Barnett Ghost 385 Review

October 17, 2013 By Jon E. Silks

The name Barnett is synonymous with the crossbow world as it has been serving the industry for more than half a century. It sells crossbows around the globe and is recognized as a major player by anyone who knows the market. Barnett's Ghost 385 features a machined aluminum rail, lightweight thumbhole stock, Carbon Riser Technology (CRT), Reverse cams and more.

Bow-Lite

The "bow" portion of the Barnett Ghost 385 incorporates a special injection-molded carbon fiber riser that helps keep the overall mass weight to a minimum. I removed this piece from the rest of the bow and it tipped the scales at 3.1 pounds. It also features a step-through structure that allows the shooter to place their foot through the large opening in the riser and secure the crossbow to the floor or ground while cocking it.

Rubber trim on the contact surfaces protect the Ghost's carbon riser. A set of rubber string dampeners are positioned to cushion and deaden the string as it returns to rest after the shot. Ghost split limbs measure 12.5 inches in length and are manufactured using industry standard Gordon Composite material.

One of the more unique features on the new Barnett rig is the Reverse Cam system, which actually has the string come off the cam to the forward end of the crossbow (away from the shooter). This adds an additional 1.5 inches of power stroke and in turn makes the Ghost faster.

Multi-Rail

Barnett uses a lightweight, machined aluminum extrusion to construct its multi-functional rail. A short section of Picatinny rail is machined into the front of the main rail where there is a quiver mount receiver and sling mount. A slot in the end of the rail accepts the cables and is outfitted with a plastic wear plate to increase cable life.

Immediately behind the Picatinny rail is a large cutout section that is designed to fit with the clamshell foregrip, which simply attaches with two screws. The pass-through foregrip offers a solid hold on the crossbow. Above the cutout on either side of the rail are vented plastic "finger reminders" that are intended to provide a small barrier. This reminds you to keep your hand and fingers below the flight deck. The rail is bronze anodized.

Thumbhole Stock

The Ghost's stock reaches from the removable plastic butt plate to the foregrip, which is a separate piece. A lightweight glass-filled polypropylene material is injection-molded into the final form used to make the stock. A wider rear section features cheek plates that can be removed to expose an inner structure that accepts an optional crank cocking mechanism.

A rope cocking aid is included with your purchase of the Ghost 385. A pistol grip with a contoured rubber wrap is designed to offer maximum comfort and control. A trigger guard is also molded directly into the stock. A water transfer process is used to finish the stock in Realtree's Max-1 camo.

Trigger/String Retention Mechanics

The trigger is attached to a linkage that reaches back to the safety and string-retention components. As the crossbow is cocked, the Anti-Dry Fire mechanism and safety are automatically set. The string catch pivots out of the way as the string passes by to the cocked position, however, once it is past the catch, it returns to its upright position and will only pivot in the opposite direction and out of the way when the trigger is pulled.

There is also a trigger safety that prevents the crossbow from being fired unintentionally. Atop the trigger box you will find an illuminated reticle scope attached to a removable Picatinny rail. The four aiming points within the scope light up to either red or green, each with five different levels of light intensity.

At the Range

The lightweight Carbon Riser Technology (CRT) goes a long way toward making the Ghost 385 well-balanced. A short overall length not only results in super maneuverability, ideal for tight shooting quarters, but also makes it easier to cock as you remain in your "strength zone" while cocking. You do not get over extended.

I would like to see a bigger flare on the finger reminders and a stiffer rubber used for the string dampeners, as they both started to split shortly after the testing began. The accuracy test proved to me that I could knock the heart out of an animal easily at the test distance, and probably well beyond.

Archery Accessory Box

ols, you'll realize that they are easy to misplace, which is why a storage system like the Archery Accessory Box from Plano Molding is a good idea. The Archery Accessory Box is designed with a see-through top, one lift-out tray, up to 16 adjustable compartments, and is compact enough to throw in your vehicle when you hit the road in the fall. Price: $20

Archers Allen Wrench Set

If you want to boil down tool needs to a granular level, the jumping-off point for all bow work involves a quality set of Allen wrenches. I emphasize the word quality because I've had sets completely explode on me the first time I've used them. I don't know why it's so hard to make a set of Allen wrenches that will last, but a lot of companies seem to have trouble with the task. Fortunately, Pine Ridge Archery has it figured out with their Archers Allen Wrench Set. This set has all of the wrenches you're likely to need, and it contains them with a bolt and nut assembly that doesn't allow them to flop all over the place like lesser-quality sets. I keep a set in my shop, my truck and my daypack, so I'm covered no matter where or when I hunt. Price: $10

Bowsmith

Another tool that has found its way into my shop is the Bowsmith from Real Avid. The Bowsmith contains needle-nose pliers, a string spreader, knife blade, fletching stripper, nock crimp, string loop setter, and a bevy of other tools (28 in total). This handy tool set is small enough to stow away in a pack as well, and it can be invaluable in bow camp when the nearest pro shop is far away. Price: $50

Allen Company Compact Bow Tuning Kit

I also used my Allen Company Compact Bow Tuning Kit. Since I had to redo my center serving, I also needed to tie on a new string loop, which necessitated the use of the contained bow square. Although I didn't use a nock set, the Compact Bow Tuning Kit comes with nock pliers and three nock sets. Price: $15

Digital Bow Scale

An often-overlooked tool that is simple and can be used by every bow owner is a bow scale. I like Cabela's Digital Bow Scale, which features a backlit LCD screen and automatic weight lock, and is accurate up to 110 pounds in case you plan to shoot deer hiding behind concrete walls. It amazes me how often I talk to bowhunters who simply guess at their draw weight after cranking their limbs in or out a few turns. It's much better to know exactly what your bow is set at, especially if you're getting close to either end of your bow's recommended weight spectrum. Price: $20

Pro Archery Pliers

If you're in the market for a pair of pliers that will last longer than any bow you're likely to buy and features a nock set crimper and remover, a D-loop stretcher and scary sharp side-cutters, look no further than the Pro Archery Pliers from Easton Technical Products. These needle-nose pliers are extremely durable and can make home bow fixes a breeze. Price: $22

Bohning Mini Server

Considering potential bow fixes, it would be wise to not ignore serving issues. Last fall I was sitting in a treestand in north-central Wisconsin, when I happened to glance down at my nocked arrow. The angle looked off, and upon closer inspection I realized that my center serving had slipped and my entire string loop had crept up my string, throwing my entire bow tune out of alignment. Back at the cabin, I busted out my Bohning Mini Server and re-served my string. The Mini Server is perfect for the home bow mechanic because it eliminates the need for a cable spreader and is extremely easy to use. However, that wasn't the only tool I used to get back to shooting. Price: $19

Economy Vise

After putting the above tools to good use at home or in deer camp, it's inevitable that you'll realize something is missing — a vise. The option to clamp your bow into a quality vise and work on it with both hands free is important, which is why I've started using an Economy Vise from Apple Archery. Plastic-coated jaws provide a secure grip on your bow's limb without causing any damage to the finish, while the Economy Vise allows for 360 degrees of left-to-right and front-to-back rotation. Just like using a lineman's belt to hang a treestand for the first time, when you use a vise like this to work on your bow, you'll wonder how you ever functioned without it. Price: $81