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Post by 76chevy on Oct 27, 2010 12:45:03 GMT -5
Guys I am thinking of getting into crossbow hunting but have never shot one and know nothing about them.
I have bow hunted since 1993.
I would like one that has these features in this order (most to least important)
1. easy to shoot/forgiving>>-->accurate!
2.quality
3.affordability
4.speed
ANY suggestions???
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Post by swilk on Oct 27, 2010 12:49:47 GMT -5
What do you consider affordable?
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Post by 76chevy on Oct 27, 2010 12:52:58 GMT -5
I guess I need to figure that out.... =)
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Post by catahecassa on Oct 27, 2010 12:53:23 GMT -5
What do you consider affordable? Beat me to it! The OTHER three are objective (to some degree), however #3 being SUBJECTIVE is the biggie!! I actually have a recent hunting magazine that had a head-to-head comparison of quite a few different crossbows...when I get home this evening I will find it & post their results! |
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Post by swilk on Oct 27, 2010 12:56:21 GMT -5
$500?
$1000?
New? or willing to look used?
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Post by 76chevy on Oct 27, 2010 14:30:24 GMT -5
say 500-700$
I like the look and concept of excaliburs...are they any good??
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Post by 76chevy on Oct 27, 2010 14:32:49 GMT -5
used would be just fine.
I just do not know what I am looking for other than actual structural damage, strings, limbs, cams, etc and dont want to put a bunch of coin in a clunker.
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Post by catahecassa on Oct 27, 2010 14:38:14 GMT -5
If you can find a copy (MAY even be available online!) I THINK it was the July or August 2010 Peterson's Hunting magazine, there is an article/comparison on the most popular crossbows. From what I remember from it, I really liked the 'Wicked Ridge' line - which is an off-shoot of 10 point only MUCH cheaper!
If I can remember to look/FIND it, I will post their synopsis of the tests later.
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Post by 76chevy on Oct 27, 2010 14:44:57 GMT -5
WOW I might have to send this to Santa!!! ;D ;D www.basspro.com/Wicked-Ridge-by-TenPoint-Warrior-Crossbow-Package/product/10206338/-1687959If you can find a copy (MAY even be available online!) I THINK it was the July or August 2010 Peterson's Hunting magazine, there is an article/comparison on the most popular crossbows. From what I remember from it, I really liked the 'Wicked Ridge' line - which is an off-shoot of 10 point only MUCH cheaper! If I can remember to look/FIND it, I will post their synopsis of the tests later. |
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Post by Woody Williams on Oct 27, 2010 14:46:40 GMT -5
76,
If you can find a shop that carries crossbows and will let you "test drive" all of them is the best way to pick out a crossbow. That way the crossbow picks you.
Right now I would advise the Wicked Ridge line. They are TenPoint quality at a very decent price.
You can buy online at the TenPoint/Wicked Ridge website for the same price you can buy it anywhere else.
BTW - crossbows are like anything else. You get what you pay for. Go too cheap and you could end up with that "clunker'.
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Post by 76chevy on Oct 27, 2010 14:49:54 GMT -5
Thanks Woody. So you think the wicked ridge line is good solid quality? I don't need a high end xbow, just something accurate and well built. 76, If you can find a shop that carries crossbows and will let you "test drive" all of them is the best way to pick out a crossbow. That way the crossbow picks you. Right now I would advise the Wicked Ridge line. They are TenPoint quality at a very decent price. You can buy online at the TenPoint/Wicked Ridge website for the same price you can buy it anywhere else. BTW - crossbows are like anything else. You get what you pay for. Go too cheap and you could end up with that "clunker'. |
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Post by lugnutz on Oct 27, 2010 21:55:37 GMT -5
76chevy, been their done that, Wicked Ridge by Ten Point is the only way to go for the $$.
For around $700 I really liked the Parker BuckBuster. IMO
As far as the Excaliburs, they are an excellent bow. But i really didn't like the "packages" that they offer. Keep in mind, the with any crossbow you'll need a quiver, arrows, cocking device, and scope.
BTW in most crossbows are very accurate or can be. In my experience crossbows are alot like shooting a muzzy...They are real finicky about the weight and type of arrow being shot. Once you find the right combination most crossbows will be dead nutz.
