glennkistler

The number of different crossbows out there is staggering. I have never hunted with a bow but would like to try a crossbow to thin out some of the does. Any suggestions on make / model for a first purchase? My eyes are getting old, like me, so I think I would need some type of scope / red dot to help insure good shot placement, if that requirement makes a difference in recomendations. Thank you for the help.

smokepolehall

Yes they're alot of them. I really can't pick one fer you. I can say that don't let cheap speed be yer guide on getting yer 1st CB. Its like yer underwear some feel good others are terrible, yer looking fer comfort here, sumpin dependable. They all cost money not that more is better but yer not going to buy a solid CB less than $400 +. That being said i have never found a more dependable easy to maintain CB than an Excal. Yes is a wide recurve & even the top 4 models are not really fast but they last! Some good compound models & brands also but unless you have a press or going to build one they cost more money to maintain properly. Used Excals can be had fer $300 on up & warranty isn't an issue being 2nd-3rd or 4th owner! I am talking limbs & main-frame rail, riser, stock & trigger assembly, strings are not & must be owner relaced. I recomend a CB that shoots 330 fps or less fer yer 1st CB. I shoot a 150 lb Excal vixen & hunt with it, i have owned & shot other models & brands. Shoot some pick them up handle them its the only way to learn 1st hand if'en you like this or that model or brand!

Cossack

I agree totally with smoke. Shoot as many as you can. That said, If I only kept one of the 5 I've had, both compounds and recurves, it would be my Excalibur Phoenix (or Vortex?) Simple, durable, accurate, easy to maintain, trouble free and accurate to a fault.

waj30

I'm in the same boat.Getting older,eyes failing ect. I shot a few crossbows and still had a hard time picking one out.Everyone has told me your first crossbow will end up in the closet for a backup.I ended up going with the Wicked Ridge Invader w/scope.Took it out shot it at 20,30,40,50 yds.Its already sighted in.I tried the 3 dot site but for me the reticle scope works best.I had trouble seperating the dots cause of old eyes.I'm ready for spring turkey Good Luck

awshucks

I'm an Excal fan for the following reasons. [1] long way from shop and I can do my own maint. [2] lighter in front[dinged shoulder] than the compounds I've shouldered. [3] dominated the xbow 3D for many years. [4] lifetime warranty.

Check out their entry level package called the Axiom.

glennkistler

Gentlemen,
Thank you for the advice.
Glenn

smokepolehall

Let us knowed when you pick out yer CB & start shooting it, heck post a pic n share

Mojotex

Probably getting in here late, but here's one more opinion. If you are an avid hunter, and are making a move to a crossbow for the long term, my advice is to buy one of the higher end set ups. After an early season shoulder injury, I finished out the 2007-08 season with a borrowed "entry level" Horton brand cross bow that is about their lowest priced model. And while it shot OK, and I killed 3 deer with it ... never missing, after I tried a high end Ten Point demo the next summer, there was enough difference in feel, bolt speed, fit and finish , etc. to lead me to buy one of their better set-ups. I am not pushing Ten Point. I used one for 2008-09 through 2009-10, and part of the 2010-11 season. I bought a Parker Tornado in the middle of the 2010-11 archery season after the Ten Point false-fired on me. (Long story and Ten Point handled it greats). The Parker actually fit me better and I have found that it is smooth, shoots great and has so far proven very rugged. As far as sight system? Mine is one of the typical 3-dot systems. Aim Point I think? It works fine, but be aware that it needs a good battery to work and could cra& out any time. I use a 125 gr. Montec broadhead. No problems with planing, and with the bolts I use ... drop dead accurate. Good luck!