Josh Facilities 10.20.25
It’s time for bow season, and with my compound bow on its final legs, I made a decision it was time for one thing new. So I reached out to the nice individuals at Barnett to see in the event that they’d let me overview a crossbow. They graciously provided me any mannequin I wished, however I made a decision to go along with the standard Wildcat CRX, which is Barnett’s most entry-level mannequin.
Why a crossbow? For one, crossbows are badass. Second, I choose searching out of blinds the place I’ve way more horizontal room than vertical room, so I figured a crossbow can be a greater match.
Crossbows have lengthy held one thing of a stigma within the searching world as a result of they’re seen as simpler than compound bows—as if the compound bow isn’t a totally fashionable invention that’s far simpler to make use of than a standard bow. Backside line is that crossbows ship extra energy for much less cash, which means a extra humane kill and fewer harm to your pockets. And I realized firsthand that it’s ok to soak up the woods.
Who the Barnett Wildcat CRX Is For
The Barnett Wildcat CRX is an entry-level recurve crossbow with an MSRP of simply $229.99. These are sometimes reportedly on sale for even decrease costs, particularly on the finish or after bow season. Should you’re crossbow-curious, the Wildcat CRX is an inexpensive choice that delivers game-killing energy. It’s lots for whitetail and related medium sport. For elk or different massive, thick-skinned animals, most hunters choose extra power and heavier bolts—examine your native regs.
Specs
- Kind: Recurve
- Draw Weight: 195 lb
- Energy Stroke: ~12.25–12.5 in
- Velocity: ~280 fps (380-grain arrow)
- Kinetic Vitality: ~66 ft-lb
- General Size: ~32.88 in
- Width (cocked/uncocked): ~18.375 in / ~25.5 in
- Weight: ~6.1 lb
- Set off Pull: N/A (not measured)
- Included Optic: 3-dot purple/inexperienced
- Included Equipment: Neoprene scope cowl, rope cocking machine, 2×20-in Headhunter bolts, side-mount quiver, string wax/rail lube
- MSRP / Road: $229.99 / usually <$200 on sale
First Impressions
When the Wildcat CRX confirmed up on my doorstep, the unboxing was easy. The packaging isn’t flashy — simply useful — however all the things was safe and undamaged. Barnett consists of all of the necessities: a purple/inexperienced dot optic that comes pre-mounted, a rope cocking machine, a quiver, and a pair of bolts. It’s a real ready-to-shoot bundle, which is spectacular contemplating the low price ticket.
Meeting is easy sufficient, although the directions go away one thing to be desired. They’re cut up throughout two completely different paperwork and will undoubtedly use clearer diagrams. The most important headache for me got here with the string dampeners. In one in every of my first taking pictures classes, I felt one thing hit my face — it didn’t harm, so I ignored it on the time. Later, I noticed the rubber recommendations on the dampeners had flown off. Once I contacted Barnett for replacements, they defined that the dampener ideas ought to simply barely contact the string. With the brand new set put in that manner, I haven’t had any extra points. For me, inserting the dampeners within the sixth gap again from the entrance of the crossbow has been the candy spot.
Getting the dampener arms mounted within the first place was its personal battle. You may’t know which place is true until the bow is assembled, but when the bow is assembled, you may’t attain the screws. Even with the limbs off, these tiny screws are awkward to work with. They’re straightforward to strip, and discovering a screwdriver that’s sufficiently small to suit, formed correctly to not chew up the heads, and nonetheless provides you adequate leverage is tougher than it needs to be.
End high quality, then again, makes a powerful impression. The inventory has a gentle rubber coating that feels way more premium than naked plastic, and the aluminum rail is {smooth} and freed from tough edges. General, although, the Wildcat CRX doesn’t give off “price range toy” vibes. Even with its quirks, it appears like a severe searching instrument proper out of the field.
