Written By John VanDerLaan
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It was just a short time ago when a crossbow capable of shooting 400 feet per second was mind blowing, but now the fastest crossbows shoot at a blistering 500 feet per second and more.
Don’t believe it?
Read on and we will introduce you to multiple crossbows that are capable of shooting in excess of 500 fps.
As of this writing, the world's fastest crossbow is the Tenpoint TRX 515, coming in at a blistering 515 feet per second.
That is 10 FPS more than last years fastest, the TenPoint Nitro 505, with a lightning fast speed of 505 feet per second.
The power and speed of these crossbows are amazing and believe it or not, there are other crossbows that are almost as fast.
Fastest Crossbows At A Glance
Fastest In The World
tenpoint TRX 515
Fastest In 2023
TENPOINT NITRO 505
fastest RAVIN
Ravin R500
List Of The Fastest Crossbows
What Are The Advantages Of Using The Fastest Crossbows
Flatter Trajectory
A flatter trajectory makes for a more accurate crossbow. The faster the bolt is flying, the longer it takes to drop. We have found that on the fastest crossbows, we can use one aimpoint all the way out to 30 yards when hunting deer and other big game.
This is a gamechanger for hunters. No more worrying about the yardage and which aimpoint to use. If you add a crossbow scope with built in rangefinder, it is just like shooting a rifle.
Longer Range
A fast crossbow will have a longer range because of the flatter trajectory. This means that you can accurately shoot further, but it does not necessarily mean you can shoot deer and other game animals from farther away. The effective range for killing a deer quickly and cleanly is only slightly increased, with shot placement still being the key ingredient to success.
Even with the fastest crossbows, a high strung whitetail deer can move between the time you pull the trigger and the time the bolt arrives at the target, when shooting at extreme ranges.
Less Chance Of Big Game “Jumping The String”
“Jumping the string” is a real thing when bow hunting whitetail deer, and most bowhunters have experienced it.
It is when a whitetail moves between the time the bolt leaves the crossbow and when it arrives at the target.
When you maintain an effective range of 40 yards or less when deer hunting, there is less chance of this happening with the fastest crossbows, but if you increase the range beyond 40 yards, you will still have a problem.
More Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the amount of energy carried by the bolt in motion and delivered into the target. The right amount is required for ample penetration and killing power on big game animals.
You must use a bolt that is heavy enough to deliver the kinetic energy and not just speed.
A lighter bolt may be faster, but it will have less kinetic energy than a heavier bolt.
Be sure to use the right bolt for your crossbow in order to generate the kinetic energy needed for the game you hunt.
Reverse Draw Technology
The one thing that all of the fastest crossbows, except the Excalibur, have in common is that they utilize reverse draw technology.
Reverse draw technology provides a much longer powerstroke than standard crossbows, which allows the bolt to be in contact with the string over a much longer length, allowing the string much longer to accelerate the bolt.
Another advantage of using reverse draw technology is that it produces a much more balanced crossbow. The weight is much more evenly distributed, as opposed to a regular crossbow that is very front heavy.
Reverse draw crossbows are just one type of crossbow. Click here for an explanation of the different types of crossbows.
The Wow Factor
Let’s face it, speed is cool.
It doesn’t matter if we are talking about a Lamborghini or a crossbow, you will be the coolest kid on the block or in deer camp.
There are many hunters that chase speed to the Nth degree and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you want the best of the best, go out and get it.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Fast Crossbows
Noise
It makes sense that the more energy you are storing and applying to your crossbow bolt, the more vibration and noise you are going to create.
That being said, most of these crossbows are incredibly quiet given the amount of energy they create.
Forgiveness
When shooting at speeds approaching and exceeding 500 FPS, there is very little margin for error, and any inconsistencies in your aim or your shooting form will be amplified by the speed.
Also, the faster you shoot a bolt with a broadhead, the more the broadhead may plane, by catching the air and moving to one side or the other.
Even mechanical broadheads should be specifically rated for the fastest crossbows, so that they don’t accidentally open from the force of being fired by the string.
These crossbows are not intended for beginners and should only be used by hunters with crossbow experience.
Wear and Tear
It stands to reason that when you are storing and releasing huge amounts of energy, there is going to be wear and tear as well as incidents of component failure.
Strings break, limbs shatter, cams and pulleys fail.
Even scopes can move and have to be sighted in again.
Owning one of these crossbows requires you to be very diligent in the use and maintenance of your crossbow to ensure your safety and the life of the crossbow.
