TenPoint Eclipse RCX (pictured above)

Boasting a lot of TenPoint technology and design features, the Eclipse RCX features a reverse-cam system, which generates significantly more speed – as in 370 fps using TenPoint’s 370-grain Pro Elite arrows. The FSB stock and carbon-injected barrel design make for a quietly solid shooting platform, and the Eclipse RCX offers all TenPoint’s Core Performance Features, including the ACUdraw or ACUdraw 50 cocking options, TenPoint’s signature Dry Fire Inhibitor and the Quiet MM auto-engaging safety. At 6.9 pounds it’s on the light side. Axle to axle it’s 13 ½ inches cocked and 17 inches uncocked, with a moderate length of 34 ¾ inches. It comes with TenPoint’s premium accessories, and this sharp-looking crossbow is finished in Realtree Xtra. It retails for $1,119 with the ACUdraw 50 cocking device, $1,219 with the ACUdraw cocking device.

For more information, visit www.tenpointcrossbows.com or call (330) 628-9245 

Barnett Revengeance

One of two new reverse-limb crossbows Barnett is introducing for 2017, the Revengeance ($999) boasts an 18-inch power stroke that launches arrows at 400 fps despite a very comfortable 145-pound draw weight. The reverse-limb design pushes the balance point back and lightens the front end for much better balance and an easier, steadier hold, in addition to making for a narrow 18-inch axle-to-axle width. The Revengeance offers Barnett’s 3-pound no-creep TriggerTech trigger, adjustable foregrip, a bristle-brush arrow retainer, a nock sensor and an anti-dry-fire system, and 7⁄8-inch Picatinny rail. It’s designed to accommodate an optional crank cocking device, and comes with a 4x32 illuminated scope, a rope cocking device, a quiver and two 20-inch Headhunter arrows. Did we mention it comes fully assembled?

For more information, visit www.barnettcrossbows.com or call (800) 237-4507.

Ravin Crossbows R15 and R9

We could tell you Ravin crossbows are radically new and different, but you can see that. At 6 inches axle to axle (cocked), they’re the most compact crossbows ever. And what you can’t see at a glance is equally radical. Ravin calls it Helicoil Technology. By coiling the cable away from the top and bottom of the cams in helical grooves, the cams are kept perfectly level and balanced while rotating a full 340 degrees for maximum efficiency, and the arrow and string float freely above the rail to eliminate friction and provide more speed, boosted accuracy and increased string life. Ravin’s Trac-Trigger system attaches at the precise center of the string, and the super-compact Versa-Draw cocking system allows for uncocking as well as cocking. The bottom line is exceptional long-range accuracy and speeds up to 425 fps for the R15 ($2,000) with a 400-grain arrow, and up to 390 fps for the R9 ($1,500) with the same arrow. The distinguishing factor is the draw force of 12 pounds for the R15, 10 pounds for the R9.

For more information, visit www.ravincrossbows.com or call (800) 382-2337.

Mission MXB Charge

The squared pistol grip, compact size, sliding adjustable butt stock and unique foregrip tell you at a glance it’s a Mission crossbow, and at 365 fps it’s been labeled Mission’s ultimate crossbow. Certainly it appears to take all Mission’s technology to date and add a few new features. An adjustable length of pull has been a staple of Mission designs; the 2017 MXB Charge adds adjustable comb for vertical as well as horizontal adjustment to comfortably fit any shooter. Newly designed wide limbs reduce torque to enhance accuracy, and Mission’s new Smart Guide Slide makes a smooth draw cycle to more easily cock the 225-pound draw weight. It’s compact (32 x 19 ½ inches) and, at 6.9 pounds, definitely on the light side. It’s available in three different packages, all including three 22-inch Mission crossbow bolts, a black MX3 quiver and rail lube, the difference between the three packages being the scope.

For more information, visit www.missionarchery.com or call (608) 269-2728.

PSE Fang 350 XT

For 2017, PSE has improved on the popular Fang with the Fang 350 XT ($350). It’s a tad faster, at 350 fps, and the butt stock is a completely new design for better balance. The new 4x32 scope is smaller and offers better visibility, the string stops have been enhanced for even better noise suppression and overall length of the Fang 350 XT is 1 ¼ inches shorter for more maneuverability. Weight is a pleasing 6 ¼ pounds (before accessories), and the length is a compact 32 inches with a width of 15 ¾ inches cocked. The power stroke is just over 14 inches with a 165-pound draw weight. It’s got anti-dry-fire and an automatic safety trigger, along with a sound-deadening rubber-coated stirrup. It comes as a complete package with the aforementioned scope and a five-bolt quiver, three 20-inch carbon bolts with field points, a cocking rope and rail lube.

