6 replies to this topic

[minefield]

When you don't hunt from a tree stand or bind the it's all about weight.

After 25 years of hunting with long bow then compound it's now time to change to a crossbow, Over the past couple of months I have been reading all the posts with much interest, But for the type of hunting we do in New Zealand there are no seasons and we mostly hunt on conservation land [government owned]all you need is a hunting permit "Free", But Doc. "As they are known" Have blocked 90% of all 4WD access so it means a lot of walking possible 4-6 hours walk to get to a good hunting area so weight is everything.

This come to the point of this post, I have the cash and ready to buy , What would be the lightest crossbow with a speed of over 350fps?? Because when it's on your back all day the lighter the better.

                          "IT ALL ABOUT WEIGHT"
                       I live to hunt and hunt to live

Edited by minefield, 26 January 2012 - 11:13 PM.

[See4miles]

I like the walking part.  I wish they would do more of this in the state of Michigan where I live.  As for the crossbow specifications you seek.  I would go to the various manufacturer's web sites that interest you and view their specifications.  That is the only sure way to know.
I would be more interested in a good carrying system such as a crossbow backpack or good sling system. Let that help you because in the long run, once your crossbow is dressed out, it's going to be heavier than you want for sure.

[Terminal-operator]

minefield, on 26 January 2012 - 11:10 PM, said:

When you don't hunt from a tree stand or bind the it's all about weight.

After 25 years of hunting with long bow then compound it's now time to change to a crossbow, Over the past couple of months I have been reading all the posts with much interest, But for the type of hunting we do in New Zealand there are no seasons and we mostly hunt on conservation land [government owned]all you need is a hunting permit "Free", But Doc. "As they are known" Have blocked 90% of all 4WD access so it means a lot of walking possible 4-6 hours walk to get to a good hunting area so weight is everything.

This come to the point of this post, I have the cash and ready to buy , What would be the lightest crossbow with a speed of over 350fps?? Because when it's on your back all day the lighter the better.

                          "IT ALL ABOUT WEIGHT"
                       I live to hunt and hunt to live

Minefield,
You should check out the Middleton DTM375. Granted this recurve bow is not for everyone. It weighs 6lbs. without any accessories . It will shoot over 375fps. Lifetime warranty. It's
under $800.00 for the base bow. It's worth checking into.

[minefield]

Terminal-operator, on 26 January 2012 - 11:45 PM, said:

Minefield,
You should check out the Middleton DTM375. Granted this recurve bow is not for everyone. It weighs 6lbs. without any accessories . It will shoot over 375fps. Lifetime warranty. It's
under $800.00 for the base bow. It's worth checking into.

I like the Middleton and the weight , I am hoping to get compound with a axle to axle under 25" as I mostly hunt in bush,  I have been looking at the SZ380 but been waiting to see what comes out from the 2012 ATA show, I read there was one compound around 6lb and over 360fps but I never saved the blog. Just though others over in the States may have more info

[Terminal-operator]

Minefield ,
Check out the market place here on the forum. There is a nice carbon fiber Stryker setup for around $700.00 US. Plus shipping. 405+ fps. The best Bowtech ever made. Good luck.

[Todd the archer]

Also I know that the Middleton's and Excalibur's can easily be taken apart to make for easier packing if desired.

Todd

[HogBane]

I don't know whether this would be allowed there or not. My solution would be a game cart. This would enable you to get home easly with the game you harvest as well. I hunt on public land (Corps of Engineers) and there is no four-wheel-drive vehicles allowed. I can take my pop-up ground blind a chair, cooler with my lunch and drinks my heavy crossbow and lots of extra arrows and still load a 300 pound wild boar on my cart. I kind of use the cart as a home base while  stalking. It folds up and is easily hidden under some leaves or inside the pop-up blind. I'm trying to devise a way for my 95 pound boxer to help me pull it, he needs to lose some weight. Plus he needs to earn his keep if he wants any of this hog meat.