Cost
In case you haven’t noticed, these crossbows are expensive. You aren't going to find these crossbows under $500. The latest technology is always going to cost more to utilize, but if you can afford it, it will be well worth it.
Fastest Crossbows: Reviews And Recommendations
Fastest In 2024: TenPoint TRX 515
Just when we thought TenPoint had reached its limit on speed, they introduce the TRX 515 which beats their old top speed by 10 FPS and the closest competitor, the Ravin R500 by 15 feet per second!
The TRX 515 is not just fast, it is loaded with new technology from TenPoint, like NEW Twin-Riser Technology™ that reduces riser flex and limb torq for greater down-range accuracy and a custom built TriggerTech Trigger, NEW ZERO-Trac Barrel™, and NEW GUIDE-Lock™ Arrow Rest System that create the most secure, consistent launch platform ever built for a crossbow.
Features:
- Twin-Riser Technology
- Custom built TriggerTech Trigger
- ZERO-Trac Barrel™
- GUIDE-Lock™ Arrow Rest System
- ACUSlide MAXX™ Patented cocking and decocking device
- CenterPunch™ HPX with Snap-In Nock
- AR-Style Ambidextrous Thumb Safety
Specifications:
- Length: 29 Inches
- Width(Cocked/Uncocked): 6 Inches/12 Inches
- Weight: 7.2 lbs without accessories
- Speed: 515 FPS with a 400 grain Pro Elite Carbon Arrow
- 241 FP of kinetic energy
- Draw Weight: 300 lbs
- Draw Force: 5 lbs
The TRX 515 package includes:
- EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope
- ACUSlide MAXX Cocking Device
- 3 Centerpunch HPX Arrows
- Integrated String Stop
- Quiver
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Check out this video showing the features of this amazing crossbow.
This is the fastest, most accurate and most technologically advanced crossbow that we have ever seen.
Last Years Fastest: TenPoint Nitro 505 Crossbow
The Nitro 505 was the fastest in world last year at 505 feet per second.
How do they develop that much speed in such a small package?
By utilizing a reverse draw design, TenPoint was able to create a 17 inch power stroke, which means that the crossbow string is pushing the bolt for a longer period of time, allowing it to create more speed with less draw length.
Also, because of the longer power stroke(the longest in the business), the Nitro 505 is incredibly smooth shooting and surprisingly quiet for a high speed crossbow.
The reverse draw design also puts the crossbow center of gravity directly over the middle of the crossbow for amazing balance and control.
One of our favorite things about the Nitro 505 is the 2-stage, zero creep S1 trigger. It has a super crisp breaking point, that allowed us to shoot incredibly tight groups and was superior to any of the triggers on the other crossbows we tested.
We also love the ACUslide Cocking and Decocking System. Once you try this system, you will find it very difficult to go back to cocking your old crossbow with a rope, or even worse, your hands.
The ACUslide Cocking System utilizes a heavy duty braking system so that you can stop cocking or decocking at any time and the cranking handle and sting will stay exactly where they were.
It also requires only 5 pounds of effort to cock or decock the crossbow, making it ideal for women and men of any size and strength.
The ACUslide system is virtually silent, making perfect for hunters looking for a quit crossbow for deer hunting.
We also like the EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope, which was one of our top picks for best crossbow scope for the money.
Features:
- Reverse Draw Design
- 17" Power Stroke
- ACUslide Cocking Decocking System
- 2-Stage, Zero Creep S1 Trigger
- RX8 Cam System
- Test Fired More Than 25,000 Times To Ensure Durability
Specifications:
- Length: 30.5 Inches
- Width(Cocked/Uncocked): 6.5 Inches/12 Inches
- Weight: 7.9 lbs without accessories
- Speed: 505 FPS with a 400 grain Pro Elite Carbon Arrow
- Draw Weight: 300 lbs
- Draw Force: 5 lbs
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is really good Nitro 505 Crossbow Review Video.
We loved testing the TenPoint Nitro 505. It is an awesome crossbow and insanely fast. It is on the heavy side, but you sacrifice light weight for speed.
If you can afford it, go for it. You will not be disappointed and it should last you for years of hunting and shooting use.
Fastest Ravin: Ravin R500 Crossbow
The first thing we noticed about the Ravin R500 is how incredibly narrow it is. It is only 7.75 inches axle to axle when uncocked and only 3.6 inches axle to axle when cocked.
Yet it still reaches a speed of 500 FPS with a 400 grain arrow.
It is also pretty compact with a length of only 28.5 inches.
The Versa Drive Cocking System does a nice job of cocking and uncocking the crossbow, while I was able to stop at any time, but with a 17 pound force required, it is not as easy or as smooth as the ACUslide system on the TenPoint TRX.
