The popularity of hunting and target shooting has been increasing in recent times. This increased popularity has lured many women into the sport of crossbow shooting. As more and more women get involved, many manufacturers have started to design models specifically for women.
These crossbows are built more lightweight, compact and easier to use than traditional crossbows.
To help you choose the best crossbow for women, I compiled this list of 7 quality crossbows. Including options to suit every budget.
Best Overall | Best Value | Best Premium |
  Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow |   CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow |   Tenpoint Viper S400 Hunting Crossbow |
-Draw Weight of 150 lbs -350 FPS Velocity -Weight: 6.4 lbs | -Adjustable Stock -Weight: 5lbs -Auto cocking mechanism | -400 FPS Velocity -Width Axle to Axle 7.2" - 135 ft lbs Kinetic Energy |
Top 7 Best Crossbow for Women Reviews
1. Best Crossbow for Women : Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is our top pick. It has a draw weight of only 150 lbs. Making it ideal for anyone from young teen girls to adult women. What makes this crossbow even better is that the 150 lbs draw weight doesn’t take away from the power.
This crossbow has a velocity of 350 feet per second and a kinetic energy rating of 103 feet pounds. So, you’ll get more power out of each shot than most other crossbows with the same draw weight. This makes it great for hunters off all skill levels and frames. Especially for those with smaller builds.
The bow itself weighs 6.4 pounds, so it’s light enough to carry around all day without getting tired.
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow comes with a light weight quiver, two 22″ arrows and pretty good stock scope. So it’s great value for the price.
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow also has an anti dry fire trigger and nock sensors for safety.
Specs:
- Speed – 350 Feet Per Second
- Trigger Pull – 3.0 LB
- Width (Axle to Axle Cocked) – 16.125″
- Length – 34 1/4″
- Weight – 6.4 LB
- Draw Weight – 150 lbs
- Power Stroke – 12.5 “
- Kinetic Energy -103 ft lbs
What’s Included
- 4×32 scope
- Rope cocking device
- 2 Arrow Quiver
- (2) 20 inch Headhunter arrows
- Lube wax
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Safe draw system
- Short length and width to allow easy maneuvering
- 350 FPS Velocity
- Premium 4 X 32 scope for accurate shots up to 60 yds
- Zero creep release
- Affordable
Cons
- Grips and scope can’t be adjusted
2. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow is a powerful, lightweight bow, that’s great for hunting or target shooting.
The bow has a draw weight of 187 lbs, and its velocity is 400 fps (feet per second). Plus, it has an ergonomic grip and forearm for comfort and ease of use.
The 187 lb draw weight may be difficult for ladies with smaller frames or bad backs to handle. But the crossbow is compatible with a cocking crank (sold separately), that will reduce the cocking resistance by as much as 93%. Making it one of the best crossbows for women and teen girls.
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow has a length of 36.5 inches, and its weight is 6.9 pounds. it comes with an illuminated 4x32mm scope, three bolts, and an arrow rest. It’s also equipped with an anti-dry fire system to prevent misfires.
Specs
- Speed – 400 Feet Per Second
- Trigger Pull – 3.0 LB
- Width (Axle to Axle Cocked) – 17.625″
- Length – 36.5″
- Weight – 6.9 LB
- Draw Weight – 187 lbs
- Power Stroke – 12.5″
- Kinetic Energy – 140 ft lbs
What’s Included:
- 4 X 32 Illuminated Scope
- Rope Cocking Device
- Side Mount Quiver
- (2) 22″ Arrows
- Lube wax
Pros
- Excellent trigger with smooth crisp pull.
- Illuminated scope
- Step through Riser
- Safe: Nock Sensor and finger guards
- High velocity: 400 Feet Per Second
- Quiet (Comes with dampeners that reduce sound and vibration)
Cons
- Cocking device is hard to use
3. BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow
If you’re looking for a crossbow that’s great for women and is easy to use, the BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow is the perfect option.
This crossbow has a draw weight of 185 pounds and can shoot arrows at speeds of up to 400 feet per second. It comes with an adjustable buttstock. So you can adjust to find the most comfortable position while shooting.
What’s more, it has one of the best stock scopes in its price range. As well as an anti-dry fire mechanism and finger guards for safety.
The BearX Ready to Shoot Crossbow is also designed with comfort in mind. With an ergonomically designed forearm and finger grips.
Specs
- Speed – 400 Feet Per Second
- Trigger Pull – 3.5 lbs
- Width (Axle to Axle Cocked) – 10″
- Length – 33″
- Weight – 8 lbs
- Draw Weight – 185 lbs
- Power Stroke – 12.7″
What’s Included:
- 4 X 32 Illuminated Scope
- Cocking Rope
- 4 Arrow Quiver
- (3) 20″ Arrows
- Rail Lube/String Wax
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Good quality scope
- Comes mostly assembled (except for quiver and scope)
- High Velocity (400 FPS)
- Narrow profile for easy maneuvering (10″ when cocked”)
Cons
- Heavy
- Rope cocking 185 lbs may be difficult
4. TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow
The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow is one of the best crossbows for women. It has a draw weight of 175 pounds and a velocity of 360 feet per second. Making it powerful enough to take down even the largest game.