Ranking:
8 / 10
Construct High quality
The Barnett Wildcat CRX stunned me with how strong it feels for the cash. The inventory is sturdy and effectively put collectively, with no rattles or flex, and the gentle rubber coating makes it way more comfy than the plasticky furnishings you often see at this value. It’s strong towards the cheek and feels premium in hand, whereas the artificial end appears to be like powerful sufficient to deal with abuse within the discipline.
The limbs are stout and true, with no alignment issues or burdened ideas, and the string seats correctly. Drawing it takes some effort — noticeably stiffer than a compound — however all the things capabilities because it ought to, and as soon as it locks in place with that click on, you already know it’s able to shoot.
The aluminum rail is properly machined and freed from tough edges, whereas the set off is crisp and constant sufficient to encourage confidence. My important criticism is the protection, which is tucked into a clumsy spot that forces me to work it with my off hand. Barnett does add helpful touches like a plastic guard alongside the rail to maintain your fingers out of the string’s path, and the crossbow consists of an anti-dry-fire system, although I didn’t personally take a look at it.
Equipment are a blended bag. The included purple/inexperienced dot optic is surprisingly good, with clear glass and a vibrant reticle — the purple particularly appears to be like sharp. The quiver, then again, feels flimsy. It shifts round too simply. The stiff rubber arrow rests within the quiver make inserting and eradicating bolts extra of a trouble than it needs to be. The rope cocking machine is easy however efficient, with magnetic handles that clip collectively and Barnett’s little “Rope-Maintain” curler ball on the inventory that locks the rope in place. It’s a intelligent characteristic that works effectively in observe.
Ranking:
7.5 / 10
Steadiness & Consolation
The Wildcat CRX feels well-balanced, which makes a giant distinction if you’re spending time on the vary or aiming at a deer from a blind. It shoulders naturally and contours up rapidly with none awkward changes, and the gentle materials on the inventory makes it particularly comfy to settle in behind. The grip and cheek weld each really feel safe because of that very same rubbery texture, so nothing ever feels slippery or hard-edged. Even throughout prolonged observe classes within the yard, I didn’t discover any discomfort or fatigue. For an entry-level crossbow, it’s a really comfy shooter from the bench or a blind.
Ranking:
8.5 / 10
Cocking & Ease of Use
The Wildcat CRX isn’t a shoulder-squeezer, however it’s no light-weight both — the 195-pound draw weight means you’ll really feel it. In observe, that interprets to a agency, deliberate pull: the included rope cocker will get the job performed, and the magnetic handles and Barnett’s little Rope-Maintain curler make the method easy and predictable, however you’ll nonetheless need two sturdy fingers. It’s noticeably stiffer than a compound crossbow, so don’t anticipate the glass-smooth, one-handed draw you get with higher-end compound rigs.
That distinction issues. For an grownup who’s interested by crossbows, the Wildcat is completely usable — the rope cocker is easy, dependable, and straightforward to stow — however I’d be cautious of handing this to a smaller or inexperienced shooter. There’s an actual danger somebody may lose buy on the rope or miss the refined “click on” that tells you the string is totally locked into the latch. Follow the cocking movement and study to hear for that lock earlier than you stroll away from the bolt.
All instructed, cocking is sincere work reasonably than a trouble. The system is user-friendly sufficient for freshmen prepared to study correct approach, however it’s higher suited to adults or of us who don’t thoughts doing somewhat further elbow grease. Should you want one thing ultra-easy for a smaller member of the family, price range for a crank or step as much as a compound mannequin.
Ranking:
7 / 10
Accuracy & Efficiency
The Wildcat CRX clocks on the revealed ~280 fps with a 380-grain bolt (roughly 66 ft-lbs). That’s greater than sufficient on paper for deer-sized sport and contours up with what you’d anticipate from a stout recurve bundle.
