Welcome to cbn! Firstly, I would strongly suggest you find somewhere you can handle these bows and shoot them.
The R29/R29X has been around for a long time and continues to be popular.
I think mostly it will come down to personal preference and hunting style. For me, I would choose the 440tx.
The 440tx has a better cranking system with a brake. No worries if you lose grip on the crank. With the Ravins you have to release the button on the back for the brake to catch. Better position for the safety on both the 440 and the LR. Arrow selection: technically, Ravin requires you use their arrows and points/broadheads. Tenpoint only requires that you use their nocks.

 

I've owned a R29X and 3 TX440s. The TX440 is a much smoother shooting bow and feels more solid as the R29X has more shock when you shoot it but the quality of the bow doesn't feel as good as the TX440. The TX440 is heavier than the R29X is but they are roughly about the same length and are both very maneuverable. The crank on the TX440 has a braking system for cocking and decocking. The R29X does not have a brake on the decock. They both have full rails for the scope...which gives a lot of stability. I feel like Ravin's railess design is better then Tenpoint's but they've had it a lot longer too. I don't have any insight into the LR as I've never shot one but I have held one and they are heavy. All of this is solely based on my experience with the two bows I mentioned. You really do need to go hold and shoot each bow that you're looking at getting so you know how they feel.

 

Never had a Ravin - when I got into crossbows late ‘23 Ravin was going through the R500 recall fiasco and I never really did honestly think about buying a Ravin simply for how that deal was handled, well mishandled…

That being said, the TX440 is an impressive bow IMO. Compact, quick (440 gr / 425 fps), accurate, relatively quiet, Not a daily shooter IMO - but if you sight it in and just use it for hunting the S&C wear pretty well. I like mine!

Just a tip though - learn the cocking and decocking procedure and follow it! Do everything in your power to not over crank it! It can be broken from what I’ve read. Oh, also check to make sure the retention brush isn’t too long and putting pressure on the arrow - better yet 1/16” - 1/8” off the arrow is even better! IMO the only reason it’s there is to keep the arrow from escaping the rest area with movement while moving the bow…

The TX28 is the same bow with 250# limbs rather than the 300# limbs on the TX440… Likely will be easier on the whole bow including the S&C… I got mine ‘24 before the TX28 was an option or I would have likely gotten it as the TX440 is really more bow than I need for my hunting needs… It still works though…

 

I'm gonna look at the tx28 also just don't have an archery shop within 100 miles. I like the full picatinny rails not the looks just that I think it won't bend if bumped where as I worry about all mine flexing or bending when I bump it raising it in the ladder stands.

 

Might want to wait and see what is released in ‘26 too… 🤷‍♂️

 

I'm a TX440 and TRX28 owner and very familiar with the 29X. All three are great in their own ways. Overall, I prefer the TX440.

My suggestion is to see what TenPoint does with it (updated) or something new before making a choice. Jan./Feb. is not that far off.

 

If you're thinking next season, I would wait until the new 2026 models come out before making a decision. Otherwise, you may have buyer's remorse.

 

I have mixed feelings about the tx440. I own one. It took me some time to get it consistent. The brush was too long from the factory so it was putting uneven pressure on the arrow at all times, the string and cables wore out within 50 shots. But, since the string and cable swap and trimming the brush, it's been far more consistent, and when it shoots, it SHOOTS. I've also seen first hand where one just seems like a complete lemon.

 

My R29X has been flawless with superb accuracy at distance on the practice range and very compact for hunting. The new R470 up’s it though on compactness, less noted recoil & sound at the shot with equal great accuracy. Can’t say on the TP’s other than I won’t have another RDT crossbow as I’ve had bad experiences with them(multiple brands) and just prefer the limb configuration of regular crossbows.

 

Same as NDpronghorn
R29X has been flawless and it gets you the speed and distance if needed for longer shots. I certainly don't feel the shock or recoil as others mentioned, especially when compared to an Assassin Extreme.

 

If you have some shops in your area that carry the brands you like and has a range to shoot them, I think your choice will become clear. I visited our local Scheels store and tested a R29X, TX28, TX440 and all shot well, each with its own personality. I asked the Tech which Crossbow was the most reliable with the least service issues and he handed me a TRX26. Proceeded to shoot it and was I blown away. I was not interested in a reverse draw bow and what a mistake that was. I could go on about the virtues of this bow but, just let me say I have never shot a nicer compact crossbow than the TRX26. Now it has a price to go with it which made me pass on it at the time. I decided to keep an eye out for any sales as we are coming to the end of the TP model year with new releases coming in Jan/Feb ‘26. I saw a deal at Cabela’s and ended up purchasing one for $1000 off. I would never have bought this bow if I had not compared the models I had interest in and tested them. My recommendation is to shoot as many as you can to see which one speaks to you. You may find a surprise in the process. I try to test shoot as many bows as possible every year to see the technology advancement and if there are any surprises out there to make me desire an upgrade. Testing is the ticket…
Also, there are a plethora of lower cost brands and models that have really upped their game with surprising performance at more affordable prices that should be considered and compared.

 

Not trying to be a smart aleck but if you are looking for a 2026 bow I wouldn't pick anything out now. I've tried that before then something new comes out and destroys your plan lol Wait for the ATA show, unless you get a close out deal you can't turn down