9 replies to this topic

[journeys end]

Wanted to drop in and say Hi to everyone here..  new to the xbow world.  Been a hunter for 40+ years and at 54 have hunted for a long time in Central Pa., but just recently decided to see if xbow's were for me.  Hopefully this weekend will get a chance to head to a local spot known as Lancaster Archery Supply or to Harrisburg, PA to the Bass Pro Shops to hold and shoot a few xbows.  Ive never given myself a Xmas gift, but this year surely plan on purchasing a xbow before then.

Ive done some research and this website is just so full of experienced xbow owners...it's helped tremendously!!

My budget is no greater than $500.00 for a "package". The youtube product reviews have been great to see.  Customer Service , Made in America and Warranty Coverage are 3 big factors in my search. I see that Parker has a lifetime warranty on their products and Barnett has a 5 year Warranty.  Leaning towards the Barnett Predator or Ghost 350 at this point and the prices on Amazon are outstanding, beating some places by 15-20% or more...

Will be using the xbow for Whitetail hunting and target shooting.  

Excalibur seems to be out of my price range and i had no idea that their were this many xbow manufacturers.

Recurve vs. compound?  Is their that much of a difference?  Also, how often do "strings" break?  Seems what i see on websites is that the recurves have the "ease" of string changes in the woods should their be broken strings...but does this happen with any regularity?

Anyway, wanted to say Hi to everyone and sure would appreciate  being "educated" on any aspect of the xbow.

Life is good.....  Andy

[hlcclh007]

Welcome to the Crossbow Nation!

I have had my bow for almost a year and have the same string. Keep them waxed. Very important to the life of string.

[pa crossbow]

Andy
Welcome to the CN family a great site with a fantastiic group of guys and gals.You have the right ideaas to check out and shoot as many crossbows in your price range that you can.You will then narrow your selection to a few at that time its whats feels and shoots the best, the best reputatuon and warranty.Good luck and enjoy your search for your new crossbow.Also check out the Pennsylvania Crossbow Federation at www.pacrossbow.com its an organization that has fought for crossbow inclusion and freedon of choice of archery equipment in archery season.We would appreciate and proud to have you as a supporting member.

[Hunter2]

Welcome to the Nation.

[journeys end]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome!!...Lots of very helpful posts on here.....I shot a few xbows this weekend...a Carbon Express X-Force 300 on sale for $249.99 and a Horton Vision.....  Also picked up and shouldered a few more...... a Wicked Ridge, a Barnett Wildcat and a Horton Team Realtree 175 Ultra-Lite.....  Loved the Ultra-lite...just balanced right and compact...  My wife had a Massive stroke 13 years ago and only has the use of one arm..She shot a bit many years ago and this one will suit her target shooting needs in our backyard....  Looks like the Horton might be at the top of the list...It's a bit pricey, but i found it for very close to the same price as the Barnett Ghost 350....which before today was at the top of my list..   Andy

[journeys end]

PA Crossbow....thanks for the tip about the site..I checked it out tonght....nice pics and member stories..With Membership only $10.00 for a year, will surely join when I purchase my Xbow...I see one of the officers lives in West Chester and I live only a few miles from their...  Was wondering if theirs shoots in this area?  thanks...Andy

pa crossbow, on 03 December 2011 - 08:30 AM, said:

Andy
Welcome to the CN family a great site with a fantastiic group of guys and gals.You have the right ideaas to check out and shoot as many crossbows in your price range that you can.You will then narrow your selection to a few at that time its whats feels and shoots the best, the best reputatuon and warranty.Good luck and enjoy your search for your new crossbow.Also check out the Pennsylvania Crossbow Federation at www.pacrossbow.com its an organization that has fought for crossbow inclusion and freedon of choice of archery equipment in archery season.We would appreciate and proud to have you as a supporting member.

Edited by journeys end, 04 December 2011 - 07:23 PM.

[SkyFreek60]

if you are considering vision i would like to mention itd be a good idea to check out the strykezone 380.... just got mine for $610 shipped and the 3 line scope is adequate for now. You can get the 350 a lil cheaper and still a great light bow. once you add up the packages though i opted for the extra 30 fps for the extra $30. Everyone complains about the package deal but realistically the quiver, rope cocker, arrows, etc are worth more than the 75 and the scope is adequate and practically free. BTW the sz380 comes with 2 additional arrows and sling over the 350 package. Thus the price differnece with extra arrows, STS, sling, and 30 FPS made it worth the minimal extra but to each his own.

[journeys end]

I received my Horton Team RealTree Ultra Lite Express in the mail a week ago.  After taking some time to watch the videos on youtube about the product, went ahead and put it together without a hitch.  So far have shot about 25 arrows..sighted in at 20,30 and 40 yards...Need to tweak it a bit more, but for the most part my shots are grouping nicely. So glad i bought this bow.  It's very light and the scope was an upgrade compared to the one i checked out at a local dealer.  Went ahead and ordered the 3 blade Rage slipcam broadheads and a pak of 6 aluminum ligh ning strike arrows...those are in the mail on their way.  Couldnt be more satisfied with this setup so far.  Bow and scope package from Horton ran me $445.00 on Amazon.....Been watching as many videos as I can find and articles as well...  time to keep practicing.  

Andy

[karl]

Andy,
    I to did the same and have the ultra lite. So far only sighted it in for20-40 yards and i am happy with that.
grouping is great and i have to deer this year so far with the crossbow.
I use the NAP 170 broadhead F.O.C.(2 blade)and carbon express x arrows and lumnocks. Both deer only went no more than 40 yards. and plenty of blood to trail them.
I have a few pic's of them in the gallery. if you like to check them out. Good luck with the new bow and your season is coming back in soon i hope you get the chance to use it then.
Karl

[allchokedup]

Welcome to the Crossbow Nation.