Getting the best and fastest crossbow for your money is what some crossbow hunters want. But what is the fastest crossbow in 2023? Is it worth it? And what is the difference between other high-performance crossbows on the market today?
As of writing this article on August 2023 TenPoint and Ravin are winning this race. When shooting 400 grain arrows, the TenPoint Nitro 505, slightly outpaces the Ravin R500.
The TenPoint Nitro 505 slightly exceeds 515 FPS while the Ravin R500 shoots an even 500 FPS.
The difference between them is so minor, we can call it a draw. At the end of the day, it will come down to what brand you prefer, Ravin or TenPoint.
The 3 Fastest Crossbows Below $3K
Considering both the TenPoint Nitro 505 and Ravin R500 cost in excess of $3,000, we feel that it’s important to shine a light on a few other seriously fast crossbows that come in at a lower price point.
TenPoint Flatline 460 (460 FPS)
The TenPoint Flatline 460 was a game-changer when it was released in 2022 as the fastest compact crossbow. With a stated speed of 460 FPS, it is still a hugely powerful crossbow that is suited for any hunter or target shooter.
It may not still hold the crown, but it is still more than powerful enough for most hunters and is a good amount cheaper at $2,599.
Ravin R29X (450 FPS)
Coming in a touch more expensive at $2,699 and with slightly less power at 450 FPS, the Ravin R29X is the (joint) fastest forward-draw crossbow available today. Considering the major push towards reverse draw for performance, the Ravin R29X is likely to retain that title for the foreseeable future!
Despite its longer length of 29” it is still a very narrow (only 6”) and lightweight crossbow weighing only 6.75 lbs. It suits hunters who are looking for a more stable-feeling crossbow that they can hold for long periods of time.
TenPoint Stealth 450 (450 FPS)
The TenPoint Stealth 450 shares the top spot as the other fastest forward-draw crossbow on the market today. It is a little longer at 33”, heavier at 7.5 lbs, and wider at 6.5”, it is $600 cheaper than the Ravin equivalent coming in at $2,099.
Why Is Crossbow Speed Important?
Crossbow speed is important to ensure the arrow leaves the crossbow with enough energy to travel downrange with enough energy to penetrate a target—be it an animal or target—with a good level of accuracy.
Generally speaking, the higher the crossbow speed, the higher the accuracy. That’s because it creates less of an arc trajectory during flight. It can also help combat wind affecting the accuracy of your shot.
Entry-level crossbows tend to have a speed of around 320-380 FPS (Feet Per Second) and top-end models can go in excess of 430 FPS.
However, crossbow speed and accuracy can never make up for being a bad shot in the first place. Most people who want to get into crossbow hunting are advised to start with a crossbow around 350 FPS or higher.
The Crossbow Speed (FPS) Race
Modern crossbows have come on hugely in recent years and manufacturers continue to push the limits of the technology to achieve, above all else, a more powerful and accurate crossbow.
A big part of the push in recent years has been towards reverse cam crossbows that are smaller than conventional crossbows. They use shorter limbs, a sequence of cams, and a longer barrel. What this does is increase the contact time between the arrow and the string allowing it generate speed while maintaining stability.
The reverse draw design also lends itself better to dissipating excess vibration energy through the system of cams to ensure a steady shot. After all, there’s not much point in a super high-speed crossbow if it isn’t consistent and stable.
One downside is that it’s easy to become obsessed with speed and think that the only way your hunting can improve is with a more powerful crossbow. If you ask any experienced crossbow hunter, they will tell you that this is highly exaggerated.
Can Anybody Use a Crossbow Over 450 FPS?
One common misconception about high-powered crossbows is that they may be harder to use. The thing to remember is that with that power comes a lot of thought and engineering designed to remove excess forces on the crossbow: string recoil and vibration.
While crossbows above 450 FPS are perfectly usable for any level of hunter, an important consideration is your arrow choice. For the highest-speed crossbows, we would recommend using an arrow that is designed for the crossbow that you are using.
What FPS Crossbow Is Best?
It is easy to become fixated on crossbow speed, but remember, these crossbows are only a very recent development and hunters have done just fine with crossbows at around the 380-400 FPS mark for a long time.
The real benefit to this race for speed among the industry’s biggest players is the trickle-down technology. We love that for only $1,000 you can now get a high-performance, lightweight, and hugely reliable crossbow like the TenPoint Titan De-Cock that also features a safe cocking and de-cocking system. And if you’re a hunter who is after the fastest and most powerful crossbow on the market, there are now a number of options available.
At the end of the day, only you will know the FPS that is best for how you want to hunt or just want to shoot at the range. The best part is that you can test out different models in our archery range at Borkholder Archery in Milford, Indiana, and find out what is right for you.
