The 2020 hunting season is looking to be a good year for crossbow hunters. The best new crossbows to be released in 2020 have a lot of improvements to previous models.
TenPoint announced the ‘revolutionary’ new ACUslide, Ravin announced ‘dead silent’ cocking and helicoil technology, Revolt announced a new cam system that locks in accuracy, Scorpyd said that they managed to get a higher speed with the Deathstalker 400 using different arrows, Bear introduced a new lineup of crossbows and many more features we’ll discuss here!
We went to ATA 2020 in Indianapolis and had the privilege to test out some of the new crossbows. Here’s our list of the best new crossbows you can now buy for the 2020 hunting season!
Table of Contents
Best New Crossbows for the 2020 Hunting Season
TenPoint Vapor RS470
TenPoint announced the Vapor RS470 at the ATA 2020 as their flagship for 2020. This truly is one of the best crossbows that’s available 0n the market right now. It shoots arrows at 470 FPS and features new technologies like the ACUslide system.
“The Vapor is the most accurate crossbow I have ever shot.”said Rick Bednar, TenPoint CEO. “We have always committed ourselves to building the best crossbows on the market and,while de-cocking is not a new concept to the crossbow market, the silent ACUslide is the first safe option to de-cock a crossbow with a crank”.
After shooting the TenPoint Vapor RS470, we had to make it number 1 on this list and it is the most exciting new crossbow for 2020. The Vapor RS470 comes with amazing new features like the new revolutionary ACUslide safe decocking system MICRO-TRACK Barrel and lightning fast speeds of up to 470 feet per second.
The Vapor RS470 package includes:
- ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system
- EVO-X Marksman Precision Scope
- TenPoint STAG™Hard Crossbow Case
- 6-pack of EVO-X CenterPunch™ Premium Carbon Crossbow Arrows (.001”straightness)
- 6-pack of EVO-X Lighted Center Punch Premium Carbon Crossbow Arrows (.001”straightness)
- 3-pack of EVO-X Center Punch Rear-Deploying Broadheads
- Sling
- Integrated String Stop System
- NEW6-arrow Tech Quiver
The TenPoint Vapor RS470 may not be as silent in cocking as the Ravin R29X models, but the Vapor RS470 doesn’t make a lot of noise at all… The Vapor RS470’s accuracy is on the money. Every time you press the new ‘S1 Trigger’, you shoot arrows with precision accuracy at 470 feet per second!! It is absolutely the best crossbow we’ve ever had the chance to shoot!
Click here to read our in depth review of the TenPoint Vapor RS470.
Ravin R29X Sniper
Ravin introduced the R29X models, an upgrade from the Ravin R29 models. We already had the chance to test out the R29X Sniper model and it’s a really great crossbow. The ‘dead silent’ cocking mechanism is one of a kind. You really cannot hear anything while you’re cocking the crossbow.
The Ravin R29X Sniper Package includes:
- Fully-Assembled/Pre-Tuned
- HeliCoil Technology
- Silent Cocking System
- 6 – Ravin .001 Arrows & Field Tips (400 Grain Total)
- Tactical Crossbow Scope
- Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount
- Scope Level
- 1 – Removable Draw Handle
- 1 – Quiver/Mounting Bracket
- Built-In Cocking Mechanism
- Anti-Dry Fire/Auto Safety
- Built-in Sling Mounts
Ravin also introduced Helicoil technology to the R29X models. HeliCoil technology makes it possible to shoot arrows with higher speeds, no rail friction, increased accuracy and longer string life. The Ravin R29X Sniper can shoot arrows up to 450 feet per second!
Click here to read our in depth review of the Ravin R29X Sniper.
Excalibur Assassin 400 TD
Excalibur crossbows always produce great quality and durable crossbows, the Excalibur Assassin 400TD is no exception. Excalibur says it’s “the latest addition to the most advanced Micro crossbow platform in the world!” It’s easy to take apart in two main pieces and carry it with you in a small bag or box anywhere you go. Assembling the Assassin 400TD itself only takes a couple of seconds. Disassembled it only measures 25 x 10 inches.
