Crossbow

I am in the market for a crossbow for the wife. I know nothing about them. What are a few models I want to check out?

There is a huge range of features and quality. On the budget end, the wicked ridge invader 400 by ten point isn’t bad. Crank system for cocking is nice

Ravin. There’s some old threads on it, they are spendy but deliver great performance, are light weight and compact in size.

Ravin the crank cocking system is fool proof. I have had mine now starting on 3rd season 60 yard groups are incredidible not to mention split arrows at 20 2 times. I have been told and made my mind up on Ravin when the salesman said the 10 point can be over cranked when cocking. I know Randy does his research on things and I only looked at 10 pt and Ravin R10. set me back 1700.00 but should last me a lifetime

What is the budget? You can easily spend an addition 300+ for bolts, Broadhead, Case.

I got an invader 400 with the intent of using for one season. Noisy, but fast and very accurate. 499 to 650ish depending on which crank system. If I buy a “permanent “ crossbow to use for the future, no doubt it will be a Ravin but the price jumps to 2k

Darton Terminator

This is one of those things you can spend as much as you want. IMHO the most important things are long term consistency and dependability. Recurve crossbow technology is awesome. Eliminating compound pullies eliminates a huge potential failure point. Check this video out to see what I mean.

Here’s some interesting crossbow abuse videos.
https://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/destruction-challenge/

I really like Excalibur. They have a couple of models in the $500 range (even cheaper on fleabay) that would be great for your bride.

Do crossbows hold their value? Have a 4 yr old 10pt was thinking of upgrading.

buck-slayer wrote:

Do crossbows hold their value? Have a 4 yr old 10pt was thinking of upgrading.

I think it really depends on model and how desired it is. The inflated prices of the latest and greatest will see dramatic reality checks as it becomes “average” technology. When I started looking I came across ads for 2 or 3 year old models that were insane. Guys that paid 1500 new we’re asking 800-900. Ironicly that same model now is 900ish new. For me, it was a matter of why would I pay 800 for a 3 year old used when I can buy it new for 900??? To me, no brained. The mid range market is more stable. Since those models were already aged and priced accordingly, used market was more in check and held better value for desirable models. So, ultimately it all depends

Bear X constrictor is $450 ready to hunt.(Bolts, practice tips, sling, quiver, lighted scope.) The thing shoots absolute laser beams. Reviews are very high everywhere you look. Got it to start to teach my kids about shooting. My 5 year old ten ringed the target right out of the box 30 yards. Energy is crazy as it almost blew all the way through my block! I’m sure there are nicer ones out there.. but for $400 this thing blew my mind.

Very compact when cocked.. if you were hunting with it.. it would be very nimble.

The SCRATCHER wrote:

I have been told and made my mind up on Ravin when the salesman said the 10 point can be over cranked when cocking.

Oh….Salesman…Good for gossip and usually not much else.

Same can be done on the Ravin actually, probably to the same degree as 10pt.

Should one be concerned with the precision required for hunting due to this – no.
Should one consider it a factor in accuracy – yes.

sktrwx2200 wrote:

Energy is crazy as it almost blew all the way through my block!

Get a spiderweb target. Bolts will go in a few inches, and can be pulled out with 2 fingers. You cannot shoot it with broadheads though. Field tips only.

good thread!!!!! i’m also in the early stages of thinking of getting a crossbow!!!!

Keep an eye out for deals, when Gander was closing I got a Ravin R10 (there is very little difference between the models, and that was broke down on a previous xbow thread) for $1200 with a soft case, dozen bolts (3 luminocks), and 3 broadheads.

I just picked an Excalibur Mag 340 from A1, zeroing it was a breeze. But at 30 yards I shoot my Monster 7 just as well. But I can see when it gets to be an all-day sit in the cold that 340 will be nice. From what I have seen the crossbow likes a rest to shoot from. Going to look for a good shooting stick. DK.

catmando wrote:

I just picked an Excalibur….

Congrats, excellent choice. There are some pretty cool accessories available for it. The custom flemish strings are very cool. Keep your string waxed and rails lubed and that will be just as reliable for your great grandkids as it is for you.