Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow Review – Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
Looking for a compact crossbow that’s easy to carry and accurate out to about 25–40 yards?
The Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow aims to deliver mid-power performance, simple operation, and lightweight handling for backyard plinking and short-range target work.
Having put this model through some field use and compared it with similar compact rigs, I’ll break down who benefits most, its real-world strengths, and where it shines. Make sure to read the entire review as you’ll want to know if the barnett xp 370 is the right fit for your setup—keep reading.
Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow
Versatile, compact hunting crossbow delivering high-velocity shots with a durable composite frame and smooth trigger pull. Ideal for field use—balanced handling, quick cocking, and dependable accuracy for hunters and target shooters.
Check PriceThe Numbers You Need
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Recurve pistol-style crossbow |
| Draw Weight | 80–90 lb (approx.) |
| Power | Moderate — mid-range kinetic energy (suitable for target practice) |
| Velocity | ~160–220 fps |
| Effective Range | Approx. 25–40 yd (accurate with bolts) |
| Stock Material | Lightweight synthetic polymer |
| Overall Length | Approx. 24–28 in (compact) |
| Weight | Approx. 4–6 lb |
| Cocking Mechanism | Manual grab-and-pull / rope cocking (single-action) |
| Safety | Manual safety catch (integrated in receiver/stock) |
| Sight System | Open sights (fiber front/rear notch) with short Picatinny/top rail on some variants |
| Limb Material | Composite fiberglass limbs |
| Included Rail/Accessory Mounting | Short rail segment for small red dot or accessories on some versions |
| Bolt/Arrow Length | Uses short crossbow bolts ≈12–16 in (compact bolts) |
| Maintenance / Lifespan Notes | Requires regular string waxing and inspection; replacement strings available from Barnett/aftermarket |
How It’s Built
In my testing the Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow felt like a compact, no-nonsense pistol crossbow. Its recurve-style layout and small footprint make it easy to stash and sling. That lightness translates to fast handling in tight backyard setups.
The stock is a lightweight synthetic polymer and the limbs are composite fiberglass. It feels light yet solid when you shoulder it. I really liked how effortless it was to carry during long plinking sessions.
It comes with simple open sights—fiber front and rear notch—for quick alignment. There’s a short Picatinny rail for a small red dot if you want one. One thing that could be better is the limited rail space and basic sight options out of the box.
Controls are straightforward with a manual safety built into the receiver for peace of mind. Fit and finish are modest but clean, with no rough edges or loose bits in my sample. For beginners that means a tame learning curve and fewer surprises on the range.
Maintenance is simple: routine string waxing and quick inspections kept mine reliable over time. Replacement strings and parts are easy to find so upkeep won’t slow you down. All together the build is practical and user-friendly, perfect for casual target work and new shooters.
In Your Hands
On the firing line the Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow feels deliberately tame in the best way—enough oomph to flatten trajectories for backyard target work without the snap and spit of higher‑powered hunting rigs. Its recurve-style platform delivers a smooth, predictable shot impulse that helps beginners learn follow-through and keeps groups honest for casual sessions. Matched with short crossbow bolts, the overall performance is steady and confidence-inspiring rather than intimidating.
Where it shines in real life is at short-to-mid ranges; think mid‑20s out to around forty yards for reliable accuracy and repeatable groupings. That band covers most backyard plinking, informal target practice, and quick skill drills where portability and ease of use matter more than long-distance punch. The open sights are fast to pick up, and the short top rail accepts a small red dot to speed target acquisition when desired.
The lightweight build and compact footprint noticeably reduce shooter fatigue during extended use, making it easy to cycle through rounds and keep focus on form. Mounting, shouldering, and follow-through feel balanced, and the shot impulse stays tame enough to discourage flinching. Routine string care and sensible bolt selection go a long way toward keeping that real-world consistency session after session.
The Good and Bad
- Compact and lightweight (approx. 24–28 in; 4–6 lb) for easy handling
- Simple manual cocking system with optional rope-aid use
- Integrated open sights with a short rail on some variants for small optics
- Composite fiberglass limbs and synthetic stock for durability
- Moderate power and velocity (~160–220 fps) compared with larger hunting crossbows
- Manual cocking at ~80–90 lb can challenge some users without a rope aid
Ideal Buyer
The barnett xp 370 is ideal for casual shooters who want a compact, no-frills crossbow for backyard plinking and short-range skill building. Its light weight and straightforward controls make it easy to learn and carry to the range or yard. Beginners will appreciate the forgiving, mid-power performance that doesn’t overwhelm new hands.
Gear heads who prize portability will love the small footprint and polymer build that slips into packs and trunks without fuss. The simple open sights and optional top rail let you keep things basic or add a small red dot for faster target acquisition. For quick sessions at 25–40 yards it delivers predictable, repeatable shots when paired with proper short bolts.
This isn’t the crossbow for long-range hunters or anyone who needs high downrange energy or extreme speed. Power and range top out in the mid-tier, so it won’t replace a full-size hunting rig for ethical game shots. Likewise, shooters needing extensive accessory space or heavy customization may feel constrained by the short rail and compact chassis.
Choose the XP370 if you want a lightweight, simple platform that encourages practice without complexity or cost. If you plan to do club competitions, long-range plinking, or heavy-field use, look at higher-powered alternatives instead. For weekend backyard shooters and new shooters alike, this crossbow is an easy, confidence-building choice.
Better Alternatives?
We’ve already gone over the Barnett XP 370 and how it performs as a compact, easy-to-use crossbow for close-range shooting. If you like the basic idea but want something different — either a small upgrade, a simpler beginner rig, or a full-on hunting setup — there are a few solid alternatives worth looking at.
