How do I get started?

nixsrs93 · Post by **nixsrs93** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:03 pm

All,

I have been away from the USA for 2.5 years, and have just learned that Crossbow is now legal during archery season in Alablama. I realy like the idea of being able to hunt in the many shooting houses already on our club. Where do I begin with getting into Crossbows? What are your recomendations?

I am 30 years old, 6 foot tall, and in pretty good shape. My compound has been on 76 lbs for many years now. I will be hunting mostly whitetail deer in Alabama. What pull weight crossbow do you think I could cock with a T-handle string cocking device?

Please feel free to educate a dumb newbie!

Thanks in advance for your help,
Nixsrs93

Partikle · Post by **Partikle** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:10 pm

Welcome to the forum,

You've come to a good place. All the excal bows will take down a deer, it's just how much overkill would you like.

You can start here...
http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/choose.html

Good Luck,
Partikle

nixsrs93 · Post by **nixsrs93** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:16 pm

Yep, I have looked at the whole site about 10 times already. That is a great site! However, it does not give an idea what fellow hunters would suggest. Based on the site anything at the Phoenix level or stronger would be adequate. If you guys were just starting out, what would you buy?

Thanks,
Nixsrs93

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:18 pm

Where do I begin with getting into Crossbows?

Find an Excalibur dealer!

Seriously, any of the Excaliburs are fine for deer hunting. If I were buying a new one I'd pick the Phoenix or Exocet 200. The velocity difference from the Vixen to the Exomag doesn't really equate to that much more ethical shot distance, and the lighter weights are a lot easier to shoot repeatedly, which translates into more practice and more familiarity and efficiency with the crossbow.
There are several good hunting crossbows on the market, but the simplicity and durability of Excalibur are second to none! As the advertisement says - Less means More!
Less to go wrong or get out of tune, less chance of accidental damage, less to maintain = More time to shoot & hunt!!!!!!

nixsrs93 · Post by **nixsrs93** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:26 pm

Yes, everything I have read is pointing towards Excalibur as the best on the market. I will definately go Excaliber, it is just down to which one?

Most likely between the two you mentioned as well. Any pros and cons of each?

Phoenix = smaller, lighter, easier to pull back, but slightly slower?

Exocet 200 = larger, a little heavier, harder to pull back, but faster?

Thanks,
Nixsrs93

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:48 pm

You have the idea

The Phoenix is a little less arrow speed, but easier to cock, and still plenty for deer hunting. I use an Exocet (the now outdated 175# model) and find it's plenty for deer at ethical ranges. The Phoenix virtually duplicates it's performance, but with a shorter power stroke which should make it more comfortable to cock repeatedly.

GREY OWL · Post by **GREY OWL** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 11:02 pm

Like I've said before nixsrs93, all of the Excal. bows will take down a Alabama Whitetail no problem. It comes down to just how far you want to chase the bolt went you have a complete pass through.

A big guy like you, I'd pick maybe a Exocet 200, but my next one is a Phoenix. Can't go wrong with either.

Grey Owl

TNhunterKMC · Post by **TNhunterKMC** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 11:48 pm

I really like my Exocet 200 I bought about a month ago. Top it off with a Varizone scope and you won't be disappointed!

nixsrs93 · Post by **nixsrs93** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 12:02 am

For some reason the law doesn't allow scopes on crossbows in Alabama, so what is the next best thing?

Do they make non-magnification crossbow scopes?

Do I just go with a fiber optic pin system?

Thanks,
Nixsrs93

nixsrs93 · Post by **nixsrs93** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 12:05 am

A few more questions:

I don't think there are too many dealers in the Southeast, so anyone recommend an online dealer?

What is a good fair price for a Exocet 200?, Phoenix 175?

Thanks,
Nixsrs93

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 8:40 am

Welcome aboard~!

Regards,
Robin

Partikle · Post by **Partikle** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:09 am

nixsrs93 wrote:A few more questions:

I don't think there are too many dealers in the Southeast, so anyone recommend an online dealer?

What is a good fair price for a Exocet 200?, Phoenix 175?

Thanks,
Nixsrs93

Here you go...

Wayne Jones
Archery Plus
73 Madill Church Rd
Huntsville, ON
P1H 2J2
705-789-1208
[email protected]

tcct2003 · Post by **tcct2003** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:28 am

12 Ring Archery in Athens, Al sells Excalibur. North Alabama that is.

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:34 am

Partikle wrote:
nixsrs93 wrote:
Wayne Jones
Archery Plus
73 Madill Church Rd
Huntsville, ON
P1H 2J2
705-789-1208
[email protected]

You cant go wrong with bj~!

Regards,
Robin

chris4570 · Post by **chris4570** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 6:53 pm

Ask anyone who has ever put an arrow through a deer with one of the "outdated" 175# Exocets if you need more bow to get the job done. I'm still looking for last years pass through! I think it has gone underground somewhere.