Ravin R500E review
Verdict: The R500E broke the 500 fps barrier and added button-press cocking. It is the crossbow for hunters who take 60-100 yd shots on elk or open-country whitetail and need repeatable, arm-strength-free cocking.
What real users are saying
Below are pulled quotes from Archery Talk, Rokslide, and hands-on reviews. Attribution links to the original thread or article.
One reviewer achieved an average speed of 496 fps with a fastest recorded speed of 498 fps.
Field & Stream R500 review (fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/hunting/bow-hunting/crossbows/ravin-r500-review)
The Electric Drive system allows users to simply press a button to cock and decock, with a 12-volt battery and motor unit.
Ravin Crossbows product page (ravincrossbows.com/ravin-r500e)
222 ft-lb of kinetic energy is enough for any North American game at any legal range. The scope is dialed for 30-100 yd.
Archery Business R500E overview (archerybusiness.com/ravin-r500e-crossbow-breaks-the-500-fps-speed-barrier)
Real specs
| Type | Crossbow (electric-cock flagship) |
| Axle-to-axle | 3.6 in cocked / 7.6 in uncocked |
| Brace height | n/a |
| IBO / speed | 500 fps (400 gr arrow) |
| Draw weight | n/a (draw weight fixed; 15 in power stroke) |
| Draw-length range | see manufacturer |
| Physical weight | 9.9 lb |
| Cam system | HexCoil with VersaDrive electric |
| Let-off | n/a |
| MSRP | $3,499 |
What it is good for
- Elk hunters in states that allow crossbow archery seasons
- Bowhunters with shoulder, elbow, or grip injuries who cannot draw a compound
- Late-season whitetail hunters facing open ag-field shots at 60-80 yd
Honest complaints from owners
Every bow has trade-offs. These come from forum threads, not marketing pages.
- $3,499 is more than most flagship compound + accessories combined
- Battery life is 30-50 cycles between charges, cold weather cuts that in half
- 3.6 in cocked axle width is narrow enough that limb strike from clothing has been reported
Who should consider it
The dedicated crossbow hunter who wants the fastest legal option and needs electric cocking for medical or age reasons. Check your state’s crossbow season and any electric-cock restrictions before buying.
Similar bows to compare
- Hoyt RX-9 Ultra ($2,149)
- Bowtech SR350 ($1,299)
- Bear Whitetail Legend ($549)
This is a consumer-sentiment review, not a purchase recommendation. Prices reflect MSRP or typical street pricing at time of publication and vary by dealer, region, and season. Verify current specs on the manufacturer’s site before buying. See the Best Hunting Bows hub for how Ravin R500E compares to nine other consumer favorites.