Crossbows

Getting started with crossbows

Anyone interested in or planning to buy a crossbow is often overwhelmed by the huge selection and the extensive range, and quickly loses track. Wrong purchases are pretty much inevitable here. The newly found interest is then dampened considerably by avoidable mistakes. It does not have to be that way. We at BogenSportWelt.de want to lend you a hand and support you in finding the crossbow that is right for you. Because alongside the interest in wanting to buy a crossbow, there is often a lack of the necessary knowledge to make the right purchasing decisions. And that is no wonder. Where in everyday life do you get the chance to come into contact with a crossbow, let alone compare several models with one another in detail? That is why our comprehensive guide gives you the opportunity to inform yourself about crossbows in detail, so you can buy the crossbow that is perfect for you. Of course, we are also happy to help you personally by phone at +49 (0) 3971 241 960 or via our support centre at any time. Here, crossbow shooters with extensive hands-on experience are on hand to help you with advice and support.

Buying crossbows at Bogensportwelt

At Bogensportwelt.de, every crossbow shooter finds the ideal companion for leisure, competition or hunting. Compared to archery, whether longbow, horsebow or recurve bow, shooting with a crossbow is an experience of a different kind. Crossbow shooting offers a wide range of possibilities and, accordingly, a broadly varied selection of crossbow models. Whether a hunting holiday abroad, training or a medieval event in authentic garb, here at Bogensportwelt.de you will surely find the right crossbow for your needs. Browse through our large selection of renowned brand manufacturers and become a sure-shooting crossbow archer yourself.

What types of crossbows are there?

In principle, the field splits into two designs and two size classes. By technology you distinguish between recurve and compound crossbows, by size between a full-size crossbow and a compact pistol crossbow. Which one suits you depends on what you have planned and how much you want to invest in draw weight.

The compound crossbow

The compound crossbow extracts a lot of energy from a short build because it works with cams at the limb tips. These cams act like a pulley and accelerate the bolt up to 405 fps without you needing extremely long limbs. The result is a flat, fast bolt flight and a compact, well-controllable piece of sporting equipment.

How exactly does the compound crossbow work?

As you cock it, the cams rotate and leverage your draw force. At full draw the limbs store the energy that transfers to the bolt in an instant when you release. Models like the X-BOW FMA Scorpion III reach 405 fps at 200 lbs of draw weight. If you prefer something tamer, a Scorpion I (375 fps, 175 lbs) serves you very well too. A dry-fire inhibitor is standard on these and prevents the damaging dry release.

The recurve crossbow

The recurve crossbow is the uncomplicated option. It does without cams and draws its power purely from the curved shape of its limbs. That makes it low-maintenance, the string can be replaced even without special tools if needed, and the mechanism leaves less room for error. That is exactly why it is the first choice for many beginners.

How does the recurve crossbow work?

The energy sits entirely in the limbs, which bend as you cock and snap back on release. Because it lacks the pulley effect of cams, the recurve crossbow needs a higher draw weight for a comparable bolt speed. An X-BOW Black Spider II, for instance, works at 175 lbs and reaches 255 fps. So a higher draw weight here does not automatically mean more performance, it simply compensates for the missing leverage.

The advantages of a recurve crossbow

You get a robust, simple design with few wearing parts. The string is inexpensive and quick to change, the build forgives beginner mistakes, and the purchase price is usually lower than comparable compound models. If you want to start small and get to know the sport first, this is a very fair entry point.

The hunting crossbow

A hunting crossbow is a particularly powerful compound or recurve crossbow with a high draw weight and high bolt energy, so the shot is clean and ethical. In Germany, however, hunting with a crossbow is not allowed, here it has its place in sport and on the target. In other countries the legal situation is different.

Is crossbow hunting allowed?

In Germany the crossbow does not count among the permitted hunting devices, so hunting with it is prohibited. In Austria and Switzerland their own regulations apply, and within other countries this can also vary by region. If you wish to hunt abroad, inform yourself in advance and bindingly about the hunting and weapons law that applies there. We are happy to give you a first orientation, but do not replace legal advice.

Crossbow figures explained, joules, FPS, LBS and grain

Four figures determine a crossbow's performance, and three of them come from the Anglo-American world. Once you know what FPS, LBS, joules and grain mean, you can read any spec sheet correctly. Do not worry, this is quickly explained.

FPS, the speed of the crossbow

FPS stands for feet per second and indicates how fast the bolt leaves the crossbow. It is the counterpart to the metric figure metres per second. For context, 400 fps equals roughly 273 mph (about 439 km/h). Entry-level units often sit at 165 to 255 fps, while powerful compound crossbows reach 370 to 405 fps.

LBS, the draw weight of the crossbow

LBS refers to the draw weight in pounds, the force needed to cock the crossbow fully. 1 pound equals about 0.45 kg. Recurve crossbows usually have a higher draw weight than compound crossbows because they lack the pulley effect of cams. So a high LBS figure alone says nothing about the actual bolt speed.

