I got my hands on a few crossbows today from various makers.
Overall the length of pull was rather stubby for me. I stand 6'6" with a 79" wing span. While I shoot a 30" arrow when using a compound I still favor a longer than standard length of pull.
The one that felt more "right" than all the others was the Darton and I'm guessing it was the Scorpion (from the images at the Darton site).
The guy behind the counter (discount store) claimed it was used by a lot of people to shoot 3D. Not sure what weight to put on his word. I don't recall him bringing his bow out to the 3d range where my club is.
We haven't had many crossbows at our range, but we have announced that they would be welcome. Naturally they would be in their own equipment class.
As I explained in the Newbie forum I have not yet purchased a crossbow despite having wanted one since I was a boy. The Darton Serpent seems to be the right choice. Opinions from people who own/shoot them?
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3 replies to this topic
#1
Kerrvillian
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Member
- LocationKerrville, TX
Posted 21 January 2012 - 03:59 PM
Excalibur Vortex
Stock extender
Vari-zone scope
20" Excalibur Firebolt arrows, 150 gr. field tips
S5 String Suppressors
Excel String
If you call what your crossbow shoots a bolt instead of an arrow Urban Legend will have a quarrel with you.
Stock extender
Vari-zone scope
20" Excalibur Firebolt arrows, 150 gr. field tips
S5 String Suppressors
Excel String
If you call what your crossbow shoots a bolt instead of an arrow Urban Legend will have a quarrel with you.
#2
jimmy2
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Member
- LocationHowell, Michigan
Posted 21 January 2012 - 10:40 PM
The serpent is on my short list as well. I just want a good hunting crossbow and the Serpent looks to be well built and has done pretty well in the reviews. Good luck in making your choice, and keep us posted!!
#3
Mike
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Senior Member
Posted 22 January 2012 - 11:59 AM
Kerr -
Yes, you can hunt around here and find where they have been used and shot very well in competition.
I have three Darton bows. The Darton lineup is very simillar to each other. They all use a form of the same trigger. You can sorta consider a "new" Darton bow more evolution rather than revolution in design (so far anyway). More of an update to the last, rather than hugely different than the last.
As many modern crossbows, the Darton bows are very accurate. I ruined a couple of arrows before I realized...DO NOT shoot at the same dot on a target...! I've got one "pair" of arrows that the second shot is burried in the rear of the first shot by about 6-1/2" .
Another nice thing about the Darton design, is that they have a very low string to barrel/track load. This greatly helps in lengthening the string life over most other bows. Their maintenance is also fairly light compared to some simillar class bows.
You won't be unhappy with anything from Darton...and no, I haven't been paid to say all this...just personal experience and owning quite a few crossbows currently and in the past!
Mike
Yes, you can hunt around here and find where they have been used and shot very well in competition.
I have three Darton bows. The Darton lineup is very simillar to each other. They all use a form of the same trigger. You can sorta consider a "new" Darton bow more evolution rather than revolution in design (so far anyway). More of an update to the last, rather than hugely different than the last.
As many modern crossbows, the Darton bows are very accurate. I ruined a couple of arrows before I realized...DO NOT shoot at the same dot on a target...! I've got one "pair" of arrows that the second shot is burried in the rear of the first shot by about 6-1/2" .
Another nice thing about the Darton design, is that they have a very low string to barrel/track load. This greatly helps in lengthening the string life over most other bows. Their maintenance is also fairly light compared to some simillar class bows.
You won't be unhappy with anything from Darton...and no, I haven't been paid to say all this...just personal experience and owning quite a few crossbows currently and in the past!
Mike
Edited by Mike, 22 January 2012 - 12:01 PM.
#4
Buck Rub
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Newbie
- Locationlower Michigan
Posted 25 January 2012 - 08:27 PM
Kerrville,
I have a Serpent and I Love it, I tried many CB's before deceiding on the Darton Serpent. I shoot in my Clubs 3D shots and also Shot this year in a 3D league with NO issues. I love how quite the Serpent is especially when compared to many others of the other Xbows in hte 3D league. Some sound as if they are coming apart. YIKES. Now the Serpent isn't the Fastest XBow on the Market but for me it is plenty fast enough. Couldn't be happier with my Choice of Xbow. Also with my 3D League (Once a week -12 weeks) 15 targets, and then my Broadhead Archery league (once a week for 8-weeks) and pratice in between, NOT to mention Hunting season. My String and Cabels so Little to no Wear.
I have a Serpent and I Love it, I tried many CB's before deceiding on the Darton Serpent. I shoot in my Clubs 3D shots and also Shot this year in a 3D league with NO issues. I love how quite the Serpent is especially when compared to many others of the other Xbows in hte 3D league. Some sound as if they are coming apart. YIKES. Now the Serpent isn't the Fastest XBow on the Market but for me it is plenty fast enough. Couldn't be happier with my Choice of Xbow. Also with my 3D League (Once a week -12 weeks) 15 targets, and then my Broadhead Archery league (once a week for 8-weeks) and pratice in between, NOT to mention Hunting season. My String and Cabels so Little to no Wear.
