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Hunting and target shooting is a lot of fun. Nowadays, hunting and shooting are not only popular among men; many women enjoy these sports as well. For this reason, there are crossbows in the market specifically designed for ladies. Well, if you are a hunting enthusiast, you can not overlook the importance of investing in the right crossbow.
There are many factors, including the groove, flight speed, and weight, to consider in finding one that suits your unique needs. The process of choosing one can be extremely daunting for both beginners and experienced hunters and shooters. This article offers a detailed guide to help you find the best crossbow for women in 2022.
What is a crossbow?
A crossbow is a weapon that emerged during the medieval times. It comprises of a bow transversely set on a robust wooden stock. This weapon is held using hands and essential in the shooting of arrows known as bolts or quarrels notched for holding the bowstring and released through a trigger.
The bow in the crossbow can also be made using steel or iron. In ancient times, it was used predominantly in wars. Nowadays, people use it for recreational sports as well as hunting.
History of the Crossbow
Crossbows first came into existence during the 4th Century B.C.E. They became a popular weapon of choice due to their high levels of accuracy when hitting the target.
In the Circa 209 B.C.E., approximately fifty thousand soldiers in the China army were all equipped with crossbows, which they would use during battles. The popularity of the crossbow has since then increased and is ultramodern models are nowadays available with advanced features such as enhanced speed.
Types of crossbow
There are many types of crossbows available in the market today. They come in various models and styles. They have different uses based on their construction. Gaining a profound knowledge of the different types of crossbows available can help you identify the best one for your needs.
1. Compound crossbow
Compound crossbows are super easy to use and have a shorter draw length. In a compound crossbow, several pulleys connect to the strings. One or several pulleys are then attached using cables to the opposite limb. When shooting, the string naturally draws back, making the pulleys to turn, after which the cable moves accordingly. The limb, in turn, bends accumulating energy for the shot. You will notice that compound crossbows have stiffer limbs compared to other types, and you will need to input a lot of pressure when shooting due to the design.
You can also use compound crossbows within a small space due to their compact narrower design compared to the recurve counterparts. Compound crossbows are more energy-efficient compared to other types due to their structures. This type of crossbow is also popular among hunters due to its high levels of accuracy and its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. These bows tend to be heavier than to recurve crossbows and can quickly lose efficiency when y. Maintenance can be expensive since they have lots of parts.
2. Recurve crossbow
Recurve crossbows have a longer draw than other standard crossbows that causes them to feature better acceleration and offer reduced shock. The recurve crossbow draws its name from its delicate curves that align the bow end, pointing away from the user. The curves ensure that the string is kept in place and doesn’t flick out. They achieve this through string straining and locking it to your safety and that of the equipment.
Recurve crossbows are most of the times used by advanced shooters, hunters, and archers. You may be required to use bowstring silencers due to their noisy nature. The recurve crossbow is best suited for hunting adventures that require lots of power and high speeds when hunting for big games such as bears.
3. Riffle crossbows
Riffle crossbows feature an intricate design for the highest strength and accuracy together with a superior aim capability. These types of features highlight high-end technological features, such as adjustable sights and heavy-duty fiber construction.
Hunters love them due to their accurate long-range shots of as far as 250 feet. They are ideal for use in the smallest spaces as well as dense forests, making it easier for you to target your unsuspecting prey. The rail design is also high quality making it possible to shoot bolts with zero friction offering maximum velocity.
4. Repeating crossbows
If you want to shorten your shooting process, then a repeating crossbow will be the perfect choice for you. With a repeating crossbow, you initiate only one movement to make a shot. When you make a single shot, all other functions get completed from projectile launching, bow stringing, and targeting.
Repeating crossbows can shoot thrice as fast as other crossbows. This makes this type of crossbow an excellent choice for shooters looking for extremely high speeds. You can create repeat shots as many times as you like, unlike other types of crossbows, which a single short is a make or break. They are an excellent choice for beginners who do not want to put lots of effort into becoming advanced shooters.
Crossbow VS compound bow
Generally speaking, modern crossbows offer more energy as compared to typical compound bows. Crossbows can be used at remarkably higher ranges than compound bows and tend to shoot more accurately.
Benefits of investing in a crossbow
- A crossbow allows extremely high accuracy when shooting even new shooters can become skilled after a short time of using one.
- They do not operate using drawing motion, making it easier for you to stay still when shooting. Without any movement, it’s unlikely that the game will sense you in your hiding location.
