Crossbow Draw Weight Explained: What Does LBS Mean?

When shopping for a crossbow, you'll regularly see specifications such as 80lbs, 150lbs, 175lbs or 200lbs.

But what does that number actually mean?

Does a 200lb crossbow fire a bolt twice as fast as a 100lb crossbow? Does a higher draw weight automatically mean a better crossbow? And how much draw weight does a beginner really need?

In this guide, we'll explain crossbow draw weight in straightforward terms and look at how it affects cocking effort, speed, performance and your choice of crossbow.

What does LBS mean on a crossbow?

LBS stands for pounds and refers to the crossbow's draw weight.

Draw weight describes the amount of force required to pull the crossbow string back into its cocked position.

For example:

  • An 80lb crossbow has a draw weight of approximately 80 pounds.

  • A 150lb crossbow has a draw weight of approximately 150 pounds.

  • A 200lb crossbow has a draw weight of approximately 200 pounds.

Crossbow manufacturer Barnett defines draw weight as the amount of force, measured in pounds, required to cock a crossbow.

So, in simple terms:

The higher the LBS figure, the greater the force involved in drawing the crossbow string back.

However, draw weight is only one part of a crossbow's overall performance.

What is crossbow draw weight?

Crossbow draw weight is the force required to move the string from its resting position into the fully cocked position.

When you cock a crossbow, you're pulling the string backwards and flexing the limbs.

Those limbs store energy.

When the trigger is pulled, the string is released and that stored energy is transferred into the bolt, sending it down the rail.

This means draw weight gives you an indication of how much force is involved in the crossbow's cocking and firing system.

But it does not tell you exactly how fast the bolt will travel.

Is a higher draw weight more powerful?

Generally, a higher draw weight gives a crossbow the potential to store more energy, but a higher LBS figure does not automatically mean a faster or better-performing crossbow.

Two crossbows with the same draw weight can produce very different bolt speeds.

That's because performance is also affected by factors including:

  • Limb design

  • Power stroke

  • Cam system

  • Crossbow efficiency

  • String and cable design

  • Bolt weight

  • Overall crossbow design

For this reason, you shouldn't compare crossbows using draw weight alone.

A modern compound crossbow with a relatively moderate draw weight may be significantly faster than an older or simpler crossbow with a higher advertised draw weight.

Does 150lbs mean the crossbow fires with 150lbs of force?

No.

This is a common misunderstanding.

A crossbow with a 150lb draw weight does not mean the bolt hits the target with 150lbs of force.

The 150lb figure describes the force associated with drawing the string into its cocked position.

The energy carried by the bolt is a separate measurement.

Crossbow performance is therefore better understood by looking at several specifications together rather than assuming that the draw-weight figure represents impact power.

Does higher draw weight mean higher FPS?

Not necessarily.

FPS means feet per second and describes the speed of the bolt after it leaves the crossbow.

Draw weight and FPS are related, but they aren't the same thing.

For example, two different 175lb crossbows could have noticeably different advertised velocities because their limbs, cams, power strokes and overall designs are different.

Similarly, a more efficient compound crossbow may produce a very high bolt velocity without having the highest draw weight in the range.

When comparing crossbows, look at:

Draw Weight + FPS + Bolt Weight + Crossbow Design

rather than concentrating on one number.

What is FPS on a crossbow?

FPS stands for feet per second.

If a crossbow is advertised at 300 FPS, this means the manufacturer's test setup produced a bolt velocity of approximately 300 feet per second.

FPS is useful when comparing crossbows, but even this figure needs context.

The weight of the bolt used during testing matters.

A lighter bolt will generally travel faster than a heavier one, so advertised FPS figures should always be considered alongside the manufacturer's recommended bolt specifications.

This is why you shouldn't simply fit the lightest bolt possible in an attempt to increase speed.

Always follow the crossbow manufacturer's minimum bolt weight and compatibility requirements.

What is a power stroke?

Another specification you may encounter is the power stroke.

The power stroke is essentially the distance over which the string accelerates the bolt after the trigger releases it.

A longer and more efficient power stroke can allow a crossbow to transfer more of the energy stored in its limbs into the bolt.

This helps explain why draw weight alone doesn't determine performance.

Imagine two crossbows both rated at 150lbs.

One may have a short power stroke and relatively simple limb design.

The other might have a longer power stroke and highly efficient compound system.

Despite sharing the same advertised draw weight, their bolt speeds can be very different.

What does an 80lb crossbow mean?

An 80lb crossbow has an advertised draw weight of approximately 80 pounds.

Draw weights around this level are often found on smaller recreational or pistol-style crossbows, although specifications vary considerably between manufacturers.

Lower-powered models can appeal to recreational shooters because they're generally compact and relatively straightforward to use.

However, don't assume that an 80lb crossbow is a toy.

