Gear Hub / Crossbows, Bows & Broadheads

Ranged & Hunting Tools:
Every Crossbow Guide On the Site

Model reviews, buying guides, comparisons, and maintenance — routed to the current, correct page for whatever you're trying to decide.

9Model Lines Covered
6Buying Guides
7Full Model Reviews
2026Lineup, Current

Start with a chooser if you're not sure which model fits, jump straight to a review if you already know what you're looking at, or use the buying guides for arrows, scopes, broadheads, and upkeep once you've picked a crossbow.

Start Here

Full Lineup Chooser Best Ravin Crossbow (2026)

Not sure which model fits? Compare all 9 current Ravin lines by price, speed, and use case.

Deer-Specific Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting

If deer is your primary target, start here instead of the full lineup chooser.

Model Reviews

Flagship / 500 FPS Ravin R500 Series

Every R500 configuration compared — new, XK7, Sniper, and electric-cocking variants.

Most Compact Ravin R18 Review

Ravin's shortest crossbow ever built — 18" without the stock.

Silent Cocking Ravin R26X Review

Fully-integrated silent cocking in a 5¾" axle-to-axle frame.

Reconditioned-Only Ravin R5X Review

R26 platform with a redesigned adjustable stock — currently reconditioned-only.

Long Range, Bundled Ravin LR Review

Ships fully assembled with scope, quiver, and arrows included.

470 FPS Ravin R470 Review

Compact, 8.4 lbs, one of the fastest crossbows available.

Editor's Choice Ravin R29X Review

2024 Outdoor Life Editor's Choice for Best Overall Crossbow.

Comparisons

Head-to-Head Ravin R10X Pro vs TenPoint Nitro 505

Compact balance vs. raw speed — which one fits your hunt.

Buying Guides

Arrows & Nocks Ravin Bolts & Arrows: Complete Guide

.001 vs .003 tolerance, grain weight, and exact model compatibility.

Optics Best Ravin Scope Buying Guide

Which scope ships with which crossbow, and when to upgrade.

Broadheads Broadhead Types Explained

Fixed vs. mechanical vs. hybrid, and which ones Ravin actually sells.

Cost Analysis Ravin Certified Reconditioned: Worth It?

Real savings data across 17 SKUs, plus models only sold reconditioned.

Upkeep Crossbow Maintenance Basics

Real string/cable replacement intervals by model, plus inspection points.

Tolerance Deep-Dive Ravin Arrows & Nocks: .001 vs .003

Straightness tolerance explained in depth, with the full SKU comparison table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I read first if I'm trying to buy a crossbow?

If you're hunting deer specifically, start with Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting. Otherwise, Best Ravin Crossbow covers the full current lineup and routes you to the right model review from there.

Do speed numbers (FPS) decide which crossbow is best?

No. Speed is one variable. Fit depends on your hunting setup, shot distances, maintenance discipline, and arrow/broadhead compatibility for your specific model.

Are broadheads and accessories covered here?

Yes — Broadhead Types Explained, the Bolts & Arrows guide, the Scope guide, and Maintenance Basics all link from this hub.