I’m shocked when I look back at the flagship crossbows of one decade ago. Limbs were extremely parallel when compared to models from a decade before that. In 2015, the overall cocked width of the tightest high-end crossbow models from a reputable manufacturer, for example, measured 13.3 inches. At the time, that was inconceivably compact.  

Then, along came Ravin. Its very first model, the R9, had an uncocked axle-to-axle width of 10.5 inches and a jaw-dropping cocked axle-to-axle width of only 6 inches. Something so small couldn’t possibly be powerful, right? Well, the R9 emerged defiantly in that regard, producing a 390-fps velocity, which was comparable to or slightly faster than most competing crossbows. Accuracy? The R9 delivered in spades.

Ultra-tight compactness, stunning velocity, and mind-blowing accuracy are attributes that Ravin’s latest crossbow models are nailing better than ever. Recently, I tested the R29X, which has the same 6-inch cocked width as the original R9, but punishes at 450 fps. Interestingly, the R29X was launched in 2020, but it’s still the crossbow everyone is talking about. In fact, it claimed the 2024 Outdoor Life Editor’s Choice Best Overall Crossbow Award. For a 4-year-old crossbow, that says something, but getting it in my hands was the real wow factor.

Test Crossbow Specs

• Make/Model: Ravin R29X XK7
• Finish: King’s XK7 camo
• Mass Weight: 6.75 pounds (without accessories)   
• Overall Width: 10.5 inches (uncocked); 6 inches (cocked)
• Overall Length: 29 inches
• Draw Effort: 12 pounds
• Power Stroke: 12.5 inches
• Bolt Length and Weight: 20 inches; 400 grains
• Manufacturer Listed Velocity: 450 fps (measured with Ravin .003 arrow (400 grains)
• Test Velocity: 458 fps (400-grain bolt; found with Caldwell Ballistic Precision chronograph)
• Manufacturer Listed Trigger Pull: 3 pounds
• Cocking Device: Versa-Draw Cocking System
• Scope: Ravin 550FPS Scope w/Speed Lock
• MSRP: $2,549.99
• Contact: ravincrossbows.com 

Compact and Tactical

Some crossbows I’ve tested require some assembly, so I gave little thought to the size of the box that the R29X arrived in. When I opened it, I realized that the only assembly would entail mounting the scope and quiver. The limbs and stock were preassembled. The fact that it fit in such a small box floored me. Also in the box were a scope, three bolts, three practice points, and a quiver.

While gawking, I handled the crossbow for a few moments prior to mounting the scope. It shoulders so easily and fits so comfortably. That’s due in part to a 29-inch overall length, but also its mere 6.75-pound mass weight. Not only is it feathery light, but it balances impeccably, too. The light weight and balance are products of the crossbow’s tactical, skeletonized stock design. 

When I think of deer hunting with a crossbow, I imagine wintry, late-season conditions complete with subzero temperatures. Of course, combating the cold entails layering with lots of warm apparel. Even with the industry’s finest apparel, a hunter sacrifices mobility and dexterity, which makes a compact crossbow such as the R29X ideal. Nothing would frustrate like a crossbow that’s too long and cumbersome when dressed for cold-weather hunting, but that isn’t a concern here. 

The R29X makes a great fit for a wide range of statures, though youth and women could find even more compactness in the R26 or R18. Even so, if a family were to buy one crossbow for everyone to share, the R29X is versatile enough for everyone to experience comfort and achieve pinpoint accuracy.

Blistering Velocity 

Ravin rates the R29X at 450 fps. It is the first crossbow I’ve tested that over-delivers. Someone with the initials “ER” wrote 458 fps on the attached inspection card. Inquisitively, I set up my Caldwell chronograph and ran a bolt through it. It read 458 fps. Ravin publishes conservative velocities, and I have a lot of respect for that. Some crossbows I’ve tested have not lived up to their ratings, but the R29X certainly does, and then some. 