For more information, visit www.pse-archery.com or call 520-884-9065.

Stryker Crossbows Katana 360

New for 2017 from Stryker is the Katana 360 ($949), which Stryker touts as its most efficient crossbow ever. At 6 ½ pounds it qualifies as very light by any standard, and the bullpup stock magnifies that effect with improved balance. It boasts Stryker’s Guardian Anti-Dry Fire system and can be de-cocked without firing – a big deal for string life and a definite safety enhancement. It’s 35 inches long and a comfortable 17 inches wide at full draw. That 360 fps top speed is achieved with a 150-pound draw weight and 13-inch power stroke, and the Katana 360’s efficiency produces not only high speed but is deadly quiet. The package includes a Dead Zone scope, an X-Hanger three-arrow quiver with bracket, three Accustrike light arrows with field points and a rope cocker.

For more information, visit www.strykerxbow.com or call (877) 901-1934.

Parker Bows Tornado XXT

One of three bows in Parker’s new XXT series is the Tornado XXT ($850). XXT (Extreme Xbow Technology) is a combination of inverted cams (to lengthen the power stroke and increase speed and efficiency), split limbs, Parker’s Cavity-Back Riser and HP Synergy Cams. The XXT also features a G2 bull-pup trigger for better balance, as well as an auto-engage safety and anti-dry-fire system and Red Hot split-limb dampeners and string suppressors. Overall length is 34 ¾ inches, with a width (uncocked) of 20 3⁄8 inches and a weight of 8.9 pounds. A power stroke of 15 3⁄8 inches and a 160-pound draw weight launch arrows at a top speed of 365 fps. A variety of package options are available at extra cost, but the Tornado XXT comes standard with a premium Red Hot optic, a four-arrow quick-detach quiver and four Red Hot arrows with field points.

For more information, visit www.parkerbows.com or call (540) 337-5426.

Wicked Ridge Invader G3

It’s no accident that Wicked Ridge crossbows resemble TenPoint crossbows; the best way to offer a high-quality crossbow for a moderate price is to borrow technology from a sister company. For 2017 the Invader G3 ($699) is available with ACUdraw a well as ACUdraw 50, either of which will ensure you are never without a cocking device. The crisp, 3 ½-pound T2 trigger is another TenPoint technology, as is the Dry Fire Inhibitor and the 3X Multi-Line scope. A semi-skeletal stock, along with the geometry of the machined-aluminum riser, keeps it light at 6.6 pounds. It’s 19 inches wide when cocked with a length of 37 ¾ inches and a 13-inch power stroke. With a draw weight of 165 pounds, it reaches a top speed of 330 fps.

For more information, visit www.wickedridgecrossbows.com or call (330) 628-9245.

Carbon Express Covert Bloodshed

Carbon Express introduces the Covert Bloodshed ($599) for 2017. The skeletal stock, folding foregrip for an adjustable fit and Picatinny mounting system tell you it’s a Carbon Express at a glance. The 4x32 illuminated scope is newly designed for this crossbow, as is the bullpup trigger with minimal creep and a crisp 3 ½-pound pull. It’s a comfortable 36 inches long and a maneuverable 13 inches wide cocked, with a mass weight of 7.1 pounds. The 175-pound draw weight and 13 ½-inch power stroke propel bolts at a respectable 360 fps. In addition to the scope the package includes a quick-detach three-arrow quiver, three 20-inch Carbon Express Mayhem carbon bolts with field points, a cocking rope and rail lube.

For more information, visit www.carbonexpresscrossbow.com or call (800) 241-4833.

