New Crossbows for 2026

There’s no doubt that crossbows are more popular than ever, with more and more hunters picking up horizontal bows with each passing year. Over the past decade, a myriad of technological advancements has made horizontal bows more accurate, efficient and safer than ever, making them a top choice for archery enthusiasts of all ages.

The 2026 crop of crossbows might just have outdone itself, with plenty of innovation and enhancements incorporated into the new models. Among the highlights are TenPoint’s new TRX Ultra — the fastest crossbow in the world — as well as a new breakdown model from Excalibur and some sweet options that combine quality performance and affordability into a package that’s hard to beat.

TenPoint TRX Ultra

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies is known for the incredible quality and accuracy of its bows, and this year the Ohio-based company is turning heads with the fastest crossbow ever made — the new TRX Ultra.

Able to launch bolts 515 fps when using the company’s new ACU-X RD bolt, this bow measures 29.5 inches long and only 6 inches wide yet is capable of delivering groups that are 70 percent tighter at 100 yards, ensuring deadly accuracy at average hunting shot distances of 50 yards and under. The blistering speeds are made possible thanks to the TRX Ultra’s reverse-draw design and 16.25-inch power stroke, while TenPoint credits the enhanced accuracy to four new innovations — Zero-Torsion technology that combines an 8MM Axle that’s substantially stronger and stiffer than standard axles with X-Wide Limbs that are 20 percent wider and much stronger than regular limbs; a new brushless machined aluminum bolt rest that eliminates shifting and vibration impact; a new string built with advanced materials and processes, and the ACU-X RD bolt and Snap-On Nock designed especially for rail-less reverse-draw crossbows.

Oher highlights of the TRX Ultra include a 3-pound TriggerTech Trigger for a clean, crisp break; AR-Style Ambidextrous Thumb Safety and a variable-speed EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope designed for shots out to 100 yards. The bow comes with the integrated ACUslide MAXX safe cocking and decocking device, three ACU-X 20 Premium Carbon Crossbow bolts (ACU-X RD bolts sold separately), integrated string stop system, quiver, bow hanger and bubble level. For an additional cost, the TRX Ultra is also available with the Burris Oracle X Rangefinding Crossbow Scope or TenPoint’s new Vision HD Digital Rangefinding Crossbow Scope. $3,599.99 (Vektra Camo), $3,499.99 (Moss Green) | TenPoint Crossbow Technologies

Excalibur RevX TD

Let’s face it — transporting crossbows isn’t always an easy task due to their weight and bulk. Now, Excalibur has engineered a solution to that challenge with the RevX TD.

Thanks to what it calls Quick-Loc Technology, this innovative crossbow breaks down into two pieces and can be reassembled in seconds without tools, with Excalibur guaranteeing the bow will maintain its return to zero. Plus, transporting the bow is easy via the included Explorer Take-Down Soft Case.

The RevX TD, which can propel bolts up to 400 fps, comes with many of the features Excalibur is known for, including the company’s legendary recurve limbs, the ChargerX integrated crank that makes cocking and decocking the bow easy, and CeaseFire technology that ensures the bow can’t be fired unless a bolt is loaded, the safety is off and the trigger is pulled. The RevX TD weighs 9.6 pounds with accessories and measures 33 inches long. It’s available in Stealth Grey or Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage and comes with an Overwatch Scope, 30mm scope rings, Rebolt Quiver, four V-Flight 16.5-inch bolts and four 100-grain fieldpoints. $1,899.99 | Excalibur Crossbow

Killer Instinct NEO-X

With its 195-pound draw weight and 15-inch power stroke, the NEO-X launches bolts up to 415 fps, while the patent-pending DC Triggerbox allows the user to safely decock the crossbow by hand, making it an incredible value for the price.

Features of this hard-hitting horizontal bow include the synchronized X-Cam System that makes the crossbow easy to draw, illuminated Lumix XLR 4x32 scope and Anti-Dry Fire Safety that prevents the bow from discharging unless a bolt is loaded properly. The NEO-X weighs 8.2 pounds and measures a sleek 6.75 inches wide when cocked (10.75 inches wide uncocked) and 28-31 inches long without the foot stirrup. It comes with two 20-inch, 390-grain Hypr bolts with new V-Track nock, sled rope cocker, 3-bolt quiver and more. $699.99 | Killer Instinct

Barnett Hyper Raptor GTX

If you’re on the hunt for a lighter-weight, fast-shooting and hard-hitting crossbow that checks in under one grand, then Barnett’s new Hyper Raptor GTX is absolutely worth a look. It all starts with the bow’s ability to propel the included 20-inch HyperFlite bolts 425 fps, with the company’s HALO riser system designed to eliminate cable crossing and cam lean for exceptional accuracy.

The Hyper Raptor GTX checks in at 6.9 pounds without accessories and is 32.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide axle to axle when cocked (15.6 inches wide uncocked), with the 14-inch power stroke producing 142 foot-pounds of kinetic energy for deadly impact.

Other highlights include an adjustable length-of-pull buttstock, crisp 3-pound trigger, pass-through forend with Verti-Grip palm rest, padded cheek rest and Soft-Lok Floating Bristle retainer that securely holds the bolt in place for enhanced accuracy. Plus, the Rope Hold Roller Ball technology safely and securely holds your cocking device rope in place, ensuring a smooth and even cocking draw every time.

