Ravin Crossbow Reviews – We Tested The Best Models

Ravin Crossbows are a well known manufacturer but are they worth the money? Find out what I thought in my review below

Anyone who knows about crossbows have heard the name Ravin, they make some superior crossbows aimed at the higher end of the market which does mean they have a higher price tag far above that of Barnett Crossbows

They are well known for being a leading innovator of crossbows, producing some of the best crossbows that are technologically advanced, dependable and sleek in their design, from the R9 up to the newer R29

They own many patents for their technological advancements, such as for their reduced friction trigger system U.S. Patent No. 9,557,134

Who Makes The Ravin Crossbow?

Ravin Crossbows was started by a group of hardcore hunters with experience in world class design, they came together with the goal of creating the worlds most accurate crossbow, utilizing their HeliCoil technology they accomplished their goal

Ravin Crossbow LLC was purchased by Velocity Outdoors in 2018 for $94 Million so they are now responsible for the design and manufacture of these amazing, powerful, high quality crossbows. Velocity Outdoors also make Centrepoint crossbows which are aimed at the mid to lower end of the market.

Ravin Crossbow Shooting

What Is The Best Ravin Crossbow To Buy?

To be honest any Ravin crossbow you buy will be a great choice so it really comes down to the specs you want, the performance you want from it and ultimately your price range, here I will review some of the best Ravin Crossbows on the market but if money was no concern I would highly recommend the R29

Ravin R29
  • 430 FPS, COMPACT 6-INCH COCKED AXLE-TO-AXLE WITH HELICOIL TECHNOLOGY
  • INNOVATIVE SILENT COCKING SYSTEM – With built-in cocking mechanism and anti-dry fire/auto safety
  • TACTICAL CROSSBOW SCOPE AND QUIVER – With jack plate adjustable elevation mount
  • LIGHT WEIGHT 6.75-POUNDS – For maneuverability in the field
  • 6 RAVIN .001 PREMIUM ARROWS – With field tips (400-grain total weight)

Side by Side Ravin Crossbow Comparisons

The below table shows the specifications of each crossbow so you can compare each. As the price is always changing I am unable to print the price here but will provide a button link for the most up to date price for each. They are ordered starting with the best, which also happens to be the newest to oldest and most expensive to cheapest!

Ravin R29

R29-Top
Length (with stirrup)29”
Width (uncocked)10.5”
Axle to Axle6”
Weight6.75 lbs
Speed430fps (using 380 grain arrow)
Power Stroke12.5”
Kinetic Energy164 ft. lbs
Draw Weight12 lbs


Price Link

Ravin R26

R26-Top
Length (with stirrup)26”
Width (uncocked)9.25”
Axle to Axle5.75”
Weight6.5 lbs
Speed400fps (using 380 grain arrow)
Power Stroke9.5”
Kinetic Energy142 ft. lbs
Draw Weight12 lbs


Price Link

Ravin R20

Length (with stirrup)34.5”
Width (uncocked)10.5”
Axle to Axle6”
Weight7.1 lbs
Speed430fps (using 380 grain arrow)
Power Stroke13”
Kinetic Energy164 ft. lbs
Draw Weight12 lbs


Price Link

Ravin R10

Length (with stirrup)33”
Width (uncocked)10.5”
Axle to Axle6.5”
Weight6.8 lbs
Speed400fps (using 380 grain arrow)
Power Stroke11”
Kinetic Energy142 ft. lbs
Draw Weight12 lbs


Price Link

Individual Ravin Crossbow Reviews in More detail

Ravin R29

R29-Right

The Ravin R29 is part of Ravin’s 2019 crossbow line-up that also featured the R26. It is modelled after the legendary R20 and is therefore tied with its predecessor as the fastest Ravin crossbows on the market today. It is also the shortest crossbow, coming only second to the R26. It measures 29 inches full length, which is 5.5 inches shy of the R20. It also weighs 6.75 pounds and has axle to axle width of only 6 inches cocked and 10.5 inches uncocked.

This bow is constructed from a skeletonized cast polymer stock that features huge cutouts on the buttstock, limbs and riser that considerably reduce its weight and improve balance. The R29 is fully clad in the Predator Dusk Camo that does not fade or peel and also gives it the perfect cover in the woods.