Within the yard, I used to be capable of get the CRX to shoot persistently as soon as the optic was correctly dialed — I may routinely place bolts the place I wished at about 25 yards. Based mostly on that have and what entry-level recurves usually do with first rate manufacturing facility bolts, listed here are conservative, clearly estimated, grouping expectations (your outcomes might range by bolt, relaxation, and the way effectively the scope is zeroed):
- 20 yards (estimate): ~1–1.5” teams — shut and really hunt-ready.
- 30 yards (estimate): ~2–3” teams — nonetheless lots helpful for a blind or brief stalk.
- 40 yards (estimate): ~4–6” teams — stretching it; moral pictures are achievable for those who’re assured in your zero and situations are calm.
Nonetheless, I rapidly realized the adjustment knob works in the other way of what you’d anticipate, which prompted some irritating misses earlier than I figured it out. I saved taking pictures too far to the precise. I might then dial the knob towards the L, just for the bolt to go even farther proper, flying previous my goal into the hill I take advantage of as a backstop. As soon as I turned it in the other way, I used to be capable of get to zero.
When you’ve obtained a constant bolt seating routine, waxed string, and the scope dialed in, the Wildcat is repeatable. Successive pictures really feel related, and point-of-impact shifts have been the results of person setup points (zeroing quirks, not the platform). Use the manufacturer-recommended string wax often and apply rail lube per Barnett’s steerage to maintain that repeatability tight.
As a recurve, the Wildcat is louder and has extra vibration than fashionable compound crossbows. Count on a noticeable “thunk” and a few shoulder/hand buzz on launch. Dampeners and the rubberized inventory assist, however it’s nonetheless on the louder, extra old-school aspect of the aisle. That doesn’t have an effect on its lethality — it simply isn’t the whisper-quiet expertise of pricier compounds.
The Wildcat CRX delivers sincere, repeatable efficiency inside sensible searching ranges. It gained’t win benchrest contests, however it’s greater than succesful the place it must be — inside about 40 yards for many hunters, and really comfy on the 20–30 yard candy spot.
Ranking:
8 / 10
Energy & Looking Efficiency
The Wildcat CRX packs a stunning quantity of punch for a $230 recurve. On paper, it’s rated at ~280 fps with a 380-grain bolt, which works out to roughly 66 ft-lbs of kinetic power — numbers Barnett and main retailers publish proper on the spec sheet. 
What meaning in the true world is simple: with a correctly seated bolt and a pointy broadhead, the CRX will drive deep into soft-tissue targets and can generally produce deadly penetration on deer-sized sport. That aligns with my expertise — at about 25 yards the bow almost shot clear via my archery goal and infrequently knocked it over — which is strictly the form of terminal efficiency you need if you’re searching whitetails. 
A number of sensible factors value calling out:
- Bolt weight issues. Barnett warns that you have to not use arrows underneath 380 grains on this mannequin — lighter arrows can simulate a dry-fire situation and danger harm. Use the beneficial bolt weight, and also you’ll protect each power switch and the longevity of the crossbow. 
- Penetration & broadheads. With a high quality fixed-blade broadhead or mechanical broadhead, the mix of a 380-gr bolt and 280 fps usually provides you deep penetration on gentle tissue and good knockout energy on medium sport. Count on much less grace on very thick bone or heavy cranium pictures; shot placement nonetheless guidelines the day. 
- Medium vs large sport. For medium sport (deer, hogs, coyotes) the Wildcat is greater than succesful if you shoot inside sensible ranges and place your pictures effectively. For very massive or thick-skinned sport (bull elk, moose, Cape buffalo, and so on.) most hunters choose increased kinetic power and heavier setups; the CRX can work in a pinch the place native regs permit it, however I’d decide a extra highly effective platform for persistently dependable outcomes on actually massive sport. 
The Wildcat CRX delivers respectable stopping energy for its class. It’s not a bench-rest monster, however it turns the marketed power into efficient terminal efficiency if you use the precise bolts and broadheads and preserve pictures inside sensible searching distances. Deal with it like a correct searching instrument — respect the boundaries, observe your shot placement, and it’ll pay you again in game-stopping outcomes.
