Best Crossbows for Women: Size, Weight, & Comfort (2023)
Crossbows have become a popular choice for hunters, offering a unique blend of power, precision, and ease of use. As more women enter the world of bowhunting and target shooting, the industry has responded with a variety of crossbows designed specifically for women, taking into account factors such as size, weight, and comfort.
Crossbows for women typically feature compact designs, lightweight construction, and adjustable components to accommodate different body types and preferences. This makes it easier for women to wield and shoot a crossbow with accuracy, ensuring a more enjoyable and successful experience in the field or on the range.
With this in mind, we’ve researched and evaluated a range of crossbows to find the best options for women, tailored to meet a variety of skill levels and preferences.
Best Crossbows for Women
Explore our top selections of crossbows designed for women, taking into account comfort, ease of use, and power. We’ve handpicked these products specifically to fit your needs and enhance your outdoor hunting experience.
BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow
The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is a solid choice for women looking for a reliable, lightweight crossbow with excellent performance.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Powerful 375 feet per second shooting speed
- Impressive safety features
Cons
- Scope quality could be improved
- Assembly instructions are lacking
- Screws holding the crossbow together may feel cheap
When it comes to crossbows for women, you want something that is easy to handle and provides exceptional performance. The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow delivers just that, thanks to its ultra-compact and lightweight design. Weighing only 6.6 pounds, it’s manageable for hunters of all skill levels and sizes.
You’ll be impressed by the power of this crossbow, as it boasts a shooting speed of 375 feet per second. This speed ensures accuracy and efficiency when hunting. Additionally, the numerous safety features, such as Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, Finger Safety reminders, and TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology, give you peace of mind while out in the field.
However, it’s not without its flaws. While the crossbow itself performs remarkably, the included scope could be of better quality. Several users have noted difficulties in zeroing the scope or adjusting the crosshairs. Additionally, the assembly instructions are lacking in detail, so you might need to find a video or guide online to help you put everything together. Lastly, the screws that hold the crossbow together might feel cheap and prone to stripping, so take extra care during assembly.
Barnett Explorer XP400 Crossbow Package
This crossbow is a fantastic choice for those seeking power and adaptability at an affordable price.
Pros
- High velocity at 400 feet per second
- Adjustable butt stock and cheek rest for comfort
- Dual laminated limbs for durability
Cons
- Only comes with two arrows
- Scope could be better quality
- Center serving may stretch apart during cocking
This Barnett Explorer XP400 Crossbow Package has impressed with its high velocity, reaching up to 400 feet per second. You’ll find that the power and performance packed in this crossbow exceeds expectations, making it an excellent choice for hunting.
The adjustable butt stock and cheek rest allow for a comfortable fit, customized to your personal preferences. This feature makes the XP400 feel like it was made just for you. Additionally, the dual laminated limbs make the crossbow highly durable—a necessary quality for regular use in the great outdoors.
However, it is important to note that the package only includes two carbon arrows, which may not be enough for consistent hunting needs. You might want to purchase more arrows. Additionally, some users found the included scope to be lacking in quality. It may be worthwhile to invest in a better scope for improved accuracy. And, there have been reports of the center serving stretching apart during the cocking process. Keep an eye on this and consider taking it to a professional if it becomes a concern.
Killer Instinct Lethal 405 FPS Crossbow Bundle
The Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Bundle is a powerful and stealthy choice for women hunters seeking top-notch performance.
Pros
- Fast shooting with 405 feet per second power
- Quiet performance due to custom rubber shock absorbers
- Lightweight and easy-to-maneuver composite stock
Cons
- Scope quality may not be up to par
- Difficult bolt assembly location
- Might be too powerful for small game hunting
When you’re hunting with the Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Bundle, you’ll definitely feel the difference in power and agility. Its ultra-light composite stock makes it a breeze to move around, while the adjustable X-Lok forearm piece ensures a comfortable grip. Out in the field, the integrated rubber suppressors help to minimize noise and vibration, keeping you stealthy and focused on your target.
But it’s not all smooth sailing – some users have reported difficulty with the assembly process, particularly with the location of the bolts that connect the bow to the frame. Additionally, the scope included in the bundle might not be up to everyone’s standards, with some reporting glare issues. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something to consider if you’re looking for the perfect crossbow setup right out of the box.
As for the crossbow’s performance, it’s no slouch. The Lethal 405 boasts an impressive 405 feet per second shooting power, making it a formidable choice for hunting large game. However, if you’re in pursuit of smaller game, this crossbow might be too powerful – bolts have been reported to go straight through standard archery targets.
Buying Guide
Size and Weight
When choosing a crossbow for women, the first thing to consider is the size and weight. A lighter and smaller crossbow is easier to handle, especially during long hunting sessions. Look for a crossbow that fits comfortably in your hands and is easy to carry around.
Draw Weight
The draw weight is the amount of force required to pull back the bowstring. For a woman, it’s crucial to find a crossbow with a manageable draw weight. Lower draw weight crossbows are easier to cock and shoot, but still have enough power to take down game effectively.
Speed and Kinetic Energy
The speed of a crossbow is measured in feet per second (fps). Generally, faster crossbows deliver more kinetic energy, which translates to better penetration and performance. Check the crossbow’s speed and kinetic energy specifications, but remember that higher speeds often come with higher draw weights.
Safety Features
Safety is essential when handling any weapon, including crossbows. Make sure the crossbow you choose has safety features such as an anti-dry fire mechanism, which prevents the bow from firing without a bolt loaded, and a finger guard to protect your fingers from the bowstring.
Scope and Aiming
A quality scope can make all the difference in accurately hitting your target. Look for a crossbow with a scope that has multiple reticle options, good light transmission, and easy adjustability. It’s also important to consider how the crossbow’s design affects your ability to aim comfortably.
Noise and Vibration
During hunting, keeping noise and vibration to a minimum helps avoid startling your prey. Some crossbows come with built-in noise dampening systems and limb vibration suppressors. Consider these features when evaluating different crossbows to find one with a quieter and smoother shot.
Remember to take these factors into account when searching for the best crossbow for your needs. A comfortable and effective crossbow will enhance your hunting experience and increase your chances of success.