The Excalibur Assassin 400 TakeDown is one of Excalibur’s two new bows featuring their new High Output Express limbs with Armour Tips. The Assassin 400 TD comes standard with a built in ‘charger crank’. Excalibur’s charger crank is one cocking mechanism and has the ability to quietly and safely cock and de-cock your crossbow.
The Assassin 400TD features the very best of Excalibur’s technology in one legendary crossbow coming with a Tact-100 scope, premium Black Eagle Pro-Flight arrows, a 4-arrow quiver and the Tru-Fit stock for infinite adjustment. Comes equipped with Explore Case for convenient storage and easy transportation.
Click here to read our in depth review of the Excalibur Assassin 400 TD.
Scorpyd Deathstalker 420 FPS
Scorpyd hasn’t released a new crossbow in 2020, but because we were unable to review last year’s Scorpyd Deathstalker 420 we’ve decided to review it this year. Scorpyd released the Deathstalker 420 FPS during the summer of 2019.
The Scorpyd Deathstalker 420 FPS is an upgrade from the Deathstalker 400. The specifications have only changed slightly. As you can already tell, the Deathstalker 420 FPS can shoot 20 feet per second faster than the Deathstalker 400. It’s not a big upgrade but the Deathstalker 400 was already a great quality crossbow!
Scorpyd started testing the Deathstalker with 370 grain bolts and were able to achieve speeds of up to 420 feet per second. They decided to release the Scorpyd 400 with some new bolts and named it the Deathstalker 420 FPS.
The Deathstalker 420 is a lightweight and compact crossbow because of the once-piece carbon technology. The carbon frame just absorbs the noise when you pull the trigger. It’s also very accurate and is easy to cock with the supplied rope cocker.
The Deathstalker 420 FPS comes with String Stops, Scope rail, Sling Studs, Short Sled Cocker or Rope Cocker, 1.5×5 Hawke Non Illuminated XB1 Scope, Fuse Quiver, 6 Deathstalker Arrows, Scorpyd Sling and Butt Pad and a Scorpion Venom Lube Kit.
Click here to read our in depth review of the Scorpyd Deathstalker 420 FPS.
Wicked Ridge RDX 400
The RDX 400 is the latest of Wicked Ridge Crossbows. The RDX 400 features reverse draw limbs. Wicked Ridge was able to pull higher speeds out of a shorter power stroke with the reverse draw technology. Patented reverse-draw technology shifts the riser from the front of the crossbow to the center, eliminating the “nose-heavy” feel of traditional crossbows and creating an elongated power stroke for smoother and faster shooting.
Once you’ve sighted your scope, this bow is pretty accurate and the RDX 400 sits perfect in your hands. It’s also lightweight and really well balanced.
Unfortunately the scope that Wicked Ridge ships with the RDX 400 isn’t that great. You can only shoot targets up to 50 yards. The omni nock arrows that Wicked Ridge provides with the RDX 400 aren’t great either. Omni-nock arrows aren’t the safest arrows you can use.
Ordering a different scope and some alpha-nock arrows for the RDX 400 isn’t a bad idea and if you decide to do this, you’ll still be spending less than $1000 on a complete reverse draw crossbow that’s otherwise perfect.
Click here to read our in depth review of the Wicked Ridge RDX 400.
Bear X Constrictor
Any top crossbow list should have something from Bear. Their crossbows are always really great value for your money. Their latest line of crossbows is no exception. The Bear X Constrictor is a really nice crossbow and doesn’t cost you a lot.
The Bear X Constrictor is a compact, lightweight and shoots arrows at 410 feet per second! It only measures 14 inches uncocked and 10 inches cocked making it a narrow bow at an affordable price.
Bear X equipped the Constrictor with X-Top Technology. X-Top technology positions the quiver on the top of the crossbow with the ability to mount the quiver on either side and 360 degree positional customization. A neat feature to have on your crossbow of course!
