The startup package? What have i forgotten?

Skarek · Post by **Skarek** » Fri May 30, 2008 12:39 pm

I'm just about to buy my first Phoenix (my license arrived today). As I'm will be one of maybe 10 people in Sweden with Excaliburs, I quite have to start from scratch (about 700km to the closest crossbow I know of).

What should I buy in my start up package (I'll order it all from the states). I thought of buying it all from bowhunterssuperstore.com, as I know that they deliver to Sweden.

My list at the moment consists of:
Excalibur Phoenix Crossbow, HRDWD. 2008.
Excalibur Right Stuff Crossbow Acces. w/ Lumi Zone Scope, Realtree Hardwoods. 2008.
Excalibur Blizzard Scope Caps For Lumi-Zone Scope, 2Pk. 2008
Excalibur Crossbow Stand. 2008.
Excalibur Rope Cocking Aid. 2008 (extra to build a Arrow Puller)

I'm thinking of buying a fletching jig, any tips?

Should i buy extra arrows? In case what brand?
What point (only targetshooting) etc?

Targets can I use/build with my Archery club.

Have i forgotten anything that I ought to buy? Any tips or thoughts? Is something useless to buy?

Pydpiper · Post by **Pydpiper** » Fri May 30, 2008 1:01 pm

You are certainly off to a good start!
Fletching jigs, depending on how involved you want to get, Blitz makes the best they say, but I prefer the Arizona EZ fletcher, slaps 3 vanes on in seconds, I am very picky about consistency and this inexpensive tool works beyond my expectations.
You may want to consider the small stuff you will need later, like serving material.
Enjoy!

8up · Post by **8up** » Fri May 30, 2008 1:21 pm

I don't see a case listed.

You might save a little money from "Western Hunting Online" if they ship to Sweden.
http://www.westernhuntingonline.com/sto ... list&c=122

liaf · Post by **liaf** » Fri May 30, 2008 11:16 pm

I purchased my first crossbow this year and it was a phoenix with the right stuff package but it had the varizone scope. I bought a morrel super duper target for practice but I doubt you want one shipped to sweden since it weighs about 30lbs and shipping would cost a lot. You may want to look locally for a target or even make one yourself. I am sure someone could advise you on what you need to construct your own target. It is illegal to hunt with a crossbow in New York state but i bought mine with the intention that in a couple of years it would be legal to hunt with in NYS or New Jersey. I do not know if you have ever shot a crossbow, I never did and i was shocked on how loud a crossbow can sound. Even though I am only target shooting I decided to get an STS(BHSS has them) and a BOO string(custom string maker from Ontario, Canada). My crossbow isn't dead quiet but these 2 options have made an improvement with the noise level. One may question why spend the money to make it less noisy if you aren't hunting but these two modifications make it more desirable and fun to shoot. I would also get another 1/2 dozen arrows since the excal are really accurate and before you know it you have ruined 2 out of your orginal six arrows. Listen to what other people have to say and then decide on what you really need in order to make this a complete package.

dick195252 · Post by **dick195252** » Sat May 31, 2008 5:09 pm

It sure sounds like you have it covered to me. Bow Hunters Super Store Is Great to work with

Boo · Post by **Boo** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:24 pm

There is no question in my mind that you should also get a Cavalier Pro serving tool and a spool of serving. It is better to serve rather than buy a new string.
The Arizona may not be the "best" but for a first time user it is the most convenient with a very short learning curve. The only bugaboo is using feathers. It's not quite the right tool for feathers and there is zero flexibility but it will make good arrows pretty much right away. So fletchings, fletching glue etc is in order.
Stick with the factory Dacron endless loop strings until you are rejected from the Dry-Fire club. Pydiper is the President and Awshucks is the Vice.
I really believe in the STS for many reasons. Other than that I think you are good to go!

Cossack · Post by **Cossack** » Sat May 31, 2008 10:37 pm

I agree. Ditch the stand and get a serving tool and a spool of .36 diameter Brownell's, braided crossbow serving. Sooner or later you will have to reserve that string. I'd get a spare string too, just to be safe, preferably a Boo Flemish string.

Skarek · Post by **Skarek** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:05 pm

Finally my package has arrived. Tomorrow I'll start assembling it and then I have to fix a target and then I'll start the shooting. This far I'm very happy. I'll come back to you with more info and pictures...

Skarek · Post by **Skarek** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:39 pm

I have still not had time to sight in the bow, as work is killing me at the moment. Still I have had time to shoot some arrows. The first 3 grouped within 1 inch. I almost ruined the shafts...

The following 6 did the same...

Excalibur crossbows seems quite accurate

The first 3 arrows ever with my new Phoenix.

My first trophy picture

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:49 pm

looking good man, and as you will find out dont shoot at the same spot more than once

warningshot · Post by **warningshot** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:22 pm

sts, custom boo string, string wax ....and my question for you is matts sundin gonna retire?

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:13 pm

Congrats on the new bow.
Sounds like everything is covered.
Have fun