Tracker String

Hunter65 · Post by **Hunter65** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:16 am

Has anyone tried using a Tracker String on a crossbow ? I used one for years on a compound bow and loved it.

deerman · Post by **deerman** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:25 am

I was given one but never did use it.Looks like more of a pain than good.A heavy blood trail is usually all I ever need.

joeumholtz · Post by **joeumholtz** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:56 am

I've used the tracker on my compound with good success. Especially useful on those just before dark shots. Haven't tried it on the crossbow but I read somewhere that the string tends to break when you fire the arrow. Don't know how true that is. This will be my first crossbow hunting season and I'm trying to keep things simple so I haven't tried the tracker yet but at some point I will.

joeumholtz · Post by **joeumholtz** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 6:35 pm

joeumholtz wrote:I've used the tracker on my compound with good success. Especially useful on those just before dark shots. Haven't tried it on the crossbow but I read somewhere that the string tends to break when you fire the arrow. Don't know how true that is. This will be my first crossbow hunting season and I'm trying to keep things simple so I haven't tried the tracker yet but at some point I will.

Tonight I took the tracker and ducktaped it to my Exocet. Only got to fire one arrow before the neighborhood descended on me wanting to "watch" (read that try) Joe's crossbow. The one arrow I did fire with the tracker flew straight and true. Unfortunately, as I said in my previous post the string snapped. When I pulled it from the target it had about nine inches of string attached, which was about the amount I had in slack when I loaded the arrow. That means it snapped when I fired. I know the string was free and clear and loose in the tracker so based on one shot I'd say it's not going to work well with a crossbow unless the tracker people increase the strength (currently 17 lbs.) of their string.

One other possibility would be to put some sort of shock absorber between the string and the arrow (I'm thinking rubber band type thingy)

But overall I'm with Deerman. Hit'm right, get a good blood trail and you'll be feasting on fresh venison in no time.

Bucko · Post by **Bucko** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:20 pm

I've used the string tracker for years both on my vertical bow and the crossbow.Never had a problem either way.Does make a hissing sound as the string unwinds on take off.

Always had the deer fall within range of viewing them though.Except a decent 8 point that I buried a Muzzy in his front shoulder.After about 70 yrds. I found the arrow on the ground with the string still attached.That shot came from a crossbow while I was hunting from the ground.One heck of a crack on that impact.

This is my first yr. with the Phoenix and theres no threaded hole up front for the string tracker.I'll just have to Git-It-Done

joeumholtz · Post by **joeumholtz** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:53 pm

Bucko wrote:I've used the string tracker for years both on my vertical bow and the crossbow.Never had a problem either way.Does make a hissing sound as the string unwinds on take off.

Always had the deer fall within range of viewing them though.Except a decent 8 point that I buried a Muzzy in his front shoulder.After about 70 yrds. I found the arrow on the ground with the string still attached.That shot came from a crossbow while I was hunting from the ground.One heck of a crack on that impact.

This is my first yr. with the Phoenix and theres no threaded hole up front for the string tracker.I'll just have to Git-It-Done

I never had a problem with it on my compound either, and this was just a one shot test out of my Exocet 200 so I wouldn't bet the farm on my results.

What l crossbow were you using? To shoot the tracker tonight I ducktaped it to the side of the riser as far front as it would go. Ended up being right under the limb. I think you could use some velcro to mount it there on a semi permanent basis if it works.

If I get a chance I'll try a few more shots tomorrow and see what the results are.

Bucko · Post by **Bucko** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 7:58 am

Joe--,Up till 2 mths. ago when I got a Phoenix I was useing a Horton Safari Express I bought new 19 yrs. ago.

The tracker canister I did have to tape closed where the 2 halves meet as it would pop open when shooting from the crossbow.The Horton had the threaded insert as standard fatory equipped.I have found it hard to get the original wire attachment wires that mount beneath the broadheads rather than useing the disc attachments;but I've become thrifty with my wire pieces.String,if my memory is correct comes in a stronger tensile too although I use the the white.

joeumholtz · Post by **joeumholtz** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 2:59 pm

Bucko wrote:Joe--,Up till 2 mths. ago when I got a Phoenix I was useing a Horton Safari Express I bought new 19 yrs. ago.

The tracker canister I did have to tape closed where the 2 halves meet as it would pop open when shooting from the crossbow.The Horton had the threaded insert as standard fatory equipped.I have found it hard to get the original wire attachment wires that mount beneath the broadheads rather than useing the disc attachments;but I've become thrifty with my wire pieces.String,if my memory is correct comes in a stronger tensile too although I use the the white.

I gave up using the wires long ago. I simply loosen my broadhead and tie it onto the threaded shaftt and then tighten the broadhead down. Never had a problem.

Did a quick webseach and all I found was the 17lb in white and flourescent. I'm told the flourescent is difficult to see at night so I stuck with the white also.

pdislow · Post by **pdislow** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:13 am

a little extra slack and a full spool might help on the string breaking.

joeumholtz · Post by **joeumholtz** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 6:37 pm

pdislow wrote:a little extra slack and a full spool might help on the string breaking.

The results of tonight's testing.

First shot:
Using a light rubber band I looped it over the shaft and slid it down to the partially loose field point. I snugged it to the shaft of the field point and tightened the point down as far as it would go. Left the same amount of slack as the other night. Aimed. Fired. Success! The string followed the arrow to the target.

Second shot. I eliminated the rubber band and increased the length of the slack to about two feet. Aimed. Fired. At first I thought I had the same effect as the other night. There was about 8 in of line hanging from the tracker, so I figurd the string snapped. Upon my retrieving the arrow I siscovere a whole lot of line still attached to it (15 yds) and some of it was bunched a ball (birdsnest)

Conclusion: The rubber band would work. I'm a bit concerned with it remaining attached as it passes through the deer. Only one way to find out if that works. The additional slack in the line may also work but I think pdislow is correct, a full spool might help. This spool is at least five years old. When I get to the sporting goods store I'll pick up a new spool and try again.