Crossbow Questions

[CJD3]

OK.
After nearly 45 years of recurve and compound deer+ hunting I am forced to consider the right crossbow if I am to continue deer hunting during the intoxicating fall woods. A damaged shoulder has kept me out the last 2 seasons and with little chance of it ever getting better, its time.

I am NOT looking for a debate on names, more so, I am looking for some parameters. Having always pulled 65-70# compounds and a 45# recurve, I know what the arrow does with each bow on a kill zone. So I was wondering... In a 10-40 yard shot with a crossbow...

1. What would be the least FPS speed and what, if any is over kill?
2. What would be the least Ft. Pounds of energy, and if any "what would be overkill"?
3. What is considered "Heavy" and what is considered "light" for lugging around?
4. If I have torn up my shoulder to the point it would be crippling to pull back a bow today, How much trouble / pain will it be to cock a crossbow with the string gadgets?

Your considered input is always appreciated.

 

["J"]

Ten Point/Whicked Ridge.
Accudraw

Basically like winding in a catfish. You’ll have too look and pickup the different models to get a feel for balance and weight.

 

[Joel]

Here’s a deal for you. 40% off https://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/shop/wicked-ridge-invader-g3-crossbow-package/

 

[giles]

Welcome to the dark side Jim! Besides that, I don’t think I have anything to add that you don’t already know. Good luck on your new found quest!

 

[brock ratcliff]

I don't know how to answer any of the above questions. However, I have an Excalibur that will kill deer stone dead. The recurve limbs would seem hard to cock, but they really aren't if you use the string cocking aid. You just sorta bend over, grab it and stand up. I love the thing, there is nothing to go out of time. Drives nails.

 

[dante322]

What is this "overkill" you speak of?
When it comes to speed and kinetic energy, I didnt know there was such a thing as this "overkill"

 

[dante322]

As far as heavy versus light, I have a killer instinct that I take to the woods occasionally. Thing weighs a ton. Shoots straight, packs a hell of a punch, but I definitely need a sling to carry it and I can hold my compound at full draw longer than I can hold that brick steady. I'm considering getting some trigger sticks or something. Of all the concerns you mentioned, the weight issue would be the one i would pay most attention to

 

[xbowguy]

I would say Joel and J hit it about right. The Invader will not break the bank, is light to carry, shoots 330 which is pretty quick.....and carries an excellent warranty! You will be impressed with the performance. I know people who had bad shoulders and use a string aid. Trick is to lock the shoulder and just stand up as Brock said.

 

[xbowguy]

What is this "overkill" you speak of?
When it comes to speed and kinetic energy, I didnt know there was such a thing as this "overkill"

In the world of crossbows, when you get up in speed (FPS) it usually comes with a price. Mine shoots 410 fps. but I also paid much more than 330. for it.

 

[RedCloud]

When I messed up my shoulder Rick was nice enough to let me borrow a xbow. I liked it enough I bought it from him. It is a proven deer and yote slayer.

Ten Point with accudraw and worth every penny I paid for it. Has the Ten Point scope as well. I can shoot this one accurately out to 50 yards and not blink an eye about taking a shot at a deer at that distance with it.

There are faster lighter ones out now but with the warranty ten point has along with their customer service I'm not going any other bow.

 

["J"]

I would say Joel and J hit it about right. The Invader will not break the bank, is light to carry, shoots 330 which is pretty quick.....and carries an excellent warranty! You will be impressed with the performance. I know people who had bad shoulders and use a string aid. Trick is to lock the shoulder and just stand up as Brock said.

Rick, I’ve never really used the accudraw, just the string and like you said just stand up with it. But the accudraw seems like it’d be the way to go from what I’ve seen of them and for someone having issues with a shoulder?

 

[CJD3]

What is this "overkill" you speak of?
When it comes to speed and kinetic energy, I didnt know there was such a thing as this "overkill"

In the world of crossbows, when you get up in speed (FPS) it usually comes with a price. Mine shoots 410 fps. but I also paid much more than 330. for it.

