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Compound or crossbow? #6654004 01/30/17 01:12 PM
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jhenderson Online Content OP
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Like the added range of the crossbow but st the same time kinda feel it's almost like cheating. Starting to have a little bit of a should problem so that also has me leaning towards the crossbow too. What's some good priced entry level stuff out there these days? Been probably4-5 years since I've had a bow now and it's time to get back into something.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654110 01/30/17 02:47 PM
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Don't use the term "cheating" you will get a flurry of responses from cross bow to spear chunking as far as what is cheating or sportsman. I prefer a compound bow, personally. Have no desire to go to crossbow unless health reasons may have me rethink it. Just be prepared as to what direction this thread may take.


Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654118 01/30/17 02:53 PM
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When I think bow hunting I don't think crossbow. I'm sure it's going south either way. I think my shoulder will still let me shoot a compound another couple years.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654230 01/30/17 04:12 PM
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Unless you have the time to practice a lot, I'd go crossbow. Compounds make me think of golf; to be really proficient you have to practice a ton. I do practice with my crossbow, but not nearly as much as I did when I was shooting compound. Our deer are very wary when they get inside of 30 yds. Raising a crossbow is much less likely to get you busted than raising and drawing a compound. And if you are shooting a bow from 20'+ up or from a blacked out pop-up, I don't even want to hear your criticize my crossbow. It's all still hunting and legal.


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Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654246 01/30/17 04:28 PM
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What are some good budget sub $500 set ups?

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654314 01/30/17 05:19 PM
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Jhenderson, there's a bunch. Go to your local shop, tell them your budget and hold/shoot a few. Pick the one that's most comfortable



Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654428 01/30/17 06:45 PM
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Crossbows, Parker, Centerpoint, PSE Fang, Carbon express are what I would be looking at for under 500 in a crossbow.

Vertical bows there are a lot of them Beat, Diamond, PSE. Mission all make several compounds in that price range. Some of the ones on sale now are great deals.


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Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654546 01/30/17 07:57 PM
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It's not cheating. But it's not as challenging as a compound which isn't as challenging as a traditional bow. Each person has the opportunity to chose. If you are good at it and enjoy it than who gives a rip what others think

I do have an issue with your idea of it having an extended range.


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Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654560 01/30/17 08:05 PM
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Here's a decent video on some sub $500 crossbows. As far as your question about compound or crossbow, I hunt with either/both depending on the setup. In my experience, you have a little more of an advantage with a crossbow, but not a lot. A modern compound will shoot arrows almost as fast and about the same kinetic energy as a crossbow. Even though the crossbow will have a higher draw weight, a compound has a longer draw length putting more energy into the arrow.

On either one, you are better limiting your shots to 40 yards or so. Even if you can hit a target at longer distances, the critter is likely to jump the string if you stretch your shot much further. Folks who say hunting with a crossbow is like hunting with a rifle, they probably have never hunted with a crossbow. It's certainly not cheating.

I say, go with whatever you like and don't worry about other folks think. cheers


Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654563 01/30/17 08:06 PM
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By added range I don't mean drastic but compound I wouldn't shoot past 40 yards max crossbow maybe 60 max. Of course there are factors both ways.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654568 01/30/17 08:13 PM
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No way I would shoot at a deer at 60 yards with a crossbow. By the time that the arrow gets there, that deer could move several feet. Not to say it's never been done, but I won't do it.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654585 01/30/17 08:26 PM
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Kinda like a rifle. There's a comfortable range and then There's hog and coyote range. Deer I'd never shoot past 40 just not comfortable beyond that.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6654926 01/31/17 12:24 AM
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If you go with a crossbow then check out the HHA Optimizer Speed Dial. You range it in, match the sight tape, use a range finder to get exact distance, turn the wheel to the yardage and you're dead on. there was a problem with the PSE Fang's limbs exploding when they first came out. You would also have to install a washer under one of the string dampeners because it doesn't sit center across the string on one side. I had two of them and they were junk. One had a huge gouge in the rails and the other had limbs that were cracking after shooting it 5 times. I was even using a heavier bolt than what PSE recommended to me on the phone. Firing my Mission MXB-360 crossbow from inside my blind, the deer don't even hear it but I still wouldn't take a shot over 40 yards on an deer with it. I would go 50 yards on a hog if I had a shot and everything was in my favor. But you really don't have to shoot that far if you set your feeder closer. I use the Primo's monopod to hold it steady and I picked up a Vortex camera to picatinny adapter so I can connect it right to the monopod. Crossbows are a lot of fun!!!! I am planning on putting a ladder stand 20 yards away in the tree line to be able to use my LX and recurve this year during archery season.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6655307 01/31/17 04:24 AM
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I'm always up for a good debate. I think you pick your poison and get your butt outside, thats most important.

I've been hounded by long bow hunters then they show up during gun season with a Kimber bolt action instead of a flintlock. Folk like that put the joy in huntin for me because they can dish it out but cry like babies when you give it back.

A crossbow has a learning curve (shot placement and judging range and elevation effects) if you are a rifle hunter and its accuracy can get you into trouble. A sixty yard shot is very easy accuracy wise but things can start going wrong after 30 yards.

I like a recurve crossbow between 300-330fps, Nikon Crossbolt scope, and keep shots inside 35 yards cross lung.
If you like to shoot bones, I urge you to use this:

https://vparchery.com/product/vpa-3-blade-broadheads-125-grains-non-vented-1-18-width-3-pack-copy/

I urge you to use this too:

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-214944-Reflective-10-Ounce-Spray/dp/B000LNVC1M

Do explore the benefits of a recurve crossbow if you like simple and don't be afraid to spend a little money.

