New Member- HI!

[maplevizsla]

Hi there! I'm brand new to crossbow hunting. I just recently purchased an Excalibur Phoenix from Gagnons in Oshawa And I just joined the Durham Archers club as well, what a fantastic place! Although I am having difficulties pulling the string, I guess I have to start building some muscle, LOL. What are your thoughts on the Crankeroo? I think I'll have to purchase that. Other than not being able to pull the string back, I LOVE my xbow and am happy to own one finally.
Is there any particular items I should get to put in a 'Archery Kit" things not only for the range while practice shooting, but also for when I'm out in the field hunting?

Thanks! Glad to be aboard:-D

[pphoenix]

welcome, do you have the rope cocking aid, that's how most of us do it, it easyer and centres the string with the rail.

[gad]

Welcome, the hoping cocking aid and the stringer would be great acessories. Get them if you don't have it. They are cheap.

[diesel]

Welcome and congrats on your new addiction.

[wabi]

Welcome!
You might be well served with the rope cocking aid. The crankeroo definately works, but it is slow.

[crazyfarmer]

trhe rope cocking aid makes it seem like its only 75pounds I can barely cock my 200 by hand, but the cocking aid makes it childs play

[marmot]

Welcome!

[huntin1]

Welcome! I'll also recommend the rope cocking aid, works like a charm.


huntin1

[DustyinAZ]

Welcome and congrats on your new Xbow. I also highly recommend the rope cocker and stringing aid. Makes life and shooting much easier

~Dusty~

[Grizzly Adam]

Hey, Maplevisla ...

I'm new around here too. I'll give you the welcome many gave me! Good bunch of folks here, it seems.

That rope cocker will probably do the trick. I don't know the draw weight of your bow or your strength, but the leverage provided by the double pulley effect of the aid really will reduce your effort by nearly half.

You'll develop your own technique, but it's possible to largely leave your back and arms out of the equation, if you're tall enough. I mostly squat cock mine, using the large muscles of my quadriceps (which are used to lifting large weights into the air!) ... works like a charm. I shoot the Exomax model, at 225 lb. draw, and though I can cock it by hand, I can cock it EASILY with the rope aid. Why strain, and take a chance on hurting yourself? The rope cocker takes the work out of it. I believe I could cock a much heavier bow that way, although I can't see the need for one ... the Max is fast, fast, fast ... and hits with a thump!

Best of luck in the process ... and enjoy!

Grizz

[TYE]

Welcome Maple.

[NZ Hunter]

The rope cocking aid will fit into your pocket and is good to use on your hunting trips. I cant go without one now.

Just curious, where did u get the name vizsla, hungarian I presume?

[A.W]

Welcome and Congrats!!!.

If you can affored it buy the "Right Stuff" package which has about all you'll need.

[Sliver]

Welcome Maple... I was a member of the Durham Archers for a couple of years,It is a nice spot, but not so great in the winter months..and the plumbing is terrible so I decided to keep my money in my pocket this year and just get out and shoot some home made targets..

Good Luck with your new Bow.......

[maplevizsla]

Yes, I got the whole package deal, with everything in the kit. I do have the rope cocking aid and I still can't cock the bow back:-(

However, I got a tip that if I I shorten the cocking string by about an inch it will help me pull it back more easily:-) So I am going to do that and head out to the club tomorrow and see how it works.

I've kept a strict exercise regiment for the past 3 months to keep fit for the summer, however using these bows requires a whole new set of muscles to be used, so I've started doing more upper body work
--->meaning more push-ups, ugg seems like I'm going back to high school with 'em push-ups, LOL.

Can't wait till hunting season is finally here!