The pulling force of a crossbow (in pounds) directly determines its energy output, range, and penetration. Different pulling forces are suitable for differentiated purposes such as hunting target size, competitive needs, and defense scenarios. The following are the classifications and typical applications of common tension ranges:
Energy range: approximately 10-30 foot pounds (lower kinetic energy)
Typical use:
Children/Novice Training
Used for introductory archery teaching, such as youth competitive crossbows (such as Genesis Crossbow, adjustable to 20 pounds), with high safety and avoiding injuries.
Small prey/pest control
Shoot rabbits, squirrels and other animals weighing less than 5kg, or drive away harmful birds from the farm (such as using steel balls or lightweight crossbows).
Collect/Demo
Reproduce ancient light crossbows (such as the Han Dynasty's Bo Zhang crossbow) for exhibition or historical scene restoration, only for ornamental test firing.
Limitations: Unable to penetrate the fur of medium to large animals, with a range typically less than 20 meters, not suitable for actual hunting.
2、 Medium low tension crossbow (50-100 pounds)
Energy range: 30-80 foot pounds
Typical use:
Small and medium-sized hunting
Target: Deer (weight<100kg), wild boar (cubs), coyotes, etc., need to be equipped with wide headed arrows to aim at vital points (heart/lungs).
Representative model: Barnett Whitetail Hunter (with a pull of 80 pounds and a range of about 40 meters, suitable for close range ambush in forests).
Competitive shooting range (novice/amateur group)
Suitable for fixed target shooting within 30 meters, with low strength requirements, such as in crossbow competitions (some events limit tension to ≤ 80 pounds).
Outdoor defense (close range)
To deal with threats such as wild dogs and foxes, rubber bullets can be used for non lethal driving (note: limited effect on large predators).
Features: Good portability (usually weighing less than 6 pounds), suitable for hiking or backpackers, but it should be noted that the arrow speed is low (about 200-250 feet/second), and the accuracy decreases significantly at long distances.
3、 Medium to high tensile crossbow (100-150 pounds)
Energy range: 80-150 foot pounds
Typical use:
Large scale hunting
Target: Adult deer (100-200kg), black bear (caution must be taken to ensure penetration), wild goat, etc., equipped with hunting arrows of 125 grains or more, can penetrate the scapula.
Representative model: TenPoint Viper S440 (with a pulling force of 125 pounds, arrow speed of 440 feet per second, and a range of up to 60 meters).
Professional Competition (Open Group)
Used for long-distance target races (such as 50 meters, 80 meters), high-precision sights (such as fiber optic sights) are required to test the stability of the shooter.
Law Enforcement/Rescue Assistance
Non lethal scenario: firing tear gas or ropes (such as the Coast Guard's throwing crossbow), with a pulling force of 150 pounds, capable of projecting ropes over 80 meters.
Features: Significant increase in kinetic energy, requiring the use of shock absorbers (such as rubber grips) to reduce recoil. Some models require the use of winches for winding, increasing operational complexity.
4、 High tensile crossbow (>150 pounds)
Energy range: over 150 foot pounds (some up to 400 foot pounds)
Typical use:
Hunting of large/dangerous animals
Target: Animals weighing over 300kg such as elk, bison, and African antelope, or dangerous prey such as wild boar kings and brown bears, must use heavy arrows (such as 200 grain or more) to ensure a fatal blow.
Representative model: Ravin R500 (pulling force 185 pounds, arrow speed 500 feet per second, kinetic energy up to 180 foot pounds, suitable for long-range shooting in open areas).
Military/Special Purpose
Historical scene: medieval castle defense crossbow (such as the replica of the English long crossbow, with a pulling force greater than 200 pounds and the ability to penetrate chain armor);
Modern special scenarios: rarely used in actual combat, more commonly seen in silent obstacle breaking (launching projectiles) during anti-terrorism exercises.
Extreme Sports Challenge
Professional shooters used in ultra long distance target races (such as over 100 meters) need to be equipped with ballistic computers to calculate parabolic compensation.