Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow Review: Should You Buy?

As a passionate hunter, I've had the opportunity to test out numerous crossbows over the years.

Some have impressed me with their precision and power, while others have fallen short of my expectations.

Recently, I got my hands on the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow, a highly-rated model that has been making waves in the hunting community.

In this review, I will share my experience using this crossbow and provide a detailed analysis of its features, performance, and value for money.

Read on to find out if the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is the right choice for your hunting arsenal.

Specs:

  • Price: $499 on Amazon
  • Brand and Model: BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR
  • Overall Amazon Rating: 4.7 (out of 5)
  • Number of Amazon Reviews: 2,280
  • Speed (FPS): 375
  • Draw Weight: 180 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 32″ x 12.75″ x 7.13″
  • Camo Pattern: Mossy Oak Bottomland
  • Item Weight: 6.6 Pounds
  • Warranty Description: 1 Year

Included Accessories:

  • 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope
  • Two 22″ Headhunter Arrows
  • Lightweight Quiver
  • Rope Cocking Device
  • Lubrication Wax

Noteworthy Features:

  • Trigger Tech technology
  • Single-Bolt Assembly
  • Anti-dry fire
  • Step-Through Riser (STR) technology

The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow comes with an impressive set of features and accessories that make it stand out among other crossbows in its class.

One of the key aspects I appreciated was the speed (375 FPS) and draw weight (180 lbs.) of the crossbow, which allowed for quick and powerful shots, even at longer distances.

The camo pattern, Mossy Oak Bottomland, not only adds a touch of style but also provides a level of camouflage that is beneficial when trying to blend into your surroundings.

The 6.6-pound item weight is another bonus, as it makes the crossbow easy to carry and handle during those long hunting trips.

Included accessories, such as the 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope and two 22″ Headhunter Arrows, provide added value to the package, ensuring you have everything you need to start hunting right away.

The lightweight quiver, rope cocking device, and lubrication wax are also thoughtful additions that make using and maintaining the crossbow a breeze.

Lastly, the Trigger Tech technology and single-bolt assembly make this crossbow user-friendly and efficient.

The Trigger Tech system offers a smooth and crisp trigger pull, which helps with accuracy and precision.

The single-bolt assembly allows for a quick and straightforward setup, getting you ready for the hunt in no time.

Compared to Other Crossbows on The Market

When it comes to performance, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow holds its own against other crossbows in the market. Let's take a closer look at how it stacks up against some of the competition:

Speed:

With a speed of 375 FPS, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR outperforms many crossbows in its price range, which typically offer speeds between 300-350 FPS. This increased speed provides better accuracy and kinetic energy, ensuring a more effective and ethical shot on your target.

Draw Weight:

At 180 lbs., the draw weight of the Whitetail Hunter STR is on par with other crossbows in its class. This provides a good balance between power and ease of use, making it suitable for both experienced hunters and beginners.

Weight and Dimensions:

Weighing in at 6.6 pounds and measuring 32″ x 12.75″ x 7.13″, the Whitetail Hunter STR is relatively lightweight and compact compared to other crossbows on the market. This makes it easier to carry, maneuver, and shoot, which is especially important during long hunting excursions.

Accessories:

The Whitetail Hunter STR comes with a comprehensive set of accessories that rivals or surpasses those included with many competing crossbows. The 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope, 22″ Headhunter Arrows, lightweight quiver, rope cocking device, and lubrication wax ensure that you have everything you need to get started right away.

Trigger Tech and Single-Bolt Assembly:

These unique features of the Whitetail Hunter STR set it apart from other crossbows on the market. The Trigger Tech technology offers a smoother and more consistent trigger pull, enhancing accuracy and overall performance. The single-bolt assembly simplifies the setup process, allowing for a faster and more efficient start to your hunting experience.

In conclusion, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow provides excellent performance and value when compared to other crossbows in the market. While there may be some models with slightly better specifications or features, the Whitetail Hunter STR offers a well-rounded package that is hard to beat at its price point.

My Personal Experience

One particularly memorable experience with the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow occurred last fall during a weekend hunting trip.

My friends and I had been tracking a large buck for hours, and as the sun began to set, I was starting to lose hope that we'd be able to take a shot before losing daylight.

Finally, we spotted the buck about 70 yards away, partially obscured by foliage.

I knew this would be a challenging shot, but I felt confident in the performance of the Whitetail Hunter STR.

I quickly attached the lightweight quiver, loaded a Headhunter Arrow, and carefully aimed through the 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope.

As I squeezed the trigger, the Trigger Tech technology proved its worth, providing a smooth and crisp release that sent the arrow flying towards the buck with impressive speed and accuracy.

The arrow hit the mark, and the buck went down just a few yards from where it had been standing.

