Best Beginner Crossbows For Sale In 2022 Reviews, Guide & Tips

You are new to the crossbow world?

What are some features a good beginner crossbow should have?

We got all the answers!

In this short crossbow beginners guide, we bring you all of the important characteristics to look for if you are buying your first crossbow as well as some crossbow tips for beginners. We also bring you reviews on the top five crossbows which are ideal for beginners.

Best Beginner Crossbows

Most Important Crossbow Information For Beginners

Since there are so many options on the market available it can be quite challenging to select one which will suit a beginner. That is why we think it is important to get informed before actually buying one, and this beginners guide to crossbows is here to help you with that!

Not the most powerful or fast

When you are just starting, we don’t recommend buying the most powerful or the one with the highest velocity. We also recommend to look into the weight of the crossbow and make sure it is not too heavy so you can easily maneuver with it and carry it on your shoulder.

Automatic crossbows

A good feature to have is a self-cocking system. That way you won’t have to load your crossbow after each shoot, which can be a drag for a beginner. Instead, you will be able to shoot multiple arrows one after another.

Safety features and accessories

One of the first things to look for are the safety features the crossbow has. Those are very important because they will prevent you from hurting yourself or others. Also, the best way is to look for a crossbow package that has all of the needed accessories included, so you don’t have to search for them separately.

Upgrade in the future

If you are just a beginner, we don’t recommend getting the professional crossbow with the most advanced features. If you are new in hunting, you aren’t sure if you are going to like it, start with something simple. Later on, when you get some practice you can always upgrade it with different equipment or get a new better, more advanced version.

Top 5 Beginner Crossbows For Sale Reviews

Hunting Crossbow For Beginners

Barnett Ghost 375 Crossbow

The first beginner crossbow we are going to mention is by the very popular brand Barnett. It is their Ghost 375 crossbow which is perfect if you are just starting with crossbows. It still has some great features which will allow you to see what professional hunting is like.

The maximum speed you can reach with this model is 385 feet per second, which is extremely fast. The draw weight is 165 pound and you can achieve the kinetic energy of 125 ft-lbs. Ir is one of the lightest bows on Barnett’s Carbonlite Series and has 7 pounds.

Barnett Ghost 375 Crossbow

When you purchase this model you will not need to assemble it as it already comes in one piece. The overall dimensions of this beginner crossbow model are 36.25″L x 22.5″W. All parts are made out of stainless steel which makes sit durable and sturdy. It comes with a few accessories included in the package which are the 4×32 scope, rope cocking device, lightweight quiver, two 20 inch Headhunter arrows as well as lube wax.

It also has many safety features which are great for beginners. Those are the knock sensor and the ADF which is great to eliminate dry fires. It also uses the Anti-Vibration technology which lessens the sounds and vibrations.

Compound Beginner Crossbow

Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package

The next one on our best beginner crossbow models is another one of the Barnetts models. It is their Jackal Crossbow that comes with all of the accessories included in the package. It also is easy to operate with, but still has some good hunting features. Those are just some of the reasons why this is a good beginner crossbow.

The maximum velocity on this mode is 315 fps and it has 150-pounds of draw weight. Therefore this is a powerful hunting weapon that needs to be used with caution. Another feature is the 3.5 ln trigger pull which makes it very smooth when shooting. With the Anti Dry Fire System, you will not be able to shoot, unless the arrow is placed correctly.

Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package

In the package aside from the crossbow, you will also get the quick-detach quiver, three bolts, and premium red dot sight. It comes with the sleek, military-style stock and the high energy wheels. There is also the synthetic string and the cable system included. It is also recommended to wax the string every ten shots if you want your crossbow to last a long time.

The overall dimensions of this beginner crossbow are 34 x 14 x 8 inches and it weighs 7.7 pounds. It comes with a high-camouflage which is great for hunting.

Small Beginner Crossbow

EK Archery Cobra R9 System Pistol Crossbow

Next model we want to share with you is one of the smaller crossbows by the brand EK Archery. It is their Cobra R9 System Pistol crossbow that is super compact and ideal for storage and travel. It has the self-cocking feature which makes it easier to load it, therefore it is great for all of those who are just starting with hunting.

EK Archery Cobra R9 System Pistol Crossbow review

It comes with a maximum speed of 240 feet per second and its draw weight is 90 pounds. The power stroke is 7.5 inches. It is designed so that it can be assembled and disassembled within a few seconds. Another benefit is the limb which is provided strung and you don’t have to remove it to pack this crossbow away.

EK Archery Cobra R9 System Pistol Crossbow

An additional feature is the underlever cocking system which will allow for the easiest crossbow cocking. That way you will get fast repetitive shooting each time. It also comes with a couple of accessories included in the price. Those are the two weavers/Picatinny rails mounted on both sides and six of the 7.5-inch bolts.

Cheap Beginner Crossbow

Ace Martial Arts Supply Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow

Another one of the best beginner crossbow models is this self-cocking pistol by the brand Ace Martial Arts. It is aa easy and safe to use a crossbow, which is, therefore, perfect if you are just starting which hunting.

Ace Martial Arts Supply Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow

It is made out of the strong plastic body and compressed molded fiberglass bow which makes it perfect for smaller hunting games or just practicing the target. It comes with 15 aluminum arrows which can be fired at the speed of 165 fps. All of the arrows have a metal tip and the tactical sight which can easily be adjusted.

The draw weight on this crossbow is 80 pounds., while its overall weight equals only 2.8 pounds. The self-cocking mechanism makes it safer to use and a lot less strenuous. All you have to do is pull down on the pivoting arm leveler and the crossbow will be cocked. That way you will shorten you reload time and shoot more in a lot less time.

Ace Martial Arts Supply Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow reviews

In the package, you will also get the 1 extra fiberglass bow and 1 extra 80lb string. We advise you to lube the rail slide and use wax on the stings. That way you will decrease the friction and your crossbow will last you for a longer.

Recurve Beginner Crossbow

Bruin Attack 265 Recurve Crossbow Package

The last one of the best beginner crossbows is one by the brand Bruin Attack. It is their recurve crossbow model which is perfect for all of those who are just starting with hunting, but also for those who are professionals already.

Bruin Ambush 370 Crossbow Package

You will get a lightweight crossbow that has only 4.8 pounds and it isn’t heavy to carry on your shoulder. It comes with an adjustable length between 30.5 and 33 inches. Axle to axle length on this one is 26 inches when cocked and 28 inches uncocked. The power stroke is 11 inches and you can shoot the bolts with the speed of 260 feet per second.

It also comes with a few safety features which are convenient if you are still a beginner. Those are the Anti-Dry Fire Trigger Pack and the Adjustable AR Tactical Butt. In the package, you will also get the 4×32 Scope Cocking Rope, 3-Bolt Quiver, three of the 16-inch aluminum bolts, string wax as well as string stopper.

Conclusion: What Is The Best Beginner Crossbow On The Market?

After reviewing a couple of the top picks when it comes to beginner crossbow, we think that the Ace Martial Arts Supply Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow is the best one. It comes with a self-cocking feature and can be used for small hunting games and for practicing your target skills. Also, it is small and compact therefore easy to transport and store.

If you are more interested in professional hunting crossbows, we have a full article on the best crossbows for hunting, check it out on the link here! If you want to learn more about automatic crossbows, we recommend reading our short buying guide here!