Carrying a crossbow through miles of timber, up a treestand ladder, or across broken terrain without a sling is a recipe for fatigue and a dropped crossbow. A well-designed crossbow sling distributes the weight across your shoulder and chest, keeps your hands free for balance and brush navigation, and secures the crossbow against swinging and banging. We tested five of the most popular options for all-day comfort, secure attachment, and real-world hunting usability.
| Product | Best For | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| TenPoint Neoprene Sling | TenPoint crossbow owners | $25-$40 |
| Allen 2-Point Treestand Sling | Budget versatile carry | $15-$25 |
| Excalibur Padded Sling | Excalibur crossbow users | $20-$35 |
| Quake Claw Crossbow Sling | Grip-style comfort carry | $30-$50 |
| Uncle Mike’s 2-Point Sling | No-nonsense durability | $15-$30 |
1. TenPoint Neoprene Padded Sling - Comfortable All-Day Carry
TenPoint’s neoprene padded sling is a purpose-built accessory for their crossbow lineup, and the neoprene shoulder pad makes a genuine difference during long hauls through rough terrain. The 2-point design attaches to standard sling swivel studs and features heavy-duty swivels that allow the crossbow to rotate naturally with your body movements rather than binding up. The length is adjustable for different body types and jacket thicknesses, and the padded section is wide enough to prevent the sling from cutting into your shoulder even when carrying a heavy crossbow with fully loaded quiver. This is the easiest recommendation for any TenPoint crossbow owner.
2. Allen Company 2-Point Crossbow Sling - Affordable Field Reliability
Allen Company builds affordable hunting accessories that hold up in the field, and their 2-point crossbow sling is a dependable option for hunters on a budget. The padded shoulder section provides basic comfort for moderate carry distances, and the adjustable webbing accommodates most body types. Heavy-duty swivel hardware attaches to standard sling swivel studs on virtually any crossbow brand. Allen’s slings are not as luxurious as premium neoprene options, but they are rugged enough to handle seasons of hunting use and are priced at a level where keeping a spare in your hunting pack is a practical idea.
3. Excalibur Padded Crossbow Sling - Made for Excalibur Geometry
Excalibur’s padded crossbow sling is designed around the specific dimensions and balance points of their recurve crossbow lineup. The attachment hardware is matched to Excalibur’s factory swivel studs, and the sling length and padding are optimized for the heavier weight of their larger models. The shoulder pad uses a dense foam construction under woven fabric, providing firmness that prevents bottoming out over long carry distances. If you own an Excalibur crossbow and have previously struggled to find a sling that fits well and balances the bow correctly, this is the purpose-built solution the aftermarket alternatives rarely replicate.
4. Quake Industries Claw Crossbow Sling - Grip Comfort for Heavy Crossbows
Quake’s Claw Crossbow Sling uses a unique padded grip design that many hunters find more comfortable than traditional flat-strap slings for heavier crossbows exceeding 8 pounds. The molded shoulder section distributes weight across a larger contact area, reducing pressure points during extended carry. The 2-point attachment system uses quick-detach swivels that allow the sling to be removed rapidly when you reach your stand and need the crossbow ready. Adjustable length accommodates heavy winter layering as well as early-season lighter clothing. The Quake Claw is consistently recommended by hunters who do significant walking to reach remote stands.
5. Uncle Mike’s Super Sling - No-Frills Durability
Uncle Mike’s has supplied hunters with reliable, affordable accessories for decades, and the Super Sling is their classic crossbow-compatible option. The neoprene-padded shoulder section provides comfortable carry, and the heavy nylon webbing resists abrasion and UV degradation through years of outdoor use. Swivel hardware is rated for substantial weight loads and fits standard swivel studs. Uncle Mike’s slings are available in multiple camouflage patterns including Mossy Oak and Realtree, and the price point makes them a practical accessory to keep on every crossbow in your arsenal. Simple, proven, and hard to fault for the cost.
What to Look For
Start by checking whether your crossbow has factory sling swivel studs - most modern crossbows do, but if yours does not, you will need an adapter or aftermarket studs before any 2-point sling will fit. Shoulder pad width and material determine long-haul comfort: neoprene and dense foam outperform thin webbing pads when carrying 8-plus pound crossbows over significant distances. Quick-detach swivels add convenience at the stand, eliminating fumbling with hardware when game appears. Finally, match sling length adjustability to your carry preference - some hunters prefer a shorter tight carry, others want the crossbow lower on the hip.
Final Thoughts
For TenPoint crossbow owners, the TenPoint neoprene sling is the obvious choice - it is purpose-built for the weight distribution and attachment points of their specific models. The Quake Claw earns the recommendation for any hunter who carries a heavy crossbow over rough terrain regularly, as the grip-style pad design genuinely reduces fatigue better than flat-strap alternatives. Budget hunters who want reliable carry without complexity should look at the Allen 2-point or Uncle Mike’s Super Sling - both hold up well in the field at a price that is hard to argue with.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 1-point and 2-point crossbow sling?+
A 1-point sling attaches at a single connection point near the stock and allows the crossbow to hang across your chest, keeping both hands free. A 2-point sling attaches at both the front and rear of the crossbow for more traditional shoulder carry. Two-point slings are more secure for all-day hiking carry and prevent the crossbow from swinging, making them the preferred choice for most hunters trekking to a stand.
Will a standard rifle sling work on a crossbow?+
Standard rifle slings can work on crossbows if your model has compatible sling swivel studs, which most modern crossbows include. However, crossbow-specific slings are often wider and more padded to distribute the heavier weight of a crossbow, which typically outweighs a rifle by several pounds. A crossbow-specific sling also tends to be cut and shaped to accommodate the wider limb profile of a crossbow.
How do I attach a sling to a crossbow without sling swivel studs?+
If your crossbow lacks factory sling swivel studs, you have two options. Many crossbows have accessory rail space or mounting points where aftermarket swivel studs can be added. Alternatively, sling adapters that clamp onto the rail or use existing bolt holes are available for popular crossbow models. Check your crossbow's manual or the manufacturer's accessories page to identify the correct attachment method before drilling or modifying the stock.