Joules, the energy of the bolt

Joules is the most meaningful figure of all, because it describes the kinetic energy of the bolt in flight. The energy is calculated from bolt speed (fps) and bolt weight (grain). Two crossbows with the same draw weight can deliver very different joule values, depending on design and bolt. If you want to compare impact, look at joules.

Grain, the weight unit for bolts and points

Grain is a very fine weight unit for bolts, points, nocks and vanes. 1 gram equals roughly 15.4 grain. Heavier bolts fly slower but carry more energy and fly more steadily. Lighter bolts are faster but more prone to wind and other influences.

Starter sets for beginners, crossbows with complete accessories

A starter set takes the question of what else you need off your hands. Instead of sourcing crossbow, scope, bolts and accessories separately, you get everything matched to one another in one package. Many of our sets also include the sight-in service, where we zero the crossbow to a fixed distance before shipping.

If we may suggest something to you for getting started, then a set specially put together by us. You get in affordably, learn the handling, and can upgrade later in a targeted way. If you want more power from the outset, choose a compound complete solution with a scope and carbon bolts.

Brands that stand for quality crossbows

We rely on manufacturers that have proven themselves in crossbow shooting. X-BOW and X-BOW FMA Engineering cover the full range from the compact pistol model to the 405-fps compound crossbow. EK Archery stands for well-engineered cocking mechanisms and magazine solutions like the Cobra System. HORI-ZONE rounds off the range with handy, well-equipped models. With all three you get genuine products with spare parts available.

The crossbow through the ages

The crossbow is one of humanity's oldest ranged devices and looks back on more than two thousand years of history. The medieval war device has long become a precise piece of sporting equipment. Modern materials such as aluminium, carbon and high-performance polymers have made it lighter, faster and safer.

Modern crossbows from renowned manufacturers

Today's crossbows combine CNC-machined cams, dry-fire inhibitors and Picatinny rails for accessories with ergonomic, adjustable stocks. What used to be raw force is now thoughtful engineering. The result is gear you operate safely and use for years.

Crossbow checklist, tips for beginners

Before you decide, it pays to take a look at the most important points. This checklist takes you from budget through safety to the first shot.

1. How much should the crossbow cost?

A simple pistol crossbow is available from around 20 euros, a solid recurve crossbow for sport sits in the range of 100 to 260 euros. Powerful compound crossbows with a scope and service range between 360 and 720 euros. Invest a little more in safety and build quality rather than in the last fps value.

2. What draw weight should the crossbow have?

For a sporting start, 80 to 175 lbs is entirely sufficient. Keep in mind that the draw weight has to be applied when cocking. A cocking aid or rope-cocking system noticeably reduces the effort required and spares your shoulder and back over time.

3. What to keep in mind before cocking?

Before every cocking, check string, limbs and trigger for damage. A frayed string or a crack in a limb can lead to a dangerous string failure. Only load the bolt once the crossbow is safely cocked and on safe.

4. Use care products

Wax the string regularly and apply a little rail lube to the rail on rail models. This reduces friction, extends the string's lifespan and keeps the speed consistent. A few minutes of care save you expensive spare parts.

5. How do you cock a crossbow?

Place your foot in the cocking stirrup, hook the string with both hands and pull evenly upward until it audibly latches. Make sure both halves of the string sit symmetrically, otherwise the bolt will drift sideways. On pistol crossbows, a quick-cocking mechanism often handles this work.

6. Use a good scope

A red dot is enough for short distances, for precise shots beyond 20 m a 4x32 scope with range marks pays off. Look for a sturdy Picatinny or Weaver rail so the optic handles the recoil without shifting.

7. Use the right bolts

Use exclusively bolts that are rated for your draw weight. Bolts that are too light act like a dry fire and damage the crossbow. Carbon bolts are tougher and longer-lasting than aluminium and the better choice for most modern crossbows.

8. How do you load the bolt correctly?

Place the bolt on the rail so that the differently coloured vane (the cock vane) points down into the guide groove. Push the bolt all the way back against the string, otherwise it will not seat cleanly for the shot. Only then take it off safe.

9. What to keep in mind before the first shot?

Make sure the area behind the target is clear and a safe backstop is in place. Keep fingers and thumb below the string path, the snapping string can cause serious injury. Never shoot at hard surfaces where bolts can ricochet.

10. Use a suitable target

A crossbow needs a far sturdier target than a bow, because the bolts hit with high energy. Use a firm foam or straw block that is rated for crossbows. From a regular bow target you will hardly get the bolts out again.

Buying a crossbow at BogenSportWelt

To buy and own a crossbow in Germany you must be of legal age, that is, at least 18 years old. You do not need a permit, but you may not carry the crossbow in public and must store it securely. With us you choose at your own pace, get advice, and have the crossbow delivered to your door.

If you are unsure which crossbow suits you, just get in touch. We shoot ourselves and will tell you honestly whether a model fits your plans or whether another design is the better choice.

Buying a crossbow on invoice or paying in instalments

You can conveniently order your crossbow on invoice with us or split the payment into instalments. That keeps you flexible and lets you choose a higher-quality model too, without paying the full amount up front. The available payment methods are shown during the ordering process.