Ranking:
8 / 10
Security & Reliability
The Wildcat CRX ships with the precise security bits for a mass-market searching crossbow. Once you cock it the protection robotically flips to secure, which is a big quality-of-life plus — you don’t have to recollect to interact it after each cock. There’s additionally an anti-dry-fire characteristic constructed into the bundle (Barnett specifies it), although I didn’t attempt to confirm that by dry-firing — don’t try this, ever. A plastic handguard sits ahead on the rail to maintain your fingers out of the string’s path, and ergonomically, the platform feels safe in use: the inventory is strong, there’s no wobble, and nothing concerning the chassis made me nervous a few catastrophic failure after repeated taking pictures.
A number of sensible notes. The security is handy however positioned awkwardly for me; I find yourself manipulating it with my left hand as a substitute of the taking pictures hand, so that you’ll wish to observe the movement till it turns into second nature. I didn’t expertise misfires, set off hangups, or any bizarre string habits throughout regular taking pictures. The rope cocker and Barnett’s Rope-Maintain curler make cocking constant, which helps preserve the sear engagement predictable. The scope adjustment quirk (the knob was reversed on my pattern) is annoying and value me time zeroing, however it’s a nuisance reasonably than a reliability drawback.
Upkeep-wise: comply with the same old routine — preserve the string waxed and use the beneficial rail lubricant — and also you shouldn’t see points. There have been no indicators of fraying, loosening components, or different put on throughout my time with it.
All instructed, the Wildcat CRX feels secure and dependable for actual searching use so long as you comply with regular care and don’t skimp on commonsense checks earlier than a hunt (verify the protection engagement, confirm a strong cock, and visually examine strings and fasteners). The ergonomics could possibly be higher, however security methods are current and useful.
Ranking:
8 / 10
Versatility
The Wildcat CRX isn’t locked into only one lane. On the vary, it’s a enjoyable, constant shooter that’s correct sufficient for informal goal or 3D observe. The light-weight and easy recurve design makes it approachable for yard plinking, but it nonetheless packs the punch for searching season. With ~280 fps and ~66 ft-lbs on faucet, it’s effectively inside the window for whitetail deer, and Barnett’s 380-grain minimal bolt weight requirement ensures you’ve obtained sufficient mass flying downrange for broadheads to do their job cleanly.
That versatility exhibits up in how one can configure it. It handles commonplace 20-inch bolts with out concern and can settle for most typical broadhead types, whether or not you favor mounted blades for his or her reliability or mechanicals for cleaner flight. The recurve limbs do restrict you to a narrower vary of arrow weights in comparison with some higher-end compound crossbows, however inside these parameters, it’s not choosy.
Bodily, the Wildcat’s compact profile makes it straightforward to maneuver in tight floor blinds or field stands. On the identical time, its power is ample to step out right into a discipline and make moral pictures at deer. It’s not essentially the most highly effective crossbow Barnett makes, so I wouldn’t name it an elk or moose instrument of selection, however for whitetail and related sport, it’s proper at residence.
In brief, the CRX doubles as each a variety toy and a whitetail hunter with out forcing you to choose only one function.
Ranking:
8 / 10
Worth & Worth Level
The Wildcat CRX carries an MSRP of about $229.99, and it usually dips decrease when the season wraps up or throughout retailer promotions. At that value level, it’s one of the inexpensive, ready-to-hunt packages available on the market, and it comes with all the things you have to get began: scope, quiver, bolts, and cord cocker. In comparison with different entry-level recurves, the CRX feels prefer it overdelivers — the gentle rubberized inventory, crisp-enough set off, and strong aluminum rail all make it really feel costlier than it’s.
