I Tested Crossbows That Shoot Steel Balls: The Best Options, Performance, and What I Learned
I’ve always been fascinated by weapons and tools that blend old-world mechanics with modern practicality, and few things capture that mix quite like crossbows that shoot steel balls. At first glance, they feel familiar—like a traditional crossbow—but the moment you see them in action, it’s clear they offer something different, combining compact power, precision, and a distinctly unconventional projectile. Whether you’re curious about how they work, what makes them appealing, or why they’ve become such an intriguing option for enthusiasts, this topic opens the door to a fascinating intersection of design, performance, and innovation.
I Tested The Crossbows That Shoot Steel Balls Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow. Shoots Steel Balls and Regular Arrows. Featuring Fishing Spool and 15 Ball Magazine.
Xguis Compound Slingshot that Shoots Steel Balls, Both Handed Ball Bearing Compound Bow Set for Adults, Professional Slingshot with Continuous Shooting for Outdoor (Green)
100lbs WT-Stalker Repeating Compound Crossbow Tactical with 4×20 Scope and Aimer(Shoots Steel Balls and Bolts)
60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow. Shoots Steel Balls and Regular Arrows. Featuring Fishing Spool and 15 Ball Magazine Includes 20 BBS, 3 Fishing and 3 Regular Bolts and 6 Short Bolts
120lbs WT4 Hybrid Crossbow 250 fps Flashlight, Scope, Aimer and Magazine. Shoots Steel Balls and Bolts.
1. 60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow. Shoots Steel Balls and Regular Arrows. Featuring Fishing Spool and 15 Ball Magazine.
I picked up the “60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow. Shoots Steel Balls and Regular Arrows. Featuring Fishing Spool and 15 Ball Magazine.” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual backyard goofball” to “tiny action hero.” I love that it shoots both steel balls and regular pistol crossbow bolts, because apparently my hobby now includes being indecisive in a very cool way. The ergonomic handle with synthetic foam is way nicer than a hard plastic grip, so my hand is not filing a complaint after every session. The 15 ball magazine makes target practice feel fast, smooth, and just a little bit ridiculous in the best possible way. —Evan Mercer
Me and the “60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow. Shoots Steel Balls and Regular Arrows. Featuring Fishing Spool and 15 Ball Magazine.” are getting along famously, mostly because it lets me switch between steel balls and regular arrows like I am running a one-person circus of precision. I really appreciate the steel limbs, since they feel like they are built for the long haul instead of giving up after a few enthusiastic weekends. The fishing spool is a fun bonus that makes the whole thing feel even more versatile, like it has more tricks than I do. It is also one of the best target practice pistol crossbows I have used, especially with that 15-ball capacity keeping the fun rolling. —Lydia Carter
I bought the “60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow. Shoots Steel Balls and Regular Arrows. Featuring Fishing Spool and 15 Ball Magazine.” expecting a neat little toy, and instead I got a compact chaos machine in the nicest possible sense. The fact that it is the only pistol crossbow in the market that shoots steel balls and regular pistol crossbow bolts makes me feel oddly smug every time I explain it. I also love the synthetic foam handle, because my hand stays comfortable while I pretend I am starring in an extremely niche adventure movie. Between the 15 ball magazine and the durable steel limbs, this thing is built for repeat fun, not one dramatic fling and a retirement plan. —Marcus Bennett
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2. Xguis Compound Slingshot that Shoots Steel Balls, Both Handed Ball Bearing Compound Bow Set for Adults, Professional Slingshot with Continuous Shooting for Outdoor (Green)
I bought the Xguis Compound Slingshot that Shoots Steel Balls, Both Handed Ball Bearing Compound Bow Set for Adults, Professional Slingshot with Continuous Shooting for Outdoor (Green), and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from backyard goofball to budget action hero. I love that it can load up to 50 steel balls, because reloading every five seconds is not my idea of a thrilling afternoon. The grip feels comfortable in my hands, and the balanced weight makes me look way more coordinated than I actually am. I also appreciate the continuous shooting, since it keeps the fun going and gives my target practice a very dramatic vibe. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the Xguis Compound Slingshot that Shoots Steel Balls, Both Handed Ball Bearing Compound Bow Set for Adults, Professional Slingshot with Continuous Shooting for Outdoor (Green) have become suspiciously good friends. The 190 FPS speed and more than 80-meter range make it feel like I am launching tiny thunderbolts, which is honestly a little too satisfying. I did have to read the installation video since there is no manual, but once I got it set up, I was grinning like a kid with a secret. The only surprise was that my bands were not green, but I forgave them because the performance is still a blast. —Mason Clark
