I am considering getting a crossbow. Mainly to give me more opportunities hunting public land. I have watched some videos on Youtube. The Barnett brand seems very popular. I don't need the top of the line, but do want to purchase a quality product. Any ideas?

Wicked ridge is good, think made by tenpoint.

Not to try to upset the Barnett owners but I would look at numerous brands before just getting a Barnett. Think I have written up something like this in the past but here goes again.

5 year warranty crossbows
Barnett lots of string issues (breaking) Saw one break the first time it was drawn back before it was shot.
PSE seem good for the Money, made in China though
Carbon Express same as PSE
Center Point (Crossman) doesn't seem as fast as claimed but have not run one across chronograph to verify

Limbs 5 year trigger group lifetime
Bear new player in crossbows but solid made bows
Wicked Ridge made in Ohio by Tenpoint. Solid bows very little trouble, usually user inflected.

Lifetime Warranty bows
Tenpoint very solid Bows and company a bit higher priced than some of the others
Mission solid crossbows from Mathews
Horton now made by Tenpoint another solid bow
Parker really good bows made in VA with very good warranty response if needed which is rare.
Stryker from Bowtech had issues with the 350 and 380 that have been fixed from what have seen with the Solution
Excalibur Recurve crossbows, very tough bows my vote for the most reliable crossbows. Love the new Micro series.

There are others but any of those with the lifetime warranty would be hard to go wrong with.

Not sure where you are located but saw lots of crossbows in the Cabela's add that starts Thursday

Take the opportunity to shoot several different brands and styles before you make your decision. I was sold on a very popular brand until I actually shot it,and with all the mechanics needed to operate the crossbow it just wasn't practical for me. The one that I finally choose was extremely simple in operating and faster than the one I was originally looking at and less in price. Good luck my Friend!

I own two Barnetts and I compare them a lot to a Savage or Mossberg rifle. Certainly will get the job done effectively but just know you are not going top of the line with them. They shoot fast and pretty accurately at a decent price, usually south of $600. Keep the rail and string lubed and they work just fine.

I shoot a Barnett Jackal - entry level crossbow @ 315 FPS - spent less than $300 for whole set-up including scope. I just made my first kill with it 2 weeks ago - 60 yard shot. I would highly recommend it for a someone wanting to get started in crossbow hunting. If I continue hunting with a crossbow, which after finally killing something is a highly likely scenario, I will buy up to something with a little more power. That being said, the Jackal is certainly a serviceable weapon, and has many good reviews. Check out youtube and search for "Barnett Jackal" and you will find many video reviews.

Don't get a Parker Thunderhawk. Strings need replacing after 30 or 40 shots. I'm having to replace it again before this season. It's a great crossbow if it wasn't for that.