The Hyper Raptor GTX comes with a Ranger Green stock and Barnett’s Adapt camouflage limbs and includes a 2-7x36mm illuminated scope, three HyperFlite bolts, sled-style rope cocking device, 3-bolt quiver and more. For an additional cost, you can also upgrade the package to include the BUK OPS X-Factor laser rangefinding scope or Cycloptic-X Scope with Primetime Color Vision that lets you record your hunt. Both use an advanced high-definition conversion process that enhances the ability to see through the scope in low-light conditions, making them an accessory worth considering (check with your state’s wildlife agency to ensure they are legal in your state). $899 (with Barnett 2-7x36mm scope), $1,199 (with choice of BUK OPS scope) | Barnett Crossbows

TenPoint TX Ultra 26.5

TenPoint’s shortest forward-draw crossbow ever, the new TX Ultra 26.5 is truly built for easy maneuverability and hunting in tighter spaces. The bow weighs only 7.7 pounds with the included ACUslide MAXX and is only 7 inches wide and 26.5 inches long without the stirrup, yet it’s capable of delivering bolts up to 410 fps, more than fast enough to take down any game animal.

Exceptional accuracy has long been a hallmark of TenPoint bows and the TX Ultra 26.5 is no exception. In addition to a rock-solid foundation led by the company’s Twin-Riser Technology, the bow includes the new stronger, stiffer 8MM Axle; wider, stronger X-Wide Limbs; a new premium string that reportedly extends string life by up to 200 percent over previous versions and the new high-performance ACU-X 20 bolts. Put it all together and you have a crossbow that promises 3-inch groups at 100 yards.

Sighting in and aiming are easy via the Rangemaster 100, a 2-7 variable speed scope that offers aimpoints out to 100 yards, while the ACUslide MAXX makes cocking and decocking the bow an easy task. In addition to the scope and ACCUslide MAXX, the TX Ultra 26.5 comes with three of the ACU-X 20 bolts, integrated string stop, system, quiver and bow hanger. As with the TRX Ultra, it can also be paired with TenPoint’s new Vision HD Digital Rangefinding Crossbow Scope or the Burris Oracle X Rangefinding Crossbow Scope. $2,099.99 (Vektra Camo), $1,999.99 (Moss Green) | TenPoint Crossbow Technologies

Wicked Ridge Commander 400

It’s fast, easy to cock and priced perfectly, making it an ideal option for any crossbow hunter.

The new Commander 400 from Wicked Ridge launches bolts up to 400 fps — 20 fps faster than Wicked Ridge’s No. 1 seller, the Commander M1 — and includes a built-in ACUdraw cocking device and 4x32 Pro-View 400 lighted scope. The increased speeds are the result of an elongated power stroke and increased cam rotation, with Wicked Ridge promising exceptional accuracy to boot. Plus, the entire bow, including the Gordon Glass Double Laminated Limbs, are made in the U.S., ensuring unmatched durability when compared to models that might be made or use parts from abroad.

The Commander 400 is loaded with safety features including safety wings on top of the foregrip to prevent fingers from accidentally sliding up into the string path, a fully enclosed trigger guard that helps prevent accidental discharge and a Dry-Fire-Inhibitor. The bow, which comes in PEAK camo, measures 35.75 inches long and 11 inches wide from axle to axle, and it weighs 7.3 pounds with the ACUdraw. Three Match 400 carbon bolts and a quiver are included. $599.99 | Wicked Ridge Crossbows

TenPoint TX Ultra 29.5

With its narrow profile, included ACUslide MAXX cocking and decocking device and the ability to launch bolts up to 460 fps, there’s truly a lot to like with this new TenPoint model. The company promises 3-inch shot groupings at 100 yards, which means it will be deadly accurate at 30, 40 or 50 yards, and the bow comes with everything you need to get started on the range including a 100-yard variable-speed EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope, three TenPoint ACU-X 20 Premium Carbon Crossbow bolts, quiver, bow hanger and more.

Similar to the TRX Ultra and TX Ultra 26.5, the TX Ultra 29.5 — TenPoint’s fastest forward-draw crossbow ever — features several new TenPoint technologies designed to enhance speed and accuracy, making it a deadly hunting option, even at extended ranges. The new innovations include the stronger, stiffer 8MM Axle that’s designed to enhance cam, axle and limb alignment during and after the shot; X-Wide Limbs that are 20 percent wider and reportedly 120 percent stronger than standard limbs; and the new ACU-X 20 bolts with snap-on nocks that are engineered for exceptional bolt to bolt consistency.

The TX Ultra 29.5 measures less than 30 inches without the stirrup, checks in at 8 pounds with the ACUslide MAXX and includes all of the technologies and safety features that have resulted in TenPoint producing some of the fastest, safest and most accurate crossbows in the world.

If you’re hunting for a killer crossbow that’s capable of downing any size big game, even at the longer distances you might encounter when hunting in the West, this is one model you seriously need to consider. $2,599.99 (Vektra Camo), $2,499.99 (Moss Green) | TenPoint Crossbow Technologies

Ravin R470

Blazing bolt speeds, hard-hitting impact and a compact design are just a few of the highlights of Ravin Crossbows’ R470, the company’s most advanced crossbow to date.

Powered by the HexCoil Cam System, which features 300 degrees of cam rotation, and a 13-inch power stroke, the bow produces 196 foot-pounds of kinetic energy and launches bolt up to 470 fps. The silent VersaDrive cocking system allows for smooth, nearly effortless cocking and decocking, with only 17 pounds of force required to crank the handle, while the internal brake lets the user to stop the cocking or decocking process at any point.

At only 26.75 inches long and 4.3-inches-wide axle to axle when cocked (8 inches wide uncocked), the R470 is a sleek, easily maneuverable crossbow that’s perfect for close quarters. It weighs 8.4 pounds and comes with a Ravin 100-yard Illuminated 550 fps crossbow scope, three .003 bolts, three fieldpoints, quiver and mounting bracket. $2,749.99 (XK7 Camo), $2,549.99 (Black) | Ravin Crossbows

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