AllOutdoor First Look: Barnett Explorer Recruit XP Crossbow – Sub $300

Crossbows across the United States are reaching unprecedented popularity through hunting as well as recreational and target shooting sports. For those who might not be strong enough to pull back a compound bow (or a compound is simply too intimidating), crossbows are much more user-friendly and welcoming of all types of potential archers. For all of those reasons, we need to have ultra-affordable crossbow options on the market. Barnett Outdoors understands this and they have introduced their Explorer Recruit XP Crossbow that sells for less than $300!

Barnett Crossbows Coverage on AllOutdoor

Barnett Outdoors is known for making crossbows, compound bows, slings shots, and accessories from the most affordable models on the market up to some of the spendiest. If you want to dabble or get into archery, they likely have something for you. The Barnett Explorer Recruit XP crossbow falls into the affordable category with a suggested retail price of only $299 even with a factory installed TriggerTech trigger ($200 value). Amongst rifle shooters, TriggerTech triggers are regarded as some of the best on the market. So, to see one in a base model crossbow is one hell of a value.

Features – Barnett Explorer Recruit XP Crossbow

Rope-Hold™ Rope Cocking Device Groove Mechanism (Patent Pending)
TriggerTech 3 Lb Zero Creep Frictionless Release Technology ($200 Value)
Aluminum Flight Track
Pass-Through Foregrip
Soft-Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
Adjustable Butt Stock
Quick & Easy Assembly
Crank Cocking Device Compatible

Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
Includes:
- Two (2) 20″ Headhunter Arrows
- 1x30mm 3 Dot, 2 Color Illuminated Sight
- Lightweight Side-Mount Quiver
- Rope Cocking Device
- Lubrication Wax

Specifications – Barnett Explorer Recruit XP Crossbow

Model Number: BAR78184
Dimensions: 35.5″ x 19″
Weight: 6.0 Lb
Width Axle-to-Axle (cocked): 13.1″
Draw Weight: 125 Lb
Kinetic Energy: 92 Ft – Lb
Power Stroke: 13.6″
Speed (FPS – Feet per Second): 330
Color: Gray
MSRP: $299

Tarpon Springs, FL (October 31st, 2023) – Barnett® built its newest lightweight, compact crossbow for 2023. Women, young shooters, and new hunters were not forgotten during that process. The Recruit XP represents an exceptional value in a crossbow, offering a sub-$300 package that is incredibly easy to use while delivering deadly downrange performance. At a blazing 330 FPS, the Barnett Recruit XP has plenty of punch for anchoring big game. The Recruit XP’s one-bolt assembly is quick and effortless, and the crossbow includes the accessories needed for first-time hunters to head to the woods.
The Barnett Recruit XP is one of the easiest crossbows to use. A combination of size, weight, and ease of cocking makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking for their first crossbow. With a draw weight of only 125 lbs, reduced by half when cocking with the included rope cocking device, this bow is effortless to draw—possibly the easiest on the market—and perfect for young shooters. Still, the Recruit XP’s 330 FPS rating sends arrows with pinpoint accuracy at speeds rivaling top-of-the-line vertical bows.
Like all Barnett crossbows, safety was paramount to the Recruit XP design. An adjustable butt stock quickly customized fit for any sized hunter. Its Anti-Dry Fire trigger systems, Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer, and pass-through grip automatically keep less experienced shooters safer, especially in the excitement of the hunt.

The Recruit XP includes essential getting-started accessories like two 20-inch Headhunter arrows, an illuminated 3-dot sight, a lightweight side-mount quiver, and lubrication wax. An industry-leading TriggerTech trigger ($200 value) is a bonus on this entry-level crossbow. The zero-creep trigger ensures shot-to-shot consistency and improved accuracy.
The lighter draw weight aids in the longevity of the Recruit XP, making it a workhorse for countless shots. It’s the perfect crossbow for hunting, shooting, and training for all ages and abilities. Recruit new outdoorsmen to chase big game out in the woods, and equip them with the Barnett Recruit XP to get the journey started!

Barnett Outdoors did a nice job crafting this crossbow package because it gives the end user all of the essentials they need to get out in the field at the lowest price point possible. For some people, the barrier to entry into the crossbow world (and archery in general) is price. This package may not be for everyone because it is so affordable, but if it gets people to try a crossbow and get into archery, then it is well worth it. With a quiver, a TriggerTech trigger, a red dot, and a simple loading design, it has all of the makings for an easy-to-understand and deploy crossbow. As always, let us know all of your thoughts on Barnett Outdoors as well as the Explorer Recruit XP crossbow in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Adam Scepaniak