Differance in crossbows

[Randy Kidd]

I have been unable to bow hunt for the last two years due to an elbow injury, and I will finally be having surgery in the next month or so to correct this. My Orthopedist tells me that there is a significant chance that I my not be able to ever draw a bow again , even after surgery..So I have been looking at xbows, I noticed a huge differance in price, even though the bows will have the same weight of draw, say 180 pounds, bolt speeds are equal also at around 250 fps, It looks as if it does not matter if it is a recurve or compound style as far as weight and bolt speed goes, I guess my question is, why is there such disparity in prices and what makes an expensive xbow any better than a cheaper one?

[deputy]

Myself i would go for simple and easy field repair if needed! i have found the excalibur line to be awesome! light weight fast as all can be! and very accurate i belive there are none better imho

[kbotta]

I would def. consider a light weight model. The 1 I have (quad 300) is horribly heavy. Might consider a sling for it. The gentle man I hunt with replaced his limbs with solid limbs, and went to feathers instead of vanes, also uses a LONGER shaft, and it has increased his markmanship dramaticly (sp?).

His claim for the feathers is "well, if you happen to hit a twig, the feathers are more forgiving..."

Kevin

[dugfish]

Sorry to hear that,
i have hunted the last 10 years with a cross bow, because of a shoulder injury
I use a horton hunter express with a red dot scope on it
it is 175 pound compound (top of the line back then)
with easton xx75 bolts with spitfire mechanical broadheads it will shoot 300 ft per sec.
it has the Accuracy of a rifle out to 55 yards
most of the deer i shot the arrow (bolt ) has gone clean through .
also would Recommend a cocking Device for it, mine is a two piece the device and a crank
hope this helps
doug

[huntingfool43]

Randy

It's like anything else, you pay for the name. I bought a PSE Copper head a couple years ago and it was cheaper than most. There were Hortons hanging right beside the PSEs but they were a lot heavyer. When you are checking prices make sure what all is included, some coome with a draw mec. all ready installed. The PSE wasn't the most exspensive or the cheapest but I have been very happy with it. If you get a chance stop at Cabelas and go in the bargin cave, they did have a very good selection and cheaper.

[Randy Kidd]

Thanks for the replies, Although I may not have to go to the crossbow if the surgery is successful I wanted to get as much research done before hand just in case..I have noticed that the "cheaper" one's usually are lighter than the more expensive models..I guess it is the name that costs, Unless there is obvious substandard materials involved. I am leaning towards recurve models in the 150 to 180 pound range, and yeah a built in cocking mech is a good idea that I had not thought of..Thanks again

Randy

[mikieday]

i do not know alot on cross bows..and i have had heart surgery which qualifys me (per my dr.) to get a cross bow...but as long as i can draw my oneida back i will fight that purchase..however my buddies are very up on their knowledge of alot of pros/cons/models..so if you want to get another perspective please feel free to email them (let them know you spoke with me) and they will be happy to answer your questions..good luck

Bob Bentiou: bowbob59@aol.com

Mike Schuch: monsterbows@charter.net

mike is from brighton and bob is in canada...2 great guys that are willing to help

mike Day

[Randy Kidd]

Thanks Mike :)

[Lee Gerdermain]

Here's a link to soem very good reading on crossbows:

http://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/PD...hery_Season.pdf (http://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/PDFs/Archery_Season.pdf)

I have ownerd 2 crossbows: a Hunter brand crossbow (formerly 10-point) anda Horton brand. Of the two, I have enjoyed the Horton a lot more simply because it was smaller and lighter (it shoots an arrow at a paultry 230 fps). Still, I have killed plenty of deer with it, but mostly all within 15 yards and no further.

Both are now about 10 years old and I am seeing fatigue in the limbs. So it's time for a new one. My advice to you: go light, go fast. I have already made my purchase decison based on that criteria and centered in on the Excalibur ExoMax. It is unique in that it does not use wheels or pulleys like a compound (saving weight). It weighs in at 6.5 lbs. and shoots an arrow at an incredible 350 fps!!

A pal of mine bought one last fall and I had the occasion to see it in action, both target and afield. It is sweet. The combo package retails for about $650 in Cabela's. There is a sporting good store in Port Huron that sells them for a lot less money, but the name slips me at the moment (K-V sports??)

Good luck.

[bobht]

The name of the place in Port Huron is KV Sports . The address is 4136 Lapeer Road. The phone number is (810) 985-7733. I have only been in there one time.
The place has tons of archery equipment and there prices seemed very reasonable.