The Wicked Ridge is also very easy to shoot, so you’ll be able to get your first kill in no time. This crossbow can be used by hunters of all skill levels. So even if you’re just starting out, you won’t have any problem mastering it.
The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow is easy to cock and load. Which makes it great option for women. The safety mechanism prevents accidental firing.
Coming in at only 6 pounds with an axle to axle width of only 15 inches when cocked, the Wicked Ridge is also very light and compact. Making it easy to carry and shoot from tight spaces.
Specs
- Speed – 360 Feet Per Second
- Trigger Pull – 3.5 lbs
- Width (Axle to Axle Cocked) – 15″
- Length – 35.5″
- Weight – 6 lbs
- Draw Weight – 175 lbs
- Power Stroke – 13.5″
- Kinetic Energy – 112 ft lbs
What’s Included:
- 3x Multi-Line Scope
- Cocking Mechanism
- 3 Arrow Quiver
- (3) Aluminum Arrows
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to load and reload
- Safe: Safety wings and built-in Dry Fire Inhibitor
- Easy to assemble
- Ergonomically designed (comfortable grip and foregrip)
Cons
- No string or noise dampeners included
5. Best Crossbow for Women on a Budget : CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow
The CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow is the best crossbow for women who want to get into hunting who are on a budget. This model is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great option for someone who isn’t used to shooting a crossbow.
The Tyro 4X has a draw weight of 175 pounds, which means it’s easier to cock than some other models. It also has a velocity of 245 feet per second, which means that you can hit targets at a distance pretty easily.
The crossbow comes with an adjustable sight as well as an adjustable stock. So you can customize the fit of your weapon.
The CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow was designed with safety in mind. It features an automatic safety and anti-dry fire mechanism.
The Tyro 4X weighs only 5 pounds so it’s easy for anyone to carry around when they’re hunting!
Specs
- Speed – 245 Feet Per Second
- Width (Axle to Axle Cocked) – 23″
- Length – 34.5″
- Weight – 5 lbs
- Draw Weight – 175 lbs
- Power Stroke – 10.5″
- Kinetic Energy – 50 ft lbs
What’s Included:
- 4 x 32 Scope
- Rope Cocker
- Rail Lube
- Quiver
- (4) 16″ Aluminum Arrows
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Auto safety cocking mechanism
- Durable: Made from compression molded fiberglass
- Adjustable stock
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Isn’t the most accurate crossbow
6. Tenpoint Viper S400 Hunting Crossbow
The Tenpoint Viper S400 Hunting Crossbow is a great choice for women looking for a premium quality crossbow. It’s lightweight, with a very narrow profile. So, it’s great for hunting from tree stands, narrow blinds and tight spaces.
The Viper S400 comes with an adjustable illuminated scope that will help you quickly find your target in low-light conditions.
The crossbow comes mostly assembled. So, you don’t have to be an engineer to put it together. The only thing you’ll need to do is attach the scope.
Best of all is the Viper S400’s innovative cocking device. It’s built-in brake system prevents the crank from unwinding when decocking. Making cocking and decocking a breeze.
The crank also enhances safety . As it prevents the crossbow from being dry-fired during cocking and decocking.
This crossbow has a maximum velocity of 400 feet per second (fps) with 135 ft lbs of kinetic energy. Which means it’s great for hunting fast animals like deer.
The draw weight is 250 pounds which may seem like a lot at first glance. But once you hold one in your hands it’s surprisingly easy to manage.
Specs
- Speed – 400 Feet Per Second
- Trigger Pull – 3.5 LB
- Width (Axle to Axle Cocked) – 7.2″
- Length – 32″
- Weight – 7.5 LB
- Draw Weight – 250 lbs
- Power Stroke – 11″
- Kinetic Energy – 135 ft lbs
What’s Included:
- 6 Arrow Quiver
- 3 Carbon Arrows
- Acuslide Handle
- Rangemaster Scope
Pros
- Very accurate bow
- Comes mostly assembled (only need to attach scope)
- Great cocking mechanism
- Narrow profile (7.2″ width)
- Lightweight and compact
- Safe draw system.
Cons
- Pricy
7. CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 Camo- Crossbow
The CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 Camo Crossbow is a great option for women looking for an easy to handle crossbow. It’s lightweight and compact but still has plenty of speed and power.
The crossbow’s draw weight is 185 pounds, which makes it capable of taking down large game like deer. It features a 13.75-inch power stroke and fires arrows at speeds up to 380 feet per second (fps).
