger and a trigger safety which helps in preventing any dry fires or misfires. Accessories that are included in the package are wax and a cocking device which makes it easier to cock and maintain the crossbow.

 Centerpoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370
Source: amazon.com
Features
  • adjustable stock and foregrip
  • quad limbs along
  • precision-machined cams system
  • Integrated string compressors
  • CNC-machined rail
  • shoot-through riser
  • anti-dry fire trigger
  • trigger safety

Pros

  • Durable
  • Powerful
  • Silent
  • Comes with accessories

Cons

  • Difficult to assemble

Final word
The CenterPoint Sniper 370 is a quality recurve crossbow that is surely worth your money. It is fast and accurate and is also quite powerful for taking down a big game.

7. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow

BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 40

Speed
400 FPS
Weight
6.9 Pounds
Length
36.5 Inches
Width Axle-to-Axle
20 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
16.375 Inches
Draw Weight
187 Pounds

With a good draw weight of around 165 pounds, our next crossbow, the BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, is also quite deserving of the title of the best recurve crossbow. It has the ability to deliver speeds of around 400 fps in addition to a kinetic energy of nearly 135 ft. pounds. This power is great for easily bringing down a big animal.

This crossbow offers a very professional outer look along with an unobtrusive and extremely comfortable grip. It also features a lightweight design along with the high-quality fiberglass composite step-through riser. This recurve crossbow has been designed especially for full-framed shooters; therefore, it provides a good shoulder rest for increased comfort. The lengthened step-through as well as the stock combine together in order to create speed as well as power without adding on any extra weight to the crossbow.

<div class="su-row"><div class="su-column su-column-size-"1-3" "product-features-tab""><div class="su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim"> Speed 400 FPS </div></div><div class="su-column su-column-size-"1-3" "product-features-tab""><div class="su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim"> Weight 6.9 Pounds </div></div><div class="su-column su-column-size-"1-3" "product-features-tab""><div class="su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim"> Length 36.5 Inches </div></div></div> <div class="su-row"><div class="su-column su-column-size-"1-3" "product-features-tab""><div class="su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim"> Width Axle-to-Axle 20 Inches (cocked) </div></div><div class="su-column su-column-size-"1-3" "product-features-tab""><div class="su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim"> Power Stroke 16.375 Inches </div></div><div class="su-column su-column-size-"1-3" "product-features-tab""><div class="su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim"> Kinetic Energy 140 Foot-Pounds </div></div><div class="su-column su-column-size-"1-3" "product-features-tab""><div class="su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim"> Draw Weight 187 Pounds</div></div></div>

To help maintain your stealth, this crossbow comes with an amazing camo riser with string dampeners. It also features a recoil which helps in ensuring reduced noise while cocking and shooting. This helps prevent the game from being alarmed early on. Frictionless release technology of this bow helps ensure a muffled shot. It also provides a smooth free-floating roller in between the trigger and the sear in order to provide the hunter with a highly-sensitive yet light-release trigger.

Anti-dry fire as well as nock sensors have been integrated in order to help provide safety especially when the recurve crossbow is not being used. Some other unique features of this crossbow include a side-mounted quiver, a high-quality illuminated scope in addition to a 3-pound pressure release. You also get a lube wax and also 2 headhunter bolts.

Features
  • unobtrusive and comfortable grip
  • string dampener and recoil
  • fiberglass composite step-through riser
  • anti-dry fire and nock sensors
  • frictionless release technology

Pros

  • increased power with a lightweight design
  • A Side-mounted quiver which helps ensure a quick draw
  • better stealth
  • Can be used with the crank cocking device

Cons

  • Very Limited warranty

Final word
The BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow offers a quiet operation in addition to a comfortable design which ensures a good aim. In addition, all these features of this crossbow are available to you at a very low price.

8. Southland Archery Supply Desert Hawk Next G1 crossbow

Southland Archery Supply

Speed
330 FPS
Weight
12.5 Pounds
Length
38.3 Inches
Width Axle-to-Axle
35.8 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
13.5 Inches
Draw Weight
225 Pounds

The next product on our list is the Southland Archery Supply Desert Hawk Next G1 crossbow which weighs a mere 10 pounds. This is a high-powered crossbow which can deliver speeds of around 330 fps. Great specs of this crossbow give it incredible accuracy, momentum and speed.

Let’s discuss the assembly because that is the first thing that you do when you buy the crossbow. Its assembly is quite minimal which makes it perfect for beginners. It has a durable yet lightweight body in addition to a great looking exterior making it perfect for users who care about operation as well as appearances.

It also comes with a machined aluminum barrel and an adjustable forend. In addition, an anti-dry fire mechanism is also present which helps prevent any mishaps. A weaver rail is also present which prevents recoil nuisance. The next G1 camo exterior of this crossbow allows you to camouflage into the environment.