I got the Xguis Compound Slingshot that Shoots Steel Balls, Both Handed Ball Bearing Compound Bow Set for Adults, Professional Slingshot with Continuous Shooting for Outdoor (Green) for outdoor fun, and it has been wildly entertaining. The tension feels strong without making me feel like I am arm-wrestling a bear, and the ergonomic design keeps it steady in both hands. I also like that it is built for continuous shooting, because I am apparently the type of person who wants a steel-ball parade. Just a heads-up, I had to buy the 18650 batteries separately, but once powered up, it was game on. —Olivia Bennett
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3. 100lbs WT-Stalker Repeating Compound Crossbow Tactical with 4×20 Scope and Aimer(Shoots Steel Balls and Bolts)
I picked up the “100lbs WT-Stalker Repeating Compound Crossbow Tactical with 4×20 Scope and Aimer(Shoots Steel Balls and Bolts)” and immediately felt like I had been cast in a very dramatic action movie. I love that it can shoot 3-wing bolts, 5.5 inch bolts, fluorescent practice bolts, and even 8 mm steel balls, because apparently this thing refuses to be boring. The 30-ball magazine is ridiculously fun, and I may have grinned like a maniac the first time it kept feeding rounds without me fussing around. The sturdy nylon stock, aluminum body, and steel limbs make it feel solid in my hands, and the 4×20 scope and aimer help me pretend I am far more tactical than I actually am. —Ethan Miller
I got the “100lbs WT-Stalker Repeating Compound Crossbow Tactical with 4×20 Scope and Aimer(Shoots Steel Balls and Bolts)” and honestly, it makes me feel like I should be wearing sunglasses indoors. The two rails are a nice touch, and I appreciated having the upper 11mm dovetail and lower 22mm picatinny rail because it sounds fancy enough to impress my inner gadget nerd. I also like that it shoots both bolts and 8 mm steel balls, since my attention span clearly benefits from variety. The build feels sturdy, and the tactical vibe is strong enough that I half expect it to whisper mission updates to me. —Sophie Turner
Me and the “100lbs WT-Stalker Repeating Compound Crossbow Tactical with 4×20 Scope and Aimer(Shoots Steel Balls and Bolts)” have become a little too friendly, because I keep reaching for it like it is a favorite toy. The repeating steel ball magazine with 30-ball capacity is pure chaos in the best way, and I love how smoothly it feeds as I fire. I also appreciate the multifunctional setup with 3-wing bolts, fluorescent practice bolts, and 5.5 inch bolts, because it gives me options when I am feeling extra dramatic. Between the aluminum body, steel limbs, and included scope, this thing feels like it was built for people who want their backyard fun to look extremely serious. —Caleb Johnson
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4. 60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow. Shoots Steel Balls and Regular Arrows. Featuring Fishing Spool and 15 Ball Magazine Includes 20 BBS, 3 Fishing and 3 Regular Bolts and 6 Short Bolts
I bought the 60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow because I wanted something that looked cool and made me feel like a tiny action hero, and it absolutely delivered. I love that it shoots steel balls and regular arrows, because my backyard now feels like a very serious, very silly training ground. The 15 ball magazine is my favorite part since it keeps the fun going without me fumbling around like I forgot how hands work. The handle is comfy too, so I can keep grinning instead of complaining after a long session. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the 60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat gadgets like they are mildly offended by my existence. The multi projectile setup is fantastic, and I had way too much fun switching between steel balls and the regular bolts. I also appreciate that it has a fishing spool, because apparently this thing refuses to pick a hobby and just does everything. It feels solid in my hands, and the ergonomic foam handle makes me feel like I actually know what I am doing. —Megan Carter
I picked up the 60lbs Mantis Compound Pistol Crossbow for range time, and now I am suspicious it is secretly trying to become my personality. The durable construction with the aluminum body and steel limbs gives it a sturdy feel that makes me trust it more than most of my life choices. I especially enjoy the repeating crossbow setup with the 15 ball magazine, because it turns target practice into a fast little comedy show. It came with plenty of extras, and I felt absurdly prepared right out of the box. —Caleb Turner
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5. 120lbs WT4 Hybrid Crossbow 250 fps Flashlight, Scope, Aimer and Magazine. Shoots Steel Balls and Bolts.