Even lower-draw-weight crossbows can launch bolts with enough energy to cause serious injury.

They should always be handled with the same fundamental safety rules as larger crossbows.

What does a 150lb crossbow mean?

A 150lb crossbow requires significantly more drawing force than a typical low-powered pistol crossbow.

Draw weights around this point have historically been common among full-sized recreational recurve crossbows.

A 150lb specification doesn't tell you everything about the crossbow, though.

When comparing models, also consider:

  • Overall size

  • Crossbow weight

  • Bolt speed

  • Cocking mechanism

  • Recurve or compound design

  • Recommended bolt length

  • Recommended bolt weight

  • Trigger system

  • Safety features

These specifications together give you a much better idea of how a crossbow will actually feel and perform.

What does a 175lb crossbow mean?

A 175lb draw weight is commonly encountered among full-sized crossbows, particularly traditional recurve designs.

At this level, manually cocking the string without assistance can require considerable effort.

This is where a rope cocking aid becomes particularly useful.

A rope cocker uses mechanical advantage to reduce the effort required to pull the string back while also helping the shooter draw the string evenly.

That second point is important.

Pulling the string slightly further on one side than the other can affect consistency, so using an appropriate cocking aid can make the process both easier and more repeatable.

What does a 200lb crossbow mean?

A 200lb crossbow has a high advertised draw weight, but again, the figure shouldn't be considered in isolation.

A 200lb recurve crossbow isn't automatically superior to a 150lb or 175lb compound crossbow.

Modern crossbow engineering can produce substantial speed using efficient limbs, cams and longer power strokes.

For most buyers, choosing a crossbow purely because it has the highest draw-weight number isn't the best approach.

Think about how the crossbow will actually be used.

A slightly lower-draw-weight model that is easier to cock, lighter to handle and better suited to your shooting environment may be the more enjoyable choice.

Is a higher draw weight harder to cock?

Generally, yes.

As draw weight increases, drawing the string into its cocked position normally becomes more demanding.

Exactly how difficult it feels depends on the design of the crossbow and the cocking method you're using.

There are three common approaches.

Manual cocking

The shooter pulls the string directly into the cocked position.

This is generally most practical on lower-draw-weight crossbows.

Rope cocking aid

A rope cocker attaches around the string and uses mechanical advantage to reduce the effort required.

They're relatively simple, compact and popular among recreational crossbow shooters.

Crank cocking device

A crank system allows the string to be drawn back gradually using a handle or winding mechanism.

These systems can make high-draw-weight crossbows significantly easier to cock.

If physical cocking effort is a concern, look at the available cocking system rather than concentrating solely on the crossbow's draw weight.

What draw weight is best for a beginner?

There isn't one draw weight that's perfect for every beginner.

Instead, consider:

How easily can you cock it?

There's little benefit in choosing an extremely powerful crossbow if you struggle to cock it correctly.

What type of shooting will you be doing?

For recreational target shooting, you may not need the highest-performance crossbow available.

How large and heavy is the crossbow?

A manageable and well-balanced crossbow can be more enjoyable to shoot than something chosen purely for headline specifications.

Does it have a cocking aid?

A rope or crank system can make a major difference, especially with higher draw weights.

What is your budget?

Your budget needs to cover more than the crossbow itself. You'll usually also want suitable bolts, a target, spare strings or string wax and potentially a case and cocking aid.

For a first crossbow, we'd recommend prioritising a manageable, reliable setup over simply purchasing the highest draw weight available.

Recurve vs compound crossbow draw weight: what's the difference?

Draw-weight numbers can be particularly confusing when comparing recurve and compound crossbows.

Recurve crossbows

Recurve crossbows use relatively simple curved limbs without a system of cams and cables.

They're popular because they're straightforward, robust and generally easier to maintain.

Their draw weights can appear quite high because of the way the limbs store energy.

Compound crossbows

Compound crossbows use cams, cables or pulleys as part of their limb system.

These systems allow manufacturers to control how energy is stored and released.

As a result, comparing a compound crossbow directly with a recurve model based purely on the LBS figure isn't particularly useful.

A compound crossbow with a lower draw-weight figure may still produce higher bolt velocities.

Does bolt weight affect crossbow performance?

Yes.

Bolt weight is an important part of the system.

A lighter bolt will generally accelerate more quickly and produce a higher velocity.

A heavier bolt will usually travel more slowly but can retain more momentum.

Manufacturers design their crossbows to work within particular bolt-weight ranges.

You should therefore always use bolts that meet the manufacturer's specification.

Using bolts that are too light can place unnecessary stress on the crossbow because the limbs and string have less mass to transfer their stored energy into.

At the extreme end, releasing a crossbow without a bolt loaded is known as a dry fire, which can seriously damage the crossbow. Barnett specifically warns that dry firing is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage.