Excalibur Crossbow Micro Suppressor

Based on last year’s Micro 355, the new Excalibur Micro Suppressor ($1,300) is touted as nothing less than a revolution in size and sound. With an overall length of 31 inches, it’s the most compact crossbow yet from Excalibur. The company went all out with its new Sound Deadening System, which includes a rubberized stirrup and hold down spring, Ex-Shox, String Stars and R.A.V.S. (Recoil Anti-Vibration System) silencers. These work together to not only suppress noise, but to reduce vibration for enhanced shootability. Weighing a grin-producing 5.4 pounds, this crossbow produces top speeds up to 343 fps with 350-grain arrows. Featuring a Bullpup Ready Rest stock, it comes with the carbon design X-Hanger quick-detach quiver and features an ambidextrous cheekpiece along with the Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire mechanism.

For more information, go to www.excaliburcrossbow.com or call (800) 463-1817.

Crosman Gladiator Whisper 405

The 2017 flagship from Crosman is the Gladiator Whisper 405 ($1,000), capable of speeds up to 405 fps. An advanced Whisper Silencing System boasts two string stops, two limb dampeners and two spider silencers, ensuring that this crossbow is ultra-quiet and vibration-free. Notable features include a tactical AR-style adjustable stock, quad limbs with precision CNC-machined cams and an accuracy-promoting aluminum rail with shoot-through riser. The Gladiator 405 has a compact 13 ½-inch front end, making it exceptionally maneuverable, and it comes with a 4x32 scope, three 20-inch arrows, a quiver, rope cocker and sling.

For more information, visit www.crosman.com or call (800) 724-7486.

SA Sports Empire Aggressor Lite

Growing company SA Sports has an even dozen crossbows in its lineup, the newest of which is the Empire Aggressor Lite ($400). As the name suggests, it’s a shorter, lighter version of the Empire Aggressor, with a super-light weight of 6 pounds. Though it’s slightly wider axle to axle than its predecessor, at 18 inches uncocked it’s still on the compact side. With a draw weight of 175 pounds and a relatively short, easy-to-cock power stroke of 9 ¾ inches, it reaches a respectable top speed of 320+ fps. In keeping with the SA Sports mission of “supplying quality gear without compromising quality,” the Empire Aggressor Lite offers all the features hunters have come to expect in a quality crossbow, including a lightweight, high-performance aluminum barrel, quad limbs and CNC machined aluminum cams, a precision scope mount and 3 ½-pound trigger assembly, a full barrel Picatinny rail, adjustable Picatinny mount foregrip, and an ambidextrous auto safety and anti-dry-fire trigger.

For more information, visit www.sa-sports.com or call (610) 841-2929.

Killer Instinct SWAT

New this year from Killer Instinct is the SWAT ($1,100). According to Killer Instinct, this crossbow is the next level of sub-compact crossbows, packing “raw power, balance and design into a small, tactical package.” Concealed String Technology compresses the string into the barrel and doubles as a comfortable cheek rest, while the Double Barrel System includes both an upper and lower barrel, eliminating friction and boosting accuracy. The bolt and broadhead are concealed within the riser for the ultimate in safety, and the SWAT feels even lighter than its 6.9-pound weight thanks to extreme center balance. The SWAT measures just 29 inches long, has a draw weight of 165 pounds, boasts a 17 ½-inch power stroke and offers speeds up to 385 fps. A crisp 2 ½-pound sniper-grade trigger, HAWKE XB30 optic, and Deadening noise and vibration silencers round out this bow.

For more information, visit www.killercrossbows.com or call (810) 626-3026.

Horton Vortec RDX

There’s a lot to be said for reverse-limb designs, and Horton’s new Vortec RDX ($1,019) says most of them. To begin with, a reverse-limb design lengthens the power stroke for more speed. It moves the balance point back for steadier, more comfortable shooting, and it makes for an extremely compact crossbow. The Vortec RDX employs the same reverse-limb technology as TenPoint’s Carbon Nitro RDX and Horton’s own Storm RDX, but its length equals the Carbon Nitro RDX and is slightly shorter than the Storm RDX. With a cocked width of 9 1⁄8 inches, it’s narrower than both, and its 7.6-pound mass weight makes it lighter than both, as well. With a draw weight at a very comfortable 135 pounds, its top speed is 340 fps. It includes a lot of other TenPoint design features as well, and comes with the TenPoint accessories.

For more information, visit www.hortoncrossbows.com or call (330) 628-9245.

