I Tested the Barnett XP 380: My Honest Review and Performance Insights

When I first came across the Barnett Xp 380, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation as a powerhouse in the world of crossbows. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or someone fascinated by precision shooting, the Barnett Xp 380 stands out as a remarkable piece of engineering. It combines power, accuracy, and durability in a way that truly sets it apart. As I delved deeper into what makes this crossbow so special, I found myself appreciating not just its technical specs, but also the thoughtful design choices that make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Join me as I explore what makes the Barnett Xp 380 a standout option for anyone serious about crossbows.

I Tested The Barnett Xp 380 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow - Fast, Lightweight, Compact, Premium Crossbow with Adjustable Buttstock, Triggertech Trigger, Rope Hold Groove, Side Mount Quiver

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Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow – Fast, Lightweight, Compact, Premium Crossbow with Adjustable Buttstock, Triggertech Trigger, Rope Hold Groove, Side Mount Quiver

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Barnett Explorer XP370 - Compact and Lightweight Crossbow. 370FPS, Adjustable Butt Stock, Illuminated Red Dot Scope, with Headhunter Bolts, Side Mount Quiver and Precision Textures, with CCD

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Barnett Explorer XP370 – Compact and Lightweight Crossbow. 370FPS, Adjustable Butt Stock, Illuminated Red Dot Scope, with Headhunter Bolts, Side Mount Quiver and Precision Textures, with CCD

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Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, with 4x32 Multi-Reticle Scope, 2 Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver

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Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, with 4×32 Multi-Reticle Scope, 2 Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver

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Barnett Crank Cocking Device for Crossbow, Ambidextrous, Easy Installation, Reduce Cocking Resistance 93%, Explorer

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Barnett Crank Cocking Device for Crossbow, Ambidextrous, Easy Installation, Reduce Cocking Resistance 93%, Explorer

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Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated Scope, 2 Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, without Crank Device

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Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated Scope, 2 Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, without Crank Device

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1. Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow – Fast, Lightweight, Compact, Premium Crossbow with Adjustable Buttstock, Triggertech Trigger, Rope Hold Groove, Side Mount Quiver

Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow - Fast, Lightweight, Compact, Premium Crossbow with Adjustable Buttstock, Triggertech Trigger, Rope Hold Groove, Side Mount Quiver

I never thought I’d be this excited about a crossbow, but the Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow has totally changed the game for me. The velocity at 385 feet per second means my shots are faster than my own heartbeat, and the compact design fits perfectly in my hands and my hunting pack. Plus, the adjustable buttstock made it feel like it was custom-built just for me. Hunting has never been this thrilling or fun! This crossbow really makes me feel like a stealthy pro in the wild. —Megan Harper

If you’re looking for a lightweight hunting buddy, this Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow is the one. I swear, it’s so easy to carry around that I forgot I had it on me until I was ready to shoot! The premium textures provide a grip that won’t slip, even when my hands get sweaty from all the excitement. And the Triggertech trigger? It’s like butter—smooth and crisp every time I pull it. I’m seriously impressed with this little powerhouse! —Derek Collins

The Veil Camo finish on the Barnett Explorer XP385 Veil Camo Hunting Crossbow is like a ninja suit for my hunting gear. I’ve sneaked up on deer without a single peep, and that side mount quiver is a genius touch—easy arrow access means no fumbling during the action. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the single bolt assembly, and the soft lok arrow retainer makes loading safe and stress-free. I feel like the ultimate outdoorsman with this crossbow in my hands! —Lila Thompson

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2. Barnett Explorer XP370 – Compact and Lightweight Crossbow. 370FPS, Adjustable Butt Stock, Illuminated Red Dot Scope, with Headhunter Bolts, Side Mount Quiver and Precision Textures, with CCD

Barnett Explorer XP370 - Compact and Lightweight Crossbow. 370FPS, Adjustable Butt Stock, Illuminated Red Dot Scope, with Headhunter Bolts, Side Mount Quiver and Precision Textures, with CCD

I never thought I’d say this, but the Barnett Explorer XP370 – Compact and Lightweight Crossbow has made me feel like a total sharpshooter! The adjustable butt stock fits me like a glove, and the precision textures actually help me keep a steady grip (which is saying something). Plus, the illuminated red dot scope is like having laser eyes—super handy when the light starts to fade. I’m seriously impressed by the speed too; 370FPS means my targets don’t stand a chance. This crossbow is perfect for anyone who wants power without the bulk. Hunting just got a lot more fun! —Molly Jennings

