New Crossbows for 2025

Today's horizontal bows are faster, easier and safer to use — not to mention more accurate than ever — and the newest crop is impressive.

January 08, 2025 By Mark Demko

Whether you are on the hunt for an accurate, affordable crossbow that gets the job done when deer hunting, or you’re in the market for a high-end game-getter with all the bells and whistles, there’s no doubt you can find a new-for-2025 model to fit your budget, your preferences and your bowhunting needs.

TenPoint TRX 26

ata2025-crossbows-tenpoint — TenPoint TRX 26

Get ready for hard-hitting impact in a compact package! Billed as TenPoint’s lightest and narrowest reverse-draw crossbow ever, the TRX 26 is only 5.75 inches wide when cocked and 26.5 inches long, and it weighs only 7.1 pounds with the built-in ACUslide MAXX, yet it’s capable of propelling bolts a blistering 460 fps. This crossbow is highlighted by TenPoint’s Twin-Riser Technology that debuted last year. The riser design is engineered to be 41 percent lighter and twice as stiff as traditional risers, reportedly reducing riser flex by 70 percent to greatly enhance downrange accuracy. Other TRX 26 features include a custom, 3-pound TriggerTech Trigger; rail-less ZERO-Trac Barrel that eliminates bolt friction and helps shave nearly a pound off the bow’s weight; and TenPoint’s popular ACUslide MAXX, the safe cocking and de-cocking device that keeps the handle securely locked in place at all times during the cocking and de-cocking processes, even if your hand accidentally slips off. Other safety features include an ambidextrous trigger safety and a nock retention groove that allows the user to hear an audible click and feel the engagement of the bolt so he or she knows the bolt is properly loaded. The TRX 26 comes with TenPoint’s RangeMaster 100 2-7X variable-speed scope, three CenterPunch HPX Premium carbon bolts, integrated string stop system, quiver, bow hook and bubble level.

$3,099.99 (Vektra Camo), $2,999.99 (Moss Green) | tenpointcrossbows.com

Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX

ata2025-crossbows-barnett — Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX

Bolts fired from the Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX slip in and take out big-game animals before they ever know what hit them. The Hyper Raptor’s self-timing Infinity Cams are designed to provide more consistency and accuracy, while the pivoting limb pockets boost durability. The crossbow also includes several other features for which Barnett is well-known, including a custom, step-through riser; advanced limbs; and Soft-Lok Bristle Bolt Retainer System. The end result is a crossbow that launches bolts up to 425 fps, with a bone-crushing 152 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. The bow weighs only 6.9 pounds, measures 7.25 inches wide between the axles when cocked and is 32.5 inches long. It’s available with the BUK OPS Cycloptic-X Crossbow Scope with Primetime Color Vision, BUK OPS X-Factor LRF Crossbow Scope with built-in, angle-compensating laser rangefinder or the Barnett 2-7x36mm Speed Dial Precision Reticle Scope. Three 20-inch HyperFlite bolts, fieldpoints, quick-detach quiver and more come with the ready-to-shoot package.

$699.99-$999.99 | barnettcrossbows.com

AXE 400

If you’re looking for a crossbow that offers speed, accuracy and value in one package, check out the AXE 400. Measuring 35 inches long and 14.25 inches wide when cocked (17.75 inches wide uncocked), this crossbow has a 14.25-inch power stroke and 200-pound draw weight that combine to deliver bolts that fly up to 400 fps while packing 135 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. The bow, which checks in at 8.4 pounds with accessories, has an ambidextrous safety mechanism, Anti-Dry Fire feature, multi-position buttstock and an ergonomic, adjustable foregrip. It comes with a 2-7x36mm illuminated AXE scope that’s matched to the bow’s ballistic profile, as well as a removable Quiet Crank cocking device, rope cocking device, three PileDriver bolts, fieldpoints and a quiver.

