[header] How to buy a crossbow [title] Figure out what you will be using the crossbow for. [step] First thing first, realize what you're going to be using the crossbow for. Hunting or simply target shooting? If target shooting, a relatively cheap crossbow is a great option mainly because reliability and velocity won't factor in as much. 
However, if you are planning to hunt yearly, then selecting a trusted name brand with great reviews, will be what you should do. [title] Factor in overall velocity of the crossbow.