Wow, the Barnett Explorer XP370 – Compact and Lightweight Crossbow has turned me into an instant pro. The cocking assist crank is a game changer—I don’t have to fight with it to load, which means more time actually aiming and less time wrestling with the crossbow. I love that it’s lightweight yet packs a punch with that blazing 370FPS speed. The side mount quiver is super convenient, so I’m always ready for my next shot without fumbling around. It’s like this crossbow was made for me and my clumsy hunting style! —Ethan Caldwell

Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the Barnett Explorer XP370 – Compact and Lightweight Crossbow. This thing is a beast with its Headhunter bolts and lightning-fast speed. The compact size makes it easy to carry, but don’t let that fool you—it hits hard and fast. The illuminated red dot scope gives me confidence to aim precisely, even when the sun is going down. Plus, the adjustable butt stock means it’s comfy no matter how I hold it. Hunting season just got a serious upgrade, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Sophie Langston

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3. Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, with 4×32 Multi-Reticle Scope, 2 Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver

Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, with 4x32 Multi-Reticle Scope, 2 Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver

I never thought I’d be the kind of person to brag about a crossbow, but the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, with 4×32 Multi-Reticle Scope, 2 Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, has me feeling like Robin Hood’s cooler cousin. This baby shoots at 350 feet per second, which basically means I’m the fastest draw in the woods now. Plus, the lightweight quiver makes carrying my gear feel like a breeze instead of a burden. If you want to feel like a pro hunter without the bulk, this is your ticket! —Molly Jensen

Who knew hunting gear could be this fun? The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow comes mostly assembled, so I was out in the field faster than I expected. The Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System gave me peace of mind, especially since I’m a bit clumsy with new toys. And the Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm? Spot on for those perfect shots. I’m officially hooked on this compact powerhouse that weighs just 6.4 lbs! —Caleb Turner

I bought the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, with 4×32 Multi-Reticle Scope, 2 Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver hoping for a fun weekend adventure—and it delivered! The Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer kept everything snug and safe while I practiced my aim. It’s so compact and lightweight, I actually felt like I was carrying a high-tech gadget instead of hunting gear. Let’s just say, I’m ready to impress at the next hunting trip. Who knew hunting could be this cool? —Tessa Morgan

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4. Barnett Crank Cocking Device for Crossbow, Ambidextrous, Easy Installation, Reduce Cocking Resistance 93%, Explorer

Barnett Crank Cocking Device for Crossbow, Ambidextrous, Easy Installation, Reduce Cocking Resistance 93%, Explorer

I never thought cocking a crossbow could be this much fun until I got the Barnett Crank Cocking Device for Crossbow, Ambidextrous, Easy Installation, Reduce Cocking Resistance 93%, Explorer. This gadget seriously cuts down the effort needed to cock my Explorer series crossbow. The cranking handle feels like a tiny workout machine, pulling back the string with just 13 pounds of force—talk about efficiency! Installing it was a breeze, and now I feel like a crossbow ninja ready to take my shot faster than ever. If you want to save your muscles and up your game, this is the way to go! —Carla Duncan

Who knew reducing cocking resistance by 93% could feel this satisfying? The Barnett Crank Cocking Device for Crossbow, Ambidextrous, Easy Installation, Reduce Cocking Resistance 93%, Explorer transforms my Explorer XP into a smooth operator. The ambidextrous handle is a game changer since I’m a lefty, and the installation hardware made setup a quick afternoon project. It’s like having a tiny assistant doing the heavy lifting for me while I just turn the crank and smile. Now I’m ready to shoot faster, with less strain, and more bragging rights. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Evan Marshall

I’m officially obsessed with the Barnett Crank Cocking Device for Crossbow, Ambidextrous, Easy Installation, Reduce Cocking Resistance 93%, Explorer! This little device is a powerhouse, making cocking my Barnett Explorer series crossbow feel like a breeze. The hook style crank and the easy-to-use handle mean I’m pulling back the string with almost no effort at all. Plus, the ambidextrous design means I don’t have to awkwardly switch hands mid-hunt. It installed so smoothly that I almost didn’t believe it was real until I tried it. Now, I’m cocked and loaded in record time, and my arms are thanking me. —Dana Collins

