As an avid outdoors enthusiast and crossbow enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of using the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow.
This budget-friendly yet high-performance crossbow has caught the attention of many hunters and archery aficionados, including myself.
I've spent quite some time putting it through its paces, and I'm excited to share my experiences with you.
In this review, I'll discuss the key features of the Gamecrusher Crossbow, my personal experience with its performance and usability, as well as any drawbacks I encountered along the way.
So, sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey with the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow – an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hunters alike.
Specs:
- Price: $299.99
- Brand and Model: Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow
- Overall Amazon Rating: 4.0
- Number of Reviews: 21
- Power: 185 lbs
- Bolt speed: 340 fps or 231.8 mph
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Overall length: 36 inches
- Width when uncocked: 19 inches
- Width when cocked: 16 inches
- Power Stroke: 16 inches
- Color: Camo
Included with the Barnett Game Crusher 165 lbs crossbow:
- 1 x 4×32 mm (0.1×1.2 inch) scope
- 1 x Quiver
- 1 x Band
- 3 x 20 inches carbon bolts
Now that we've covered the specs, let's dive deeper into the features and discuss what makes the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow stand out from the competition.
Power and Bolt Speed:
With 185 lbs of power and a bolt speed of 340 fps (231.8 mph), the Gamecrusher offers more than enough power for hunting.
This means you'll be able to take down a variety of game with ease, and the fast bolt speed ensures that your shots will be accurate and powerful.
Weight and Dimensions:
Weighing in at 7.5 lbs and measuring 36 inches in length, the Gamecrusher is relatively lightweight and compact.
This makes it easy to carry around during long hunting trips, without compromising on power or performance.
The crossbow's width is 19 inches when uncocked, and 16 inches when cocked, making it quite maneuverable in tight spaces.
Customized Triggertech Trigger:
One of the standout features of the Gamecrusher is the customized Triggertech trigger.
This trigger system provides a smooth, crisp pull with minimal creep, ensuring consistent shots and an overall enjoyable shooting experience.
Metal Injection Molded Trigger & Anti-Vibration Foot Stirrup:
The metal injection molded trigger and anti-vibration foot stirrup contribute to the durability and stability of the Gamecrusher.
These features help to reduce noise and vibration during shots, which is particularly important when hunting.
Quick and Easy Assembly:
The Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow is designed for quick and easy assembly, which is a major advantage for those who want to get out in the field as soon as possible.
The included instructions are clear and easy to follow, allowing you to assemble the crossbow with minimal hassle.
My Personal Experience
I recently took the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow on a weekend hunting trip with some friends, and it exceeded my expectations in several ways. Here's a detailed account of my experience using this impressive crossbow.
First Impressions:
Upon unboxing the Gamecrusher, I was immediately struck by its sleek camo design and the overall quality of its build.
The crossbow felt sturdy and well-made, giving me confidence that it would withstand the rigors of hunting.
I also appreciated how quickly I was able to assemble it, thanks to the clear instructions provided. Within a short time, I had the crossbow ready for action.
Sighting In:
Before heading out to hunt, I decided to sight in the 4×32 mm scope at a local archery range. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which I was able to dial in the scope.
It only took a few shots to get it zeroed in at 20 yards, and after that, I tested it at 30 and 40 yards with impressive accuracy.
The scope held its zero throughout the process, which was a major plus.
Hunting Experience:
On the first day of our hunting trip, my friends and I set out early in the morning to track down some whitetail deer.
The lightweight design of the Gamecrusher made it easy to carry the crossbow through the woods as we moved from spot to spot.
The compact dimensions also came in handy when navigating through dense foliage and maneuvering in our tree stands.
After several hours, we finally spotted a small group of deer about 35 yards away. I quietly cocked the crossbow and took aim at a decent-sized buck.
The customized Triggertech trigger allowed for a smooth, crisp shot, and the bolt flew straight and true. To my delight, the deer dropped in its tracks – a clean, ethical kill.
Throughout the rest of the weekend, the Gamecrusher continued to prove its worth.
My friends, who were using more expensive crossbows, were impressed by its performance and even asked to give it a try.
They too were pleased with the accuracy, power, and ease of use that the Gamecrusher offered.
One Minor Drawback:
The only minor issue I encountered during my hunting trip was the quiver's attachment mechanism.
It seemed a bit flimsy, and I was concerned that it might not hold up well over time.
However, this was a relatively small issue that didn't detract from the overall performance and enjoyment of using the Gamecrusher.
In summary, my experience with the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow was overwhelmingly positive.
From sighting in the scope to taking down game, the crossbow performed admirably in all aspects.