Ravin does offer an R500e, which comes with an electronic cocking system, but we did not test that model.
The Ravin HexCoil Cam System is pretty cool technology that allows the cams to rotate 360 degrees, storing an incredible amount of energy.
The reverse draw design allows for a 15 inch powerstroke, which when combined the HexCoil Cam System is capable of producing speeds in excess of 500 FPS.
We liked the trigger, which is very crisp and breaks at around 2 pounds, but we like the trigger on the Nitro better.
We also found the Ravin R500 to be louder than the Nitro 500 and it even kicks a little.
During our testing, we found it difficult to get tight groups with broadheads. We tried a few different broadheads that we typically hunt with and the groups were very erratic.
Don't get me wrong, this is an awesome crossbow, but we got a little spoiled shooting the TenPoint.
Features:
- Reverse Draw Design
- 15" Power Stroke
- Versa Drive Cocking/Decocking System
- Trac Trigger Firing System
- HexCoil Cam System
- Frictionless Flight System
- Adjustable Cheek Pad
- Adjustable Buttstock
- Fully Assembled and Pre-Tuned
Specifications:
- Length: 28.5 Inches
- Width(Cocked/Uncocked): 3.6 Inches/7.75 Inches
- Weight: 8.4 lbs without accessories
- Speed: 500 FPS with a 400 grain arrow
- Draw Force: 17 lbs
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is an awesome Ravin R500 Crossbow Review video where you can see and hear the crossbow being shot.
The R500 Crossbow is an incredibly fast crossbow featuring a lot of really cool technology, but dollar for dollar, we like the TenPoint TRX better.
Third Fastest In The World: Scorpyd Aculeus Crossbow
For all of you speed freaks out there, we have the very cool looking Scorpyd Aculeus 480 crossbow which is capable of shooting a 370 grain bolt at 480 FPS.
We should point out that the two crossbows above shoot over 500 FPS with a 400 grain bolt, so while the Aculeus is fast, it is reaching those speeds with a lighter arrow.
It is a cool looking crossbow that is lightning fast, thanks to a 180 lb draw weight and an 18.5 inch powerstroke.
One of the first things we noticed when we got our hands on the Scorpyd Aculeus is that it is much wider, from axle to axle, than the Ravin and The TenPoint above.
The one we tested was equipped with a Hawke XB30 crossbow scope, which is one of our favorites.
You can see the setup that we tested in the photo below.
We really like the 1911 style grips and the new, non-folding stock, which is a full half pound lighter than the old Scorpyd folding stocks.
We are also a big fan of the New Kempf-Tec Sear Lock Trigger System. It features a locking system that doubles as an anti dry fire device
It is a big upgrade over the old Scorpyd trigger and is adjustable to suit your needs. We found it to be very consistent and very crisp, which is what you want in a good trigger system.
We did find that the safety is pretty loud and could be loud enough to scare game that were in range.
We also like the AcuDraw cocking system which is mounted to the stock and makes it simple to cock the crossbow.
You can see the AcuDraw System mounted on the stock in the photo below.
Features:
- Patented Reverse Draw Technology
- Patented Kempf-Tec Sear Lock Trigger System
- Optional ACUdraw Cocking Mechanism
- 1911 style pistol grips
- 18.5" Power Stroke
- Barnsdale Laminated Limbs
- Titanium fasteners
- Forged Riser
- Inverted Cam Technology
- Made In The USA
Specifications:
- Length: 34.5 Inches
- Width(Cocked/Uncocked): 12 7/8 Inches Inches/24 Inches
- Weight: 7.5 lbs without accessories
- Speed: 480 FPS with a 370 grain arrow
- Draw Weight: 180 lbs
- Draw Force: Unknown, but it is more than the Ravin and the TenPoint
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Scorpyd Aculeus is a fast crossbow, but we think you will be much better off with the other crossbows on our list. They are more readily available, faster, and have less drawbacks than the Scorpyd.
Fastest Barnett: Barnett Hypertac 430 Crossbow
We are big fans of Barnett Crossbows here at DeerHuntingGuide.net and we reviewed the Barnett Hypertac Pro 430 for our article on the best Barnett Crossbows, so we were were excited to bring this crossbow back to our range and compare it to the other fast crossbows for this article.
While the Barnett Hypertac 430 is not as fast as the other top crossbows in our roundup, it has a much lower price point that will appeal to a lot more hunters.
As you probably guesses the Hypertac 430 is capable of firing a 380 grain bolt at speeds up to 430 FPS, while still packing 156 foot pounds of kinetic energy.