The R29 performs at an equal footing as the R20, providing rifle like accuracy and performance up to 100 yards. The incredible performance lies with the patented Helicoil technology that helps rotate the cams up to 340 degrees giving the bow the power to unleash a 400 grain bolt to the amazing 430fps speed and 164 foot pounds of power with just 12.5 inches of power stroke.

It also features the exclusive Frictionless Flight System that keeps the arrow suspended above the flight rail. This eliminates bolt-track friction allowing for constant trajectory and improved downrange accuracy of the bolt. The Trac-Trigger Firing System (TTFS) utilized on this bow comes with a smooth 2.9 pound trigger break with less creep and overtravel.

In addition, the trigger system comes with the auto-safety and the anti-dry fire features that prevent dry firing before the bolt is properly loaded. The TTFS further doubles as a cocking and decocking device. Integrated with the Trac-Trigger Firing is the ambidextrous Versa-Draw cocking system that reduces the draw force to just 12 pounds making it one of the lightest cocking systems available. Also, this bow includes safety wings above the foregrip that prevent the hand from sliding into the flight path during action. The finger grooves and hard texturing on both sides of the foregrip reduce slips and allow for firm grip even with gloves.

The R29 package features the following accessories: six 400 grain premium arrows and nocks, six 100 grain practice field points, a 3-arrow quiver, a mounting bracket, built-in sling mounts and a removable cocking handle. The built-in scope for this bow is the Ravin 100 Yard Illuminated Scope that boasts of fully multi-coated 1.5 to 5 power optics plus speed and arrow drop compensation settings for xbows that shoot between 300fps and 425fps.

The bow comes pre-assembled and pre-tuned from the manufacturer and can be shot right out of the box.

Overall the R29 is by far the best Ravin Crossbow to buy so if you have the budget get it, you won’t be disappointed!

>>Buy It Here<<

Ravin R26

R26-Right

The R26 is part of Ravin’s 2019 crossbow line-up that also featured the R29. It is modelled after the R10, coming with the same design and performance of its predecessor. Its length however was significantly reduced and as a result, the R20 is currently the shortest crossbow on the planet.

It features a lightweight and ultra-compressed size with a full length of only 26 inches, weighs a mere 6.5 pounds and has axle to axle width of only 5.75 inches cocked and 9.25 inches uncocked. It comes with a skeletonized stock that is constructed from the lightweight and durable cast polymer, which features cutouts on the buttstock, limbs and riser that reduce weight and improve balance.

The color pattern adopted for the R26 is the Predator Dusk Camo that does not peel or fade and adds to the allure of the bow.

Despite having a short power stroke of only 9.5 inches, this bow can deliver up to 400 fps speed with 142 foot pounds of power. The secret to such great performance lies in the patented Helicoil technology that is utilized for its string and cable system. The cams rotate up to 340 degrees super-charging the string to unleash the bolt to the amazing speed and power. The unique Helicoil technology allows the cables to coil away from the top and bottom of the cams in helical grooves when drawn, which keeps the cams perfectly balanced and eliminates cam lean increasing the downrange accuracy of the bolt. 

This bow also features the exclusive Frictionless Flight System that suspends the arrow and bowstring above the flight track allowing for smooth and frictionless shots. The Trac-Trigger Firing System (TTFS) featured on this bow offers smooth and frictionless trigger breaks at around 2.9 pounds with less creep and overtravel making it one of the best trigger systems available.

The TTFS is also fully integrated with the Versa-Draw cocking system, which reduces the draw force to a mere 12 pounds. In addition, the trigger system comes with the auto-safety and the anti-dry fire features that prevent dry firing before the bolt is properly loaded. It also includes safety wings above the foregrip that prevent the hand from sliding into the flight path during action. The finger grooves and texturing on the foregrip conveniently reduce slips and allow for firm grip even with gloves.

