I purchased my STR in March 2024 and I’ve taken 2 deer the last 2 seasons with it. It hits in target every time. Small groupings out to 50 yards at the home range with the stock scope. In 2025 I did my first trip up north to Illinois with it and it performed as expected even in extreme cold and crawling through high grass fields in some spot-stalk. Nailed an old timer on day 5. I love the STR and look forward to my son using it eventually also.
Whitetail Hunter STR™
David Vilez Jr
First Iowa turkey 2026
Barnett Raptor Crossbow does it it again at 20 yards this big tom I called in from 300 yards out put the smack down on this Big Iowa Turkey 11 and half inch beard 1 and 1/8 spurs 20 plus pound bird early morning 2 week of the season
Hyper Raptor™
Matthew Dean
First Crossbow
I bought one this year to get out in the woods for bow season. Was able to harvest my biggest buck to date with this crossbow.
I bought my raptor in 2024 just before Christmas and have taken two deer with it so far. It is a nail driver! I love the speed and power. I have noticed the string and cables on the raptor model take a beating so I be plan to replace mine every year. I made my own press in about 30 minutes with some lumber and bolts. I changed out cables and string in 15 minutes the first time. I expect it will be much quicker the next time. The photo shows my bow in the press I made in case anyone wants to copy/improve it. Overall the Hyper Raptor has been a great bow for me so far and Barnett support has been easy to deal with via email and friendly.
I purchased my STR in March 2024 and I’ve taken 2 deer the last 2 seasons with it. It hits in target every time. Small groupings out to 50 yards at the home range with the stock scope. In 2025 I did my first trip up north to Illinois with it and it performed as expected even in extreme cold and crawling through high grass fields in some spot-stalk. Nailed an old timer on day 5. I love the STR and look forward to my son using it eventually also.
This thing is a beast. 2 inch groups at 50 yds. 20 and 30 yds the fetching touches. Actually ruined 2 bolts. Speed is incredible. With 125 grn field points my Hawke speed ring is saying 420. I don't own a chrono. Bout 50 shots there's no visible wear on strings and cables. Time will tell. As for now, I'm impressed. Price was super. Scope was fine. Very good actually. I'm a speed ring guy so I upgraded. Didn't need to. Simply impressed this far. Turning quickly into a barnett fan. Yeah I hesitated because of bad reviews. I got a centerpoint. The bad reviews blanketed the web. 3 yrs still running strong. Maybe user error. And I had some shipping issues. One call to customer service and all was addresses. Don't be afraid of these crossbow. Service em. Lube em and I'm confident they'll be fine. So far, I highly recommend
The cranking device works as described. I find it a little tedious to use, compared to other brands. The handle tends to fall off. Since its a sled style, I am constantly having to work the cords over the scope and back. It can only be used when the stock is fully forward. When target shooting several shots in a row, it begins to be frustrating. Probably when it comes time to hunt it will not be so bad.
Barnett Raptor Crossbow does it it again at 20 yards this big tom I called in from 300 yards out put the smack down on this Big Iowa Turkey 11 and half inch beard 1 and 1/8 spurs 20 plus pound bird early morning 2 week of the season
