Crossbow choice

Bryceville · Post by **Bryceville** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 7:21 pm

I've read the forum discussion on bow types, and as I have just received my disabled permit for crossbow use in Florida ( thumb problems), I have narrowed the two down to the phoenix and vixen. As everyone has their favorites, and there is not that much difference poundage wise between the two, does one really have and advantage over the other? Also, what is the max distance you would try to take a whitetail at that would ensure a kill with eihter one? Plus, I have never bow hunted before, just muzzleloader and regular rifle. Thanks for your input in advance.

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 7:53 pm

The Vixen uses the older style riser and the Phoenix uses the new riser that tilts the limbs forward a little which pre-stresses them more resulting in more draw weight. Other than the added draw weight the biggest difference is cosmetic from there. The Phoenix has a camo finish, and the Vixen is plain deerhide brown in color.
Hunting range is very similar, and I have selected 30 yards for my personal maximum range for deer. Either model with a minimum weight arrow for maximum velocity should be fine at that distance.
As far as a "sure" kill, I like to get close and try for a double lung hit. My most recent kill was about 7 yards (with the Phoenix). At that range (unless you really mess up bad) you can be sure of having meat. But it is possible to screw up a 7 yard shot! I've done it

- Always be sure you have a clear shooting lane!

pphoenix · Post by **pphoenix** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 5:53 pm

wabi tell's us the complete story of your miss, 7yards nice buck? what happened?

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:05 pm

pphoenix wrote:wabi tell's us the complete story of your miss, 7yards nice buck? what happened?

At the time I was using a 175# Exocet with a varizone scope. The arrow hit a small twig that was so close it didn't show up when looking through the scope. The arrow went through the buck way to high to do any fatal damage. He lost some blood at first but the blood trail ended after about 40 yards. Found one drop where he jumped a fence at 60 or 70 yards and that was the last sign of blood. Never found any indications that he died, so I'm hoping he recovered.
Now I clear huge shooting lanes and avoid brush whenever possible! Don't take much to send an arrow off course!

joey · Post by **joey** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:34 pm

I HAVE 4 XBOWS PARKER, TENPOINT PRO ELITE, EXCALIBUR EXOMAX, AND A GREAT LAKES IMPACT XBOW I LIKE MY IMPACT BEST LESS NOISE FASTER WITH A 486 GAIN ARROW AN IT SHOOTS WELL. MY SECOND CHOICE WOULD BE MY EXOMAX I LIKE BEING ABLE TO FIX IT IN THE WOODS AN BEING ABLE TO UN LOAD IT WITH OUT SHOOTING IT MY IMPACT SHOOTS 346 WITH A 22" CARBON EXPRESS ARROW