Can you dry fire a crossbow?

No. You should never intentionally dry fire a crossbow.

Dry firing means releasing the string without the correct bolt fitted.

Normally, much of the crossbow's stored energy is transferred into the bolt.

Without a bolt present, that energy instead remains within the crossbow's limbs, string, cams and cables.

This can cause serious component damage and potentially create a safety risk.

Many modern crossbows include anti-dry-fire systems, but these should be treated as a backup safety mechanism rather than something to rely on.

Always check that the correct bolt is properly seated before shooting.

Is there a legal maximum crossbow draw weight in the UK?

There isn't currently a general UK maximum draw weight equivalent to the familiar power limits that apply to some airguns.

However, draw weight does appear in UK crossbow legislation.

The Crossbows Act 1987 applies to crossbows with a draw weight of 1.4 kilograms or greater. The Act contains age restrictions covering their sale, purchase and possession by younger people.

The legislation does not mean that 1.4kg is a normal sporting crossbow draw weight; it is the threshold at which the Act applies.

Adults should also remember that legal ownership doesn't mean unrestricted use.

Crossbows remain subject to other laws, and their use for hunting wildlife is prohibited in the UK.

UK crossbow legislation is also currently changing, so it's worth checking up-to-date guidance when purchasing or owning one.

Does a powerful crossbow need a licence in the UK?

Under the current system, there isn't a general crossbow licence based on draw weight.

Crossbows aren't presently licensed in the same way as firearms, regardless of whether you're looking at a relatively modest recreational model or a high-draw-weight crossbow.

The Government has, however, announced plans for tighter regulation and a future licensing regime for existing owners, so this is an area where buyers should keep up to date with changes in the law.

Should I choose the crossbow with the highest draw weight?

Usually, no.

More isn't automatically better.

Instead, choose a crossbow that suits:

  • Your experience

  • Your physical ability

  • Your preferred cocking method

  • Your shooting environment

  • Your budget

  • The type of target shooting you intend to do

You should also think about the availability and cost of compatible bolts, strings, cocking aids and spare parts.

A crossbow that you can comfortably cock, handle and shoot consistently is generally a better choice than buying based purely on the largest LBS number.

Which crossbow specifications matter most?

When comparing crossbows, look at the complete specification.

Draw weight

How much force is involved in cocking the crossbow.

FPS

The advertised speed of the bolt.

Power stroke

The distance through which the string accelerates the bolt.

Crossbow weight

Important for handling and longer shooting sessions.

Overall length and width

Particularly relevant if you're looking for a compact crossbow.

Bolt specification

Check the required length, diameter and minimum weight.

Cocking system

Look for compatibility with a rope cocker or crank device if necessary.

Safety features

These may include automatic safeties, finger guards and anti-dry-fire mechanisms.

Looking at all of these specifications gives you a much clearer picture than simply asking which crossbow has the highest draw weight.

Crossbow Draw Weight: Quick Answers

What does LBS mean on a crossbow?
LBS means pounds and is used to describe the crossbow's draw weight.

What is crossbow draw weight?
Draw weight is the amount of force associated with drawing the crossbow string back into its cocked position.

Is a higher LBS crossbow more powerful?
Potentially, but draw weight alone doesn't determine performance. Limb design, power stroke, bolt weight and crossbow efficiency all play a role.

Does higher draw weight mean higher FPS?
Not necessarily. Crossbows with similar draw weights can have very different bolt speeds.

What does 150lbs mean on a crossbow?
It means the crossbow has an advertised draw weight of approximately 150 pounds.

Is 175lbs a lot for a crossbow?
It represents substantial drawing force, which is why rope or crank cocking aids are commonly used on higher-draw-weight crossbows.

Is a 200lb crossbow better than a 150lb crossbow?
Not automatically. A more efficient crossbow with a lower draw weight may produce comparable or greater bolt speed.

What draw weight should a beginner choose?
Choose a crossbow that you can comfortably cock, handle and use safely rather than simply buying the highest draw weight available.

Do high-draw-weight crossbows require a licence in the UK?
There is currently no general crossbow licence determined by draw weight, although UK crossbow legislation is undergoing change.

Find the Right Crossbow for You

Understanding draw weight makes comparing crossbows much easier, but LBS should never be the only specification you look at.

Consider draw weight alongside FPS, size, weight, cocking system, bolt compatibility and crossbow design.

At Arrows & Bows, you can compare pistol, recurve and compound crossbows alongside compatible crossbow bolts, targets, cases and cocking equipment, helping you put together a setup that suits the way you want to shoot.

Whether you're choosing your first crossbow or looking to upgrade, focus on the complete setup rather than chasing the biggest number on the specification sheet.

This guide is intended to provide general information. Crossbow specifications vary between manufacturers, and UK law can change. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and current official guidance.