The bow is made out of aluminum and fiberglass. Which makes it durable and protects against corrosion.
Safety is always important when using weapons such as crossbows. So this model comes with a anti dry fire as well as an automatic safety mechanism.
Specs
- Speed – 380 Feet Per Second
- Width (Axle to Axle Cocked) – 14″
- Length – 35″
- Weight – 7.9 lbs
- Draw Weight – 185 lbs
- Power Stroke – 13.75″
- Kinetic Energy – 120 ft lbs
What’s Included:
- 4 x 32 Scope
- 3 Arrow Quiver
- (3) 20″ Carbon Arrows
Pros
- Very Quiet (Equipped with Whisper Silencing System)
- Auto Safety Trigger
- High Velocity
- All weather composite stock
- Budget Friendly
Cons
- Low quality scope
- Heavy
Tips for Choosing the Best Crossbow for Women (Buyer’s Guide)
Types of Crossbows for Sale
Compound Crossbows
A compound crossbow uses a system of pulleys and cables to reduce the force required to cock the bow. The cable wraps around the bow’s prod, which is attached to the string, which in turn is pulled back by the shooter.
This greatly reduces the amount of force needed to draw the string back. Allowing for greater accuracy and speed when shooting.
But, the added pulleys make them heavier than both reverse limb and recurve crossbows.
Compound crossbows are the most popular crossbows and the ones you will typically find in stores.
Reverse Limb Crossbows
Reverse Limb Crossbows also known as reverse draw crossbows, or just “reverses” use a levering system to load the bow and fire it. They differ from traditional compound bows in that they don’t use cables or pulley systems to pull the string back.
Instead, you’ll find two limbs, each with its own pulley and string. The strings run parallel to each other and then meet at a single point where they’re attached to the trigger mechanism.
When you pull back on one limb’s pulley, that limb will be drawn backwards while the other limb is drawn forward (and vice versa). The result is a force that pulls both limbs towards each other, making them ready for firing.
The benefit of this design is that it allows for much faster speeds than traditional compound bows. The reverse limb crossbow is extremely powerful at short ranges.
So if you’re looking for a crossbow with more power than a recurve bow but less recoil than a compound bow, then a reverse limb crossbow is the choice for you!
Recurve Crossbows
Recurve Crossbows use the energy stored in their limbs to propel the arrow. Recurve Crossbows are much lighter and easier to maintain than compound bows. This is because they don’t have the added pulleys and mechanisms that compounds have.
So, any repairs can be easily done by yourself and they are much easier to carry.
The recurve shape of these bows help to promote accuracy. When the string is pulled back, it curves back toward the shooter. This curve helps to stabilize the arrow as it’s fired, making it easier to hit targets at longer distances.
Another benefit of this shape is that it reduces recoil when shooting, Recurve Crossbows also have a very high rate of fire compared to other types. This is because they don’t require any additional parts such as pulleys or springs to get ready for another shot.
But, they are not as powerful as compound or reverse limb bows. They are also typically much wider, which makes them harder to maneuver in tight spaces.
Features to Consider
Size
Size is one of the most important factors when choosing a crossbow for women. Some women may not be physically able to carry heavier crossbows. Especially when hunting, where you’ll have to traverse a wide area.
The length of the crossbow should also be considered. Shorter crossbows are much easier to maneuver.
So, the best crossbows for women should be lightweight and compact.
Draw Weight
Another important factor is the draw weight. The draw weight is how much power it takes to pull the string back to take a shot.
The higher the draw weight, the more physical strength you’ll need to fire the bow. This might be harder for women who are more petite. So, you should choose a crossbow that is suitable for your build and strength level.
Velocity
The velocity of a crossbow is measured in Feet Per Second (FPS). The higher the FPS of a crossbow, the more quickly and forcefully it will hit the target. If you’re planning to use your bow for hunting, you should try to get a crossbow with at least 300 FPS.
This will help you to hit fast moving animals easier out in the wild. But, you should also check your local laws regarding velocity. As some states deem high velocity crossbows, as being too lethal.
Safety System
As with any weapon, safety is a concern with crossbows. Some brands offer more safety features than others. Before purchasing a crossbow, you should do research into the safety mechanisms that the bow has to offer.
The best crossbows come with safety features such as anti dry fire mechanisms, finger guards and auto safety triggers.
Cocking Equipment
Cocking equipment reduces the physical effort needed to cock a crossbow. This is especially helpful for women of a smaller build. Cocking devices typically come in the form of either a rope device or crank pulley.
Crank pulley cocking devices are more efficient and are the ones that I recommend for women.
Final Words
If you want to get the best crossbow for women, you can. It won’t necessarily be easy. But if you know what to look for, you can pick out a good model that will suit your needs. By following the tips and tricks in this buying guide, you will at least have a leg up on deciding which one is right for you.
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