We recently reached out to a handful of professionals who hunt — and write about hunting — for a living. Over the years, we’ve sent these writers the latest and greatest crossbows for tests and reviews … now we’re asking which Ravin crossbows are their favorites and why.

R29X

Selected as their favorite by both Will Brantley (writer & editor of Field & Stream Hunting Guide, Petersen’s Hunting, and Realtree) and Nancy Jo Adams (Owner of Life in Camo Media, Popular Mechanics Outdoor Gear Expert and writer for Field and Stream), the Ravin R29X got the highest marks for its near-perfect blend of speed, power, accuracy, and maneuverability.

Will calls the R29X’s cocking mechanism “nearly silent” and Nancy Jo appreciates how easy it is to use the R29X in a ladder stand — even one-handed! Carrying it around on long stalks, aiming for an extended time freehanded, cocking and uncocking all were accomplished without strain or struggle. Nancy Jo particularly recommends the R29X for women and smaller-framed hunters. 

For Will, it’s all about the accuracy. He calls it one of the most accurate bows he’s ever tested, praising the Ravin 100-yard illuminated scope that comes as part of the package. Will says, “Crossbow scopes have inherently busy reticles, so you need marks that are easy to read in low light and under pressure.”

Nancy Jo uses her R29X with a Ravin Soft Case and Arrow Case. “For getting from the lodge to my hunting area by UTV, I always keep my crossbow in the soft case,” she says, “Not only to protect it from being knocked around but also to keep excessive dust that the tires kick up off of the components of my crossbow.” The Soft Case provides extra storage in two long zippered pockets along the top and has handles and a backpack-style shoulder system. Having a secure place to store your crossbow is vital to the longevity and performance of your crossbow.