Barnett Hyperghost 425 Review

Barnett Hyperghost 425 Review

Introducing the Hyperghost 425! Powerful, Sleek, Deadly Check out my review for more

First Impressions

When Barnett recently launched the new Hyper series models, they described the new models as “the toughest, fastest crossbows in the woods.” The new series utilizes Barnett’s new innovative technology that definitely secures these new crossbows among the best shooters today. Some of the improved features include ultra-high speed and power, Retractable Underarm Counter-Balance Support and .204” small-diameter Hyperflite arrows. The Hyper series feature two brands, the Hyperflite and the HyperGhost. In this article, I’ll be reviewing the Barnett HyperGhost 425, which comes from the latter group

Side note: This is an extremely powerful crossbow designed for the advanced shooter, if you are new to crossbow shooting I recommend you check out the Whitetail Hunter II or TS390 if your an intermediate shooter

Barnett Hyperghost 425 Crossbow Specs

Hyperghost 425 Review Image

Length (with stirrup)36.5””
Width (uncocked)20.375”
Axle to Axle17.667
Weight7.7 lbs
Speed425fps (using 380 grain arrow)
Power Stroke16.333”
Kinetic Energy152 ft. lbs
Draw Weight206 lbs

Barnett Hyperghost 425

Outdoor Veteran Rating

8/10

Check Price

Let’s Dive in to the Barnett HyperGhost 425 Crossbow Review

The HyperGhost 425 is currently the best in the HyperGhost series. The other entrant, the HyperGhost 405 has the same features but lacks the speed and power of the HyperGhost 425. A good matchup for the HyperGhost 425 would be the Barnett Predator, which is definitely faster but still runs short of the power of the HyperGhost 425.

It goes without saying therefore that Barnett has done a commendable job with this new crossbow. The Barnett HyperGhost 425 is a pro level crossbow designed for the high-end market.

hyperghost 425 ready to shoot

Check out the top Features of the hyperghost 425

Beautiful Design

The HyperGhost 425 measures 36.5” in length and 20” width and weighs about 7.7 lbs, which is basically the size and weight of most Barnett crossbows. It features a single bolt assembly system that is super-easy to assemble and disassemble saving you precious time and energy to concentrate only on getting that prized kill. The color/pattern adopted for this crossbow is the Mossy Oak Treestand finish that nicely blends with the surrounding, without arousing any suspicion. With the exception of a few additional features, such as three Picatinny Rails, HyperFlite Arrow Compatibility and Retractable Counterbalance Underarm Support (RUCS), the HyperGhost 425 design is not much different from the average Barnett Crossbow in terms of size and design.

Offering Exceptional Performance

At 425FPS, the HyperGhost 425 is without a doubt the fastest crossbow today, bar one – the Barnett Predator. It features 206 lbs. draw weight, 152ft. lbs. kinetic energy and 16.333” power stroke. The high speed coupled with the sheer power of this crossbow, ensures that the target does not stand a chance. The design is ambidextrous to ensure that everyone is not left out of the action. Another great addition is the retractable underarm counter-balance support (RUCS), a foldable arm that hooks under your arm. The hook prevents the bow from succumbing to the frontal weight during operation allowing more control and stability.

The hyper series also come with a set of their own special arrows, 22” HyperFlite Arrows with R.O.C Insert System. They only feature .204” diameters, however the arrows harness more speed and power unlike any other arrows currently in the market with 25% more penetration and 50% less wind drift. The pass-through foregrip doubles as a stabilizer and also as a security measure to prevent your fingers from coming into contact with the rail, which may result to serious injury during operation.

TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology

This patented frictionless release system by Barnett is definitely one of the best, if not the best trigger system ever made for a crossbow. The 3-pound light trigger with zero creep allows you to make an instant shot with very little effort needed on your part. The secret lies in a free-floating roller between the sear and the latch. This trigger system also includes anti-dry fire and nock sensors that prevent you from pre-firing the arrow before it is fully loaded. This further prevents accidents and string damage.

Rope Cocking Sled

The HyperGhost 425 has one of the highest draw weights at 206lbs. So, unless you are a gym buff, chances are you may not be able to draw the string with your bare hands. Luckily, it comes with a rope cocking sled that makes snapping a stress-free affair. In addition, it features the patented step-through riser that combines the riser assembly with the foot stirrup considerably reducing the weight of the crossbow. The foot stirrup allows you to easily balance the crossbow as you coke the rope back. It is also compatible with the Barnett crank cocking device just in case the rope cocking sled does not work for you.