^^^
and sound.

I guess I'm wondering and what cost for all that speed and power is enough, enough?
How high is high end before your throwing money away after a certan point in bells and whistles. I don't buy junk but "Good High end" vs spent way more than he needed to kill deer....

 

[brock ratcliff]

That’s where I was when buying an Excalibur... we actually have two. An Ibex and I forget what the other one is. Both are their cheaper models and both are more than is needed to kill a deer. All included, I think I spent about 500 brand new. Money well spent.

 

[giles]

My next one will be an Excalibur Micro.

 

[xbowguy]

If you do think about going with a higher end Tenpoint, I have one I would let go. It's a Vapor Model and has the carbon fiber rail on it. All new strings and cables. Nylon Case. Quiver and Sling. Shoots 360 fps. with 22" arrows. Arrow carries 118 pounds of KE on impact.


This package sells for 1800-2000 let it go to a Tooser for 900. TYD

 

[Sgt Fury]

IMHO tenpoint and Excalibur are the two best crossbows on the market. They also have prices that’ll fit any budget. I have a tenpoint with the accu draw and it is very easy to use. I may also get a second crossbow as a backup Incase something goes wrong with my primary during the season. Also looking at the Excalibur micro that Giles mentioned simply because it is a recurve type crossbow with very little that can go wrong with it. I’ve had a Excalibur before and it was very good quality. I got rid of it because it had a wide wingspan that would grab every branch that you walked by when it was slung over your shoulder. The micro should alleviate that problem.

 

[Dannmann801]

IMHO tenpoint and Excalibur are the two best crossbows on the market. They also have prices that’ll fit any budget. I have a tenpoint with the accu draw and it is very easy to use. I may also get a second crossbow as a backup Incase something goes wrong with my primary during the season. Also looking at the Excalibur micro that Giles mentioned simply because it is a recurve type crossbow with very little that can go wrong with it. I’ve had a Excalibur before and it was very good quality. I got rid of it because it had a wide wingspan that would grab every branch that you walked by when it was slung over your shoulder. The micro should alleviate that problem.

He's right, they're the best. And like J said, go to the store and handle them all and pick the one that feels best. And it won't necessarily be the most expensive one you'll like. And ANY of them will kill deer dead

 

[Hortontoter]

I shoot the Wicked Ridge Warrior G3 that I bought at TenPoint as a so called refurb. They let me build it as I wanted. I didn't need a lot of things that came in the "packages" they sell. I didn't need arrows, quiver or a strap so why buy them. I bought the omni nocks and they put them on the arrows I already owned from using my Hortons. I added the Accu Draw winding device and a four line TenPoint scope. I still walked out the door for less than $400 invested.

The Accu Draw winder is listed at $250 on the website at this time. I find the Warrior G3 more than capable of shots out to the 30-35 yard range. I sighted my bow in with the top scope line on at 15 yards. If I aim the second line down at the bullseye at 15 yards I only hit 1 1/2" high. I find that to be pretty flat shooting with 20" carbon bolts and 100 grain broadheads.

TenPoint's customer service is top notch too.

 

[hickslawns]

Xbow will be better at this than I am. In regards to noise, I think they are all pretty loud versus a compound. Maybe Rick can enlighten us.

Bought Excalibur Grizzly for Garrett after shooting Brock's. It will kill them just fine. If I were buying for myself as a one time purchase I think I would consider the Tenpoints. Or maybe a higher end XCalibur. If you want a high end exotic sports car type, my cousin bought a Ravin. They are pretty impressive. He has shot his out to 100yds and said it was just as advertised.

 

[Isaacorps]

That’s a hell of a deal on that Invader package. I have a Wicked Ridge Warrior and I love it. Anything that TenPoint Mamés I wouldn’t hesitate to buy. Lots of different models with different features/specs, etc. You should be able to find something that fits your needs, no problem