Types of Crossbows. Recurve to Reverse-Draw

There are 3 main types of modern crossbows. Crossbows have innovation rooted in their design. Ever since they were created to make bows faster and easier to learn how to use. More and more technologies have appeared to improve upon the first model.

What are 3 main types of crossbows available?  Read on for description, pictures description and pros and cons of each.

Types of crossbows

1. Recurve crossbows

This is the older type of crossbow. The prod is basically a recurve bow.

Pros:

• easier maintenance
• lower prices
• lighter weight of the crossbow body
• quieter shooting

Cons

• larger, both longer and wider body
• harder to cock
• beginners or young archers may have a tough time cocking it, reducing their enjoyment

Example:

Excalibur Crossbow

Matrix SFX Grizzly

2. Compound crossbows

With the development of compound bows, this technology was applied to modern crossbows. So the prod looks like a small compound bow. Read here about how compound bows work (LINK).
Pros:

• Modern compound crossbow is easy to cock, as it uses compound bow cam technology and some come with cocking devices that diminish the force needed.
• widely available in the market.
• smaller size
• very powerful
• reloading speed is much faster

Cons:

• very complicated to dismantle
• maintenance will be complicated and expensive
• higher price than recurve crossbows

EXAPLE:

Barnett 78134 Recruit Tactical Compound Crossbow

CenterPoint Sniper 370

SA Sports Empire Beowulf

3. Reverse-draw compound crossbows

Reverse-draw is another type of compound crossbow in which the limbs rotate the opposite way.

This new technology makes for a faster, quieter (more energy-efficient), thinner and lighter crossbow. The construction also balances better, so the weight is more evenly distributed on your hands and shoulder making shots more accurate. Speeds can be up to 385 fps and draw-weights around 165lb.

Pros:

• smaller
• lighter
• more accurate
• less noise/ vibration while shooting.

Cons:

• highest price.
• lots of moving parts: maintenance is complicated and expensive

EXAPLES

TenPoint Nitro XRT

Wicked Ridge RDX 400

 

Wrap up

There are many crossbows available to choose from. Go ahead and explore among the wide collection and choose the modern crossbow that is right for you.

 

Where to go from here

Tips on buying a crossbow

Check out my top 7 crossbows for bow hunting

Read about other types of bows

Read my guide to buying any type of bow