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Post by edge on Jan 23, 2009 19:35:45 GMT -5
If someone is knowledgeable in crossbows wishes to put up a poll, I would like to see it. So far, I see two contenders, 10 point, and excalibur. I have heard of Horton, but I bet that there are others! Let's see what folks use, and what they like/don't like about their crossbows. Would you buy yours again? Why/why not? Lot's of stuff to discuss on this subject. The 10 point is tugging at me right now, convince me otherwise  edge. PS I have lots of long range targets, not just animals! With a bow I have no problem shooting past 75 yards at soda cans....as long as they can't shoot back |
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Post by ozark on Jan 24, 2009 14:35:36 GMT -5
I have a Horton Dakota that is scoped but with me the maximum range would have to be 50 yards. Yet, I have taken a few deer and a few turkey with it. If you get a crossbow that hits soda cans at 75 yards I don't think it will be a Horton. I found early on that finding a bolt and broadhead that shot well in my bow was a interesting bit of learning. Ben
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Post by mike3132 on Jan 24, 2009 16:03:13 GMT -5
10 point is the best made right now. all will kill deer it just depends on how much you want to spend. mike
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bill
Spike
Posts: 35
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Post by bill on Jan 24, 2009 16:28:44 GMT -5
mine is an excalibur equinox thumbhole stock shoots very fast love it killed six deer with it this year. had a horton the only thing i liked about the horton was it was small. for the killing power and the speed of this excalibur i can deal with it being a little bigger. deer dont notice it till they take a picture with it ;D
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Post by kevin k on Feb 5, 2009 20:40:03 GMT -5
hi edge you already know what way i lean 10 point but Excalibur is good also just not as good did you get to hold a ten point yet or Excalibur that will make up your mind then try calling both service reps and talk to them and see diff let me know wish you lived up here id let ya try and seewhat one you like as far as speed and hitting where you am there about the same on bench in field 10 point wins better trigger ,stock easyer to shot off hand more compact but they both will last a life time read at you soon kevin
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Post by joe21a on Feb 6, 2009 10:23:15 GMT -5
We do not have x-Bow season in NY, but I was given a Barnett a few years back to play with. It shoots pretty accurate, I have shot to 75 yards. But I think some thing is wrong with it as it does not make that loud whistling they do in the movies!!
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Post by edge on Feb 6, 2009 10:33:03 GMT -5
I have not called either customer service numbers, but once F&G finalizes our crossbow season I will start investigating in earnest. Actually I check locally, the net, as well as in earnest ;D joe21a, when I shoot at steel with my ML I don't get the cool sparks like they get in the movies either edge. |
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Post by huntingmike on Feb 12, 2009 18:10:00 GMT -5
I shoot the Excalibur Exomax. I love the accuracy. I have killed many deer with it now. I use the fixed blade wasp boss broad heads that come with the kit. I first bought them so that my daughter would be able to hunt with me from a blind and be able to shoot through the mesh over the windows. We use a bi pod for a rest. She can shoot a 2" group with three bolts at 50 yards. When we practice now I have to make her shoot at 3 different dots as I don't want to have to buy more bolts. She tends to destroy many of them shooting at the same place.
In my younger days I shot a compound very well but nothing like I do with the Exomax.
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Post by killahog on Feb 15, 2009 21:03:35 GMT -5
10 point based on the quality of the bow first secondly there cust service is excellent. I have personally visited there factory 2 times The first time they changed my string and cables labor was free because they said they would prefer to do it for free as opposed to me having someone else do it that did not know what they were doing.. The second trip was for a replacement scope that broke after 2 years. replaced and Installed free. by the way there was nothing wrong with the string it was just 3 years old.
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Post by deerdhunter on Mar 1, 2009 20:12:33 GMT -5
I have only owned Excaliburs (currently own 3). Having not owned others I can't comment on them but I love Excaliburs. Their warranty & customer service is the best I personally have ever encountered on any product. They are simple, dependable and need nothing special to change strings etc.
