The author surveyed 150 archery pro shops across the country. Here’s an inside look at the average number of compound and crossbow lines — and most popular ones — carried by them today.

The Barnett Recruit XP represents an exceptional value in a crossbow that is incredibly easy to use while delivering deadly downrange performance.

After running the Excalibur Wolverine through its paces, the author believes it is the perfect tribute to the company’s 40 years in the recurve crossbow business.

During brutally cold conditions in northern Wisconsin, the ultra-reliable Excalibur Assassin Extreme recurve crossbow proves to be fast, accurate and comfortable to shoot.

Crossbows provide the impetus for increased recruitment and retention among modern bowhunters and play an expanding role in deer management.

The author learns that you don’t want to shoot too many bolts in a group with the Killer Instinct SWAT X1 because you’ll probably wreck them. It’s that accurate.

The author finally finds a variable-power crossbow scope that is accurate, bright and an excellent value.

The compact TenPoint Flatline 460 crossbow shoots shorter-than-standard arrows — 16 inches — at 460 fps.

The Gold Tip Superfly Pro crossbow bolt delivers durability and reliable straightness retention and is available in 20- and 22-inch lengths.

Top-end crossbows can tap a new revenue stream without going full-tilt into the archery business.