Hey there, fellow archery enthusiasts!
I recently had the pleasure of trying out the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400, and I couldn't wait to share my experience with you all.
As you may know, BARNETT is a renowned brand in the world of crossbows, and they've been making waves with their latest offering, the Explorer XP 400.
In this review, I'll be diving into the features and performance of this impressive crossbow, so sit back, relax, and let's explore what this bad boy has to offer!
Specs:
- Price: $449.99
- Brand and Model: BARNETT Explorer XP 400
- Overall Rating: 4.7
- Number of Reviews: 145
- Speed (FPS): 400 fps
- Draw Weight: 200 lbs.
- Dimensions: 33″ x 13″ x 7″
- Camo Pattern: Strike
- Item Weight: 10.2 Pounds
- Warranty Description: 1 Year
Included Accessories:
- Two 20″ Carbon Arrows
- 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope
- Lightweight Side-Mount Quiver
- Rope Cocking Device
- Lubrication Wax
Safety Features:
- Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
- Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
- TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology
Now that we've covered the specs, let's dive a bit deeper into some of the standout features of the Explorer XP 400.
Speed & Draw Weight
With a speed of 400 fps, the Explorer XP 400 is definitely among the faster crossbows available in the market. The 200 lbs. draw weight contributes to the impressive speed, making it an excellent choice for hunting or target shooting.
Camo Pattern
The Strike camo pattern is not only visually appealing, but it also provides excellent camouflage in various environments, making it ideal for hunters who want to remain inconspicuous while stalking their prey.
Trigger Tech
The TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology is an innovative feature that ensures a smooth and consistent trigger pull, which is crucial for accurate shooting. This technology also helps reduce the risk of unintentional misfires, adding an extra layer of safety.
Single-Bolt Assembly
The single-bolt assembly makes setting up the Explorer XP 400 a breeze, allowing you to spend less time assembling the crossbow and more time enjoying your shooting sessions.
Safety Features
BARNETT has gone the extra mile to ensure the safety of their users with features like the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, and TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology. These features work together to prevent accidents and ensure a safe shooting experience.

My Personal Experience
During one of my recent hunting trips, I had the opportunity to test the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 in a real-world setting.
I was on the lookout for a deer, and the camo pattern of the crossbow really helped me blend in seamlessly with the surroundings.
The lightweight side-mount quiver made it easy to carry the crossbow while stalking the prey.
After a couple of hours of patiently waiting, I finally spotted a deer about 50 yards away.
This was the moment I had been waiting for, and I was excited to see how the Explorer XP 400 would perform.
The 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope came in really handy, allowing me to focus on the target with precision.
The frictionless release technology ensured a smooth and consistent trigger pull, which contributed to an accurate shot.
To my delight, I was able to hit the deer with a clean shot, thanks to the impressive speed and accuracy of the crossbow.
I also had the chance to try out the Explorer XP 400 in a more relaxed setting – a friendly target shooting competition with my buddies.
They were all impressed by the speed and accuracy of the crossbow, and we all enjoyed the consistency of the shots.
The rope cocking device made it easy for everyone, even those with less experience, to cock the crossbow without much effort.
The Explorer XP 400 proved to be a reliable and effective crossbow in both hunting and target shooting scenarios.
The combination of its performance, safety features, and ease of use made it a favorite among my friends and me.
I'm looking forward to many more adventures with this trusty crossbow!

The Price and Value for Money
When it comes to the price of the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400, it's listed at $449.99. While this might seem like a significant investment for some, let's consider the value for money this crossbow offers.
Firstly, the Explorer XP 400 boasts an impressive speed of 400 fps, which is comparable to many higher-priced crossbows on the market.
This makes it a great choice for both hunting and target shooting, as it provides the power and accuracy you need for various applications.
Secondly, the quality of the included accessories adds to the overall value of the package. With two 20″ carbon arrows, a 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope, a lightweight side-mount quiver, a rope cocking device, and lubrication wax, you have everything you need to start using the crossbow right away.
These accessories not only enhance the crossbow's performance but also save you the additional cost of purchasing them separately.
Moreover, the safety features incorporated into the design of the Explorer XP 400, such as the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, and TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology, ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.
This level of safety is not always found in crossbows within this price range.
Finally, the single-bolt assembly makes it user-friendly and easy to set up, which is a valuable feature, especially for beginners or those who want to spend more time shooting and less time assembling their gear.
Considering the performance, accessories, safety features, and ease of use, the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 offers excellent value for money at its price point of $449.99.
It's a reliable and versatile crossbow that will serve you well, whether you're a seasoned hunter, a target shooting enthusiast, or a beginner looking to invest in a high-quality crossbow.
The Cons:
While the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 has many great features and offers excellent value for money, it's essential to acknowledge a few drawbacks.
One issue I experienced was the weight of the crossbow. At 10.2 pounds, it's not the lightest option available on the market.
During a long hunting session, I found that the weight started to take a toll on my arms after carrying it for an extended period.
However, this is a minor inconvenience, and I was able to manage it by taking short breaks and adjusting my carrying technique.
Another drawback could be the draw weight of 200 lbs., which might be challenging for some users, especially those with less upper body strength.
While the included rope cocking device does help to make the cocking process easier, it might still be a struggle for some individuals.
In this case, it's essential to consider your physical capabilities before committing to a crossbow with such a high draw weight.
Despite these drawbacks, my overall experience with the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 has been positive. The crossbow's performance, accessories, and safety features more than make up for these minor inconveniences, and I believe it remains a solid choice for anyone looking to invest in a reliable and high-performing crossbow.
Highlights From Amazon Reviews
Many users have shared their positive experiences with the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 on Amazon. Let's take a look at some of the highlights from these reviews:
Randel Atchley shared his experience of upgrading to the Explorer XP 400 after his old crossbow broke. He praised the lightweight and compact design of the new crossbow, as well as its increased speed. Although he found the scope to be acceptable, he mentioned that he plans to replace it with something better. He also noted that cocking the crossbow could be challenging for some users and suggested considering the optional cranking device for those with less strength.

Joe P described the Explorer XP 400 as a great crossbow for the money, highlighting its lightweight design, accuracy, and amazing trigger. He mentioned that he would buy it again, which speaks to his satisfaction with the product.

Amazon Customer shared their experience of receiving the crossbow on a Thursday and, by Saturday, their wife had taken her first Whitetail buck with it. They were pleased with the accuracy and speed of the crossbow, and they highly recommend it to anyone looking to get into shooting with a crossbow.

These positive reviews demonstrate that the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 has been well-received by users, who appreciate its performance, accuracy, and lightweight design. While some users might find minor drawbacks, such as the scope or the difficulty in cocking the crossbow, the overall sentiment is that the Explorer XP 400 is a great value and a solid choice for anyone interested in crossbow shooting.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review:
In conclusion, the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 is a well-rounded crossbow that offers excellent value for its price of $449.99. With its impressive speed of 400 fps, lightweight and compact design, and a range of included accessories, this crossbow is an attractive option for both hunting and target shooting enthusiasts.
Moreover, the safety features and TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. The single-bolt assembly makes it user-friendly, and the positive reviews from users on Amazon only reinforce the value this crossbow offers.
When considering the overall package, the BARNETT Crossbows Explorer XP 400 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performing crossbow with an excellent balance of performance, safety features, and ease of use. If you're in the market for a new crossbow, this one is definitely worth considering for your next archery adventure.