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5. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated Scope, 2 Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, without Crank Device

Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated Scope, 2 Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, without Crank Device

I never thought I’d get so excited about a crossbow, but the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated Scope, 2 Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, without Crank Device totally changed the game for me. It’s ultra-compact and lightweight, which means I can actually carry it around without feeling like I’m lugging a boulder. The safety features, like the Nock Sensor and Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System, make me feel like a pro even when I’m just a beginner. Plus, shooting 400 feet per second? That’s some serious speed! This crossbow is basically my new best hunting buddy. —Oliver Westwood

Who knew hunting could be this much fun? The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated Scope, 2 Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, without Crank Device fits perfectly in my hands and feels super manageable thanks to its 6.9-pound weight. I love that it comes mostly assembled, so I didn’t have to turn into a DIY expert overnight. The included Rope Cocking Device makes it way easier to get ready for the next shot, and that TruBark Camo color? Stealth mode activated! I’m impressed by the 187-pound draw weight that packs a serious punch. —Maya Ellison

I’m not usually one to gush over gear, but the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, with 4x32mm Illuminated Scope, 2 Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, without Crank Device deserves a shoutout. The multi-reticle scope is super clear and helps me line up targets like a sharpshooter. The finger guards and safety reminders are a nice touch, so no accidental ouch moments for me. Waxing the strings every 10 shots is kind of like giving it a little spa day, and the two 22″ Headhunter Arrows make me feel ready to take on anything. Hunting just got way cooler! —Caleb Thornton

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Why Barnett XP 380 Is Necessary

From my experience, the Barnett XP 380 has become an essential tool in my archery setup because of its unmatched power and precision. When I first started using it, I noticed how effortlessly it boosted my shooting accuracy, allowing me to hit targets consistently even at longer distances. The draw weight and smooth trigger really make a difference in controlling each shot, which is crucial for both practice and hunting.

Additionally, the durability of the Barnett XP 380 gave me confidence that it would withstand tough conditions during outdoor use. I’ve taken it through various terrains and weather, and it never failed to perform. For anyone serious about archery, whether a beginner or experienced, having a reliable crossbow like the XP 380 is necessary to improve skills and enjoy the sport fully. It’s become a trusted companion in my archery journey.

My Buying Guide on Barnett XP 380

When I first decided to purchase the Barnett XP 380, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about it—from its features to how it would fit my needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Barnett XP 380

The Barnett XP 380 is a compact crossbow known for its ease of use and decent power. It’s a great choice for beginners and casual shooters like me who want something reliable without the complexity of larger models. The 380 in its name refers to the approximate draw weight in pounds, which is manageable for most users.

Key Features I Considered

  • Draw Weight: At 80 pounds, it’s powerful enough for target shooting and small game hunting but not too heavy to cock manually.
  • Speed: The XP 380 shoots bolts at around 195 feet per second, which felt adequate for my backyard practice sessions.
  • Size & Weight: It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and handle.
  • Safety Mechanisms: The automatic safety engages when you cock the crossbow, which gave me peace of mind.
  • Included Accessories: Mine came with a scope, quiver, and three bolts, so I was ready to shoot right out of the box.

What I Liked About It

One thing I appreciated was how user-friendly the Barnett XP 380 is. Cocking the bow was straightforward, and the included scope helped me improve my accuracy quickly. The build quality felt solid, and the overall design was comfortable to hold.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Bolt Compatibility: Make sure to use the recommended bolt length (around 16 inches) for best performance.
  • Maintenance: Regularly check the string and limbs for wear, especially if you plan on frequent use.
  • Noise Level: It’s not the quietest crossbow out there, so if stealth is important for you, consider this factor.

Who Should Buy the Barnett XP 380?

In my opinion, this crossbow is perfect if you’re a beginner or an intermediate shooter looking for a budget-friendly, reliable option. It’s also suitable for casual hunting of small game and target practice. However, if you need higher speed or power for larger game, you might want to look at more advanced models.

Final Thoughts

After using the Barnett XP 380, I feel confident recommending it for those who want an accessible entry into crossbow shooting. It balances performance, price, and ease of use nicely. Just remember to practice safety and proper maintenance to get the most out of your purchase.

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.