5 Best Crossbows for Women

The crossbow isn’t new to the shooting world. Still, it has recently seen an uptick in its popularity as more and more women have taken an interest in hunting, specifically bowhunting. With this rise of more women crossbow hunting, many crossbow manufacturers have started fabricating models explicitly geared toward the female archer in their style and design.

Trying to find the perfect crossbow for yourself or a woman hunter in your life can be quite a headache. We’ve taken the hard work out of the elusive hunt for the best crossbows for women with this comprehensive list that includes what made each crossbow stand out and what we found lacking.

Before we dive right into our five best crossbows for women, let’s take aim at a few key points that you should keep in mind when choosing a crossbow and some crossbow terminology that will help you along the way. But first, let’s talk about what makes a women’s crossbow truly a women’s crossbow.

Table of Contents

What Is Different About a Women’s Crossbow?

Crossbow models that are specifically marketed towards women will have extremely specific design and style features.

What is Different About a Women’s Crossbow? Women’s crossbows are typically lighter and a bit easier to carry and maneuver. Of course, these features aren’t key to just women’s crossbows, but they are generally highlighted by manufacturers.

How Do I Know What Size Women’s Crossbow I Need?

Crossbow size is an important consideration when choosing the right one for you. Your crossbow’s intended use (target shooting, game hunting) is a significant factor in selecting the correct crossbow size.

Generally, crossbows can be found in 20- and 22-inch lengths. Choosing a crossbow of a smaller size will enable you to have greater maneuverability and carrying ability while hunting but may hinder the size of the game you pursue. Conversely, a larger crossbow may be cumbersome in narrow blinds and a heavier sidearm to carry through the woods, but you’ll be able to easily fell larger game.

Key Points to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Women’s Crossbow

While reading the reviews for the best crossbows for women, keep the following things in mind:

Draw weight: The higher the draw weight of a crossbow, the more power your crossbow will have. Draw weight also directly impacts accuracy, so it is preferable to find a balance between the draw weight and your ability to enable precision firing.
Velocity: Crossbow velocity is calculated in feet per second (fps). The higher the FPS is for your crossbow, the faster and harder your arrow will hit its target. You should keep in mind state regulations on the maximum threshold FPS allowed for crossbows when making your purchase.
Weight: If carrying your crossbow long distances is in your future, you’ll want to be sure to purchase a lightweight, compact model.
Cost: The price range for crossbows is across the board, but the price doesn’t always equate with quality.

What to Look for in a Women’s Crossbow

There are a few things that you should look for when purchasing a women’s crossbow:

Lightweight: This one is self-explanatory. Unless you want to lug an extra 10 to 15 pounds around while searching for a prime hunting spot, you’ll want to go with a lighter-weight crossbow model.
Low-Medium Draw Weight: You’ll definitely want to keep draw weight in mind when purchasing your new crossbow. Make sure to choose a weight that you can manage (even with assistive cocking devices).
Shorter Power Stroke: You’ll want to choose crossbow models with shorter power strokes that don’t limit your power.
Width: A narrow crossbow width will increase your ability to maneuver easily while hunting. When choosing a new crossbow, look for models that measure 14 to 15 inches.
De-Cocking Function: It can be frustrating to have to fire your cocked and loaded arrow into the ground. Selecting a crossbow that has a built-in de-cocking feature will erase that issue altogether.
Anti-Dry-Fire Technology: Dry firing your crossbow can be detrimental to your bow and dangerous to you. Look for a crossbow with built-in anti-dry-fire technology, and you’ll never have to worry about a dry fire again.
Design: Though a pretty camo pattern may not be of the utmost importance, it is an option that you can keep in mind when searching for a new crossbow.

Need-to-Know Crossbow Terminology

Our top five best crossbows for women reviews contain key specifications, and here is a quick rundown of what each means:

Draw weight: The amount of force in pounds required to draw (cock) your crossbow
Bow weight: The carry weight in pounds of your crossbow
Length: The total length in inches of your crossbow
Power Stroke: The distance in inches that the string of your crossbow travels from the cocked position to the resting position after firing
Speed/Velocity: The speed in feet per second (fps) of the arrow leaving your crossbow
Kinetic Energy: The amount of energy an arrow carries when in flight, measured as foot-pound of kinetic energy (fpke)

Now that you’re familiarized with crossbow terminology and a few key points to keep in mind while making your purchase decision, let’s track on to the real reason why you are here.

The Five Best Women’s Crossbows

1. Barnett XP 370

Specs:

Draw weight: 185 pounds
Weight: 6 pounds
Length: 31.25-33.7 inches
Power stroke: 13.75 inches
Velocity: 380 fps
Kinetic energy: 122 fpke

This is one of the most powerful, longest-lasting crossbows on the market. The Barnett XP 370 is easy to use, simple to assemble, and lightweight, at only six pounds.

With velocities of 370 fps and 122 fpke, the Barnett XP 370 is ideal for big game animals. The adjustable cheek rest and butt stock make this crossbow completely personalizable.

Included with purchase is a 4X32 mm scope, lubrication wax, a side-mount quiver with two 20-inch carbon arrows, and a crank cocker device to aid with the 185-pound draw weight.

Pros: