Barnett is one of the oldest names in crossbows, and its bows are some of the most common in deer camps and on store shelves. If you’re searching for Barnett crossbows, you probably want to know which models are current, which are worth buying, and what to do with an older Barnett you already own. This page covers all three.
We haven’t shot these bows for this article. Specs come from Barnett’s own product pages. Stock was checked on Amazon on October 3, 2026, and it changes often.
Who makes Barnett crossbows today
Barnett has been making crossbows since 1962. Today the company is Barnett Outdoors, based in Tarpon Springs, Florida. In September 2021 it was sold to Surge Outdoors, a company owned and run by Ryan Busbice and David Barnett. Barnett still sells crossbows, arrows, scopes, cocking devices, youth bows and replacement parts under its own name.
The current crossbow lineup falls into a few families:
- Whitetail series: the long-running hunting line, including the Whitetail Hunter STR with its step-through riser.
- XP (Explorer) series: compact compound bows from 370 to 410 fps with adjustable stocks, sold with or without a built-in crank.
- Recruit XP: a lower-draw-weight compound that is easy to cock.
- Hyper series: the faster, pricier Hyper Raptor bows (425 fps).
- Wildcat series: light, low-priced bows, including the Wildcat CRX recurve.
Most Barnetts come as complete packages with a sight or scope, arrows, a quiver and a rope cocker, which is a big part of their appeal.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR. 375 fps, under $500.
- Best value: Barnett XP370. 370 fps with an adjustable stock, under $400.
- More speed, with a scope: Barnett XP385. 385 fps, under $500.
- Easiest to cock: Barnett Recruit XP. 150 lb draw, under $400.
- Lowest price: Barnett Wildcat CRX. A simple recurve bundle, under $300.
The best current Barnett crossbows
1. Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR: best overall
If you only look at one Barnett, make it this one. When we checked, it had far more owner feedback than any other current Barnett.
Barnett rates it at 375 fps with a 380-grain arrow and 118.6 ft-lb of energy, from a 187 lb draw and a 15 7/16-inch power stroke. It weighs 6.6 lb, is 32.88 inches long, and measures 18 1/8 inches axle to axle. The step-through riser builds the foot stirrup into the riser, which keeps the bow short. You also get a TriggerTech trigger, anti-dry-fire protection and a soft-lok arrow retainer.
In the box: a 4×32 multi-reticle scope, rope cocker, quiver, two 22-inch Headhunter arrows and string wax. Note the 22-inch arrows. Most of Barnett’s newer models use 20-inch arrows, so the two aren’t interchangeable.
2. Barnett XP370: best value
The XP370 is the entry point to Barnett’s XP series and a sensible first deer crossbow. There’s less owner feedback to go on than for the STR.
Barnett lists 370 fps and 115 ft-lb from a 165 lb draw and a 13.6-inch power stroke. It measures 13 inches axle to axle when cocked, and the adjustable stock gives a length of 35.5 to 38 inches. It has a TriggerTech trigger and a groove in the stock (Barnett calls it Rope-Hold) that keeps the rope cocker in place. The package includes a red dot sight, two 20-inch carbon arrows, a quiver and a rope cocker.
There is also an XP370 with a built-in crank. Its Amazon score is weaker, so read the recent reviews before paying extra for the crank.
3. Barnett XP385: more speed, with a scope
The XP385 is the same compact, adjustable XP platform with more power and a real scope instead of a red dot. Barnett rates it at 385 fps and 122 ft-lb from a 185 lb draw and a 13.8-inch power stroke, at about 6 lb. Like the XP370, it measures 13 inches axle to axle cocked, and the stock adjusts from 35.5 to 38 inches. It comes with a 4×32 multi-reticle scope, two 20-inch carbon arrows, a side-mount quiver, a rope cocker and wax.
The Whitetail Hunter STR is the better buy unless you specifically want the XP’s adjustable stock. Watch for a sale.
4. Barnett Recruit XP: easiest to cock
The Recruit XP is built around a 150 lb draw, which Barnett says the included rope cocker cuts in half. That makes it a good fit for smaller or older shooters, new hunters, and anyone who struggles to cock a 185 lb bow.
Barnett rates it at 350 fps and 92 ft-lb, with a 13.6-inch power stroke, 13 inches axle to axle cocked, a 35.5 to 38-inch adjustable length and a weight of about 6 lb. (The Amazon listing says 330 fps; we’ve used Barnett’s figure.) It comes with an illuminated 3-dot sight, two 20-inch Headhunter arrows, a quiver, a rope cocker and wax. A Recruit XP with a built-in crank is also sold, though it has only a handful of ratings so far.
If you’re shopping for a young hunter, also see our list of the best youth crossbows.
5. Barnett Wildcat CRX: lowest price
The Wildcat CRX is a recurve, so there are no cams or cables to wear out or go out of time. The Amazon bundle adds an extra arrow and broadheads to the standard package.
Barnett rates it at 280 fps and 66 ft-lb from a 195 lb draw and a 12.5-inch power stroke. It is 33 inches long and weighs 6.1 lb. It comes with a red/green 3-dot sight with a neoprene cover, a rope cocker, 20-inch Headhunter arrows and a side-mount quiver.
Be realistic about what that buys you. 280 fps and 66 ft-lb is the low end for hunting. It’s fine for target practice and close shots at deer where your state allows it, but it isn’t a 40-yard bow. Check your state’s crossbow rules before you hunt with it.
Barnett buying guide
Arrows: 20-inch or 22-inch
Barnett’s arrows (Headhunter, Hyperflite and others) come in 20- and 22-inch lengths, and different models need different ones. The Whitetail Hunter STR ships with 22-inch arrows. The XP370, XP385, Recruit XP and Wildcat CRX ship with 20-inch arrows. Always use the length, minimum weight and nock type in your manual. Barnett’s warranty excludes damage from dry firing or from using arrows and nocks it doesn’t recommend. For help choosing replacements, see our crossbow bolts guide.
Cocking aids
Every pick here includes a rope cocker, which roughly halves the effort. If that’s still too much, buy a model with a built-in crank (the XP and Recruit “with CCD” versions) or add a crank cocking device later. Barnett sells crank cockers separately; check that the one you buy fits your model. Never let a cocked crossbow down by hand. Shoot it into a target with a field point.
Scope or red dot
A red dot (XP370, Recruit XP, Wildcat CRX) is quick and simple out to about 30 yards. A multi-reticle scope (STR, XP385) gives you aiming points for longer shots and magnification in low light.
Warranty and registration
Barnett’s warranty covers defects in the stock, trigger and limbs. How long it lasts depends on the model (the XP series manual lists five years), and strings and cables are not covered. You must register the bow within 10 days of purchase, at barnettcrossbows.com or by phone at (800) 237-4507, or the warranty doesn’t apply. Do it the day the bow arrives.
Own an older Barnett?
Many older Barnetts are no longer sold, including the Ghost 410, Ghost 350 CRT, Jackal, Quad 400, BCX Buck Commander and Wildcat C6. They can still be good bows. A few tips:
- Strings and cables: replace them when they fray or every few seasons. Aftermarket string makers still list sets for many older models, and a pro shop with a crossbow press can fit them.
- Limbs and triggers: Barnett lists limb and trigger replacement as a service item. Call customer service with your model and serial number before buying used parts.
- Arrows: older Barnetts use 20- or 22-inch arrows depending on the model. Match your manual, not the arrows that fit your new bow.
- Safety: stop shooting any bow with a cracked limb or a damaged string, and never dry-fire it.
We have older reviews of the Barnett Ghost 410 and the Barnett Jackal if you own one of those. Unlike Parker, which closed in 2018, Barnett is still in business, so factory support exists. Use it.
The bottom line
For most hunters, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is the one to buy: proven, complete and fairly priced. The XP370 is the budget pick, the XP385 adds speed and a scope (ideally on sale), the Recruit XP is the easiest to cock, and the Wildcat CRX is a simple recurve for close-range use. To compare Barnett with other brands, see our best crossbows guide.