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Post by sw on Mar 1, 2009 21:54:41 GMT -5
Through the past 20+ years I have worked on many x-bows. I help set them up for people and trouble shoot shooting problems. I have owned Barnett(my first and last), PSEs - a # of them, 10-pts(2), and a Parker #175. I have also worked on Hortons, shot a few Excalibres, a Swiss crossbow, Devastator, Stryker(Bowteck), and DS(Bowteck). I prefer x-bows where the string does not rub on the rail. Also prefer x-bows to be well made and quiet. I like the feel of the Parker and Excalibres best. If all shots were to be limited to <50 yds, I would own an Excalibre. The Parker Saf Mag is good to appx 80 yds with <2" 3-shot gps. I like the accuracy and feel of the 10-Pts but feel the velocity vs what the x-bow costs is quite low. The Swiss x-bow is moderately loud but very accurate and unique. It's range limitations, IMO are 50-60 yds max. The Stryker is wonderfully accurate, extremely fast(405'/sec - 425g bolt), and quiet(it really is) but is so big and heavy. The Strykeforce is a streamlined and more user friendly version of the Stryker: actually it is a redone DS. It is 20'/sec slower than the Stryker but feels better, is lighter, is narrow, has virtually no hand shock, is extremely quiet, and is deadly accurate. It seems to be the longest range hunting friendly x-bow available. The Parker and Strykeforce shoot 341 and 385'/sec +/- 0'/sec respectively. Reluctantly, somewhat, I'm retiring the Parker after 3 years and literally 1000s of shots for a Strykeforce I have had on order for a month and a half. I use a Sitetron 2 42 mm 3X12 MD scope on my x-bows but am currently seeing about Primere Reticle making a reticle with markings to 120 yds on my Weaver Cl;assic Extreme 50 mm 2.5X10. Obviously, I feel the Strykeforce is the highest performance smaller x-bow on the market today with the Stryker remaining the highest performance x-bow commonly available. Bowteck stuff ain't junk! The Parker is still possibly the best value $'s per performance. Excalibre and 10-Pt are quality. I just don't like Horton, Barnett. Crossman doesn't seem hi-performance. The new, ungainly looking PSE/AR-15 may be the highest performing x-bow. What a weird looking thing! Hope this helps someone.
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Post by dougedwards on Mar 3, 2009 14:33:23 GMT -5
Excalibur.......because it feels good! I have had other crossbows but they have felt cumbersome when brought to the shoulder. At 6.5 lbs the Exomax is powerful and shoots very smoothly with very little vibration. In fact, I am able to follow the arrow all the way to the target using the Burris FastFire reflex sight which only adds 2 oz to the crossbow. Some have shot this crossbow accurately out to 100 yards but I have only practiced at 50 yards with most of my shots being 35-45 yards and I am very confident with it. No matter how powerful or fast a weapon is.......it's potential is also measured by the shooters confidence in it. When a weapon just feels good bringing to the shoulder and focusing on the sight picture the rest is just instinct. I feel as if I could actually shoot this crossbow in my sleep. In fact, I think I have dreamed about it a couple of times. <snicker>
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Post by sw on Mar 3, 2009 21:41:50 GMT -5
There is just something special about a top of the line Excalibur. Doug is correct IMO that it just feels right. You'll notice I said I would own one if all my shots were <50 yds. I live where much hunting is done where shots are in cut soy bean fields, and sometimes, before they are cut. Here , the longest range possible is impt to me. The Strykeforce is 385(the one I shot some was 388) with a true 425g bolt while the Excalibur(the fastest one) is "only" 350 with a 350 bolt. With Blazer vanes and 100g 2 blade Rage the Strykeforce is only 394'/sec with a very low drag arrow(vanes and BH). My desire for the Strykeforce and the 40 cal PacNor at 2900-3000'/sec is because of the nature of hunting available where I hunt.
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Post by bluedog on Mar 4, 2009 12:56:45 GMT -5
I don't see much mention of them.....but I, along with many others in my neck of the woods, really like the Parker cross-bows.....I have the Terminator model (compound) and it is very accurate....shoots approx 340 fps.....not really quite, but I haven't seen a really quite one yet....this year Parker has introduced a recurve model cross-bow, but I know nothing about the recurve models.....
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Post by deercrook on Sept 7, 2009 6:46:06 GMT -5
I like great lakes crossbow shoots well a little big but a real go getter 346 seed at 165# can shoot to 100yd 4 to 5 in. group but at deer about 70yd hard to see the little things got a milldot scope on it. would get it again like bowtex but at 1500. can not see it and see a lot trouble with it no one can work on them got to send off get it back in 10 to 15 weeks not good and 100. to send it. great lakes is darton at 600. is a good deal
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Post by hunterjim on Sept 12, 2009 17:54:57 GMT -5
Excaliber. I got mine from a gent who was a factory shooter, and it works very well.
jim
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Post by 153 on Sept 14, 2009 11:38:22 GMT -5
Edge go with the TenPoint.I had a Barrnett for three months(never would group under three inches at 20 yards) and the safety went so I returned, bit the bullet and purchased a TenPoint.Sight in was a snap.At 60 yards you better not shoot at the same dot(I damaged two arrows shooting at 60 yards).The TenPoint scope are good for daylight shooting but do not pickup any light early or late in the day.I replaced my scope with a Leupold VXIII 1.5x6.I have no trouble shooting two inch groups at 60 yards with Rage two blades(five shoot groups).I have never tried shooting just field points as it would be useless because I do not hunt with field points. From reading some of your post you expect good results from your equipment and the TenPoint will give you that.
