Crossbow Recommendations

[excalibur]

See my user name :-).

Lowkey put it just right.

"Excalibur. Bullet proof, great warranty that you will probably never use and very very accurate.
You can replace the string in under a minute with their stringer if you tear up the serving.
And they are recurves."

Mine can consistently hit within 6" at 50 yards. I haven't tried beyond that.

Danny Miller is the US Excalibur rep and provides superb service.

If you're in a Bushcraft mindset, the simplicity and easy maintainance of the recurve is a definite plus. If a compound string breaks in the field, you're in trouble. With a recurve, no problem. With very few mechanical parts, the rest of the device is extremely rugged, even if you drop it, dry fire it, etc.

[skorpyd]

See my user name :-).

Lowkey put it just right.

"Excalibur. Bullet proof, great warranty that you will probably never use and very very accurate.
You can replace the string in under a minute with their stringer if you tear up the serving.
And they are recurves."

Mine can consistently hit within 6" at 50 yards. I haven't tried beyond that.

Danny Miller is the US Excalibur rep and provides superb service.

If you're in a Bushcraft mindset, the simplicity and easy maintainance of the recurve is a definite plus. If a compound string breaks in the field, you're in trouble. With a recurve, no problem. With very few mechanical parts, the rest of the device is extremely rugged, even if you drop it, dry fire it, etc.

See my username ;-)

I have to admit that as far as being more bushy, simple and dependable you can't go wrong with an Excaliber. I may even get one someday as a backup.

You can change a string in the field without a press on a Scorpyd. Another USA made bow getting good reviews and in the more affordable range is the Camx, Chaos model.

[Scott Allen]

I have a Horton "Team Realtree 175" and love it. It has a red dot scope. I have had shoulder replacement surgery and am still able to cock it, but you can also get a cocking device to assist you. I got mine secondhand and it was a great deal. I've killed a lot of deer with it.

Scott

[lowkey]

See my username ;-)

I have to admit that as far as being more bushy, simple and dependable you can't go wrong with an Excaliber. I may even get one someday as a backup.

You can change a string in the field without a press on a Scorpyd. Another USA made bow getting good reviews and in the more affordable range is the Camx, Chaos model.

I never would have suspected you can change a string on it without a press, very cool to know.
I like the blistering speed and compact size of the Skorpyd bows and can see the value of it's design.
But I went out of my way to get the most rugged and simple since I like that in a hunting device, so I ended up with the Excalibur.
You are right about it being a good backup, mine is bullet proof. I've even loaned it out to spread the crossbow affliction.

[skorpyd]

I like to spread the crossbow affliction also. I went to one when I injured my shoulder and it was at the same time MI liberalized the crossbow regs. This year I sold my first scorpyd to a friend for a good price and he a die hard compound user killed 2 nice bucks with it.

Every piece of gear has it's pros and cons and everyone has different criteria for what's important to them. The main complaint I ever hear on the excal is the width, and for some it's a problem for others it's not.

[reddz]

I want to say THANK YOU to every one for their advice. I have a list and am headed to an archery dealer who has shooting lanes tomorrow. Now I can try one and really get a feel for it before I buy. Who knows, I might even up my budget a bit too. Thanks again all.

reddz

[skorpyd]

reddz,

It is definitely great to try before you buy. I do not believe you will go wrong by raising your sights a little in the price range if you can.

Crossbownation forum is also a great source for crossbow specific info on brands, problems with brands and models and all around good advice. There are also a couple of online dealers with great reputations and customer feedback, active there.

Unless your dealer is someone you really know and trust beware that sometimes their advise is prejudiced by what they happen to sell or not sell and most will tell you I can get anything but this one is the best. Not always true. My best advise is to do a lot of online research on any recommended model and brand before pulling the trigger.

Good luck on finding the one that fits you best.

[PeterCartwright]

Many crossbows are designed for the use of a winch, which should exempt your injured shoulder from unnecessary stress. I have an entry level Barnett which cost about half your budget. I haven't any complaint about its utility, or it's fit/finish, but if I were planning on using a crossbow for the duration, I'd upgrade. There are some good suggestions in previous posts.

PC

[Kentucky]

There are two mainstream names in crossbows..Tenpoint and excalibur..Both are excellent bows..Though your choices are limited in these bows for under $600..There are a few..The tenpoint G-flex and the excalibur axiom come to mind..One very fine bow that comes to mind is the wicked ridge bows made by ten point..I have a wicked ridge warrior HL that will group under 2" at 40 yards all day if you do your part..Thats with carbon express maxima bolts..Broadheads I like slicktricks and though Im not the biggest fan of mechanicals i do like spitfire maxx broadheads..They are recommended by tenpoint..Im very impressed with the wicked ridge bows..For about $400 you can be ready to hunt with a bow made by tenpoint that will outsshoot many bows that cost much,much more..
One of the main reasons that people recommend tenpoint and excalibur so much is the outsatnding customer service and warrenty..Some of the other companys are sorely lacking in that department..
A note on speed..A speedy crossbow is great but companys almost always use 350gr arrows and sometimes aftermarket strings to obtain thier listed speed..Also when you exceed say 350 fps you often have to really tune you set up to get that great accuracy..Faster speed sometimes requires stiffer arrow spines and weight forward inserts..Not knocking speedy bows at all, I like them too but they can sometimes be more work to tune than say a 330 fps bow. A properly tuned crossbow can stack bolt on bolt all day..you should have to shoot at different targets in fear of busting your knocks.
Whenever i stop byuing guns long enought to buy a nice crossbow I have my eye on a scorpyd. Ive always loved excaliburs too but have waited on a narrower model..Now they have the matrix which has a shorter bow with a higher pooundage but with a shorter throw..I may look into that one.

[skorpyd]

Kentucky, I know what you mean about slowing down on the guns to buy a crossbow. Then the knives and hawks are another story also, for me anyway.

If you get a chance to look at and shoot one of the scorpyd ventilators I think you would be very impressed. That 20" powerstroke is hard to beat, and even though they are actually on the heavy side the balance is phenomenal. I have not chronyied mine but others shooting about a 420 grain arrow are getting about 390 fps. 22" accuspines from CAMX are giving great accuracy at those speeds, and my slicktricks are shooting right with the field tips. The trigger is also very smooth. Customer service is great. Usually Rex will answer when ever I have called with any questions and if he doesn't answer he calls back soon.

I do not work for them by the way nor do I have a bow shop. Just a happy customer that likes to promote his favorite sport and favorite crossbow.

Have a great New Year everyone.