Best Youth Hunting Crossbows [Review and Comparison 2021]

If you are looking for a new compact crossbow for a youth hunter, a female hunter, or possibly for yourself in ground blinds or stalking, read on. This article will go through all the information you need to know before sealing the deal on a new lightweight compact crossbow. The bows covered are packed with features and made for maneuverability in the field.   The following crossbows have adjustability for various age, size, and gender hunters.

Crossbows are a great way to increase hunting opportunities during archery season. Archery deer season generally open first, even before youth gun seasons. This is when a kid crossbow can come in handy to get youth in the woods early. Anyone unable to meet the demands of a compound bow could increase the length of hunting season by utilizing a crossbow.  Many states now allow crossbow hunting throughout archery season.

Let’s dive in with considerations to keep in mind when selecting a crossbow for youth hunting.

Youth Crossbow Safety

Safety should be number one, especially when young hunters are involved. Teaching the proper safety techniques from a young age will ensure a lifetime of responsible and safe hunting. Luckily manufacturers have incorporated many safety features into todays crossbows. They all come with anti-dryfiring mechanisms, “safety wings”, and most have pass through fore grips. Even with these great features, crossbows still store lots of energy and have the potential to cause injuries. Practicing at home to get familiar with the equipment is important before taking it to the field. It is always good to create realistic shooting scenarios like shooting from elevated tree stands or tight quarters like ground blinds and practice them before heading out.

Other Youth Crossbow Safety tips to remember:

• Inspect equipment prior to use, including limbs, strings, cables, and bolts for damage- don’t use damaged equipment
• Always keep pointed in a safe direction
• Keep hands and fingers away from the string, cables, and arrow/flight track – fingers can and have been amputated by crossbows
• Never “dry fire” a crossbow – It will suffer catastrophic damage
• Make sure the bolt is loaded correctly- if not, the result could be similar to a dry fire
• Follow manufacturer recommendations for de-cocking

Cocking Effort

One of the first considerations to think about is cocking effort and or draw weight. You need think about the draw weight the hunter can safely handle on their own or if the hunter will be accompanied by an assisting adult. Next, in this area would be assistive devices to allow kids the most independence in their hunt such as rope cocking devices and crank style devices. Nearly all youth crossbows are compatible with rope cocking devices, and they reduce the draw effort by half. These can still prove challenging for some youth hunting on their own. Crank style cocking devices can reduce the effort required allowing even the smallest of hunters to cock a crossbow, but not all crossbows have an option for crank devices. Most crank devices also make noise when engaging that would be avoided with rope cocking devices.

Youth Crossbow Weight

You may think a weight difference of 2 pounds would not matter much, but to youth hunters it can be a big deal. Some questions to ask. Will they be hunting solo and packing all their gear? Will they have to help an adult pack in and out all the gear to a new spot? How long is their average hike in? Depending on your hunting style, weight may or may not be a big factor to consider. The crossbows in this comparison range from 5.4 to 7.5 pounds with and average of 6.5 pounds. While they vary by brand, they are light weight crossbows for their respective brand. If extra weight is not an issue you may find a crossbow in a more affordable price point.

Youth Crossbow Speed

Speed is all the rage these days. Faster speeds can reduce distance between yardage pins and decrease margin of error. Rest assure, even the slowest of crossbows in this comparison are shooting as fast as most adult compound bows. With today’s scopes and a decent rangefinder pin gap shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re guessing yardages.  Increases in speed do equal enhanced penetration,  but the slowest of crossbows will not have issues with penetration on deer or hogs with a decent 350+ grain arrow and fixed blade broadhead.

Best Youth Crossbows for Deer Hunting

Model	weight	speed	cost
XP380	6.2	380	399.99
Ranger X2	5.9	330	499-599
308 Short	5.4	308	749
R26	6.5	400	2024
Saga 405	7.5	405	349
Sub-1 Lite	6.9	335	1399
Fang	7.3	405	399
Average	6.5	366	887

Model	Ke	power stroke	length of trigger	Trigger pull
XP380	144	13.75	Adj	unk
Ranger X2	108	10.9	12″	3.5
308 Short	95	12.5	12.5″	3.5
R26	160	8.25	13″	2.5
Saga 405	164	14.875	13-16″	4
Sub-1 Lite	112	13.75	Adj	3.3
Fang	134	14.5	unk	unk
Average	131	13		3

Model	draw weight	length	width
XP380	185	31.25	19
Ranger X2	150	33.9	19
308 Short	254	30	24
R26	12*	26	9.25
Saga 405	210	36	18
Sub-1 Lite	150	30.25	13.8
Fang	205	35.5	18
Average	192	32	17

Model	Scope	Cocking	Quiver
XP380	4×32 multi reticle	Rope included, crank compatible	3
Ranger X2	4×32 multi reticle	integrated self-retracting rope cocking system or Acudraw crank	3
308 Short	Dead Zone multi reticle	Rope included	3
R26	100 yard illuminated	built in cocking mechanism	3
Saga 405	4X32 multi reticle	Rope included	4
Sub-1 Lite	Hawke 1.5-5×32	Rope included	3
Fang	HDV 425 1.5-5×32	Rope included	5