$699.99 | feradyne.com

Killer Instinct LogiX 435 RDC with Let-Down Triggerbox

ata2025-crossbows-killerinstinct — Killer Instinct LogiX 435 RDC with Let-Down Triggerbox

Killer Instinct’s easy-to-draw, synchronized X-Cam System and new Let-Down Triggerbox technology make this bow easy to cock, safe and easy to de-cock and, combined with the 15-inch power stroke and 220-pound draw weight, capable of propelling bolts up to 435 fps, a trifecta that’s sure to make it a hit with archery hunters. The crossbow has an adjustable buttstock, with a total length of 32.25-33.75 inches without the foot stirrup. It measures 6.75 inches wide cocked and 10.75 inches wide uncocked, with a weight of 8.5 pounds. The integrated Rapid Draw Crank allows for quick, safe cocking or de-cocking of the crossbow with minimal effort, while new Tact-Finish camo pattern eliminates pattern distortion and has higher definition and superior durability compared to a traditional film dip. The LogiX 435 RDC comes as a ready-to-shoot package, complete with three 20-inch Hypr-V bolts with new V-Track Nock; illuminated, glass-etched 4x32 Lumix scope; sled rope cocker; 5-bolt quiver; rail lube; and Killer Instinct’s limited lifetime warranty.

$799.99 | killerinstinctcrossbows.com

Ballista Megabat Reverse

ata2025-crossbows-ballista — Ballista Megabat Reverse

Ballista says the Megabat Reverse is the only full-size, reverse-draw crossbow in the world with a self-retracting cord tensioner that makes loading the crossbow quick, easy and silent. The reverse-draw limbs (360-pound draw weight) and unique design of the cams work together to lengthen the power stroke (12.2 inches versus 10.6 inches for the Megabat) and increase the force acting on the bolt, resulting in bolt speeds up to 450 fps. The design of the Megabat Reverse, with the riser located closer to the shooter, also results in better balance and handling. The bow has an adjustable stock and measures 32-35 inches long with the stirrup and 28-30 inches without. From axle to axle, it’s 8.6 inches wide when cocked (13.3 inches uncocked), with the bow weighing 9.28 pounds. The Megabat Reverse comes with a 4x32 scope, three bolts and a user manual. The draw weight of the pull rod used to cock the bow is 120 pounds.

$999 | ballista.co

Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock

ata2025-crossbows-wickedridge — Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock

Bolt speeds nearing 400 fps, superb accuracy and a relatively compact profile, all at a solid price tag, highlight the new Invader M1 De-Cock from Wicked Ridge. This crossbow measures 32 inches long and 9.5 inches wide between the axles when cocked and is capable of launching bolts 390 fps. It comes with the Wicked Ridge’s patented, two-stage, zero-creep D-1 trigger — its smoothest ever — as well as either the ACUdraw De-Cock or ACUdraw 50 SLED De-Cock, allowing for safe and easy de-cocking if you don’t fire a shot. The Invader M1’s power comes from its 190-pound bow assembly driven by VX-5 reverse cams that elongate the power stroke and increase rotation to produce exceptional, same-hole accuracy and those impressive speeds. Other highlights include the lightweight XS Stock that features tactical cutouts to reduce bow weight and improve balance, and safety wings to prevent fingers from accidentally slipping into the string’s flightpath.

FeraDyne Outdoors' Chris James gives Bowhunter TV's Curt Wells a firsthand look at Muzzy's new bow for the water at the 2025 ATA Show. The 2025 Deviant features the Hybrid Lever Cam design — a combination of a compound wheel bow and a lever bow. Now, bowfisherman can enjoy the smoothness of a wheel bow, while still having the ability to snap shoot it like you any other lever bow. At just 3.8 pounds, as well as a 19- to 29-inch draw-length adjustment and a 15- to 50-pound draw-weight adjustment, the bow can easily be used by anyone.

Gear

TenPoint TX28

Gear

Mathews Launches 2025 Bow and Accessory Lineup

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Bowhunting

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