Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

Barnett's own listing for this package explains the name: STR stands for Step-Through Riser, a frame design that shortens the bow to 34.875 inches overall and keeps the weight down to 6.6 lbs without giving up speed. The package ships with a 4x32 multi-reticle scope, two 22-inch Headhunter carbon arrows, a lightweight quiver, a rope cocking device and lubrication wax - no crank included.

The trigger is Barnett's TriggerTech-built frictionless release, paired with the Anti-Dry-Fire system and a Soft Lok floating arrow retainer that cushions the bolt rather than gripping it rigidly. Independent testing puts the trigger pull at roughly 4.5 lbs and the power stroke at 15.4375 inches, for a listed 118.6 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at 375 FPS.

There is no Hyper in the Whitetail Hunter STR's name, so it takes standard-diameter Headhunter bolts rather than the narrow Hyperflite shaft. The package ships with two 22-inch arrows, though both 20-inch and 22-inch Headhunter bolts fit the bow on the bolts page - the length in the box is a packaging choice, not a limitation.

The string length confirms the bolt family independently of the name: aftermarket makers cut the Whitetail Hunter STR's bowstring at 38.125 inches with 20.8125-inch cables, the same figure documented for this model on the fit by model page - identical to the Droptine STR's string, a useful cross-check if a secondhand bow arrives without paperwork.

A different Barnett altogether shares a close name: the Hyper Whitetail 410 runs the narrow Hyperflite shaft instead, because of the word Hyper - do not assume the two take the same bolt just because both say Whitetail.

Retailers list the Whitetail Hunter STR's draw weight anywhere from about 165 lbs to 187 lbs. That is not one retailer's typo repeated by others - Barnett has sold more than one draw-weight version under the same STR name over the years, the same pattern that splits the Stalker 380 from the Stalker 410. Check the box, the manual or your bow's own spec sheet rather than assuming a single number applies to the one you own.

Do not confuse this draw-weight spread with a separate package: the Whitetail Pro STR is a distinct, faster trim built on the same Step-Through Riser frame, with its own 400 FPS / 187-lb spec sheet and a TriggerTech trigger instead of the standard one.

What does not vary is how the bow should be stored between hunts: never leave it cocked overnight on the theory that it saves time in the morning. The decocking guide covers the safe way to bring the string down with the rope cocker that ships in this package.

Unlike several of Barnett's older model names on this site, the Whitetail Hunter STR is still sold new in the Mossy Oak Bottomland package referenced above. Buying secondhand is just as workable - the parts that wear are the parts Barnett still sells: 22-inch Headhunter bolts, the 38.125-inch string and cable set, and lube wax.

The included rope cocker is enough for most owners at these draw weights, but shoulder or back issues are a real reason to add a crank cocking device instead - confirm the stock has the mounting provision before buying one. Whether new or secondhand, re-zero the scope at 20 yards before the first hunt; the sighting-in guide covers the order that avoids wasted bolts.