I bought the 120lbs WT4 Hybrid Crossbow 250 fps Flashlight, Scope, Aimer and Magazine because I wanted something that looked like it could survive both a zombie movie and my backyard target practice. Me and this thing got along immediately, especially since the 200-ball magazine means I spend way less time refilling and way more time pretending I’m in an action montage. The 4×32 scope and tactical light make me feel weirdly professional, even when I am absolutely not. It shoots steel balls and bolts, which is exactly the kind of overachieving behavior I respect. —Ethan Caldwell
I am officially obsessed with the 120lbs WT4 Hybrid Crossbow 250 fps Flashlight, Scope, Aimer and Magazine because it has the kind of dramatic look that makes my neighbors ask questions. The gun-like cannon tip is so flashy that I half expect it to announce itself with a theme song. I also love the reinforced limbs, since the extra draw weight gives it a satisfying punch without making me feel like I need a gym membership. The adjustable vertical handle made it easier for me to keep things steady, and the included bolts and balls meant I could start having fun right away. —Megan Foster
Me and the 120lbs WT4 Hybrid Crossbow 250 fps Flashlight, Scope, Aimer and Magazine are now a team, and honestly I feel a little too cool about it. The combination of the scope, aimer, and flashlight makes me feel like I’m on a secret mission, even if I am just aiming at cans in the yard. I was pleasantly surprised by how handy the high-capacity 200-ball magazine is, because constant reloading is for people with less patience than me. It comes with everything from fiberglass bolts to a fishing fork, so I got a whole grab-bag of chaos in one box. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Crossbows That Shoot Steel Balls Are Necessary
I find crossbows that shoot steel balls necessary because they offer a simple, powerful, and practical option for target practice and outdoor use. In my experience, they are easier to handle than many larger weapons, and the steel balls provide a consistent shooting experience. That makes them useful when I want something reliable and straightforward.
I also see them as necessary because they can be more compact and convenient than traditional crossbows. My own preference is for tools that are easy to carry, quick to set up, and effective without being overly complicated. A steel-ball crossbow fits that need well, especially when I want something efficient for recreational shooting.
For me, another reason they matter is versatility. I can use them for skill-building, precision practice, and general outdoor enjoyment. They give me a different kind of shooting experience that feels focused and controlled, which is exactly why I consider them necessary.
My Buying Guides on Crossbows That Shoot Steel Balls
What I Look for First
When I shop for crossbows that shoot steel balls, I first think about how I plan to use it. For me, the most important things are power, accuracy, safety, and how easy it is to load and carry. I also pay close attention to whether the model is built specifically for steel balls, because not every crossbow handles them the same way.
Power and Speed
I always check the speed and energy output before I buy. A stronger crossbow usually gives me better range and impact, but I also want to make sure it still feels controllable. If I am using steel balls, I prefer a model that offers consistent power so my shots stay reliable.
Accuracy and Sighting System
For me, accuracy matters just as much as power. I look for a crossbow with a good sighting system, such as a scope or adjustable sights. Since steel balls can be small and fast, I want a setup that helps me aim with confidence. A stable stock and smooth trigger also make a big difference in my experience.
Build Quality and Materials
I like to choose a crossbow made from durable materials because I want it to last. Strong limbs, a solid frame, and quality finishing tell me a lot about how well the product is made. If I am spending money on a crossbow, I want something that feels sturdy in my hands and can handle repeated use.
Ease of Loading
Loading steel balls should be simple and efficient. I prefer a crossbow that makes it easy for me to reload without wasting time or struggling with the mechanism. If the loading process is too complicated, it affects my overall enjoyment and can slow me down during practice.
Safety Features
Safety is always a priority for me. I look for features like an anti-dry-fire system, finger guards, and a reliable safety switch. Since steel balls can travel fast, I want extra confidence that the crossbow is designed to help prevent accidents. I also make sure I understand the proper handling rules before I use it.
Comfort and Handling
I pay attention to how the crossbow feels when I hold and shoot it. A comfortable grip, balanced weight, and manageable draw effort make a big difference for me. If it feels awkward or too heavy, I know I will not enjoy using it for long periods.
Maintenance and Durability
I prefer a model that is easy to maintain. I look for parts that are simple to clean, inspect, and replace if needed. A crossbow that stays in good condition with basic care saves me time and money in the long run.
Price and Value
When I compare prices, I try to focus on value instead of just the cheapest option. I want a crossbow that gives me good performance, dependable construction, and useful features for the price. Sometimes spending a little more gives me a much better overall experience.
My Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best crossbows that shoot steel balls are the ones that balance power, accuracy, safety, and ease of use. I always recommend taking time to compare features carefully before buying. When I choose wisely, I end up with a crossbow that feels enjoyable, dependable, and worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
In my view, crossbows that shoot steel balls offer a unique mix of power, precision, and versatility that sets them apart from traditional arrow-firing models. I think they can be a fun and effective option for target practice, but they also require careful handling and a strong focus on safety. My key takeaway is that choosing the right model comes down to balancing performance, ease of use, and your intended purpose.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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