Aussie needs advice..

[Andrewj]

Hi guys i have been reading few of the posts for the past weeks, its good to see a community of likeminded people.

i am looking at buying a Excalibur Crossbow, thinking about the Vixen or Pheonix, but i dont know which one! iam going to be shooting mostly target and field shoots, cause the hunting in Australia is limited...sad.

here is the list of things i think i will need to buy, can i get some advice please on what i need...

PHOENIX crossbow?
VIXEN crossbow?

scope mounting bracket?
scope rings?
FASTFLITE Flemish string?
aluminium arrows or carbon?
String and Deck Wax?
Stringer?
Camo Case?
VARIZONE scope?

i think thats all i would need, plz feel free to give any advice. thanks

p.s. whats the maximum range for these crossbows, taking it note that i will not be hunting, and i know about the range thats appropriate for hunting, 20 - 40 ft, but i wanna shoot long distance at targets....

[NZ Hunter]

First of all welcome Andrewj welcome to the forum, I own the Phoenix Just a tad more power than the Vixen. It wont make any difference really what your choice is apart from a very slightly flatter shooting curve. As long as you know the distance you will be shooting at, both bows will do their part. I would purchace a rope cockingaid, helps you with long practice sessions as well as accuracy as the string is pulled back perfectly in the center each time (very important)

I read a few Australian hunting mags, there are some good stories and photos with alsorts of game from pigs to Water Buffalo with a few deer species as well, you may have to travel a bit or sus you out a good hunting friend to go explore.

you can purchace the scope bracket and rings with the varizone scope which I recomend, then it will all fit nicely. The varizone is a well suited scope for targets out to 50 yards with good accuracy. It has internal marks like a mildot scope with marks for 20 30 40 & 50 yards.

I just use the string wich came with the xbow, I may try a fast flight one day but the one I have works a beaut.

For target I would stick to carbon arrows as they are very durable. I have shot mine hundreds of times. The bigest mistake you can do while target shooting is aim at the same spot, you may get away with it a few times but you will end up by spliting your arrows. Aluminium are cheaper but are easy to bend while removing from the target.

I just use string wax on the serving only by rubing in with fingers or leather to create a bit of heat so it soaks in well. Deck wax, well car wax will do the trick along the deck.

A case may be good for transport, What ever you do dont leave your xbow in a hot vehicle, will cause damage to the limbs.

I am reasonably new to this sport as well, some of the people on this forum will be able to help you out with any question you may want answering.

Good to see a neighbour from over the ditch join up.

good luck with you choice

[pphoenix]

Why not just getting the "right stuff package", it will have everything you just mentioned. I don't know if there are any dealers in your area, but you can always go online. Ebay had good deals on both right stuff package and also on a few excals.

[Grizzly Adam]

G'day, Mate!

Sorry about the restricted hunting and prohibitive laws in Aussieland ... I think Austraila is such a neat country ... it is very high on my list of "must=see" places in the world.

I think that if the majority of your shooting is going to be targets and field, the Vixen is your choice. If mostly target and field and occasional hunting, then the Phoenix would be appropriate. The only reason to have a heavy crossbow is if hunting is your main use of it, and if you can easily handle the extra cocking effort. Even then, it's not absolutely necessary.

I too highly recommend the RIGHT STUFF accessory package. Everything you need, already matched to the bow. You'll need to order your case, but other than that, you'll be ready to go.

BOWHUNTER'S SUPERSTORE on Ebay has the best US prices that I know of.

Grizz

[wabi]

Welcome to the forum!
I don't think there is a right answer to the "which crossbow?" question. Both are very close in power, and both offer the same great accuracy. The finish on the Phoenix is, perhaps, a little more appealing, but the Vixen is a bit easier to cock. You can't go wrong with either, so just pick whichever you like the looks of best.
As for accessories, I'd start with:
Rope cocking aid
Varizone scope - mount - rings
Spare string (s) (probably the same Excel that comes with the bow)
Plenty of arrows
String wax
Arrow puller (for target shooting - I like Dan Miller's puller)
Quiver bracket & quiver (I like Dan Miller's design)
(Dan Miller is Excal's USA service representative, his accessories aren't available online but a search here on the forum should find pics and Dan's phone is (740) 483-2312)

[Andrewj]

Thanks guys for replying!

The Dealer i am getting the Xbow off (AusBow.com.au) doesnt sell the "right stuff" package rather he sells all the parts separatly.

But realistically i think the vixen is going to be the choice cause i am going to be shoot alot of targets so i dont want to get sick n tired of cocking a heavier xbow....

but like its said above, the Pheonix has a flatter shooting curve which i like better cause iam wanting to shoot long distance...i dont know why but i love long distance shooting, its such a challenge...

Concerning the Varizone scope it sounds very cool that it already has markings for 10 to 50 yards, but what happens if i wanna shoot 90 yards?
do i have to make up a bracket for the scope? hmmm maybe i should just buy the Xbow and then figure it out!

but yea thanks again for the replys!

[Tom]

Concerning the Varizone scope it sounds very cool that it already has markings for 10 to 50 yards, but what happens if i wanna shoot 90 yards?
do i have to make up a bracket for the scope? hmmm maybe i should just buy the Xbow and then figure it out!

Andrewj I have seen a pictue or two of special mounts that will add ellivation to the scope for longer distances which you speak of. I think some in Europe use them for compitition shoots.

Now if your going to be shooting these distances mostly, then just sight in your bow for that, using the 50 yard mark, for 90. Remember that there is a speed ring on the scope that when turned will change the point of impact for the 10, 30, 40 & 50 marks in comparisson to the crosshairs (20). Just because people call them the 10 - 50 marks, does not mean that is all they are good for.

Your correct that the Pheonix is flatter shooting then the Vixen, but not that much of a difference. If your only reason you choose the pheonix is the flatter shooting, but like the Vixen because it requires less effort to load, then I would go with the vixen. Also find out what price your local dealer gives you for the Right Stuff Package (seperate pieces) and then look on the internet and get a price there (include shipping). I find it hard to believe that you will get the accessaries cheaper when bought piece by piece.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Andrewj]

Yea i am emailing some other suppliers in Aus for the "Right Stuff" package, cause i had a good read and it will set me up pretty good!

EDIT/ADD-ON: can any one post some links here to online stores..i have found only one so far..ill keep looking

[Martin]

Im from WA, and the hunting laws are not that bad here. Same goes for SA and NT. I have a exomax, and extremely happy with it, although does have a heavy draw weight. I got mine from Ausbow as well, a bit pricy though. Can get it much cheaper direct from US or Canada.

[Grizzly Adam]

http://stores.ebay.com/Bowhunters-Superstore

[saxman]

Nothing I can add to these great answers but a big HOWDY form N.E. Florida and welcome to the forum