- Once you cock the string, it’s held in place and operates more like a gun as opposed to the traditional bow. You do not have to employ any energy to keep it ready for use, meaning you can carry it for a longer time without getting tired.
- You can operate a crossbow even in cold weather when wearing gloves as well as bulky clothing when hunting during the cold weather.
Editor’s Top Pick | Top 5 Best Crossbow For A Woman
1. EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW Matrix SMF Grizzly Crossbow
Excalibur is well known for offering top quality crossbows. This bow features 200-pound draw weight (this translates to a weight of 5.5 pounds). This makes it lightweight, making it easier for you to carry around when hunting. It has a minimum arrow weight of 350 grammes. It’s a highly affordable crossbow made with very high-quality materials to ensure its longevity. It’s an ideal choice for advanced hunters and shooters and beginners.
The strings are easy to fix when they get broken in the wild, so you never miss out on any big catch when hunting. Thus crossbow utilizes a 20 inch bolt that features one hundred and twenty-five-grain tips. It comes packed with a handy instruction manual together with a DVD so you can quickly and easily assemble it even if you are a beginner.
The scope offered a high level of accuracy and made using high-quality glass to improve the durability of the bow. This crossbow is perfect for both women and teenagers.
Pros
- Well Balance
- Easy to set up and operate
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Portable
- Great for women as well as teenagers.
Cons
- You may injure yourself since it lacks a safety mechanism.
- Slower arrow speed due to the minimal draw weight.
2. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow
The CenterPoint sniper 370 crossbow is a remarkable compound crossbow. Not only is it affordable, but it also features an incredibly high-performance rate. Another feature that distinguishes this crossbow from others is its intricate design.
It comes with an adjustable AR-style stock together with an interchangeable grip. Another feature worth mentioning is the speed and power highlighted by this crossbow. Despite falling in the low price range, this crossbow features an incredibly 370 feet/second speed. This is quite a lot for its price. It’s an excellent choice for beginners as well as small shooters.
It has a draw weight of 185 pounds and features a 4×32 scope for fantastic accuracy. When cocked, it measures only 18″ axle-to-axle so you can easily maneuver your way into achieving that perfect shot. It’s made using aluminum and composite, making it easy to carry around when out in the wild.
It also features integrated spring suppressors for quiet operation, so your targeted prey doesn’t notice you. Its total weight is 11.9 lbs. It also comes with anti-dry fire as well as an auto-safety trigger mechanism, so you don’t injure yourself when using it.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Fully adjustable stock and forearm
- The high velocity of 370 fps
- Affordable
- Interchangeable grip
Cons
- Vague assembly instructions
- The front is heavy
3. The Barnet white tail Hunter 2 Crossbow – by Barnett
This is a great crossbow that’s the right choice for ladies, easy to use, and lightweight. It measures around 6.4 pounds and is made of stainless steel components so that it can withstand harsh weather conditions. It offers a high power range of 350 feet/second when you aim for the target.
The draw weight is 150 pounds. The packaging comes with a rope coking device, a lightweight quiver, Lune wax, and two head hunter arrows. The fact that it’s lightweight means that it’s easier to move with it from place to place during hunting expeditions.
The Barnet whitetail hunter 11 crossbow is ideal for beginners as well as advanced hunters and shooters. It highlights high levels of accuracy, and you can shoot comfortably at 70 yards.
The manufacturer has incorporated both anti-dry fire as well as automatic safety features, so you remain safe during your shooting expeditions. The fact that it’s compact and lightweight means you can easily carry it around and be ready to shoot when you identify your target.
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight
- Comes with great accessories
- Extremely accurate crossbow
- Powerful arrow speed
- Has anti-dry fire as well as automatic safety features.
Cons
- Scope and grip not adjustable.
- The range is of marginal quality.
4. Wicked Ridge Invader G3 Crossbow Package
The Wicked Ridge Invader G3 crossbow is a trendy, easy to use a crossbow that falls within this affordable price range. It’s perfect for women hunters who do not wish to add more accessories when they invest in a crossbow.
Aside from being lightweight, this elegantly designed crossbow incorporates high levels of speed and accuracy to ensure that you hit your target at the perfect time during your hunting expeditions.
This crossbow integrates a 330 feet/ second draw weight. It is elegantly designed using steel elements to ensure it serves you for the longest time. It comes with a 19-inch axle that’s comfortable for use by most shooters and hunters. The 165 lbs draw weight is also smooth and easy to pull for most shooters.
