Ravin introduced the R29X back in 2020 as a high end hunting crossbow, competing with the TenPoint Vapor RS470.
The R29X features HeliCoil technology that allows this crossbow to shoot bolts at an eye-watering 450 FPS without making a sound.
The silent cocking system is a hunters dream, allowing the shooter to stay concealed and silent whilst preparing for follow up shots.
Today, we're going to take an in-depth look at this crossbow in our Ravin R29X review to give our readers an honest, unbiased look at this crossbow.
Let's get into it...
Specification
- Arrow/bolt Speed: 450 FPS
- Weight: 6.75 lbs.
- Length: 29”
- Width Axle to Axle 6” Cocked
- Width Axle to Axle 10.5” Un-cocked
- Power-Stroke: 12.5”
- Kinetic Energy: 180
- Draw Weight: 12 lbs.
- HeliCoil Technology
- Silent Cocking System
- Fully-Assembled/Pre-Tuned
- 6 – Ravin .003 Arrows & Field Tips (400 Grains Total)
- 1 – Removable Draw Handle
- 1 – Quiver/Mounting Bracket
- 100 Yard Illuminated Scope
- Built-In Cocking Mechanism
- Anti-Dry Fire/Auto Safety
- Built-in Sling Mounts
Design
Ravin is notorious for its superbly designed crossbows, and the R29X is no different.
It incredibly compact both in length and width. From the front of the crossbow to the butt is just 29", and it's extremely narrow both when cocked and uncocked.
When cocked the R29X is just 6" wide, and uncocked 10.5" wide, making this crossbow one of the most powerful, compact options on the market.
With a weight of only 6.75 pounds, the R29X is also on the light side for such a high-end crossbow.
It's made from strong, durable and lightweight PolyOne materials that give this crossbow a premium feel when in your hands.
Performance
The Ravin R29X has some seriously impressive performance metrics, from 450 FPS to a 12.5-inch power stroke.
The R29X features Ravin's HeliCoil cam technology, Frictionless Flight System, as well as a Trac-Trigger Firing System and much more.
This crossbow is capable of launching 400-grain bolts down range at eye-watering speeds.
With this amount of power coupled with a completely silent cocking system, you've got a crossbow that is perfectly designed for hunting.
One of the key features of this crossbow is the HeliCoil cam technology, which gets its name from two helical cable grooves that sit on each side of the cams.
These work by changing the plane and position of the cables which prevents overlap and allows for over-rotation reaching nearly 340 degrees, paving the way for 450 FPS.
The coiling action also keeps the cams level during the draw and shot cycles which greatly increases accuracy whilst shooting the R29X.
When it comes to shooting the R29X, its one of the most accurate crossbows we've ever reviewed.
Shooting at 60 - 100 yards is incredibly accurate, and thanks to its lightweight design it is highly manoeuvrable too.
It so light that it feels like you could pull this crossbow out and shoot it about as fast as you could pull out your phone.
The trigger is crisp and has a short pull distance, with only a 6-ounce pull weight.
Hunters will have a significant advantage when using the R29X due to its ability to remain accurate at long distances.
Box blind hunters and spot-and-stalk hunters will quickly fall in love with using this crossbow.
Cocking
As the R29X is designed for hunting, its important that it is able to be cocked with as little noise as possible.
You'll be glad to know that this process on the R29X completely silent, meaning that when you're in the field there is a very little chance of disturbing your target.
That said, due to the power of the crossbow it's impossible to cock this by hand, so you'll need to allow yourself a little time and use a cocking string for follow up shots.
Optics
The R29X includes the Ravin 100-yard illuminated 550 scope which works perfectly with this crossbow.
It is easy to attach and takes minutes to attach to the R29X. The scope has 30 - 100 yard reticles which makes sighting in this scope easy.
Some of the scopes features are that it is shock and recoil proof, has fully coated lenses as well as red and green illuminations for shooting in low light situations.
The Ravin R29X does have a sniper package option which comes with an upgrade scope.
This does cost more than the regular package but if you're looking to shoot at long distances then we would highly recommend the sniper package.
Pros & Cons
The Ravin R29X is undoubtedly one of the best crossbows on the market right now.
However, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you make a decision.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Ridiculously powerful
- Perfect for hunters
- HeliCoil tech
- Silent cocking
- Sniper package option
- Durable
Cons
- Price
- Unable to stop cocking once started
Conclusion
So what's out final verdict on the Ravin R29X?
Whilst the R29X is certainly not for those looking for a budget crossbow, the value for money here is exceptional.
Ravin are at the top of the crossbow game and crossbows they have released over the last few years have been top draw.
If you're looking for a powerful yet compact hunting crossbow that is perfect for shooting at long range distances then the R29X is for you.
It has a super lightweight but also durable design that is sure to last for years if looked after correctly.
One downside that Ravin customers have been screaming for is a way to safely let go of the cocking handle while mid-draw, but sadly Ravin has not delivered on this.
The dead silent cocking system on the R29X is awesome, but its often not necessary for those that are not using this crossbow for hunting.
We believe that Ravin could have benefited more by offering a safer way to cock this crossbow instead of offering this cocking feature.
Nevertheless, the R29X delivers on power, durability and aesthetic, but expect to put a hole in your wallet if you choose this crossbow.
As a whole, we love the Ravin R29X and can see why this would be the perfect option for hunters.
If you do believe this could be the crossbow for you, check out our product pages below for both the regular and sniper packages where you can check the most accurate pricing for both.
- Ravin R29X Crossbow Regular Package
- Ravin R29X Crossbow Sniper Package
Additional Files
👉 Ravin Multi-Press Manual 1.5 .PDF
