The Ravin R470 is a fast, compact crossbow made for hunters who want high performance without a very long frame. It is a premium model, so the real question is not whether it looks impressive. The question is whether its design and features fit the way you hunt.
This review focuses on the facts that matter in the field. We will look at speed, weight, cocking, arrows, setup, practice, and safety. We will also point out a few limits that are easy to miss when shopping for a high-speed crossbow.
Ravin R470 Specs
Ravin lists the R470 at 470 feet per second with a 400-grain arrow. It produces 196 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. The bow weighs 8.4 pounds and measures 26.75 inches long. Its listed draw force is 17 pounds. You can check the full current specifications on the official Ravin R470 page.
- Speed: 470 FPS with a 400-grain arrow
- Kinetic energy: 196 ft-lbs
- Weight: 8.4 pounds
- Length: 26.75 inches
- Draw force: 17 pounds
- Cam system: HexCoil
What the HexCoil System Does
The R470 uses Ravin’s HexCoil Cam System. Its cams rotate 300 degrees. The design helps keep the bow short while producing high arrow speed. Ravin also uses its Trac-Trigger system to draw from the center of the string.
The VersaDrive system handles cocking and uncocking. That is useful at the range and in the field. Still, read the manual before using it. A fast crossbow stores a great deal of energy. Good habits matter every time you load or unload it.
Compact Size in the Woods
The short 26.75-inch frame can be useful in a ground blind, treestand, or thick cover. A smaller bow is easier to turn without hitting a wall, branch, rail, or strap. That does not remove the need to check limb clearance before every shot.
If deer are your main target, our beginner’s guide to deer hunting covers scouting, shot choice, tracking, and field care. A better crossbow can help your shooting, but woodsmanship still puts you in the right place.
What Comes With the R470
Ravin sells the R470 as a complete package. It includes an illuminated scope, three R470 .003 arrows with field points, a removable draw handle, and a quiver with its mounting bracket. The bow also has an anti-dry-fire system and automatic safety.
Use arrows that Ravin approves for this model. This detail matters. Some Ravin arrows made for other models are not approved for the R470. Do not assume that any arrow with the right length or weight is safe.
A Simple Setup and Practice Plan
Start close. Inspect the bow, mount the scope as directed, and learn the cocking system before you shoot. Then use a large crossbow-rated target. Fire from a solid rest at short range until your point of impact is steady.
A crossbow-rated target on Amazon can be useful for home practice. Make sure its stated stopping power is suitable for a 470 FPS crossbow before buying it.
Once your close zero is set, move back in small steps. Practice from the same positions you use while hunting. Shoot seated if you hunt from a blind. Practice from a stable elevated setup if you hunt from a stand. Never use speed as a reason to shoot farther than you can place an arrow with confidence.
Physical control matters too. Long walks, cold mornings, and awkward shooting positions can change your form. This trail fitness and terrain guide offers simple ideas for building steady movement on uneven ground.
Rangefinding Matters More Than Raw Speed
Fast arrows still drop. Distance still matters. A rangefinder removes much of the guesswork before a shot. Range the likely lanes before an animal arrives, then confirm the distance when you can do so without extra movement.
If you need one, you can compare hunting laser rangefinders on Amazon. Pick a simple model with a clear display rather than paying for features you will not use.
Know the Hunting Rules Before You Go
Crossbow laws are not the same everywhere. Seasons, legal equipment, minimum draw rules, permits, and age limits can change by state or even by hunting area. Our guide to who sets hunting regulations explains why those rules differ.
Check the current rules for the exact place and season you plan to hunt. Do this before buying tags and again before opening day. A legal setup last year may not be legal this year.
Safety With a 470 FPS Crossbow
Keep fingers and thumbs below the flight path. Never dry-fire the bow. Inspect arrows before use. Check the string, cables, cams, fasteners, scope mount, and safety system often. Stop using the bow if you see damage or something does not feel right.
Also know your target and what lies beyond it. A hunting shot needs a safe backstop and a clear path. Our guide to hunting laws is a useful reminder that safe equipment and legal hunting go together.
Who the R470 Fits Best
The R470 makes the most sense for a hunter who wants premium speed in a short package and is willing to follow the maker’s arrow, maintenance, and setup requirements. Its 8.4-pound weight is not ultralight, so carry comfort is worth testing before a long hunt.
It may be more crossbow than a casual shooter needs. A slower and less costly model can still be accurate and effective at sensible hunting ranges. The best choice is the bow you can operate safely, practice with often, and shoot well under real field conditions.
Ravin R470 Bottom Line
The Ravin R470 combines 470 FPS speed with a 26.75-inch frame, 196 ft-lbs of listed energy, and an integrated cocking system. Those are strong numbers. Yet the best feature is the one that helps you make a calm, controlled shot.
Set it up by the manual. Use the correct arrows. Practice at realistic ranges. Know the local rules. Then let skill, not speed, decide which shots you take.