The Ravin R500E Crossbow is a cutting-edge piece of hunting technology that pushes the boundaries of crossbow performance and innovation. This high-end crossbow combines blistering speed, pinpoint accuracy, and user-friendly features that set it apart from the competition.
Performance
At the heart of the R500E’s impressive performance is Ravin’s proprietary HexCoil Cam System. This innovative design allows the cams to rotate a full 360 degrees, resulting in an incredibly compact and powerful package[1]. The R500E fires arrows at a staggering 500 feet per second (FPS), with some tests even reporting speeds up to 512 FPS[5]. This translates to approximately 222 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, making it one of the fastest and most powerful crossbows in production[2].
Accuracy
The R500E’s accuracy is nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to Ravin’s Frictionless Flight System, which allows the arrow and string to float above the rail, the crossbow delivers consistent, pinpoint accuracy[1]. Shooters report being able to consistently group arrows within 1 1/8 inches at 60 yards, with even tighter groups possible from a stable rest[4].
Design and Features
Compact and Balanced: When cocked, the R500E measures just 3.6 inches axle-to-axle, expanding to only 7.6 inches when uncocked[5]. Despite its power, the crossbow remains well-balanced and manageable.
Electric Cocking System: The standout feature of the R500E is its Electric Drive System. With the push of a button, users can automatically cock or decock the crossbow, making it ideal for hunters with physical limitations or those who prefer effortless operation[1][5].
VersaDrive Cocking System: This internal screw drive system works in conjunction with the Trac Trigger Firing System, allowing for silent cocking and the ability to stop or resume the process at any time[1].
High-Quality Scope: The R500E comes equipped with a 100-yard illuminated scope calibrated for the crossbow’s 500 FPS speed, enabling accurate long-range shooting[1].
Drawbacks
While the R500E is undoubtedly impressive, there are a few considerations:
- Price: With a base price of over $3,000, this crossbow is a significant investment[2].
- Weight: At 9.9 lbs with the Electric Drive Kit (8.4 lbs without), it’s on the heavier side for a crossbow[2].
- Noise: The electric cocking mechanism does make some noise, which might be a concern for stealth-conscious hunters[2].
- Arrow Wear: Due to its extreme power, the R500E can be tough on arrows and targets. Users should expect to replace arrows more frequently and invest in heavy-duty targets[4].
Conclusion
The Ravin R500E Crossbow is a technological marvel that offers unparalleled speed, accuracy, and convenience. Its electric cocking system and extreme performance make it an excellent choice for serious hunters and target shooters who demand the best and are willing to invest in top-tier equipment. While it comes with a premium price tag and a few minor drawbacks, the R500E’s capabilities make it a standout option in the high-end crossbow market.
Citations:
[1] https://www.predatorhunteroutdoors.com/index.php/product/ravin-r500e-crossbow-r052/
[2] https://hookandbarrel.com/the-ravin-r500e/
[3] https://ravincrossbows.com/ravin-r500e-sniper
[4] https://www.fieldandstream.com/gear/ravin-r500-review
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4PZp4B_PlM
[6] https://ravincrossbows.com/ravin-r500e