Discover the ultimate showdown between the Ravin R26 and R26X crossbows. Uncover the critical distinctions in speed, performance, and suitability for various hunting scenarios. Make an informed choice for your next hunting adventure.

For Tight Spaces, Maneuverability, and Portability

  • Choose Ravin R26.
  • Ideal for hunting in cramped areas.
  • Easy to move and carry.

For Higher Speed and Long-Range Accuracy:

  • Opt for Ravin R26X.
  • Offers greater speed.
  • Improved accuracy for long-distance shots.

Ravin R26

The Ravin R26 is a compact and lightweight crossbow known for its accuracy and speed. 

It is considered one of the best crossbows for hunting and is highly regarded by outdoor enthusiasts. 

The R26 features a Fully-Integrated Silent Cocking system, which ensures a quiet draw every time. It also has a precise arrow delivery mechanism and level cams, allowing for consistent and accurate shots. 

The trigger on the Ravin R26 has a pulling force of slightly over 2 pounds and provides a steady and clean release. Despite its compact size, the R26 is powerful and delivers bolts at high speeds. It is recommended to replace the strings and cables regularly for optimal performance. 

Additionally, the Ravin R26 is designed to be easy to handle and does not necessarily require a sling for most situations. It is important to note that waxing the bowstring or serving during cold weather is not recommended by the manufacturer, as it can lead to trigger malfunctions. 

Overall, the Ravin R26 is a highly capable crossbow suitable for hunting and other outdoor activities.

Ravin R26 Specs

  • Speed: 400 FPS (feet per second)
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs.
  • Length: 26 inches
  • Width (Cocked): 5.75 inches
  • Width (Uncocked): 9.25 inches
  • Power Stroke: 9.5 inches
  • Kinetic Energy: 142 ft-lbs. (foot-pounds)
  • Draw Effort: 12 lbs. (pounds)
  • Draw Weight: 340 lbs. (pounds)

Ravin R26 Features

Here are some additional features of the Ravin R26 crossbow:

Compact and lightweight design: 

The Ravin R26 is one of the most compact and lightweight crossbows on the market, weighing only 6.5 pounds and measuring 26 inches in length.

High speed and accuracy: 

The R26 is capable of shooting arrows at speeds up to 400 feet per second, making it a powerful and accurate crossbow.

Frictionless flight system: 

The Ravin R26 features a frictionless flight system that ensures the arrow does not make contact with the rail, resulting in higher speeds and improved accuracy.

HeliCoil technology: 

This technology used in the R26 helps keep the cams level through the shooting cycle, resulting in consistent arrow delivery and improved accuracy.

Versa-Draw cocking system: 

The R26 comes with a Versa-Draw cocking system that is safe and easy to use, making it suitable for shooters of all skill levels.

Trac-Trigger firing system: 

The Trac-Trigger firing system on the R26 provides a smooth and clean trigger pull, enhancing accuracy and shot consistency.

Ergonomic grip: 

The Ravin R26 features an ergonomic grip that provides comfort and stability while aiming and shooting.

Illuminated scope: 

The R26 package includes a premium 100-yard illuminated scope from Ravin, which helps improve accuracy in various lighting conditions.

Predator Dusk Camo: 

The R26 is available in a Predator Dusk Camo finish, which provides camouflage for hunting situations.

Uses of Ravin R26:

The Ravin R26 is a compact and lightweight crossbow that excels in specific situations:

  • Hunting in Tight Spaces: Its compact design with a 5.75-inch axle-to-axle width and 26-inch overall length makes it ideal for hunting in tight spaces like dense forests or tree stands.
  • Maneuverability: The R26 is incredibly maneuverable, allowing for quick and easy aiming and shooting in confined areas.
  • Portability: Weighing around 6.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry for extended hunting trips.
  • Speed: While still fast at 400 fps, it’s not the absolute fastest, but it offers sufficient speed for most hunting scenarios.

Best Purpose for R26: 

The Ravin R26 is best for hunters who frequently find themselves in compact or enclosed hunting locations where maneuverability and a compact size are crucial. It’s also a great choice for hunters who prefer a lightweight and easy-to-carry crossbow.

Pros of Ravin R26:

  • High speed: The Ravin R26 shoots arrows at speeds up to 400 feet per second, making it a powerful and fast crossbow.
  • Compact and lightweight: The R26 is one of the most compact and lightweight crossbows on the market, measuring 26 inches in length and weighing only 6.5 pounds.
  • Versa-Draw cocking system: The R26 features a Versa-Draw cocking system, which provides a safe and easy cocking experience.
  • Ergonomic grip: The crossbow is designed with an ergonomic grip, offering comfort and stability while shooting.
  • Ready-to-hunt package: The R26 comes with a 100-yard illuminated scope, a 3-arrow quiver and quiver bracket, a 6-pack of arrows with field points, an accessories bracket, and an instruction manual, providing a complete package for hunting.