Whatever type of bow you choose be sure to double check how good the customer service is. I know the Parker BuckBuster has a lifetime warranty, along with Ten Point xbows. I have heard ALOT of negative feedback from peeps about Horton, and Barnett.
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Post by INDeerhunter on Oct 28, 2010 1:41:18 GMT -5
I have a used Horton and my father has a used Barnett LOL !! we havent had any trouble out of either of them thus far, with that said my uncle has a brand new Horton xbow (shot less than 30 times) it now has a crack in one of the split limbs !!!
Apparently the post by lugnutz holds to be a honest statement becuz he has contacted Horton and as of now they will not repair or replace even the limbs for FREE ! I have a horton legend, the reviews on it are great and it shoots good with the set up I have on it but I have also heard that after a few years the limbs get weak and will need replaced which cost wise its better to just buy a new one (or I have been told).
My dad and I didnt want to fork out a bunch of money to buy new top line xbows with never shooting or hunting with them before but I can tell you from experience there is no place for going too cheap when considering it. I can tell you as soon as I get the money to invest in a better quality xbow I will, Im not trying to bash Horton or Barnett by any means but with the things I have heard about the customer service and the apparent problems they have after a few yrs I wouldnt recommend you buy one.
With that said it all comes down to preference and cost really, so there is my 2 cents on the matter LOL ! Good Luck with the search for a xbow and Good Luck this season !
~ INDeerhunter ~
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Post by racktracker on Oct 28, 2010 9:16:24 GMT -5
Stay away from Barnett.
I second or third the motion on Wicked Ridge
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Post by 76chevy on Oct 28, 2010 10:11:57 GMT -5
Thanks All!
the wicked ridge package looks like the way to go!!!
Great bow and high end technology at a price point I can afford!!
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Post by HIjacHER on Oct 28, 2010 11:40:51 GMT -5
parker buckbuster,, 2 season with it, pretty fast dead on, great crossbow.. deer to show for it...
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Post by esshup on Oct 30, 2010 19:54:11 GMT -5
The biggest complaint that I have about crossbows is the trigger. Now, I haven't shot many of them, and none of the upper end of the pay scale. I'm used to a good trigger on a firearm, and really gotta think about when the crossbow will fire when squeezing the trigger.
The other thing is noise, I've done a few things to mine and while it's helped a bit, they are still noisy.
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Post by JBDiNos on Oct 30, 2010 23:46:37 GMT -5
My wife just bought me a Barnett Jackal. I've done alot of research online and for the money, it's a great xbow and great reviews. Retail is 299 but she got one for 250.00 shipped. Barnett now has a 5 year warranty. Almost all of the reviews I've read were great. I just wanted something to mess around with not alot of money in it. The one I got comes with a 4x32 scope instead of the red dot. "Barnett introduces the Jackal. The Jackal's innovative stock design is unique to our crossbow line up. Its sleek military style stock is lightweight and compact with a divided foregrip for comfortable hand placement. The quad limb assembly is combined with high energy wheels and a synthetic string and cable system producing arrow speeds of 315 feet per second. The combination of the lightweight stock and the power this bow delivers makes it a devastating weapon for any hunter. This crossbow also features Barnett's New ADF MIM trigger providing for a smooth 3.5 lb. trigger pull and the added benefits of a picatinny rail. The Jackal delivers the power and features of a "high priced" bow at a price that makes this crossbow an excellent value for everyone."  I should have it on Wednesday and will post how it shoots. Here is a link to some of the reviews www.crossbownation.com/forum2/topic/8547-barnett-jackal/ |
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Post by kdog8173 on Nov 1, 2010 4:03:47 GMT -5
make sure you can pull that thing back with the cocking device..fyi.. a crank for them is a extra 100 dollars.
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Post by schoolmaster on Nov 1, 2010 6:38:52 GMT -5
I have a 10 point Titan and it has the accudraw feature on it. Mine is a basic 150 draw weight but I need the crank to cock it because of two bad shoulders. It is accurate, well built and easy to cock but is a little heavy. My advice is to handle as many as you can and when you find one that you like save your pennies and get it. You may as well start out with what you are going to end up with in the long run. Therre is no substitute for quality.
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