Quiet and Deadly Sound-proof Shots

The more the power, the more likely the crossbow will produce a lot of noise during shooting. Fortunately, the HyperGhost 425 comes with pre-installed string dampeners attached on both sides of the string to reduce sound during operation by lessening the string vibrations. The string dampeners are very light and do not add much weight to the overall weight of the crossbow.

Top Safety Features

Apart from the nock sensors and anti-dry fire (ADF) trigger system, this crossbow also includes the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer. This feature ensures the arrow is properly loaded by applying a downward pressure on it. Unfortunately, the 425 does not feature finger safety reminders.

Variable-Speed 1.5-5×32 Multi-Reticle Illuminated Scope

Barnett’s decision to switch from 4x32mm scope to 1.5-5x32mm multi-reticle illuminated scope on this crossbow is also very commendable. Unlike the 4x32mm scope which has limited range of options, this new scope has a wide range of great features and is specifically designed for fast crossbows (375-425fps) with a reticle range of up to 60 yards. It is also very powerful bringing the target 1.5x to 5x closer to you for added precision. It comes with two illumination colors, red for bright light conditions and green for low/dim light conditions, which ensures your target is always on sight regardless of the lighting conditions.

Side-Mount Quick Detach Quiver

The new side-mount quiver adopted by Barnett in its latest models really allows for stress-free drawing of the arrows. The side-mount quiver that sets arrows parallel to the crossbow track is more convenient to work with than a quiver that sets the arrows perpendicular to flight track like in the case of Barnett Whitetail Hunter. The quiver is also detachable and comes with three 22” HyperFlite Arrows to get you started.

hyperghost 425 Side View

CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track

The CNC machining technology utilizes an aluminum flight track with a gun metal finish. The flight track is very durable since it is water-resistant and impervious to friction caused by the arrow. The sleek smooth finish allows the arrows to be discharged off smoothly, without resistance for added consistency and accuracy. The aesthetic design of the flight track will also likely raise the curiosity of other shooters and may be a killer conversation starter if you are looking to make new friends.

22” HyperFlite Arrows

The highlight of this crossbow is the new HyperFlite arrows specifically designed for the Hyper series models. With a tiny diameter of just 0.204”, 22” length and 0.001” straightness, these HyperFlite arrows guarantee increased accuracy and penetration. This is especially very helpful when you are hunting thick skinned game that large diameter arrows have a problem penetrating through. Also, small diameter arrows maneuver easily in windy conditions than large diameter arrows, maintaining the right course to the target which increases accuracy. The speed and accuracy coupled with the high penetration ensures instant humane kill. These new HyperFlight arrows are definitely the future of crossbow hunting.

Customizable

A common feature of all Barnett crossbows is the CNC machined picatinny rail that is used to hold whichever accessories you want. This HyperGhost takes it a notch higher however by including three picatinny rails. It therefore offers more opportunities to customize your shooter the way you want it to be. Quivers, bipods, optics, lights, vertical fore grips- the choice is yours.

Barnett Hyperghost 425

Outdoor Veteran Rating

8/10

Check Price

Pros

  • Delivers ultra-fast speed of up to 425fps
  • Includes safety measure – anti-dry fire, nock sensors
  • Sound-proof operation
  • New HyperFlite arrows that deliver increased accuracy and penetration

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Only compatible with the HyperFlite arrows
  • 7.7 pounds is quite heavy

https://youtu.be/o_KKqlepIvw

My Final Thoughts on The Hyperghost 425

The Barnett HyperGhost 425 is just fresh from the kitchen and is therefore very new in the market. However, this crossbow is already making heads turn. The most commendable addition from the previous Barnett crossbows is the new HyperFlite arrows with a tiny diameter of just 0.204” that ensures increased penetration and accuracy, two features that are crucial in game hunting which previous large diameter arrows struggled to deliver. In addition, the HyperGhost 425 is also superfast offering up to 425fps speed with enough power to deliver an instant kill. With this crossbow, the target stands no chance. The high performance makes it quite expensive and is therefore a high-end market crossbow. However, it is worth every dollar and will definitely give you value for your money.

Photo of author
AUTHOR
Justin Archer
Hi, I'm Justin Archer a family man with 2 boys and a wife. I'm an outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing, hiking and lots of other outdoor activities. I love testing new outdoor gear, learning new things and passing on the knowledge I have gained. Feel free to contact me anytime - justin@outdoorveteran.com

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.