Below I’ll run through three options I’ve used in real skirmishes and range sessions, saying honestly how each one does better or worse than the Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow and who would prefer each choice.
Alternative 1:
Centerpoint Sniper 370 Crossbow String
Premium replacement string engineered for consistent tension and reduced friction, extending limb life and preserving shot accuracy. Treated for weather resistance and long-term durability, it installs easily for reliable performance in the field.
Check PriceI’ve swapped stock strings for the Centerpoint Sniper 370 Crossbow String on several compact bows, and compared to the stock cord on the Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow it gives noticeably more consistent tension shot to shot. In play, that translated to tighter groups at the 25–40 yard range and fewer surprises when the string was wet or dusty.
What it doesn’t do is turn your XP370 into a different bow — it won’t add real range or power. If your issue with the Explorer XP370 is lack of downrange energy or wanting a heavier bow, a string swap alone won’t fix that. Also, installation and break-in take a little time; expect a session or two of re-checking nocks and wax.
This is the choice for players who already own a Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow and want reliability and longer service life from the parts they use. If you value consistency in the field and hate re-tuning after a wet game, this string is a simple, practical upgrade.
Alternative 2:
Barnett Recruit XP Crossbow
Lightweight, user-friendly crossbow package tailored for beginners: straightforward assembly, safe ambidextrous design, and consistent accuracy. Perfect for backyard plinking or introducing new shooters and younger hunters to archery sports.
Check PriceThe Barnett Recruit XP is simpler and lighter than the Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow, and you feel that on the field. I found it easier to shoulder, quicker to bring on target in close-quarters drills, and less tiring over a long day of casual shooting. That makes it great for new players and light, fast play.
Where it loses to the Explorer XP370 is raw punch and reach. The Recruit doesn’t hold up as well at the far edge of the XP370’s useful range — grouping opens up sooner and it doesn’t carry the same impact on heavier targets. If your games need a little extra downrange performance, the Recruit will feel a bit soft.
Pick the Recruit if you’re buying for a beginner, a younger player, or someone who wants an easy, low-stress crossbow for backyard practice and quick skirmishes. It’s forgiving to use and comfortable, but don’t expect the same range or stopping power as the Explorer XP370.
Alternative 3:
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
Purpose-built hunting rig featuring a quiet limb design and ergonomic stock for comfortable carry. Offers controlled recoil, improved stability, and precise shot placement—reliable performance in dense cover and competitive hunting seasons.
Check PriceThe Whitetail Hunter II is a step up in bite compared to the Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow. In the field I noticed better downrange energy and a steadier feel for single, precise shots — it’s designed for making clean hits at longer distances, and that shows in how it performs on tougher targets.
That extra performance comes with trade-offs. The Whitetail is heavier and bulkier, and it’s not as quick to get on target in tight, fast-paced scenarios. Cocking and carrying for long games is more tiring, and you’ll want a crank or rope aid to keep shots consistent. It’s a better hunting tool than a quick-play backyard toy.
If you want more range, more stopping power, and a quieter limb tune for sneaking shots in cover, the Whitetail Hunter II is the right pick. Hunters or players who favor deliberate, longer-range shots over nimble close-quarters play will like it more than the Explorer XP370.
What People Ask Most
How fast is the Barnett XP 370?
It’s rated at about 370 feet per second, which is plenty of speed for hunting and target shooting.
What is the draw weight of the Barnett XP 370?
The draw weight is roughly 175–185 pounds depending on setup, which is typical for a hunting crossbow.
Is the Barnett XP 370 good for hunting?
Yes — it has enough power and accuracy for medium game when you use proper bolts and broadheads and stay within its effective range.
Does the Barnett XP 370 come with a scope and arrows/bolts?
Most retail packages include a basic scope and a few bolts, but bundle contents can vary so check the seller’s listing before buying.
How accurate is the Barnett XP 370 and what is its effective range?
It’s accurate for typical hunting distances, with a practical effective range around 30–40 yards and usable accuracy out to about 50 yards in good hands.
Is the Barnett XP 370 easy to cock and use for beginners?
Cocking takes some strength, but the included rope cocking aid or an optional crank makes it easy for beginners to operate safely.
Conclusion
The Barnett XP 370 is a compact, lightweight recurve-style crossbow built for straightforward close-range target work around the 25–40 yard band. It’s made for backyard plinking, short-range practice, and quick skill-building where portability and simplicity matter.
Its biggest strengths are easy handling, a simple manual cocking system that pairs well with a rope aid, and usable open sights with a short rail for a small optic that facilitate quick follow-up shots. The polymer stock and composite limbs look and feel rugged enough for regular casual use, and maintenance is straightforward.
Trade-offs are obvious: this isn’t built for long-range shooting or heavy-duty hunting and it won’t replace a full-size, high-power rig. Accessory space and raw downrange energy are limited, and manual cocking can be fatiguing for some without a cocking aid. Accepting these limits means prioritizing portability and user-friendly handling over brute force.
My verdict: the Barnett XP 370 is a solid, no-nonsense choice for beginners and casual shooters who want a compact, reliable close-range shooter. For those buyers, barnett xp 370 delivers honest performance and straightforward value. Keep up simple maintenance like string waxing and routine inspections and you’ll preserve consistent accuracy and prolong the life of the platform.
Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow
Versatile, compact hunting crossbow delivering high-velocity shots with a durable composite frame and smooth trigger pull. Ideal for field use—balanced handling, quick cocking, and dependable accuracy for hunters and target shooters.
Check Price