Bought him a $150 one on the internet a couple of years ago. He's ready for something better but I have no idea what I should look for. I'm planning to spend $300-400.

Any suggestions? He is 12 years old, 5'6", 140 lbs.

For the price point the Center Point Sniper 370 has impressed me. Take a look at it, Cabela's has them on sale now for 269.99 down from the regular 299.99. Others probably have it on sale as well. The standard package includes bow, quiver, 3 bolts, cocking rope, illuminated scope, M4 type 6 position butt stock and sling, pic rail for the forearm to attach to so can move it or replace with a M4 vertical grip.

Another vote for the CP Sniper 370. Buy some quality arrows for it and it'll shoot cloverleafs. $249 @ Amazon w/free shipping.

I bought my son a PSE Fang, which is about the same price point. It is a quality crossbow, very accurate. After looking closer at competing crossbows though, I'll have to agree with the folks above that have posted about the Sniper 370. That is a lot of crossbow for the money. The components are just a little better than the Fang, although I don't believe he would be disappointed with the PSE.

Here is a pretty good comparison of crossbows in that price point. As far as his size, with the cocking rope, he shouldn't have any trouble. My wife was able to pull my son's 150# Fang back with ease, and she is a very small woman.