While I always recommend choosing shot angles wisely while hunting, a walloping 186.36 foot-pounds of kinetic energy means that you can practically count on pass-through shots on deer and even larger game such as elk and moose. I usually get pass-through results with my compound bow, which produces less than half of the R29X’s kinetic energy. Shot placement is irreplaceable, but when accuracy is padded with unrelenting power, it makes for a freakishly lethal rig. That’s the R29X in a nutshell.  

Range Reflections

Ravin offers the R29X XK7 in a standard package and a Sniper package. The Sniper package includes a scope with a single crosshair rigged with a turret designed for dialing to exact yardages — ideal for technical hunters. I tested the standard package, which has a Ravin 550 Scope with Speed Lock (match the magnification dial to the arrow velocity and lock it down so it cannot move). Once set, you’ll have accurate hold points from 30 to 100 yards.

While testing, I shot the R29X from a Primos TriggerStick. It’s quite stable, but not nearly as stable as a shooting bench. I like to test with a hunting-realistic setup, and the TriggerStick fits the bill. I shot groups from a handful of different yardages ranging out to 100 yards. Once I dialed it in, I shot a 1.5-inch four-bolt group from 60 yards. From a bench, I imagine it would’ve been less than 1 inch. And at 100 yards, groups 2 inches in diameter while shooting from the TriggerStick aren’t out of the question in calm conditions with good, consistent shot execution. By the way, a nice and clean 3-pound trigger helps with that. 

One of the R29X’s greatest attributes is the Frictionless Flight System. The string and arrow travel independently of the rail, which tightens up accuracy by eliminating friction and prolongs string and cable life. I also like that Ravin crossbows must be fired with Ravin bolts. The bolts have a nock that clips onto the string rather than a half-moon or flat-end nock. Not only does it allow more consistent arrow departure and boost accuracy, but it also instills peace of mind when aiming the crossbow straight down while shooting from a treestand — even with gravity, the bolt won’t slide forward. 

A technology that Ravin launched on the R9, and still uses today, is revolutionary HeliCoil Technology. Helical cam grooves allow the cables to track and coil above and below where the axle passes through the cam as the cam rotates 340 degrees until drawn. This keeps the cams balanced from start to finish, resulting in truer arrow departure and a lightning-fast strike. It also utilizes the Trac-Trigger Firing System, which slides forward and clasps to the center of the bowstring for cocking to ensure consistent, straight nock travel during the draw and at the shot.

Cocking and de-cocking the R29X is a piece of cake that requires about 12 pounds of effort. The Versa-Draw Cocking System is fully integrated and incredibly streamlined, eliminating the hassle and headache of alternative cocking mediums. It operates silently, plus it is ambidextrous simply by attaching the crank handle to either side of the stock.

Before I tie a bow on this report, let me make several more points. The R29X features a long, integrated scope rail so any user can comfortably acquire a positive cheek weld and effortlessly gain a full objective view in the scope. There is also a Picatinny rail in front of the foregrip, which makes accessory attachments a snap.

The rubber foregrip gives the user hand traction and control. The stock and pistol grip also have a grippy texture of their own, which I really like. The rubber cheekpiece is ultra-comfortable and provides a good cheek weld as you acquire your target in the scope. 

So far, I’ve listed dozens of positive points, but there is one negative point I must address, and it’s something that my wife noted about a few different crossbow models when she was writing the crossbow reports. The R29X’s one downside is it is fairly loud. It actually hurts my ears a little bit. I’m sure some limb dampeners could tame that down. Again, other high-end crossbows have had the same issue, and it’s really not surprising given the amount of power they generate. Of course, wearing ear plugs would solve this issue.

Give Your Customers the Wow Factor

To close, I cannot believe how far crossbows have advanced in the last decade. That a crossbow as diminutive as the R29X could produce a blistering 458-fps velocity is mind-boggling. Also, true 100-yard accuracy was a pipe dream in the earlier 2000s, but now it is a reality. Important note: I am not advocating shooting at animals from 100 yards with any crossbow, and this is a topic you should certainly discuss with your customers.

The R29X epitomizes what an end-user should expect when they spend about $2,500 on a high-end crossbow. You can tell your customers all of these things, but put it in their hands to give them the real wow factor. It’s a crossbow that simply sells itself.

In-the-field photos by Becca McDougal