The R26 comes with a six pack 400 grain Match Grade Arrows and nocks with six 100 grain practice points that offer speed, power, accuracy and durability. The package also includes a three arrow quiver and a mounting bracket. The built-in scope for this bow is the Ravin 100 Yard Illuminated Scope that boasts of fully multi-coated 1.5 to 5 power optics and speed and arrow drop compensation settings for xbows that shoot between 300fps and 425fps

>>Buy It Here<<

Ravin R20

R20-Camo-Right

Unveiled in 2018 as part of Ravin’s industry defining line-up that also included the R10, the R20 Sniper is the fastest bow ever created by Ravin. It is fashioned after the previous R9 model, but it has been upgraded to provide more speed and power than its predecessor. The R20 comes in a dual package that includes the R20 Standard and the R20 Sniper, which are distinguishable by few accessories but feature the same design and performance.

It features a narrow, ultra-compact and lightweight design that measures 34.5 inches full length, weighs 7.1 pounds and has axle to axle width of only 6 inches cocked and 10.5 inches uncocked.

Its skeletonized stock is constructed from lightweight and durable cast polymer that features cutouts on the buttstock, limbs and riser that reduce weight and improve balance. It is therefore very easy to handle in very tight spaces, small-quarter blinds and on treestands. This bow comes with two color patterns: the Predator Camo that blends well in the field and the Gunmetal Grey Polymer that gives it a rifle-like feel and finish.

The R20 cable and string system is powered by the Helicoil technology that supercharges a 400 grain bolt to an amazing 430fps speed and 164 foot-pounds of power.
When drawn, the cables coil away from the top and bottom of the cams in Helical grooves, which keeps the cams perfectly balanced, eliminating cam lean and increasing downrange accuracy of the bolt. The cams are also rotated up to 340 degrees, giving this bow the power to unleash a bolt to a lethal 430fps speed. In addition, it features the exclusive Frictionless Flight System that suspends the arrow and the string above the flight track, which eliminates bolt and rail friction allowing for constant trajectory and improved downrange accuracy. The system also lengthens the bow’s lifespan by eliminating rail and string friction.

The R20 also comes with the Versa-Draw cocking system that is fully integrated with the Trac-Trigger Firing System to allow for stress-free cocking experience. As a result, cocking and decocking is super easy requiring only 12 pounds of draw force. The R20 features a smooth and frictionless trigger that breaks at around 2.9 pounds with less creep and overtravel. The bow also includes the auto-safety and the anti-dry fire features on its Trac-Trigger system that prevent dry firing the bolt before it is fully installed. The safety wings above the foregrip also prevent the hand from sliding into the flight path during action, while the finger grooves and texturing on both sides of the foregrip reduce slips and allow for firm grip even with gloves.

The R20 Sniper package is the expensive alternative, as it features various accessories that are not included in the relatively cheaper R20 Standard package.

The Sniper package includes: a six pack Ravin Branded Premium .001 Arrows and nocks with six 100 grain practice points, the Vortex Strike Eagle Riflescope, a riser level and the Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount that allows you to dial the exact yardage from 20 to 200 yards for improved shooting accuracy. The standard package comes with a six pack 400 grain Match Grade .003 Arrows and nocks plus six 100 grain practice field points, the Ravin 100 Yard Illuminated Scope. However, it does not include a Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount or a riser level. Both packages feature a 3-arrow quiver and a mounting bracket.

>>Buy It Here<<

Ravin R15

ravin-r15-predator side view

Unveiled in 2017, the R15 is a flagship bow by Ravin that was developed after the R9. It is currently the second fastest Ravin crossbow right behind the R20 and R29. The bow is lightweight and compact with a full length of 34.5 inches, axle to axle width of 6 inches and weighs only 6.9 pounds. It has a skeletonized stock design that features huge cutouts on the butt stock, limbs and riser that reduce its overall weight and improve balance that it can be shot off-hand comfortably. Its body is fully clad with the Predator Camo finish that does not peel or fade and adds to the aesthetic value of the bow.

The R15 offers bone shattering performance of 425fps speed and 160 foot pounds power, which are more than enough to drop dead any prey right on its tracks. It also produces rifle-like performance with pin-point accuracy up to 100 yards. The exceptional performance is made possible by the Helicoil technology, which helps rotate the cams up to 340 degrees giving the bow the power to unleash a 400 grain bolt to the amazing speed and power. Its Frictionless Flight System keeps the bolt and bowstring free floating above the rail. This eliminates friction, allows improved downrange accuracy of the bolt and also lengthens string and cable life.

