Barnett is known for making high-quality crossbows at competitive prices. The Whitetail Hunter crossbow series has proved particularly successful for Barnett. The Whitetail hunter STR(2019 model) is one of the most popular crossbows in Barnett’s popular Whitetail line. We’ve also reviewed the Whitetail Hunter Two and the Whitetail Hunter Pro.
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR comes in a Ready-to-Hunt package containing a 4x32mm Multi-reticle scope, rope cocker, lightweight quiver, two 22-inch HeadHunter arrows, lightweight quiver, and string and rail lube wax.
Table of Contents
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow Specs
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Size and Weight
Step-Through Riser (STR) technology offers big performance from a shorter crossbow. This design reduces the length of the crossbow and enhances its power stroke by integrating the foot stirrup directly into the riser. The overall length of the Whitetail Hunter STR is 34.875 inches and its uncocked axle-to-axle width is 18.125 inches and 13 inches once cocked.
The Whitetail Hunter STR is also lightweight, tipping the scales at just 6.6 pounds. The crossbow is highly maneuverable in tight quarters, hunting blinds and treestands. The crossbow’s manageable profile makes it suited for hunters of all sizes.
Design and Construction
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter SRT features a compact body due to its Step-Through Riser (STR) design. The crossbow has a solid construction that feels very sturdy and durable.
The bow assembly of this crossbow consists of a lightweight fiberglass composite riser and high-performance cams that power the custom composite laminated limbs to launch arrows with velocities up to 375 feet per second with a hard-hitting 118.6 ft. lbs. of energy.
The crossbow is comfortable to hold and feels less heavy than its actual weight. This is due to its Step-Through Riser (STR) design. It helps shift the crossbow’s center of gravity back for greater stability through the shooting process. This also increases downrange accuracy.
The Whitetail Hunter STR’s stock features a pass-through foregrip for sure control and the buttpad can be slightly shortened or lengthened.
Like all crossbows from Barnett, the Whitetail Hunter STR has as a Picatinny rail. You can attach additional hardware on them like an extra quiver, flashlight, etc.
Scope
The Whitetail Hunter STR comes with a 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope that is mounted on a standard weaver base. It’s a fine lightweight crossbow scope. Within the multi-reticle are several different adjustments capable of hitting targets with precision from 20-yards up to 80-yards away. The scope is not illuminated.
TriggerTech Trigger
The Whitetail Hunter STR sports a 3-pound TriggerTech trigger. This trigger system contains Frictionless Release Technology, which creates a free-floating roller between the sear and the trigger resulting in a smoother, crisp, creep-free pull. The trigger assembly features a metal trigger that is injection-molded.
Safety Features
The Whitetail Hunter STR is packed with a lot of safety features. The TriggerTech trigger assembly has nock sensors that detect whether a nock touches the string properly. It also features an anti-dry fire mechanism and a Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer which prevents prevent accidental dry fires.
The flight deck of the crossbow has finger safety reminders to prevent your fingers from entering the string’s flight path.
Cocking
The Barnett Whitetail Huter STR is easier to cock than ever thanks to its Step-Through-Riser design. The crossbow is compatible with Barnett’s 17455 crank cocking device if you prefer to use a coking crank. There’s a package available on Amazon that includes the cocking crank.
To decock this crossbow you either need to use a bolt or decock bolt. With it, you can safely decock the crossbow.
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Arrows and Quiver
The Carbon Express PileDriver arrows that are included in the package are high-quality 22-inch carbon hunting arrows that weigh 303.16-grain. They come with half-moon nocks.
The lightweight quiver can be mounted horizontally under the limbs and holds three arrows. The quiver feels cheap, but it is a durable quiver.
Speed and Accuracy
Its 185-pound draw weight and a 15-7/16-inch power stroke allow the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR to propel arrows downrage with speeds up to 375 feet-per-second, and is capable of delivering 118.6 ft. lbs. knockdown power.
The Whitetail Hunter STR is also highly accurate, I put 3 arrows in 2.5-inch groupings at 60-yards. The crossbow is also relatively quiet.
Assembly and Sighting-in
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter is very easy to put together thanks to its single bolt assembly design and the scope is pretty much sighted in right out of the box, I only had to adjust it slightly. Once I got the scope sighted it functioned perfectly at, 20-yards, up to 80 yards.
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Recommended Accessories
Arrows and Broadheads
We recommend using 22-inch (479 grain) carbon PileDriver arrows from Carbon Express. You can also use 20-inch arrows with this crossbow.
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Pair the PileDriver arrows with Rage hypodermic crossbow broadheads and you’ll have a efficient hunting arrow for a big Whitetail. These mechanical broadheads sport a 2-inch cutting diameter and they are available in 100 and 125 grain.
The Crossbow X mechanical broadhead from Rage is another great pick. This head is optimized for high-velocity crossbows. The Crossbow X is also available in 100 and 125 grain, and also offers a 2-inch cutting diameter.
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Storage and Transportation
We’re recommending the Supply SAS Black Deluxe padded soft crossbow case with sling from Southland Archery. It fits the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR perfectly.
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We’re recommending a Talon crossbow sling if you want a shoulder sling to comfortably carry the Whitetail Hunter STR.
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Our Rating of the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
Summary
The compact and easy to use Whitetail Hunter STR is one of the most popular crossbows of Barnett’s Whitetail Hunter series. The crossbow hunts light and fast, producing velocities of up to 375 FPS. The crossbow is also easy to cock with a rope cocker and is crank compatible. The Whitetail Hunter STR comes in an affordable Reay-to-Hunt package that contains everything you’ll need to use the crossbow efficiently.
What we like
- 375 fps with a hard-hitting 118.6 ft. lbs. of energy
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Accurate
- Safety Features
- TriggerTech trigger – crisp break, light 3 lb. pull, zero creep
- Single Bolt Assembly
- Crank Device Compatible
- Made in the USA
- Affordable
What we don’t like
- Low-quality quiver
- The scope is not illuminated
- No crank included in the package