The Bear X Constrictor is a ready-to-hunt crossbow package that includes 3 Bear X TrueX bolts, an illuminated scope, a quiver, a sling, a cocking rope, and comes with some rail lube / string wax!
Click here to read our in depth review of the Bear X Constrictor.
Barnett HyperGhost 425
Barnett released the HyperGhost 425 for the new 2020 hunting season and it’s a really good crossbow! It fires arrows at up to 425 feet per second with high accuracy.
The HyperGhost isn’t the most compact crossbow measuring roughly 36 inches in length and 17.6 inches cocked. With the retractable underarm counterbalance support this crossbow feels perfectly balanced when you hold it. The anti-dry fire Trigger Tech trigger makes it feel even better when you actually shoot it. It uses a friction-less release that has a free-floating roller between the sear and trigger. This allows for a crisp 3 lbs trigger break.
The Barnett HyperGhost comes mostly assembled. It only takes a minute or two and you’re ready to fire the bow! The ready-to-hunt package includes three 22” Hyper Flite Arrows, Premium 1.5 x 5 x 32 Illuminated Scope, Rope Cocking Sled, and Lube Wax.
Click here to read our in depth review of the Barnett HyperGhost 425.
Killer Instinct Speed 425 FPS
Killer Instinct released their successor of the Killer Instinct Speed 415 FPS that they released at the end of 2018. The Killer Instinct Speed 425 can shoot arrows at up to 425 feet per second, putting it among the fastest shooting crossbows in the world.
Straight out of the box this crossbow feels great in the hands. With the adjustable fore grip and buttstock and the interchangeable pistol grip this crossbow is easily balanced to anyone’s preference.
The elite package comes with some extra features; this package includes a LUMIX speed ring 1.5 – 5 x 32 IR-E scope, rope cocker, string & limb suppressors, five-bolt quiver, three 390 grains HYPR bolts with field tips, and a stick rail lube. The Killer Instinct Speed is anything a hunter can ask for; it’s very accurate, durable and doesn’t cost a lot.
Click here to read our in depth review of the Killer Instinct Speed 425 FPS.
Mission Archery Sub-1 XR
Mission released the Mission Archery Sub-1 XR at the end of 2019 for the upcoming 2020 hunting season and once again they don’t disappoint.The Mission Sub-1 XR is Mission’s fastest crossbow shooting bolts at up to 410 feet per second. This crossbow features Benchmark Fire Control technology which allows you to safely decock with the push of a button. The Mission Sub-1 XR offers 6 different lengths of pull adjustments and 1.25 inches of adjustment in the comb for a customized fit.
It is one of the best new crossbows I’ve used. It shoots with extreme precision and is very silent. If you aim at the same spot multiple times in a row, you’re sure to break a lot of bolts!
With the Mission Sub-1 XR you’ll also be getting a Hawke Illuminated Crossbow Scope, a quiver and 3 arrows, rail lube and a cocking rope. The quiver can be easily converted to a left or right hand mount. It also comes with a soft-sided case in which you can store your crossbow, quiver and arrows in separate compartments.
Click here to read our in depth review of the Mission Archery Sub-1 XR.
CenterPoint CP400
The CenterPoint CP400 is one of the more compact models that have been released. It only measures 6 inches cocked and 10.5 inches uncocked. It’s also one of the more affordable models that features the HeliCoil technology. Crossbows from Ravin or other brands that are sporting the HeliCoil technology can cost upwards of $3000! The CenterPoint CP400 is way more affordable than that, the complete package including a case should only cost you a maximum of $1100 on Amazon.
While the name should already give it away; the CenterPoint CP400 can shoot arrows at up to 400 feet per second! The CenterPoint CP400 also comes with a custom-designed riser, CNC-machined cam system and adjustable stock. This is an incredibly compact and powerful crossbow at an affordable price.
Click here to read our in depth review of the CenterPoint CP400.