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Post by boarhog on Sept 17, 2009 23:53:49 GMT -5
I have an old PSE Starfire. Heavy and unbalanced, but it has worked well for years without trouble. I have killed a number of deer with it. I would love to retire it and get something better, but paying $500.-1000.00 is completely out of the realm of the possible.
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Post by sw on Sept 18, 2009 8:03:55 GMT -5
Boarhog has a point as so others on here: there are many very satisfactory x-bows(some very old(PSE 125 & 150 Foxfires, Starfire,Flashfire,Crossfire,otherfires included). If a person ever owns a poor x-bow we tend to dislike that brand and really like the 1st good one we own. I feel that way after owning a Barnett Wildcat 2 . It was horrible, terribly inaccurate. Sent it back to Barnett, they "fixed" it, returned it and it was every bit as bad as before. Then a 125 then converted to 150 Foxfire sold me on PSE. They were very good and reliable. Then bad experiences with 2 Hortons - very inconsistent and inaccurate, as well as the trigger troublesome Devastator didn't sell me on those brands. Then a Hunter , now 10-PT totally sold me on now 10-Pt which I still think are excellent. So what really is natural to feel is that if you have a good, accurate, reliable x-bow, it is the one to have. I feel that way about my Strikeforce: it is so fast, small, accurate, smooth,etc. However if I had a hi end Excalibre, Horton Vision,a Scorp..however it's spelled , most any 10-Pt, even my Parker(until I got the SF  , I'd think this is the x-bow to own. How nice it would be to be able to shoot ALL of them at one setting. Also, different people want and or need various qualities: since I'm in good shape physically, the difficulty to cock isn't a factor with me(I can but don't cock my SF without an aid, as well as my 175# Parker) but cocking ease is very impt to many x-bow users since they use one due to physical problems, extreme range is a big factor with me but not most(major reason I own a SF), quietness is very impt to many(should be all), size, wt, serviceability for those who don't do their own work or who don't have an excellent dealer close by, etc. There is no ideal x-bow for everyone. The impt thing is for a person to have a x-bow they really like and are happy with. With the quality of most of today's x-bows, most people will be happy with whatever they buy; and it's ok for them to feel they have the "best" x-bow made. |
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Post by dougedwards on Sept 18, 2009 13:37:48 GMT -5
It seems that the major drawback to shooting a crossbow as opposed to shooting a compound is that crossbows tend to be very loud. I am thinking that this is the case because of the short and intense power stroke that crossbows exhibit.
I actually bought the Excalibur Exomax without ever having shot one prior to purchase. Even though I love the Exomax I don't believe I would purchase another crossbow without having the opportunity to shoot it first. And if I did, the noise made at the release would be something that I would scrutinize because I still believe that a whitetail is able to jump the string at 25 yards or so, even with the arrows charging at 350+ fps.
Ease of pull is not a major issue with me as a cocking rope makes things as easy as can be but the motion required to cock a crossbow is rather demonstrative.
Size and shape would be issues that would catch my attention more than weight. A heavy but well balanced crossbow is actually easier to shoot than a very light one I think, but since I usually hunt from tree stands the actual width of the crossbow would be a large issue.
Of course a quiet, smooth and small crossbow would do me no good if it is not inherently accurate. For the time being the Exomax is doing a fine job in the accuracy department so I will wait on technology to produce a small and accurate 400+ fps crossbow that shoots like a whisper. There are none that I know of that might meet that requirement to date. But it won't be long before it will become a reality.
As far as crossbow scopes go, the technology is already there to produce a ballistic type of reticle on great quality glass.....we only have to wait on the willingness of the manufacturers to produce one that is commercially available. I have a feeling it won't be long before that becomes a reality either.
Doug
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Post by littlepig on Oct 13, 2009 10:12:52 GMT -5
I have a Horton Legend 150 and Ishoot the Montec solid consrtuction broadhead.IMO the biggest drawback with any x-bow is the penetration you get.The bolts are substantially lighter than the arrows you would shoot out of a compound and less weight means less penetration where bows are concerned.The Montec 3 blade solid broadhead helps this problem. I personnally love my Horton and have taken several deer with it,including a nice 10-point I took yesterday evening.IMO 45-50 yds is as far as i want to shoot my x-bow at deer or other game simply because of the penetration factor. Even though it is accurate at much farther out.I have also had a Barnette Demon that while fast and fairly accurate,doesn't compare to my Horton in dependability.