It features the Trac-Trigger Firing System (TTFS) that comes with a smooth 2.9 pound trigger break with less creep and overtravel. The TTFS also doubles as a cocking and decocking device. It is integrated with the ambidextrous Versa-Draw cocking system that reduces the draw force to just 12 pounds making it one of the lightest cocking systems available. In addition, the trigger system comes with the auto-safety and the anti-dry fire features that prevent dry firing before the bolt is properly loaded. Also, this bow includes safety wings above the foregrip that prevent the hand from sliding into the flight path during action. The finger grooves and hard texturing on both sides of the foregrip reduce slips and allow for firm grip even with gloves.

The R15 package features the following accessories: six 400 grain Ravin branded arrows and nocks, six 100 grain practice field points, a 3-arrow quiver, a mounting bracket, built-in sling mounts and a removable cocking handle. The built-in scope for this bow is the Ravin 100 Yard Illuminated Scope that boasts of fully multi-coated 1.5 to 5 power optics, speed and arrow drop compensation settings for xbows that shoot between 300fps and 425fps and two rheostat controlled illumination modes. The bow comes pre-assembled and pre-tuned from the manufacturer and can be shot right out of the box.

Ravin R10

R10-Camo-Right

The R10 is a flagship bow by Ravin that was unveiled in 2018 alongside the R20. Borrowing heavily from the previous R9, the R10 is a very narrow and compact crossbow that measures only 33 inches fully assembled. It weighs a measly 6.8 pounds and has axle to axle width of only 6.5 inches cocked and 10.5 inches uncocked. It comes with a light weight cast polymer skeletonized stock, which features cutouts on the buttstock, limbs and riser that considerably reduce weight and improve balance. It does not feature a foot stirrup, which reduces its length and eliminates nose-heavy feel. The light weight plus the compact design makes it super-easy to handle and maneuver with in very tight spaces, small-quarter blinds and on treestands.

When it comes to performance, the bow provides rifle like performance with 99% accuracy up to 100 yards. The R10 comes in two color patterns, the rifle-like Gunmetal Grey and the Predator Camo and also features a soft, rubber textured comb that is optimized for perfect eye alignment. It utilizes the state of the art Helicoil technology that rotate the cams up to 340 degrees giving the bow the power to unleash a 400 grain bolt to the ground-breaking 400fps speed and 142 foot pounds of power, despite having a shorter power stroke of only 11 inches. The exclusive Frictionless Flight System utilized keeps the arrow suspended above the flight rail eliminating bolt-track friction allowing for constant trajectory and improved downrange accuracy of the bolt.

The R10 features the Trac-Trigger Firing System (TTFS) that comes with a smooth 2.9 pound trigger break with less creep and overtravel. In addition, the trigger system comes with the auto-safety and the anti-dry fire features that prevent dry firing before the bolt is properly loaded. The TTFS further doubles as a cocking and decocking device. Integrated with the Trac-Trigger Firing is the ambidextrous Versa-Draw cocking system that reduces the draw force to just 12 pounds making it one of the lightest cocking systems available. Also, this bow includes safety wings above the foregrip that prevent the hand from sliding into the flight path during action. The finger grooves and hard texturing on both sides of the foregrip reduce slips and allow for firm grip even with gloves.

The R10 comes with the following accessories: six 400 grain premium arrows and nocks, six 100 grain practice field points, a 3-arrow quiver, a mounting bracket, built-in sling mounts and a removable cocking handle. The built-in scope for this bow is the Ravin 100 Yard Illuminated Scope that boasts of fully multi-coated 1.5 to 5 power optics plus speed and arrow drop compensation settings for xbows that shoot between 300fps and 425fps. The bow comes pre-assembled and pre-tuned from the manufacturer and can be shot right out of the box.

>>Buy It Here<<

Are Ravin Crossbows Worth The Money?

So after reviewing Ravin Crossbows and testing some of their best models do I think Ravin crossbows are worth the money? The bottom line is – Absolutely yes I do! When you shoot the bows from Ravin you know a lot of experience has gone into their design and production. They really are dependable crossbows that won’t let you down on a hunt, so if you have the bucks – get one, people will be jealous.

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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

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