For newcomers or young hunters just starting in the world of crossbows, selecting the right first bow can be daunting. For any beginner, whether a youth or adult, having an enjoyable hunting experience is vital to foster lifelong involvement in archery hunting.
To ensure the hunt is fun and successful, it typically begins with a weapon that is lightweight enough to carry, easy to operate, and dependable enough to cleanly take down game without breaking the bank. I found the Barnett Wildcat CRX crossbow fits that description perfectly.
To find out what it could really do, I zeroed the included red-dot sight at 20 yards, sent the supplied 20-inch bolts over my Garmin chronograph and tested accuracy from 20 to beyond 40 yards. Then, I carried it into the deer woods, hunting from both a box blind and my tree saddle.
Hunters still choosing a platform can start with our examination of crossbows vs. vertical bows and the role each plays in modern bowhunting.
- You want a simple first hunting crossbow
- You need a light, ready-to-hunt package
- It is wider and slower than many compound bows
- Cocking relies on the supplied rope device
Barnett Wildcat CRX Design and Handling
At just 6.1 pounds and only 18 inches wide when cocked, the Wildcat CRX is compact and highly maneuverable, offering a significant advantage for younger hunters or anyone still learning how to navigate the woods quietly.
The recurve crossbow design keeps things simple and low maintenance, which is ideal for someone not ready to handle the extra tuning and upkeep that come with more complex xbows.
Six pounds is on the lighter side for most crossbows, making it easy for hunters of all sizes to carry this bow to and from the blind or up into a treestand or saddle.
Anyone planning to carry the Wildcat CRX into a saddle can use our hunting saddle guide to understand the equipment and basic setup.
For a youth hunter, having a crossbow that doesn’t feel overwhelming can boost confidence both in the field and at the range.
Barnett Wildcat CRX Safety: Forgiving and Confidence-Building
Barnett built in a variety of safety features that give new hunters peace of mind. The Anti-Dry-Fire Trigger Systemprevents accidental firing without a bolt loaded, while finger safety reminders and a pass through foregrip help keep hands clear of danger. The Soft-Lok Floating Bristle Retainer ensures your bolt stays locked in place until the moment of the shot.
All these elements combine to make the Wildcat CRX not only safer but also less intimidating, which also goes a long way in building a beginner’s confidence.
Does the Barnett Wildcat CRX Have Enough Power for Deer?
Despite its youth friendly size and price, the Wildcat CRX still packs serious performance. It launches bolts at up to280 fps with a 195-pound draw weight: more than enough power for deer and other big game at typical hunting ranges. The metal injection molded trigger is smooth and crisp, helping young hunters squeeze off accurate shots under pressure.
During testing, my very first shot turned into one of those classic “shake-your-head” moments. Even after more than 30 years of shooting bows and crossbows, there are still times when I catch myself feeling like I’m brand new to it all.
The Wildcat CRX uses Barnett’s new patented roller-ball Rope-Hold Technology, which holds the cocking rope securely in place as you draw. The Rope-Hold system even features a bright red ball that marks exactly where the rope should go.
It quickly became one of my favorite features; it makes cocking smooth and consistent, especially for younger shooters or smaller adults who might need to draw and shoot multiple times during practice.
I started shooting the Wildcat CRX. With a projected speed of 280 fps, I knew it wouldn’t have the zip effect of today’s faster crossbows. However, I was surprised by how hard-hitting this bow is.
Hunters willing to spend more for additional speed can compare it with our Barnett Hyper Raptor review, which covers the company’s faster compound platform.
The Wildcat CRX has more than enough power to take down big game animals, up to forty yards, all day long. In fact, in recent weeks, I have hunted with it myself, both from a box blind and from my tree saddle.
Barnett Wildcat CRX Range Test: Speed and Accuracy
For the range test, I shot the included 20-inch bolts over my Garmin Chronograph and achieved a speed of 275.3 fps, which is close to the advertised 280 fps.
Accuracy was also impressive, with tight groups at 20, 25, and 30 yards. I was also satisfied with the accuracy, even beyond 40 yards.
In past years, I have shot recurve style crossbows and have always been disappointed with their quality. That was not the case with the Wildcat CRX; its performance and design were well worth its extremely affordable $229.99 price tag.
Buyers comparing affordable alternatives can also see our guide to the best crossbows under $500
Barnett Wildcat CRX Setup: Ready to Hunt Out of the Box
Moments after taking the crossbow out of the box, I was ready to hunt with it. My first few shots were from 20 yards, and I was able to shoot a tight group after quickly zeroing the included scope.
After target shooting, I simply switched from field points to broadheads and headed to the woods to hunt. I love that any hunter, whether a beginner or a veteran, can be in the field within minutes of taking the crossbow out of the package.
Not everyone is an archery technician or professional shooter. With the simplicity and setup of the Wildcat CRX, you don’t have to be, and it comes with all this to get you started:
- A precision red-dot scope with protective cover
- Three 20-inch Headhunter bolts
- A rope cocking device to make drawing easier
- A quick-detach quiver to carry your bolts
For a newcomer, having a valid, ready-to-hunt package removes much of the guesswork and unnecessary purchases that can otherwise overwhelm a first-time buyer. This is simply a great entry-level crossbow.
Is the Barnett Wildcat CRX a Good First Crossbow?
With a price tag of $229.99, the Wildcat CRX makes it easy and affordable to get started crossbow hunting. It’s safe, compact, and has plenty of power to take down game cleanly, yet it’s simple to use and maintain. After spending some time at the range and in the woods with it, I was impressed.
The Wildcat CRX is a good reminder that hunting success isn’t about having the fastest bow or the priciest gear. It’s really about feeling comfortable with your setup and keeping things simple.
Barnett Wildcat CRX Crossbow Review: Final Verdict and Score
- Chronographed 275.3 fps against a claimed 280
- Just 6.1 pounds and 18 inches wide when cocked
- Rope-Hold marker makes cocking consistent
- Ready to hunt within minutes of unboxing
- Anti-dry-fire trigger and finger safety reminders
- $229.99 with scope, bolts, quiver and rope
- Recurve design trails cam-based bows on speed
- Product Origin
- Manufacturer Sample
- Test Type
- Range (20, 25, 30 and 40-plus yards) plus field hunting from a box blind and a tree saddle
- Bolts Used
- Included 20-inch Headhunter bolts; field points at the range, broadheads for hunting
- Instrumentation
- Garmin chronograph — measured 275.3 fps against a claimed 280 fps
- Accessories
- Included red-dot scope, rope cocking device, quick-detach quiver
- Tested By
- Heath Wood
- Length
- 33 inches
- Cocked Width
- 18 inches
- Product Weight
- 6.1 pounds
- Draw Weight
- 195 pounds
- Kinetic Energy
- 66 pounds (as published)
- Power Stroke
- 12.5 inches
- Speed
- 280 fps claimed; 275.3 fps measured
- Trigger Type
- Anti-Dry Fire (ADF), metal injection moulded
- Retainer
- Soft-Lok Floating Bristle
- Rails
- Three Picatinny
- Included
- Red-dot scope with cover, three 20-inch Headhunter bolts, rope cocking device, quick-detach quiver
- Price
- $229.99