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Post by dougedwards on Oct 13, 2009 10:51:12 GMT -5
I have a Horton Legend 150 and Ishoot the Montec solid consrtuction broadhead.IMO the biggest drawback with any x-bow is the penetration you get.The bolts are substantially lighter than the arrows you would shoot out of a compound and less weight means less penetration where bows are concerned.The Montec 3 blade solid broadhead helps this problem. I personnally love my Horton and have taken several deer with it,including a nice 10-point I took yesterday evening.IMO 45-50 yds is as far as i want to shoot my x-bow at deer or other game simply because of the penetration factor. Even though it is accurate at much farther out.I have also had a Barnette Demon that while fast and fairly accurate,doesn't compare to my Horton in dependability. No pictures?? |
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Post by littlepig on Oct 14, 2009 10:11:27 GMT -5
trying to get em poste  d.i hope they don't turn out huge like the last pics i posted on here...lol |
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Post by dougedwards on Oct 14, 2009 17:20:34 GMT -5
Nice shot.......how far away was he when you shot?
Doug
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Post by sw on Oct 14, 2009 17:57:42 GMT -5
:)Congratulations. Be sure to clean your boots before going hunting again.
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Post by boarhog on Oct 14, 2009 21:18:47 GMT -5
Purdy good photography too!!
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Post by littlepig on Oct 15, 2009 0:49:29 GMT -5
He was about 35 yds. Boots are good n cleaned already...lol...figures you'd say that bout the pics dad...a.k.a. boarhog
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Post by sw on Oct 15, 2009 7:02:16 GMT -5
IMO the biggest drawback with any x-bow is the penetration you get.The bolts are substantially lighter than the arrows you would shoot out of a compound and less weight means less penetration where bows are concerned Block makes a special x-bow block tgt specifically for x-bows due to their deep penetration. The actual energy of most modern x-bow arrows exceeds v-bow arrows by a substantial amount. Most of the newer high performance x-bows shoot 350-385'/sec with 425g arrows. E=MV2(with the 2 being square). With most compound bow arrows weighing between 400-500g yet going significantly slower, their energy is appx 30-40% less than modern x-bow arrows. Exceptions do exist such as the Swiss x-bow and the Excalibre bows which use 350g arrows for their speed statictics; yet, these are exceptions. |
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Post by dougedwards on Oct 15, 2009 12:19:56 GMT -5
My experience shooting an Exomax with 430 grain projectile is 330 fps and very very deep penetration. Sometimes most of the arrow is sticking out of the back of the target. Shooting my Martin Cheetah compound bow set at 60 lbs with a 340 grain arrow with broadhead penetrates only about 5 inches into the same target.
I have never had anything but complete pass throughs using 150 grain Magnus Stingers and 100 grain brass inserts slinging them with my Exomax. I find the best accuracy with as much as 20% of the weight of the total arrow w/ broadhead forward of the center point which causes the short 20" arrow to be rather heavy but also slower.
Doug
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Post by sw on Oct 15, 2009 21:43:22 GMT -5
Doug,
330 with a 430g arrow is fairly fast, especially considering it is a recurve.
Littlepig,
I hope I wasn't offensive by disagreeing with your statement, but things have changed. Also take into account that E = wt of arrow X velocity of arrow X velocity of arrow. These over 400g arrows going over 300'/sec have some energy. The Strikeforce going 383'/sec with a 438g arrow has a lot of energy but won't kill a deer any better than Doug's Excaliber going 330 with a 430g arrow or yours, especially if you use an outstanding broadhead such as a Rage.
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, I'd think this is the x-bow to own. How nice it would be to be able to shoot ALL of them at one setting. Also, different people want and or need various qualities: since I'm in good shape physically, the difficulty to cock isn't a factor with me(I can but don't cock my SF without an aid, as well as my 175# Parker) but cocking ease is very impt to many x-bow users since they use one due to physical problems, extreme range is a big factor with me but not most(major reason I own a SF), quietness is very impt to many(should be all), size, wt, serviceability for those who don't do their own work or who don't have an excellent dealer close by, etc. There is no ideal x-bow for everyone. The impt thing is for a person to have a x-bow they really like and are happy with. With the quality of most of today's x-bows, most people will be happy with whatever they buy; and it's ok for them to feel they have the "best" x-bow made.