What's Included in a Good Crossbow Package?

Before you go out and purchase your crossbow package, you need to make sure that it you know what items are good and which items is simply fluff. Many of the manufacturers have their own packages, and then you have the different pro shops and retailers that make their own packages. I will start with arrows because they usually have a set of arrows that come included. The arrows that come in your package should be carbon, aluminum, and sometimes fiberglass. Carbon arrows are a good choice because they are consistent and tolerant. Aluminum arrows are the more affordable option, but still offer good characteristics and fiberglass arrows are sold mainly with youth bows or bow fishing packages.

If you see a crossbow package with a scope then you should be wary. Scopes are a common addition to many crossbow packages. They are not necessarily poor quality, but there are many hunters that complain about them not being able to zero out. Zeroing out means that once you have set the scope on the mount, it will not move. Make sure to ask the company that you are buying from if the scope will zero out—and stay zeroed out. As with any other scope that you would buy, you want to make sure that the objective lens and magnification is where you need it to be. A good standard is a 4X32 Scope because it provides the right amount of magnification and light for hunting.

There are also other things that may be included in your crossbow package, but a lot of these are extras. Arrows and scopes have become a standard addition. You can find some packages that offer quivers, mounts, slings, cases, and cocking devices. With the exception of the coking device, I would compare the price of the accessories when they stand alone, and then compare it to the “deal” price. If the crossbow package comes with a cocking device, that is usually because the crossbow will need it, so I recommend getting it with the crossbow package.