Field Review / Compact Crossbow
Ravin R18 Review:
The 18-Inch Takedown Crossbow
Ravin's shortest crossbow ever built — 25" overall, 18" without the stock, and small enough to pack in where a full-size bow can't go. Here's what you get, and whether new or reconditioned is the smarter buy.
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The R18 is built for one job: getting small. At just 18 inches without the stock and 25 inches assembled, it's the most compact crossbow Ravin makes — a takedown design with vertical limbs and a detachable stock that doubles as the quiver. The VertiCoil Cam System rotates the cams a full 720° to get that speed and power out of such a small frame. It's not the fastest or the most decked-out Ravin, it's the one built to pack down and disappear in tight terrain.
Quick Picks: Ravin R18
| Photo | Pick | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall / NewRavin R18 | $1,699.99 | Check Price |
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Best Budget EntryR18 (Certified Reconditioned) | $1,299.99 | Check Price |
Best Overall: Ravin R18 (New)
The full-price R18 gets you Ravin's shortest-ever build — 25" total length, 18" without the stock — with takedown-style vertical limbs, a detachable stock with an integrated removable quiver, the Ravin 3-Dot Reflex Sight, and a built-in cocking mechanism for easy draws. If you want the compactness of the R18 with zero cosmetic wear and full new-unit warranty coverage, this is the buy.
$1,699.99 Check Price on Ravin →Best Budget Entry: Ravin R18 (Certified Reconditioned)
Same VertiCoil Cam System, same 18" takedown build, at $400 off. Ravin's Certified Reconditioned units carry only minor cosmetic wear, are rigorously tested before resale, and are still backed by Ravin's 5-year limited warranty. Worth grabbing while supplies last if you want the R18's compactness without paying full price.
$1,299.99 Check Price on Ravin →R18 Accessories & Replacement Parts
The R18's compact build uses its own dedicated parts — none of these interchange with other Ravin models:
| Accessory | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Ravin .003 R18 Arrows (16", 350gr) | $84.99 | View → |
| Ravin R18 Draw Handle | $84.99 | View → |
| Ravin R18 Replacement Stock/Quiver | $99.99 | View → |
| Ravin String & Cables (R18) | $129.99 | View → |
| Ravin R18 Replacement Rest | $79.99 | View → |
| Ravin Travel Backpack (doubles as R18 case) | $169.99 | View → |
Is the Ravin R18 Worth It?
The R18 isn't competing on speed or firepower — it's the pick when size and pack-down convenience matter more than raw performance. If that's your use case, go new for full warranty coverage, or Certified Reconditioned to save $400 on the same platform. If you're chasing top-end speed instead, the R500 series is the better fit.
Ravin R18: Frequently Asked Questions
How short is the Ravin R18?
The R18 is Ravin's shortest crossbow ever built — 25" in total length, and just 18" without the stock attached.
What makes the R18's cam system different?
The R18 uses Ravin's VertiCoil Cam System, which rotates the ultra-small cams a full 720° to get full power out of such a compact frame.
Does the R18 use the same arrows as other Ravin crossbows?
No. The R18 uses its own dedicated .003 R18 Arrows, which are 16" long and weigh 350 grains — shorter than Ravin's standard 20" arrows used on other models.
Is the Certified Reconditioned R18 worth buying over new?
Reconditioned R18 units have only minor cosmetic defects, are rigorously tested before resale, and are still covered by Ravin's 5-year limited warranty — a $400 savings over a new unit for the same platform. Stock is limited.
What sight does the R18 come with?
The R18 comes equipped with the Ravin 3-Dot Reflex Sight and a built-in cocking mechanism for easy drawing.