Every weapon and hunt can present some challenge. Getting so close is where I challenge myself, dats how I get off. Tried the spear but it just ain't my thing but I do like hunting Hippos with a 410 Leveraction.

Goodluck to ya.

Last edited by Treinta-Treinta; 01/31/17 05:20 AM.
Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6655361 01/31/17 05:13 AM
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^^^^^^ Spear is definitely on my list^^^^^^ Yeah Excaliber makes some fast recurve crossbows. I gave my buddy my old 1980 Barnett Wildcat 150# crossbow. It only goes 235fps but it's good enough for 30 yard shots out the blind window. If you need to get one on a payment plan then get on the Sportsman's Guide buyers club and you can get the crossbow on the first payment and then pay it off over 4 months. I ended up getting the HHA Optimizer crossbow speed dial that way and some other stuff. Look in to getting a Hawke Optics or similar crossbow scope with a lit reticle for it. Then you can get used to leveling the crossbow when taking a shot. A crank cocking device makes a huge difference and so does some arrow lube to help you pull the bolts out of the target. Arrow pullers are good to have too. There is nothing better than getting a close shot. Up north we couldn't shoot more than 20 to 30 yards from a 20' high tree stand or on a trail because the woods are so thick. It was pretty awesome hunting deer with a recurve from the ground. You can also pick up a 100# tree hugger feeder and move it around to see which area is good for you and then set up your stand from there. I absolutely love hunting in Texas! You can bait deer and get them in nice and close making it a lot easier for using a recurve. I would like to try a spear on a hog sometime. I am going after quail this winter with my recurve and some snaro points at Top Flight which should be fun. My wife bought me some aerial targets and I guess she trusts me enough to throw them for me to practice lmao. That's trust right there lol.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6655369 01/31/17 05:25 AM
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See, shooting flying birds would be a challenge most wouldn't accept. I'd think it easier to stick a piece of duct tape to a mountain lions butt.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6655628 01/31/17 02:42 PM
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This is more than your budget but Excalibur makes a high-quality product, and it has everything you need to get started at a great price.

$650


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Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6655634 01/31/17 02:50 PM
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Go back to the compound bow sir up



Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6734000 04/13/17 04:47 PM
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I, like some on this thread, wouldn't call crossbow cheating, it's still a challenge. They go back centuries and have proven themselves. And like bows, there are traditional and compound crossbows and as much hot air in the debate. My recommendation is to find what is comfortable and get in the woods. You might find other challenges to impose on yourself in the future and I highly recommend exploring them, it will make you a better hunter and a more patient person. Here's to the hunt!


...as He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free...
Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6777091 05/28/17 04:35 PM
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I prefer like compound bow


With the multiplicity of the options for the best compound bows, many may end up deciding in haste. Nonetheless, at all times, you have to decide beyond price.
Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6777361 05/28/17 11:59 PM
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The only way I will own or shoot a cross bow, is the day I can't hold up a compound. But I don't mind if other do, hunting is hunting.

Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6777375 05/29/17 12:38 AM
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I own both. I have hunted with a bow for more than 50yrs. Started off with a recurve, switched to a compound in the mid 1970's . Went back to a recurve in the early 90's then back to a compound after my first shoulder surgery in 1997.
Two years ago while bow hunting Elk in Colorado I was unable to draw on a mature bull at 20yds. The bull stopped broadside at 5 yds and I could only watch as it fed in front of me for 15 minutes. I finally yanked the bow back when he offered a shot while rubbing a tree at 15yds. I got the bow back but my shoulder collapsed before the bull walked off. By the time I hiked down the mountain I could barely lift my arm.
When I got home I went to a shoulder specialist who said I needed a full replacement, however he was an avid bow hunter and suggested that I reduce my draw weight and try a vigorous physical therapy program before I elected to have surgery again. At the time I was drawing 70 lbs.
In the mean time I purchased an Excalibur Crossbow to get me through the season. I had it sighted in and ready to hunt a week later. Shot a nice doe with it at 20yds.
I don't believe that they are any more efficient than a vertical bow but they are certainly require a lot less practice to be proficient.
I don't find them as satisfying as hunting with a vertical bow but they definitely have their place.
I practiced daily with my compound and was very proficient in harvesting both Whitetails and Elk.
I bought new 60 lb.limbs for my Matthews CreedXS and after therapy have been able to shoot my vertical bow proficiently once again.
Doing whatever it takes to get out hunting effectively should be your only concern.



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Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: jhenderson] #6777563 05/29/17 12:49 PM
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I wouldn't use a weapon that feels " almost like cheating" (your words). I happen to agree, so I will never use a crossbow during bow season.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #6777684 05/29/17 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
I wouldn't use a weapon that feels " almost like cheating" (your words). I happen to agree, so I will never use a crossbow during bow season.


No more cheating than being 25' up or buried in the shade of a popup with a net or screen on top of a pile of corn. Hunting is hunting.


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Re: Compound or crossbow? [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #6777725 05/29/17 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
I wouldn't use a weapon that feels " almost like cheating" (your words). I happen to agree, so I will never use a crossbow during bow season.


No more cheating than being 25' up or buried in the shade of a popup with a net or screen on top of a pile of corn. Hunting is hunting.


When you don't have to draw that makes it "more like cheating" to me. More like a short range rifle. You have your opinion, I have mine.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


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