Barnett HyperGhost 425 Crossbow Review

Described as the fastest, toughest crossbows in the woods, the Barnett HyperGhost 425 is a flagship model in the brand-new Hyper series by Barnett.

Barnett released the TS390 (compound crossbow that shoots arrows at 390 feet per second) last year and decided to upgrade the HyperGhost line this year.

Previous models from Barnett had some issues with the string stops. Hopefully Barnett has centered the string stops on the bowstring when the crossbow is uncocked.

Barnett designed some exclusive new arrows for the Barnett HyperGhost 425 as well. We’ll test these new Hyper Flite arrows as well, obviously!

Barnett HyperGhost 425 Specifications

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Size and Weight

Measuring 36.25 inches in length and 20.375 inches in width, this model is not much different from the older variants in terms of sizes. A Barnett Whitetail Hunter II and the Barnett TS390 for example measure 34.25/36.25 inches in length and 18.25/18.875 inches wide. What separates it from its predecessors is the insane power that it provides.

The size of the Barnett HyperGhost 425 is actually quite compact. It’s easy to take with you during a hunting trip and doesn’t weigh much at all at 7.7 lbs. With the retractable underarm counterbalance support this crossbow feels perfectly balanced when you hold it.

The Barnett HyperGhost 425 is easy to maneuver in blinds and stands. For better stability and support, it features the pass-through fore grip and the RUCS (Retractable Underarm Counterbalance Support).

Speed and Arrows

It fires arrows up to a speed of 425 FPS, making it one of the faster crossbows ever made. It’s also stronger compared to the extremely rated predator with 206 lbs. draw weight, 16.333 inches power stroke, and 152 feet.

The main highlight of this model is the new Hyper-FLITE arrows particularly made for the Hyper series variants. With a small diameter of only 0.204 inches, 22 inches length and 0.001 inches straightness tolerance, these arrows guarantee better penetration and perfection because they have less bother by wind drafts.

The small diameter easily penetrates through tougher and thicker skin ensuring a fast kill. These arrows are also consistent and reliable, as they simply maneuver in windy situations offering a perfect shot.

Reduced diameter arrows have the ability to cut through the wind and maintain a more accurate course than a standard diameter. Barnett says these arrows offer 25% more penetration and 50% less wind drift.

Cocking

With a draw weight of 185 lbs. this crossbow releases 152 ft·lb of kinetic energy. This crossbow is extremely powerful! Cocking this bow is a bit of a hassle with the crank cocking device though.

Just using the provided rope cocking sled can be really difficult to cock the Barnett HyperGhost 425. We definitely recommend using the Barnett crank docking device if you’re planning to cock the crossbow more than once during a hunting trip.

Click here to buy the Barnett HyperGhost 425 Crank Device on Amazon.

With the lightweight ‘Step through riser’, Barnett didn’t have to equip the bow with a stirrup. Make the crossbow more lightweight and compact.

Assembling and Disassembling

It’s really easy to assemble the Barnett HyperGhost 425. Barnett has patented ‘single bolt assembly’. There’s seriously just one bolt you have to tighten! Make sure to install the quiver bracket first! The quiver bracket mounts directly under the rail connection and if you install the step through riser stock first, you’ll have to disassemble the crossbow again.

After installing the bracket of the quiver, step-through riser and then the quiver, it’s time to shoot the crossbow. Total assembly of the crossbow takes less than a couple of minutes and disassembling is as easy as assembling the crossbow.

Scope

The Barnett HyperGhost 425 comes equipped with the Barnett 1.5 – 5×32 Premium Adjustable Illuminated Scope. This scope has red or green illuminated reticles for low light conditions and is perfectly tuned up to 70 yards.

Because the HyperGhost 425 can shoot arrows at 425 feet per second, you’ll surely want to make the most use out of it. With the Barnett 1.5 – 5×32 scope you can do that! With a bit of tuning you can make the crossbow even perfect for targets at up to 100 yards!

Shooting and Trigger

Barnett equipped the HyperGhost with some good string dampeners. These string dampeners makes shooting the crossbow really quiet.

The patent-protected Trigger Tech system provides a smoother three lbs. zero creep trigger that lets for smooth release, while the Nock sensors, as well as Anti-dry fire, prevent dry firing and injuries.

We took the Barnett HyperGhost 425 out for some target practice as well. The HyperFlite arrows were hitting targets at 50 yards dead center. Those HyperFlite arrows completely went through the targets!!

Package Contents

Premium enhancements like a complete accessory package (including a 1.5 x 5 x 32 illuminated scope), CNC machined aluminum flight track, retractable underarm counterbalance support, Soft Look™ floating bristle arrow retainer and anti-dry fire Trigger Tech™ trigger make the Hyper Ghost 425 almost too good to be true. But you’re not seeing things; this ghost is real.

• 1.5 – 5×32 Premium Adjustable Illuminated Scope
• Step through riser
• Trigger Tech trigger
• Anti-dry fire System
• Pre-Installed String Dampeners
• Retractable underarm counterbalance support
• Detachable Side-Mount Quiver
• Three 22” Hyper Flite Arrows
• Rope Cocking Sled
• Lube Wax
• Ships Mostly Assembled

Conclusion

If you loved the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II, then you’ll surely love the HyperGhost even more! The HyperGhost is really a beast with insane speeds. The HyperFlite arrows really add a nice touch to the whole package.

If you like Barnett Predator, then you’ll surely love this also. The Predator is a little faster at 430FPS speed, though this model outshines it in all other features. It’s a top-end variant, which is enough to tell you that this crossbow provides exemplary performance.

The Barnett HyperGhost is loaded with extra features like insane speed, elegant ergonomic design, high draw weight, a detachable side mount quiver, anti-dry trigger, string dampeners, and is suitable for long-range shooting. Whatever you’re looking for in the perfect crossbow, you will get it with this Barnett HyperGhost 425!