This setup is designed to help you choose the right gear quickly.
This setup includes the essential gear you need and why each item matters.
When to use it, where it works best, and other context from the author.
As my state legalized crossbow hunting in 2025 I decided to take the leap in and buy a budget setup and didn't want to spend lots. This is just my crossbow, arrows and broadhead's i used personally. I was able to successfully bag 2 bucks. 1 at 20 yards and other 45-50 yards. During sighting in at 20 yards I robin hooded an arrow(Bolt). I used the 3 bolts that came with bow to sight in with then I used the other set to hunt with.
Estimated Setup Cost: $320.56
Recommended Gear
Required gear is core to the setup; optional items are nice-to-haves. Each row explains why it is included. Use View Options on Amazon without a link, or View Price on Amazon when a product URL is set.
Why this item
I sued this killer Instinct because buddy loved his. Before this one I bought another one about same price. Dont remember cost but limb broke about 5th shot. So went with this one.
Price $259.99
Browse options that match this setup
Why this item
I used these bolts. However I did not use the broadheads as there weight was not consistent. I didnt even attempt to shoot them so I don't know how they would work. For the cost of the other mechanical style I suggested I wouldn't bother with these. Just use the bolts.
Price $36.99
Browse options that match this setup
Why this item
Did great at opening up a hole on entry and exit. The first deer was shot from ground level straight threw the chest between shoulders and went down 1 side of the rib cage and sliced almost the whole length of rib cage open. No broadhead recovered after the kill was reusable. But for this price I was very surprised. Little over $1 each.
Price $16.99
Browse options that match this setup
Why this item
I kept the 1 spare bolt from the Crossbow kit in my vehicle with one of these tips on it. At the end of every hunt. I got back to vehicle switch bolt out and shot this into the dirt. The bolt finally broke on 2nd to last hunt. But these worked and kept working. Will be using next year. Optional but don't recommend shooting regular tips into the dirt or leaving bow cocked over periods of time not while actively hunting.
Price $6.59
Browse options that match this setup
Start with the required gear, then add optional items as needed.