Crossbows

Crossbows — Find the One That Actually Fits How You Shoot

Buying a crossbow for the first time feels simple enough — until you actually start looking. Recurves, compounds, pistol crossbows, tactical designs, reverse draws — and seemingly everyone online has a strong opinion about why their choice is the only sensible one. It gets overwhelming quickly, and most of the loudest voices are pushing whatever they happen to own.

The honest answer is that the best crossbow is the one that fits how you plan to use it. Not the one with the most impressive spec sheet. Not the one a reviewer got paid to promote. The one that suits your body, your budget, and your actual plans for it.

The main types — briefly

Recurve crossbows keep things simple. Fewer moving parts, straightforward maintenance, and reliable performance whether you're a beginner or a seasoned shooter who just values reliability. If you want something that's easy to live with long-term, a recurve is hard to argue against.

Compound crossbows are where you go when you want more power and speed. The cam system stores energy more efficiently, which translates to higher bolt speeds and better performance at distance — without the crossbow becoming unmanageable. Most serious hunters end up here eventually.

Pistol crossbows are a different beast entirely — compact, lightweight, and best suited for target practice and backyard use rather than hunting.

For anyone who wants something purpose-built around manoeuvrability and fast handling, our tactical crossbow range is worth a look separately.

What actually matters when choosing

Draw weight determines both how hard the crossbow is to cock and how much energy it puts behind the bolt. For hunting, 150 lbs is generally the baseline worth working from. Arrow speed — measured in FPS — tells you how flat your shot flies and how much energy arrives at the target. For most real-world uses, 300 FPS and above covers you comfortably.

Beyond those numbers, fit matters more than most beginners expect. A crossbow that's front-heavy becomes a chore in the field. A trigger that's soft or inconsistent will undermine your accuracy regardless of how solid everything else is. If you can, handle it before you commit.

Shop crossbows at Buy Archery

We stock a carefully chosen range of crossbows from EK Archery — a brand that consistently delivers performance well above its price point. Whether you're buying your first crossbow in the UK or upgrading from something that's let you down, there's a model here worth your attention.

Browse the full range below and find the right fit.