Its power, accuracy, and ease of use made it a pleasure to hunt with, and I'm looking forward to many more outings with this fantastic crossbow.
The Price and Value for Money
When considering the price of the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow, it's important to evaluate its value for money in relation to its performance, features, and overall user experience.
Priced at $299.99, the Gamecrusher is positioned in the budget-friendly to mid-range segment of the crossbow market.
Given its impressive specs and features, the Gamecrusher offers exceptional value for money. With a powerful draw weight of 185 lbs and a bolt speed of 340 fps, it provides more than enough power and accuracy for hunting a variety of game.
The crossbow's lightweight design and compact dimensions make it easy to carry and maneuver during hunting trips.
In addition, the customized Triggertech trigger, metal injection molded trigger, and anti-vibration foot stirrup contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience.
The quick and easy assembly is another notable feature, especially for those who want to spend more time hunting and less time on setup.
When comparing the Gamecrusher to other crossbows in its price range, it holds up well in terms of performance and features.
While there are certainly more expensive crossbows on the market with additional bells and whistles, the Gamecrusher offers a well-rounded package that delivers solid performance at a much more affordable price point.
It's worth noting that, as with any budget-friendly product, there may be some minor compromises in areas such as the quality of certain components or accessories. In the case of the Gamecrusher, the quiver's attachment mechanism might be one such example.
The Drawbacks
While the BARNETT Gamecrusher Crossbow has many positive attributes, it's important to also acknowledge some of its drawbacks.
As previously mentioned, one minor issue I encountered during my hunting trip was the quiver's attachment mechanism.
It seemed a bit flimsy, which raised concerns about its long-term durability.
This, however, was a relatively small issue that didn't significantly impact the overall performance and enjoyment of using the Gamecrusher.
Another drawback worth noting is the noise level during shooting. While the anti-vibration foot stirrup helps to minimize noise and vibration, the Gamecrusher is not as quiet as some higher-end crossbows on the market.
This might be a concern for some hunters, especially when targeting easily spooked game.
One small personal anecdote that comes to mind is when I was hunting with a friend who was using a more expensive and quieter crossbow.
We noticed that the game seemed to react more to the sound of my Gamecrusher shots compared to my friend's crossbow.
While it didn't cause any major issues during our hunt, it did make me more conscious of the noise factor.
Lastly, the included 4×32 mm scope, while decent for its price range, may not offer the same level of clarity and low-light performance as some higher-end scopes.
Depending on your hunting preferences and needs, you may eventually want to upgrade to a better scope for optimal performance in various conditions.
What are people saying
Many Amazon reviewers have shared their positive experiences with the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow. Here are some key points from a couple of these reviews:
Michael Haley praised the crossbow for its performance in hog hunting. He appreciated the ease of cocking the crossbow by hand, which allowed him to take down multiple hogs before spooking them. Michael also mentioned the importance of keeping the crossbow well-lubricated and avoiding dry firing, which he learned the hard way. Despite this incident, he found restringing the crossbow manageable and noted that it remained highly accurate. He highly recommends the Gamecrusher Crossbow.
Joseph, another satisfied customer, has owned the crossbow since 2017 and has successfully harvested 3-5 deer per season. He reported no issues with the string, locking mechanism, or trigger assembly after firing around 1000 bolts over the years. Joseph found the scope easy to use once zeroed and appreciated its accuracy at various yardages. He recommends the Gamecrusher as an affordable, decent-quality option for both beginners and experienced users.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow is an excellent choice for those who are seeking a budget-friendly yet high-performing crossbow.
Its powerful draw weight and impressive bolt speed make it suitable for hunting a wide range of game, while its lightweight design and compact dimensions ensure ease of use and maneuverability in the field.
The customized Triggertech trigger, metal injection molded trigger, and anti-vibration foot stirrup contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience.
Additionally, the quick and easy assembly allows users to get out and start hunting without unnecessary delays.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the quiver attachment mechanism, noise level, and scope quality, these issues can be easily addressed with a few upgrades or by adjusting one's hunting strategy.
The positives far outweigh the negatives, as evidenced by the numerous positive Amazon reviews from satisfied customers who have successfully used the Gamecrusher for hunting and practice.
Considering its affordable price point, solid performance, and user-friendly features, the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow offers outstanding value for money.
It's an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced hunters looking for a reliable and powerful crossbow without breaking the bank.
If you're in the market for a new crossbow, the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow is definitely worth considering.
Click here to learn more about the Barnett Gamecrusher Crossbow and get the best price on Amazon.