We would describe the Hypertac Pro 430 as fast and hard hitting, perfect for deer and other big game animals.
We like the integrated cocking crank, which makes cocking this beast a cinch, even in a tree stand. If you have ever tried to cock a crossbow in a tree stand, you know what I'm talking about.
We also like the micro adjustable stock and cheek piece.
We really like the TriggerTech™ 3lb Zero Creep Frictionless Release trigger. It is one of the lightest and smoothest triggers that we have tested, with a very crisp break point for awesome accuracy.
The one thing that you will quickly notice is that the Hypertac Pro 430 is heavy at almost 9 pounds, but it is very well balanced, with its center of gravity right over your supporting hand.
Another downside is that the Hypertac Pro 430 shoots .204 small diameter arrows, which limits you to using Barnett Hyperflite crossbow bolts.
Features:
- HyperFlite™ .204 Small Diameter Arrow Compatibility
- TriggerTech™ 3lb Zero Creep Frictionless Release Technology
- Pass-Through Forend with Articulating Verti-Grip™ Palm Rest
- Integrated Crank Cocking Device with Push-Button Handle Release
- Soft Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
- 14.5" Power Stroke
- Patented Integrated String Hook System
- Micro-Adjustable Length-of-Pull Butt Stock and Cheek Piece
- CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track
- Three Picatinny Rails
- Fully Assembled
Specifications:
- Length: 37 Inches
- Width(Cocked/Uncocked): 9.5 Inches Inches/12 Inches
- Weight: 8.9 lbs without accessories
- Speed: 430 FPS with a 380 grain arrow
- Draw weight: 255 lbs
- Draw Force With Crank: 7 lbs
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Barnett makes some of our favorite crossbows for deer hunting and the Hypertac Pro 430 is one of those favorites.
They build crossbows with the hunter in mind. Pick up a Hypertac Pro 430 and see for yourself.
Fastest For The Money: Centerpoint Wrath 430 Crossbow
In case you haven't noticed, lightning fast crossbows are expensive, which puts many of the fastest out of the reach of most hunters.
We we have good news!
The Centerpoint Wrath 430 delivers 430 FPS with a 400 grain arrow and a complete, ready to hunt package will cost you less than $700.
We were surprised at how quiet the Wrath 430 shoots compared to the more expensive crossbows while delivering 164 foot pounds of kinetic energy.
We also like its compact design at only 28.25 inches long with the foot stirrup in the down position. In the down position the stirrup acts as a bipod for stability.
We like the silent crank cocking system which reduces the draw weight by 80%.
We also like the webbed foregrip, which is adjustable.
Centerpoint utilizes a bullpup design which places the release behind the trigger to increase the powerstroke for more speed and a flatter trajectory.
What we like the most is that Centerpoint is working hard to bring fast crossbows to the masses by making them affordable and high quality
Features:
- Full Bearing Cam System
- Ball Bearing Retention Spring Keeps Arrows In Place
- Adjustable Webbed Foregrip
- Silent Crank Cocking Device
- Soft Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
- 15" Power Stroke
- Oversized Finger Guards
- Folding Stirrup Acts As A Bipod
- Anti Dry Fire Trigger
- 5 Year Warranty
Specifications:
- Length: 28.25 Inches
- Width(Cocked/Uncocked): 9 Inches Inches/13 Inches
- Weight: 8.3 lbs without accessories
- Speed: 430 FPS with a 400 grain arrow
- Draw weight: 200 lbs
- Draw Force With Crank: 16 lbs
What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you are a serious hunter and you are looking for a fast crossbow on a budget, the Centerpoint Wrath is the choice for you.
Fastest Recurve: Excalibur Bulldog 440 Crossbow
Some of our readers have asked us about the fastest recurve crossbow, so we wanted to include the Excalibur Bulldog 440 Recurve Crossbow.
You guessed it, it shoot up to 440 FPS, which is incredibly fast for a recurve.
The issue that Excalibur has had with this crossbow stems from the incredible amount of energy stored in the recurve limbs.
There have been numerous cases of the Bulldog 440 limbs splintering and shattering.
We did not have that problem with ours, but it is scary to think about.
It is the lightest crossbow that we have tested for this article, at only 6.2 pounds without accessories.
We also liked the crisp 3 pound trigger, but when you are shooting one, you are almost waiting for the limbs to give way. The 300 lb draw weight is a lot of stress to put on recurve limbs.
The Charger EXT Silent Crank System is an absolute necessity to deal with the draw weight, effectively reducing it to a 15 pound draw force, however it is kind of in the way.