My friends and I were amazed at the power and precision of the Whitetail Hunter STR, especially considering the distance and challenging conditions of the shot.

Another anecdote worth mentioning was when I first assembled the crossbow. I have to admit that I was initially skeptical of the single-bolt assembly feature, as I've had my fair share of frustrating experiences with crossbow assembly in the past.

However, I was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward and quick the process was with the Whitetail Hunter STR.

Within just a few minutes, the crossbow was fully assembled and ready for action.

This ease of assembly not only saved me time and effort but also left a positive impression of the overall design and user experience.

These personal experiences, along with the numerous other times I've used the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow, have solidified my belief that this is an outstanding crossbow for both seasoned hunters and beginners alike.

Its combination of power, accuracy, ease of use, and value make it a reliable and enjoyable option for a wide range of hunting situations.

The Price and Value for Money

When considering the price and value for money of the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow, it's essential to look at the features, performance, and included accessories that come with the package.

Price:

At its regular price of $499, the Whitetail Hunter STR is already a reasonably priced option compared to other crossbows with similar features and specifications.

However, the current 22% discount brings the price down to an even more attractive $389, making it an excellent deal for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality crossbow without breaking the bank.

Value for Money:

The Whitetail Hunter STR offers a great combination of power, accuracy, and user-friendly features, making it an excellent investment for both experienced hunters and newcomers to the sport.

Additionally, the inclusion of numerous accessories, such as the 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope, two 22″ Headhunter Arrows, lightweight quiver, rope cocking device, and lubrication wax, further adds to the value of the package.

These accessories not only save you the trouble of purchasing them separately but also ensure that you have everything you need to get started right away.

Furthermore, the Trigger Tech technology and single-bolt assembly are standout features that add even more value to the Whitetail Hunter STR.

These features improve the overall performance and user experience, making the crossbow an excellent choice for hunters looking for a reliable and efficient option.

The Cons

While the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow has numerous positive attributes, it's important to address some of the drawbacks as well to provide a well-rounded review.

Safety Wings:

The safety wings on the Whitetail Hunter STR are useful in their current design, but they are short and curve down at the ends.

Some users, including myself, might prefer if the wings were a little wider and stuck straight out, which could potentially enhance the shooting experience.

Number of Arrows:

Another drawback is that Barnett ships the Whitetail Hunter STR with only two arrows instead of the more common three.

Although you can easily purchase additional arrows with the money saved on this crossbow, it would be more convenient if an extra arrow was included.

I remember a time when I accidentally damaged an arrow during my review process, which made evaluating the crossbow a bit challenging with just one remaining arrow.

Scope:

While the included 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope is generally good, the reticle lines aren't set for specified yardages.

This means that after sighting in at 20 yards, you'll need to find out which yardage each line represents for your specific setup by shooting at progressively farther ranges.

To avoid any miscalculations during a hunt, some users may prefer to upgrade to a speed-calibrated scope.

In summary, the drawbacks of the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow are relatively minor and can be easily managed or overlooked by most users. Its numerous positive features, performance, and value for money still make it an excellent choice for hunters seeking a reliable and efficient crossbow.

Highlights from Amazon Reviews

Excellent, right out of the box

Jarrod B. was impressed with the Whitetail Hunter STR's narrow limbs at full draw, its velocity, and accuracy right out of the box. However, he mentioned that the crossbow is a bit noisy and plans to try limb dampeners to reduce the noise.

Great quality

Tyler, a first-time crossbow user, purchased the Whitetail Hunter STR after recovering from a back injury. He found that he could load the crossbow without any cranking mechanism and praised it as a great crossbow for the money.

Really nice crossbow

Brian W., a long-time Barnett user, replaced his old Quad 400 with the Whitetail Hunter STR. He appreciated the lighter weight, smaller axle-to-axle length, and ease of assembly. Brian found the crossbow to shoot smoothly and hit hard and fast, making him happy with his purchase.

Should You Buy? Concluding the Review:

After thoroughly examining the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow, taking into account its features, performance, value for money, drawbacks, and user reviews, the question remains: should you buy it?

The Whitetail Hunter STR offers a powerful and accurate shooting experience with a user-friendly design and a variety of accessories included in the package.

While there are a few drawbacks, such as noise, scope yardage settings, and safety wings, these issues are relatively minor and can be easily managed or overlooked by most users.

It's worth noting that many of the positive user reviews highlight the crossbow's performance, ease of use, and value for money.

In conclusion, if you're in the market for a high-quality, mid-range crossbow that delivers impressive performance at an affordable price, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is an excellent choice.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, this crossbow is a worthy investment that can provide an enjoyable and reliable hunting experience.

Click here to learn more about the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR crossbow and get the best price on Amazon.