The back limbs are robustly designed to withstand the harsh hunting conditions in the wild and also offer stability and support for its aluminum riser. The crossbow has a silent operation meaning you can always creep up on your prey without getting noticed.
Pros
- Lightweight with a great balance.
- Smooth draw to ensure accurate shots.
- Adjustable three-dot scope.
- Silent operations
- Come with a dry fire inhibitor.
- Has an AU draw cocking mechanism.
Cons
- Scope not illuminated
- Warranty is shorter than average.
5. BARNETT Recruit Terrain Crossbow, 330 FPS
This ultramodern crossbow highlights a remarkable speed of 330 feet/second. This is quite fast considering its price range. Hitting your prey shouldn’t be a problem at all with this crossbow since you can comfortably shoot at a 50-yard field.
It comes with a rope cocking device that makes it n ideal selection for women who are beginners as well as children who are just learning to hunt. It comes packaged with a lube wax bottle as well as two-inch headhunter arrows. It’s advisable to use the lube wax after you’ve made the initial ten shots.
The draw weight is 140 lbs, while the crossbow’s overall weight is 6.4 lbs. You only require a single one bolt set up for you to start hunting with this crossbow. It’s made using steel to ensure that it lasts for the longest time. Lastly, this crossbow is a crank coking device compatible, meaning that you can share one coking device with your fellow hunters.
Pros
- Super easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Enhanced trigger control systems
- Great shooting speed
- Affordable
Cons
- Weak Optic point
How to choose the Best Crossbow For A Woman
I. Velocity
Velocity is a critical factor to consider when selecting a crossbow; the higher the speed, the better your chances of hitting your prey. This is particularly of the essence when you plan to shoot fast-moving targets such as deer. A minimum speed of 300 feet/second is recommended to ensure that you achieve just the right amount of speed and power.
II. Draw weight
This refers to the exact amount of power you need to draw back your arrow so you can shoot the target. A more massive draw weight tends to shoot much faster in the air compared to a lighter one. The shooter will also need to put more pressure on the draw due to the weight. The general rule of thumb is always to choose a crossbow that you can easily pull or drawback.
III. Budget
There is a need to consider your budget if you are buying a crossbow ideal for your needs. Be careful not to choose one that will get worn and torn after a few months of using. The great news is most crossbows for women come at affordable prices but incorporate all the necessary features to make them strong durable with high performance.
IV. Noise level
This is yet another factor to look at when choosing the right crossbow for women. A crossbow with a silent operation will ensure you go unnoticed by your prey when targeting. Recurve crossbows usually feature the quietest operation mode. However, it’s good to take to those crossbows that have a silent operation as not as powerful as their noisier counterparts.
V. Bow weight
A lightweight bow is an excellent choice for hunting expeditions since you can quickly move around with it as you target your prey unusually fast-moving ones such as the deer. A lightweight model gives you more stability as well as accuracy when shooting due to fewer vibrations. It’s also good to consider that heavier one also offers more excellent stability and is long-lasting. It all sums up to your needs and preferences.
VI. The scope
A scope enables you to get more precise and more accurate shots. Consider one that has a scope already or comes with space where you can fix one. The scope should feature a telescopic sight that magnifies the target for more comfortable and accurate shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
How far can you shoot a deer with a crossbow?
An ultramodern crossbow can shoot a dear as much as 500 yards. That’s if you don’t care much about the target. However, if you want to kill the deer, it’s possible to shoot a deer within a range of 80 yards if you are an advanced shooter, but ideally, you should stick to 60 yards for optimal shooting. If you are a beginner, you can shoot between a range of 30 and 35.
Where do you aim deer with a crossbow?
Novice hunters can target quite several areas on a dear, including the heart, lungs, as well as the high shoulder. If hunting specifically for the meat, then aiming at the neck as well as the head would be an ideal option.
How many fps does a crossbow need to kill a deer?
From 300 fps upwards, you will gather enough kinetic power to kill a deer at feasible distances of around 50 yards. However, a 250 fbs crossbow will be the right choice for killing a dear.
Are crossbows more powerful than bows?
Yes. Crossbows showcase more accuracy speed than bows, although loading them takes a longer time.
Final Verdict
If you are a lady and you want to find the best crossbow for you, you have to do a lot of research so you can find the best one for you. There are many styles and designs available in the market to suit all skill levels. The best crossbow for women will guarantee you optimal speed and accuracy during your hunting expeditions out in the wild.