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What Is The Best Reverse Draw Crossbow For Hunting In 2021?

Many xbow hunters realize the benefits of the best reverse draw crossbow for speed, power, accuracy, ease of use, and quietness when hunting and target shooting.

While the reverse limb xbow style may look funky to some. The design offers a ton of benefits that are hard for many deer and large game hunters to ignore.

In this article, we shall explore various reverse draw limb crossbows predominant in the present market.

What is a reverse draw crossbow?

The typical crossbow has limbs situated at the far end of the, which makes it nose heavy.

The limbs are supported by the frame of the crossbow and usually placed at the end of the rail.

However, for a reverse crossbow, these limbs are reversed, i.e., they are placed behind the trigger; therefore, the term reverse draw crossbow.

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Unlike the usual crossbow where much of the weight is at the front, the reverse limb crossbow has more of its bulk on the shoulder thereby increasing stability and making it feel much more rifle-like to the shooter.

The string of the reverse crossbow is designed to rest in front of the rail, and the limbs are then pointing forward until when pulled back.

Because of this unique reverse limb design, the process of drawing the crossbow is usually made more comfortable and with higher let-off.

Advantages Of Some Of The Best Reverse Draw Crossbows

ideal reverse limb hunting crossbowThe reverse draw crossbow has several advantages over the regular limb crossbow. Reverse draw xbows are easier to draw, are quieter, and are usually more compact. Look for these key factors when buying a top quality reverse limb crossbow for hunting:

• Reverse Limb Designs Feature Narrower Axles.

The reverse crossbow has its limbs designed parallel to each other, and therefore they are thinner and closer to each other.

There are a few models that are around 10 inches wide or less when at the full draw, which makes them very compact and great for hunting in small blinds or in tight spaces.

• Reverse Draw Crossbows Balance Better For More Accurate Shots.

Since the riser is at the back, the focal point of gravity has likewise been moved towards the end.

Since there is more weight on the back towards the shooter, this implies more control and better shot accuracy.

With less weight pressuring the forward arm during the aiming process, there is also less wobbling and movement, which translates to better overall shot placement and the ability to hold the xbow up while aiming for more significant periods without much fatigue compared to crossbows with regular limbs.

• The Top Reverse Limb Xbows Produce Increased Shooting Speed.

Many of the best reverse limb hunting crossbows can generate faster arrow speeds from less draw weight due to the unique limb design and power stroke.

This means the xbow will be easier to draw back to firing position yet still propel arrows at high FPS in many cases.

The Best Reverse Limb Crossbows Are Quieter

The reverse draw design results in less string and cable snap and noise when firing. This is due to the backward limb design creating less draw weight.

Less draw weight means less pressure on the strings, cables, and limbs, which translates to the less overall noise.

Better Quality Reverse Draw Crossbow Triggers

Some of the top tier reverse draw xbows tend to have smoother triggers as well. While part of this is due to exceptional trigger sear and roller pin design, it is also a factor of the reduced draw weight.

With less force being held back by the trigger mechanism, less pressure is required to effectively pull the trigger and release the string when firing.

This creates the sensation of a rifle like trigger that many hunters prefer over the more robust standard crossbow triggers.

Reverse Draw Crossbows Are Great For Treestand Hunting

There are 2 main reasons for this.

First, the draw weight of the reverse limb design is usually less, meaning they are more comfortable and safer to draw when up in a tree.

Fighting a super heavy draw weight while teetering up in a treestand can be a recipe for disaster.

Second, the compact wheel to wheel distance can be a huge plus when shooting behind the tree. Turn to shoot a standard crossbow with the broad limbs out front, and they will contact the side of the tree, frequently preventing the shot.

With the compact reverse limb design, one can closer to the side of the tree. This can be a considerable advantage for xbow tree stand hunters that is often overlooked.

Disadvantages of Reverse Limb Crossbows

Besides the benefits, there are a few shortcomings associated with the reverse crossbow.

Specialized Components Are Required On Many Backward Limb Design Xbows

First of all, there are fewer standard fit accessories for reverse limb crossbows.

This means that finding parts and accessories that will fit is a tough task since it only uses specific types of strings and cables particular to the crossbow model.

Due to the inadequate availability of accessories, it means that the reverse crossbow requires a higher level of maintenance.

The strings undergo wear at a higher rate, and it may be costlier to replace them.

Reverse Draw Crossbows Look Funky

Let’s just get it out on the table: The reverse limb design looks bizarre. Most backward draw xbows look like something out of a Star Wars movie.

If you are into the traditional crossbow look, the reverse limb design may not be for you. And if you need a low-cost budget crossbow the reverse limb models may be a bit too pricey.

Here is a list of some of the top reverse crossbows that you will find easily in the market.

Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow

The Wicked Ridge RDX 400 reverse draw crossbow has limbs facing backward and the riser facing towards the shooter. The Wicked Ridge RDX 400 is one of our personal favorite reverse draw crossbows.

top quality reverse draw crossbow for deer huntingIt has relatively narrow limbs compared to other crossbows. It also contains an adjustable butt check plate that enhances comfort during shooting.

The RDX provides smooth shots and ensures high accuracy.
It requires a modest draw weight of 165 lbs. producing 370 fps and kinetic energy of 122 ft. /lbs.

The distance between the axles is 10 inches when fully drawn, and expands to 15.5 inches when uncocked.


TenPoint Vapor RS470 Reverse Draw Crossbow

The Vapor RS470, manufactured by Tenpoint, is another excellent reverse draw crossbow choice.

This reverse limb hunting crossbow can really rip arrows quickly and accurately! The Vapor RS470 propels arrows up to 470 FPS for long accurate shots.

With the ACU-Draw Pro cocking device drawing the crossbow is fast and easy and can even be accomplished in treestands or in tight hunting blinds without a whole lot of space.

It is made of polypropylene as the lightweight and durable base material fostered with long carbon fibers to increase strength.


The Best Reverse Draw Crossbow Brands Are Tough To Beat For Hunting

When it’s all said and done, if you can get over the funky appearance of reverse limb crossbows, they offer a ton of advantages vs. the old fashion “limbs out front” design.

The best reverse draw crossbows for hunting are lightweight, compact, in many cases easier to draw and can be fired from a treestand or ground blind with less worry of contacting the side of the tree or blind with protruding limbs.

In a nutshell, reverse draw crossbows rock! The positives far outweigh the negatives of the backward limb design, and they should be on the top of the shopping list for any aspiring crossbow hunter.

Written by Mark Metzlov

A certified "Crossbow Guru," with over 35 years of bowhunting experience Mark loves to test new crossbow models at the range, and in the woods during hunting season. Mark is also a top-notch wild game chef who can cook up a wicked venison burger on a moment's notice!

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