Cons of Ravin R26:

  • Price: The Ravin R26 is considered to be on the higher end of the price range for crossbows.
  • No included case: Some users have mentioned that they expected a case to be included with the purchase of the R26.
  • Separate purchase for scope leveling: It is mentioned that a scope-level needs to be purchased separately.

It’s important to note that these pros and cons are based on the opinions and experiences of users and may vary depending on individual preferences and needs. 

Ravin R26X

The Ravin R26X is an upgraded version of the popular R26 crossbow. 

Ravin R26x Specs

Here are the specifications of the Ravin R26X crossbow:

  • Speed: 400 feet per second (fps)
  • Kinetic Energy : 142 ft-lbs
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs
  • Length: 26 inches
  • Width (Cocked): 5.75 inches axle-to-axle
  • Width (Uncocked): 9.25 inches axle-to-axle
  • Power Stroke: 9.5 inches
  • Powered by: Helicoil Technology
  • Draw Force: 12 lbs
  • Out-of-Box: Fully assembled and pre-tuned
  • SKU: R027

Ravin R26x Features

Here are some features of the Ravin R26X crossbow:

  • Fully-Integrated Silent Cocking: The R26X features a fully-integrated silent cocking system that allows for a completely quiet draw every time.
  • Speed and Power: The R26X shoots arrows at a blazing speed of 400 feet per second (fps), delivering powerful and accurate shots.
  • Compact Design: The R26X maintains the compact design of the R26, measuring just 26 inches in length.
  • Helicoil Technology: The crossbow is powered by Ravin’s Helicoil Technology, which involves coiling the cables away from the top and bottom of the cams in helical grooves . This design keeps the cams perfectly balanced and allows them to rotate 340 degrees, resulting in increased velocity and accuracy.
  • Lightweight: The R26X weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
  • Versa-Draw Cocking System: The R26X is equipped with a Versa-Draw cocking system, which provides a safe and easy cocking experience.
  • Included Accessories: The R26X crossbow package typically includes a 100-yard illuminated scope, a quiver with mounting bracket, and arrows.

Uses of Ravin R26X:

The Ravin R26X is an upgraded version of the R26 and offers some improvements:

  • Speed: It boasts an impressive speed of up to 450 fps, making it one of the fastest crossbows available.
  • Axle-to-Axle Width and Length: Like the R26, it maintains the same compact dimensions, with a 5.75-inch axle-to-axle width and 26-inch length.
  • Enhanced Performance: The increased speed provides better downrange accuracy and a flatter trajectory, which can be advantageous for long-distance shots.

Best Purpose for R26X: 

The Ravin R26X is ideal for hunters who prioritize speed and accuracy over extreme compactness. 

It’s excellent for situations where you need to reach targets at greater distances or when you require the additional kinetic energy for larger game. It can be especially suitable for open-field hunting or when precision at long ranges is essential.

Pros of Ravin R26X

  • Compact and lightweight design, measuring just 26 inches in length.
  • High-speed performance, shooting arrows at 400 feet per second (fps).
  • Fully-integrated silent cocking system for a quiet draw.
  • Utilizes Ravin’s Helicoil Technology for improved accuracy and velocity.
  • Comes fully assembled and pre-tuned, ready for hunting.
  • Versa-Draw cocking system for safe and easy cocking.
  • Ergonomic grip for comfortable handling.
  • Included accessories such as a 100-yard illuminated scope, quiver, and arrows.

Cons of Ravin R26X

  • Higher price point compared to some other crossbows on the market.
  • Does not come with a case, which may need to be purchased separately.
  • Scope level may need to be purchased separately.

Ravin R26 vs Ravin 26X: Comparison

The Ravin R26X is an updated version of the R26, designed to provide enhanced performance and features. Here are some of the key differences:

  • Speed: The R26X is even faster, with a speed of up to 450 fps, making it one of the fastest crossbows in its class.
  • Weight: The R26X has a slightly increased weight compared to the R26, but it’s still relatively lightweight.
  • Enhanced Features: The R26X may come with additional features or improvements in terms of technology, scope options, or accessories. Be sure to check the specific package details for any upgrades.

In summary, the main difference between the Ravin R26 and R26X is the increased speed in the R26X, making it even more powerful. Both models share a compact design, which is ideal for maneuverability, but the R26X offers a bit more in terms of velocity. 

Ravin R26 vs R26X Which You Should Choose (And Why)

Conclusion

The main difference between the Ravin R26 and R26X crossbows is the addition of the Fully-Integrated Silent Cocking feature in the R26X. 

The R26X takes the compact R26 platform and incorporates this feature, providing a whisper-quiet draw. This enhancement is designed to improve stealth and reduce noise in the field, making it ideal for hunters who require a silent draw.

Other differences between the two models may include performance enhancements, such as increased speed, accuracy, and kinetic energy in the R26X