Browning OneSixtwo

Loaded with high-end features, the Browning OneSixTwo spits bolts at 370 fps. This premium crossbow boasts the patented Triggertech ADF trigger with a pull of just 3 pounds and Frictionless Release Technology for smooth, repeatable shots. The OneSixTwo has a power stroke of 14 3⁄8 inches, weighs 7.2 pounds and has a draw weight of 145 pounds. The integrated Browning crank cocking device sits in the patent-pending hinged cheek piece, allowing the user to cock the crossbow with just 17 pounds of pressure. Other features include a flight track hook groove, Cross illuminated scope, Comfort Ledge palm rest, left and right Picatinny, foot stirrup, finger safety guards, aluminum flight track, string suppressors and a cast magnesium riser.

For more information, visit www.browningcrossbows.com or call (844) 283-7250.

Scorpyd Crossbows Ventilator Extreme

The inventor of Reverse Draw Technology is all about performance, and Scorpyd’s Ventilator Extreme is a high-performance crossbow by any standard. With a 175-pound draw weight the long 18 ½-inch power stroke made possible by the reverse-draw design sends 400-grain arrows downrange at a scalding 440 fps. That same technology makes for a super-compact axle-to-axle width of 12 7/8 inches cocked. The length is 35 ½ inches and mass weight is 8.1 pounds. It features Barnsdale laminated limbs, titanium fasteners, a convenient folding stock for easier cocking, a crisp 3-pound trigger that has been rated the best in the industry and an anti-dry-fire mechanism. In addition to the 175-pound draw weight version it’s available in draw weights of 160, 135 and 110 pounds. It’s available in a base kit camo model with strings stops, a scope rail, sling studs and a sled cocker for $1,499, or in an Extreme Scope Plus package that also includes a choice of illuminated scopes, a sling, Bowjax limb dampeners and six arrows for $1,799.

For more information, visit www.scorpyd.com or call (319) 538-8540.

Southern Crossbow Rebel 350

The Rebel 350 from Southern Crossbow is perfect for helping shooters move from guns to crossbows. A Picatinny rail on the bottom and a weaver rail on top mean that shooters can attach a wide range of accessories. The Rebel 350 features a compound levering system, a composite split-limb design, a sturdy foregrip and a foot stirrup. Those attributes, combined with the 155-pound draw weight, ensure this crossbow is both powerful and rugged. With quiet cams and speeds up to 350 fps, the Rebel 350 is a stealthy killer in the woods. Weighing 10.8 pounds, the Rebel 350 boasts a length of 40 1⁄2 inches, width of 25.6 inches and a 14.2-inch power stroke. This crossbow is available in a package that includes a 4x32 scope, four arrows with field tips, a quick-detach quiver, sling, string wax and safety glasses. The Rebel 350 retails for $400.

For more information, visit www.southerncrossbow.com or call (817) 225-0310.

Darton Toxin 100

The latest addition to Darton’s growing crossbow lineup is the new Toxin 100. Shorter and lighter than any of Darton’s previous crossbow models, it’s 31 ¾ inches in length and an easy-to-carry 6.8 pounds. Axle to axle it’s 17 inches, and with an easy-cocking 170-pound draw weight and power stroke of 13 ½ inches, it reaches a top speed of 340 fps. It shares with other crossbows in the Toxin series Darton’s bullpup forward trigger for a longer power stroke and better balance, as well as a Hi-Energy Cam System, Trackless Composite Barrel design, auto-safety and anti-dry-fire device, and dual string suppressors. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a great-looking crossbow, thanks to the combination of a black/carbon weave finish, pistol grip, skeletal stock design and Picatinny-mounted scope that give the Toxin 100 a sleek, aggressive, futuristic appearance.

For more information, visit www.dartonarchery.com or call (989) 728-9511.

Arrow Precision Inferno Flame

Arrow Precision’s sports a mass weight of 7.85 pounds and a draw weight of 185 pounds. A ribbed front grip with an extended thumb guard makes for added safety. The Inferno Flame has a power stroke of 14 inches, measures 36 ¼ inches long (without foot stirrup) and, when cocked, is 17 ½ inches wide from axle to axle. Reaching speeds up to 385 fps, the Inferno Flame is available in a package that includes a 4x32 multi-reticle illuminated scope, four carbon bolts with 100-grain field points, a quick-detach quiver, a padded sling, anti-dry-fire trigger, rail and string lube, and a rope cocking device.

For more information, visit www.arrow-precision.com or call (610) 437-7138.