Model	FINISH	Package includes
XP380	Strike black camo	Scope, rope cocking device, quiver and 2 bolts
Ranger X2	Mossy Oak Break-up country	Scope, ACUdraw or ACU52 , quiver, and 3 bolts
308 Short	Mossy Oak Break-up	Scope, rope cocking aid, quiver, and 3 arrows
R26	Predator Dusk Camo	Scope, built in cocking mechanism, quiver, and 6 bolts
Saga 405	GOD’S COUNTRY CAMO	Scope, cocking rope, quiver and 3 bolts
Sub-1 Lite	Black or Realtree Edge	Scope, cocking rope, quiver and 3 bolts
Fang	True Timber Viper Western camo	scope, quiver, cocking rope, and 3 bolts

Barnett XP380 – Best Budget Crossbow

The Barnett XP380 is a great youth and small shooter crossbow.   The adjustable butt stock allows for length of pull trigger adjustments.   The pass through foregrip keeps hands away from the string.   At a weight of 6.2 lbs. this bow adds significant speed without adding much weight as compared to other models.  The XP380 is compatible with the Explorer Crank Cocking device and reduces resistance up to 93 percent or a rope device decreasing tension by half.  Keep in mind the crank is not typically included and MSRP’s for $130.  

Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 – Best Overall Youth Crossbow

Wicked Ridge by Tenpoint is an American built crossbow for a great price.  The Ten Point Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 with a 12” length of pull has the shortest trigger pull of their line up.  At 330 fps and 85lbs. of energy the X2 has more than enough umph to take down deer and hogs.  At 5.9 lbs it is one of the lightest crossbows we compared.  A pass through grip and safety wings help keep hands clear of the string.  The X2 is available with two draw options, the ACUdraw and the ACU-52.  The ACUdraw is a crank system that will reduce the draw weight to nearly 5lbs. and is fully integrated into the stock.  At 5lbs of cocking effort this is a great crossbow for kids. It also improves accuracy by creating a consistent draw.   The ACU-52 is an integrated self-retracting rope cocking system that reduces draw weight by half (75lbs).  You don’t have to worry about leaving it back in the case or truck since it’s integrated with the crossbow and there’s no dangling ropes to tangle. The ACUdraw adds about a hundred bucks to the MSRP.  

Excalibur 308 SHORT – Lightest Crossbow

The Lightest crossbow in our comparison at 5.4 lbs, this compact recurve crossbow was designed with smaller shooters in mind and for maneuverability in ground blinds and treestands.  The 12.5 length of trigger pull is ideal for a smaller stature. With a 254 pound draw weight, cocking effort is still 127 pounds with a rope cocker.  Given the higher draw weight and cost, It’s lighter weight would be a reason for choosing the 308 SHORT.  

RAVIN R26 – Most Compact Crossbow

Ravin doesn’t have a specific crossbow for youth’s or smaller shooters, but the R26 has some features that make it worth including.   It’s the most compact crossbow of the group at only 26 inches long and uncocked axle to axle length of only 9.25 inches.  This makes it over 4.5 inches narrower than its nearest competitor and 4 inches shorter.   Although it’s one of the heavier bows in the group at 6.5lbs, it’s also one of the fastest at 400 fps.   The compactness and speed does come at a premium with a MSRP of 2024$

Bear SAGA 405 – Best affordable crossbow

Although somewhat on the heavier side for a youth crossbow at 7.5lbs, the Bear SAGA does offer an adjustable fore grip and stock providing some flexibility for smaller shooters.  It’s also the fastest kid crossbow we compared at a blazing 405 fps.  The Bear Saga is the fastest bow for the money and the best budget youth crossbow on our list. It would be a great beginner crossbow for anyone.

Mission Sub-1 Lite –   Most accurate crossbow

At 6.9 pounds the Mission Sub-1 lite is not the lightest of the crossbows we’ve compared, but lighter than its original Mission Sub-1 at 7.5lbs.  Any downsides to this crossbow are quickly made up for in it’s accuracy.   As the name implies the Mission Sub-1 Lite is capable of groups less than 1” at 100 yds making it the most accurate crossbow on the list.   The stock allows 6 different length of pull adjustments at 1.25 in. increments and adjustments in the comb for a custom fit for youth and smaller frame hunters.  At 335 fps it is on the lower end of the group in speed, but it is still more than enough to take any deer or hog.  Another nice feature is the RSD (Removable Silent Draw System)which is the only silent cocking system other than the Ravin 29X(+$2500).   No need to shoot your bolt in the ground with the Sub-1, it has a decocking button that allows it to be unloaded easily.   At a MSRP of $1399 it’s accuracy does come at a price.  

PSE Fang

The PSE Fang has an adjustable stock and shoots up to 405fps making it a fast crossbow for the money.   It does come in heavy at 7.5lbs, but you can’t expect a featherweight crossbow that includes a quiver, scope and cocking rope for the price.  

We hope this comparison provides you the extra information needed to make a decision purchasing your next crossbow, whether its for you, the wife, kids or a beginner to the crossbow game. If you have any questions or comments, leave them below or shoot us a message at our contact page.