You can remove it in between shots, but that is a pain in the butt.
Features:
- Shorter Bullpup stock
- Charger EXT Silent Crank System
- Creep-free, 3-lb. ACP Trigger
- Silent Manual Safety
- Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire System
- 19.5" Power Stroke
Specifications:
- Length: 35.75 Inches
- Width(Cocked): 23 Inches
- Weight: 6.2 lbs without accessories
- Speed: 440 FPS with a 400 grain arrow
- Draw weight: 300 lbs
- Draw Force With Crank: 15 lbs
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Excalibur Bulldog 440 is the fastest recurve crossbow on the market today, but you may want to wait until Excalibur comes up with a better limb that can handle the power exerted by the Bulldog.
Fastest Crossbows Comparison Chart
Model | Speed | Weight | Draw Weight | Length | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest In The World - TenPoint TRX 515 | 515 FPS | 7.2lbs | 300lbs | 29" | |
| Fastest In 2023 - TenPoint Nitro 505 | 505 FPS | 7.9lbs | 300lbs | 30.5" | |
| Fastest Ravin Crossbow - Ravin R500 | 500 FPS | 8.4lbs | 300lbs | 28.5" | |
| Fastest Scorpyd Crossbow - Scorpyd Aculeus 480 | 480 FPS | 7.5lbs | 180lbs | 34.5" | |
| Fastest Barnett Crossbow - Barnett Hypertac 430 | 430 FPS | 8.9lbs | 255lbs | 37" | |
| Fastest For The Money - Centerpoint Wrath 430 | 430 FPS | 8.3lbs | 200lbs | 28.25" | |
| Fastest Recurve Crossbow - Excalibur Bulldog 440 | 440 FPS | 6.2lbs | 300lbs | 35.75" |
Final Thoughts
Tenpoint does it again for 2024, with the TRX 515 Crossbow.
The need for speed keeps fueling innovation that makes the best crossbows faster and faster. One has to wonder where, or if it is going to stop.
Today, the fastest crossbows send bolts downrange at more than 500 FPS.
Is 600 FPS in our future?
700 FPS?
1000 FPS?
Only time will tell, but the speed difference between crossbow vs compound bow continues to grow and more and more hunters are moving from compound bow to crossbow.
Adding a crossbow to your hunting gear can be a good thing, if it grows our sport and gets more youth and beginner hunters involved.
RELATED: Best Crossbow For Women
After having experience with the Nitro 505, I don’t believe that a faster crossbow makes good sense.
The Nitro is actually overpowered for most any game animal on earth! It can fully penetrate an archery target at 50 yards, particularly when shooting successive arrows to the same spot.
It can and will pass through your deer and continue on to the point where if you’re lucky, you may recover your arrow a half football field behind your deer.
Just to further clarify, the Nitro 505 can produce more energy at 70 yards than the R500 at point blank range. Those who may be less familiar with the 505 may ask, “What’s the point of having only five more feet per second than the R500?”
This only reveals one’s misunderstanding of the 505. More often than not, the 505 is doing a lot more than 505 fps. Speeds of over 510, 515, 520 are not uncommon at all. My 505 was at 521 fps with the 400 grain arrow. My 470 grain hunting arrow is still around 500 fps!
Many have reported similar results and some have had even higher speeds from their 505’s.
The bottom line is that over penetration may be an issue and only the strongest broadheads, targets and other gear will have a chance to stand up to the impact energy of the 505. In truth, the power of this bow is not truly needed for most game.
How do you use this bow safely in some backyards? The range of this bow is of course further than most others.
The real trick is that arrow weight can be easily adjusted and heavier arrows are not only an option, they are preferred.
The ability to achieve energy levels in excess of 250 or 260 ft lbs and outrageous power at further distance than most would judge as practical, can be almost too much of a good thing.
Don’t misunderstand, I love my 505! It has been pinpoint accurate! I also have seen that it may not be for everyone. I never want to be accused of discouraging development in technology! Truly, that’s not my point.
Having more power than the 505 seems ridiculous to me after realizing what the 505 is. Pushing the envelope further may only make for more problems and complications, this is not outside the fact that more power would only be needed in Jurassic Park.
Hey Hawk,
Thanks for weighing in with your thoughts on the Tenpoint Nitro 505.
I agree with everything you said. We had multiple instances of complete pass throughs on many of the targets we used.
That being said, it is a great crossbow for hunting if you can afford the large price tag, and there is no question that it is an unbelievably fast crossbow.
Thanks again, Hawk!
Best,
John