Hello folks,
This old rifle hunter has just recently been forced to apply for a handicap hunting permit due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it was swiftly approved. I have damage to my shoulders, elbows and hands so weight is a real consideration in my selection, and that's what brought me to this forum and selection of a recurve over a compound. Can anyone recommend which model to start with?
LD
Justice is the one thing you should always find.......Toby Keith
WELCOME Lawdawg!
Everyone who responds will be prejudiced!! So....I'll start. I suggest the Vixen II.
Laura
Vixen II/Optimizer/RamCats/NGSS
Camx
Boo strings, top mounts
[url]http://www.michigancrossbowfederation.org[/url]
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-Crossbow-Federation/122974954384381
hello lawdawg.[welcome to the forum] I know how you feel , if it was me i'd go to a shop that would let me try all the excall. models,,, if thats possible. then you will know for sure what works best for you. Good luck in your desicion? You just can't beat hands on.
Dave
Be safe in all you do! See ya in the woods!!!
2010 Equinox/ Known as Doe Bow
Firebolts
Swhacker BH,s 125 grn
cheek pad /excell string
D-Bars
S-5,s
vixenmaster custom strings
Seems like several members think the vixen is the way to go! I spect it must be a majority rule thing. If'en i recommend a model then i would have to have used it. If'en you can live with the slower speed then its the cat's Meow!
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"Team DryFire"
Vixen, Micro 315, HHA Optimizer, Boo & VixenMaster strings, Munch Mounts, Dr. Stirrup accessories.
Just bought a Vixen 2 for my wife (she couldn't cock my Pheonix) I sighted it in for her and its a hard hitting bow ! Easy to cock, and a little lighter. Wife loves it as do I !! Vixen gets my vote.
papa bear1 wrote:hello lawdawg.[welcome to the forum] I know how you feel , if it was me i'd go to a shop that would let me try all the excall. models,,, if thats possible. then you will know for sure what works best for you. Good luck in your desicion? You just can't beat hands on.
Dave
This is the route I would go. They also have cocking aids to help out. So, there is the vixens with enough power to do the job or using a cocking aid any one of the others unless your looking for light weight. Go check them all out. Thats the only way you will know for sure what you can handle. Good Luck!
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm not overly concerned on the draw, since it's a single event that I may approach slowly, but weight is a real issue. If all the models are close in weight, then this won't be an issue compared to a compound. Would the velocity of the Vixen give me reliable shots out to 40 yards?
LD
Justice is the one thing you should always find.......Toby Keith
The Vixen II will shoot arrows of 325gr weight and get good velocity, but 325 grains limits arrow selection if you want that speed. I believe the stock 20" Excal FireBolts with a 100gr head weigh in at around 375gr if my memory is correct. (perhaps someone that shoots them can chime in here)
Another thing to consider is the length of pull of the Vixen II has been reduced about an inch. For me (I have a hard time getting enough eye relief with a scoped Phoenix) that would be a concern.
No doubt the Vixen would "feel" the lightest since the riser is the shortest that means simple mechanics are a part of the formula. The weight of the riser & limbs is on a shorter lever (the stock), so it's going to feel like less weight pulling down on your arms.
Not bashing the Vixen at all - I find it to be the most user-friendly model, and it is also easier on parts. A dry fire is seldom damaging, and strings suffer less serving wear.
If the short length of pull might be a factor, you might also want to look at the Axiom SMF! The synthetic rail is a bit lighter, and it's only an inch longer.
So....I'll start. I suggest the Vixen II.
Good luck in your desicion? You just can't beat hands on. 
