A lot was expected of the Barnett Predator. Fans were under the impression that Barnett would pull out all the stops to make their best compound crossbow as of yet. We’ve got the Barnett Predator here so let’s see if they did.
Barnett has been making crossbows for decades. The company was founded in 1962 by Bernard Barnett. Bernard made crossbows in his garage in the UK in the ’60s. Now in 2020, Barnett is owned by Plano Synergy Holdings. Barnett crossbows are very popular because of their accurate and powerful compound crossbows. For over 50 years, Barnett crossbows have been made in the United States and are known for their technically superior crossbows.
In the package, you’ll find the Barnett Predator crossbow, scope, rope-cocking device, ride quiver, 2 headhunter arrows, lubrication wax and a manual.
Table of Contents
Barnett Predator Crossbow Specs
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First Impressions
When I picked up the Barnett Predator I immediately noticed that it was an incredibly balanced compound crossbow. What is responsible for this excellent balance is the technology called the RUCS system. It works by pushing the front side of the crossbow upwards, letting gravity pull it back down, providing a better stable balance.
The compound crossbow is larger than most Barnett compound crossbows. It is 37.125″ long and has a width (axle-to-axle) of 19.75″ uncocked and 17.875″cocked. The crossbow weighs 7.6 lbs, and I have to say that is quite heavy for its size. However, despite the size and weight of the crossbow, maneuvering in tight situations is no problem at all with the Predator.
Under the stock, there is a support strap to help lock in the crossbow under your arm when you’re about to shoot. The crossbow has safety guards and finger safety reminders.
The Predator really is a pleasure to look at, it has a cool looking black finish. The disadvantage of the black color is that it doesn’t offer fine camouflage, but the crossbow is so fast and powerful that when a prey notices the crossbow it is already too late if you aim well of course.The crossbow has a machined aluminum flight track.
Customizable
Like all Barnett crossbows, the Predator is customizable. It has 4 Picatinny rails that you can use to install extra gear, like a flashlight, an extra quiver, etc, to enhance your hunting experience.
In the field
We tested the crossbow in the field with the supplied HeadHunter arrows. The HeadHunter arrows are 22 inches long and weigh 380 grain. The Barnett Predator reaches speeds of 430 FPS, supported by 156-foot pounds of kinetic energy. The Predator certainly doesn’t lack in power either, with a power stroke of 16.25″ the bow reaches a maximum distance of 70 yards.
Scope
The Barnett Predator is installed with a 32″ long illuminated scope, which is Barnett’s most advanced scope so far. It is an excellent long-range scope. The scope offers 10 yards intervals, can project from 20 to 70 yards, and is able to magnify the image 1.5x to 5x. The illuminated scope has green and red reticles for when you find yourself hunting in low-light situations. This high-end scope has a build-in speed selector, which is a nice and convenient feature, the speed selector allows you to check any speed between 300 and 425 fps.
Trigger system
The trigger tech trigger system Barnett used for the Predator is a high-quality piece of technology. The 3-pound trigger system ensures a smooth, crisp shot with zero creep. Shooting with it felt really good and the shooting doesn’t make too much noise. The trigger system contains nock sensors to sense whether an arrow is properly loaded. The trigger system also includes anti-dry fire technology that prevents dry firing. I am very impressed with this trigger system from Barnett, easily one of the best triggers of a crossbow in its price range.
Cocking mechanism
You can’t use a crank cocking device to cock the Barnett Predator. The crossbow is already somewhat heavy and with a draw weight of 187 lbs, it is less suitable for hunters that don’t want to pull to much weight. However, the package includes a rope cocking device, with it you can reduce the draw weight by half.
Assembly
The Barnett Predator is incredibly easy to install because of its single bolt design. Screw the riser to the stock and attach the scope and you are good to go!
The side quiver supplied with the Barnett Crossbow is mounted on the side of the crossbow for quick and effective drawing. The quiver is positioned so that it doesn’t get in the way when you have to maneuver the Predator in tight situations, a smart design choice by Barnett.
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Recommended Accessories
Arrows & Broadheads
I recommend buying 22-inch Barnett 16075 Outdoors arrows. Combine them with Rage Crossbow X broadheads.
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Storage and Transportation
If you want a crossbow case to properly store the Barnett Predator I’d recommend buying a Plano Spire Crossbow Case. Its a cheap but fine case that fits the Predator perfectly.
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I recommend buying a TenPoint Neoprene crossbow sling if you want to comfortably carry the crossbow.
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Our Rating of the Barnett Predator
Summary
The Barnett Predator is a powerhouse crossbow for hunters that want to be at the top of the food chain. This beast of a crossbow shoots arrows with speeds of up to 430 fps with 156 foot-pounds of kinetic energy.
The Predator is well constructed durable and heavy but manageable. The crossbow is well balanced and is highly accurate.
Pros
- Easy to assemble/disassemble
- Well balanced compound bow
- Powerful 430 fps crossbow
- Zero- creep, frictionless 3-pound trigger
- Customizable
Cons
- On the heavy side for its size
- Not compatible with any crank cocking device