Stack it towards equally priced crossbows and also you’ll see a number of trade-offs. Some opponents on this vary promote increased arrow speeds or flashier optics, however they usually lower corners on inventory high quality or ergonomics. Barnett leans into sturdiness and a extra premium really feel, and whereas the quiver is reasonable and the protection placement awkward, the core of the bow appears like a step up from the bargain-basement recurves you discover in the identical aisle.
The worth proposition is obvious: for those who’re crossbow-curious, new to the game, or simply need an inexpensive however useful instrument for whitetail season, the Wildcat CRX is difficult to beat. It gained’t win pace races towards $600 compounds, and it’s not the quietest or smoothest draw, however at its value, it’s a bow you gained’t be afraid to pull right into a blind, mortgage to a buddy, or use as your first severe searching crossbow.
Ranking:
9 / 10
Subject Notes
Once I first took the Wildcat CRX into the yard, I wasn’t anticipating way more than a budget-friendly recurve. What I obtained was a bow that just about blasted via my goal at 25 yards and despatched the entire block toppling greater than as soon as. That form of punch was actually a shock for an entry-level rig. As soon as I lastly sorted out the optic, I used to be stacking bolts the place I wished them. It wasn’t match-grade accuracy, however it was dependable sufficient that I began to belief the bow after just a few observe classes.
The rubberized inventory has been one other nice shock. The Wildcat’s gentle coating feels safe and cozy, particularly throughout longer taking pictures classes within the Tennessee warmth. That very same coating makes it a bow I don’t thoughts carrying round or setting down on tough floor; it simply appears like it could actually take some abuse.
The Wildcat CRX is straightforward to maneuver in my blind, which is a giant a part of why I’m testing a crossbow within the first place. It’s small and light-weight sufficient that I can simply goal it down any of my taking pictures lanes.
Not all the things has been rosy. The security placement is awkward, and it took me some muscle reminiscence to get comfy manipulating it with my off hand. The quiver feels flimsy, and I nonetheless don’t love how stiff the arrow rests are.
Regardless of these quibbles, it’s a verifiable deer killer. I took down a doe from about 30 yards, making a near-perfect shot via thick brush. I shot a Barnett 20-inch Headhunter bolt tipped with a Slick Trick 100-grain commonplace mounted broadhead. The bolt flew straight via the deer, puncturing one lung and nicking the opposite. The deer solely made it possibly 20 yards. I used to be grateful for that, as a result of it was dense, hilly terrain awash with briars. When the doe took off, it was headed for a close-by steep valley, which might have meant an excruciating night.
The Verdict
The Barnett Wildcat CRX is greatest for freshmen and budget-conscious hunters who desire a easy, no-frills entry level into crossbow searching. It’s additionally a strong match for bowhunters interested by crossbows however not able to drop half a grand or extra. Should you hunt primarily from blinds, like I do, the CRX’s compact body and reliable accuracy inside 40 yards make it a pure selection. It’s simply as comfy for informal goal observe within the yard as it’s for a whitetail hunt within the woods.
Alternatively, this isn’t the bow for everybody. It takes two sturdy fingers and deliberate effort to cock, which makes it a poor match for youths or smaller-framed shooters. And whereas it packs loads of punch for deer and hogs, it’s underpowered for bigger, harder sport like elk or moose. The quiver is flimsy, the protection is awkward, and it’s not as whisper-quiet as costlier compound crossbows — all compromises you need to anticipate at this value level.
However taken as a complete, the Wildcat CRX feels prefer it overdelivers. The inventory and rail have a premium really feel, the included optic is genuinely usable, and the facility on faucet is greater than sufficient for whitetail season. For the value, it’s laborious to search out one other crossbow that mixes this stage of consolation, reliability, and hunting-ready efficiency.
Should you’re an grownup hunter in search of an inexpensive, reliable crossbow for deer season or a curious archer who needs to dip a toe into the crossbow world with out breaking the financial institution, the Wildcat CRX is totally value a glance.
General Ranking:
8 / 10