It has a draw weight of about 225 pounds and a power stroke of 13.5 inches. Durability is further enhanced by the reinforced composite stock in addition to the compression molded fiberglass limb. The package comes with a pair of safety goggles, a rail lube, a scope and two 20-inch carbon arrows.

Source: amazon.com
Features
  • machined aluminum barrel
  • adjustable forend
  • anti-dry fire mechanism
  • weaver rail
  • G1 camo
  • compression molded fiberglass limb

Pros

  • Good aesthetics
  • High speed and accuracy
  • Suitable for hunting and target shooting
  • Lightweight yet durable

Cons

  • A little expensive

Final word
Despite being slightly expensive, the Southland Archery Supply Desert Hawk Next G1 crossbow will still fit into most budgets and provide excellent operation.

9. Barnett Outdoors BCR Crossbow

Barnett Outdoors BCR R

Speed
245 FPS
Weight
5 Pounds
Length
33 Inches
Width Axle-to-Axle
28 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
5 Inches
Draw Weight
150 Pounds

The Barnett Outdoors BCR is a lightweight model which has been primarily designed for hunting as well as target shooting. It shoots bolts at a velocity of 245 fps. It comes with 3 18-inch arrows which are pleasantly powerful and speedy. You also get an adjustable butt pad which allows you to move into a convenient stance while using the bow.

It has an easy limb assembly with a very quick detachment making it the perfect crossbow for beginners. This crossbow also features a fore grip with a finger reminder as well as a stirrup with anti-vibration. These features are particularly useful for beginners who are new to handling a weapon.

A metal injected trigger provides a tight quality tolerance which is quite helpful for beginners. This helps in reducing the jerk emitted when the trigger is pulled. It is very easy to handle and comes with all the necessary features required for shooting small targets. An anti-dry fire system and automatic safety has also been included for the user’s safety.

Source: amazon.com
Features
  • adjustable butt pad
  • quick detachment assembly
  • fore grip with a finger reminder
  • stirrup with anti-vibration
  • metal injected trigger
  • anti-dry fire system
  • automatic safety

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy assembly
  • Suitable for target shooting and hunting small game
  • Adjustable butt pad

Cons

  • A rope cocking device is not included

Final word
The Barnett Outdoors BCR is a great recurve crossbow that will truly be appreciated by all.

10. Barnett Recruit Recurve Crossbow

Barnett Recruit Recurve

Speed
245 FPS
Weight
5 Pounds
Length
32.5 Inches
Width Axle-to-Axle
27.5 Inches (cocked)
Power Stroke
10.25 Inches
Draw Weight
150 Pounds

To make target shooting sessions more enjoyable, you need a recurve that is lightweight, powerful, or accurate. This crossbow from Amazon is an excellent choice. The recurve crossbow is a powerful tool that can deliver powerful strokes. It can go up to 245 feet per second.

This tool features a great amount of power, but it is also easy to use due to its compact design. Aside from its portability, this also allows one to enjoy its great features. This item comes with three arrows and a red dot sight for optimal target shooting. It measures 18 inches long.

A perfect aim is not enough when it comes to shooting accurately. Having a smooth trigger also helps you hit the target exactly as it should. As a result, this tool can be used for both hunting and target shooting. Its construction and design make it ideal for both these applications. You will be astounded by how well the tool can assist you in both tasks.

The provided view is somewhat dim. As a result, you may be unable to sight with it in low light. In addition, the supplied screw is a little long. As a result, the quiver was unable to be attached to the bow.

Source: amazon.com
Features
  • Composite Laminated Limbs
  • Integrated Crank
  • Anti-Dry Fire Technology
  • Auto safety
  • Finger Reminders

Pros

  • Shoots accurately
  • Comfortable to use
  • Impactful and fast
  • Comes with a red dot sight

Cons

  • Sight doesn’t work well in low light

Final word
Despite being our list pick for the list of best recurve crossbows, the Barnett Recruit Recurve Crossbow is still one powerful and efficient weapon.

Conclusion

We have provided you with detailed recurve crossbow reviews in this article in order to help you pick the best one for you. All these recurve crossbows are unique and come with various different accessories as well as features. Their prices also vary a lot.
The final choice depends entirely on you and you need to make this choice keeping in mind your budget, level of expertise and requirements. If you have any other queries, reach out to us and we would gladly answer them for you.


FAQ

1. What's the best recurve crossbow?

According to us, the CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow is the best recurve crossbow.

2. What is the fastest recurve crossbow?

The Excalibur Bulldog 440 is the fastest recurve crossbow with a speed of 440 fps.

3. Is a recurve crossbow more powerful than a compound crossbow?

No, compound crossbows are commonly more powerful than recurve crossbows.

4. Are recurve crossbows accurate?

Most recurve crossbows provide great accuracy and speed.

5. Can you hunt with a recurve bow?

Recurve crossbows can easily be used to hunt small to medium games.

6. How long does a quality recurve crossbow last?

If used carefully, most recurve crossbows will last for 3-5 years.

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