First time crossbow

jonnyrotten · Post by **jonnyrotten** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:26 pm

With the help of this forum...i have narrowed my crossbow choice down to excalibur models. Here's the conondrum....
Do i purchase a crossbow and accesssry kit from a hunting outfit from the states on ebay. They have a vixen for 275 US and accessory kit(no scope) for 135 US...28 US per box to be shipped. Or I can get a pheonix from a local outfitter....has scope, dissappater bars(sp?), quiver, quiver bracket and six bolts for 689 cdn with carrying case thrown in...plus 3 free sessions to use their 20yrd target range, which is normally 6$ per hour to rent....
543 $cnd plus taxes for the vixen
689 $cnd plus taxes for the pheonix...
I'm 5'11, 210lbs. Only hunter in the house. Have no other friends who hunt, so been out in shotgun season by myself. Like the three months no pressure of archery season vs 7days pressure induced shotgun season.....What do you guys think? would like some opinions..thanks Jonnyrotten

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 3:06 pm

Your local dealer's prices are only a little higher than the eBay deal with no waiting, no dealing with possible import problems, and a chance to see (and examine) the bow before you buy. I'm guessing the local dealer will provide assistance with any questions or problems that might arise. I'd buy locally if the price was within reason, and I believe it is in this case.
You can't go wrong with either bow, but I'd probably go with the Phoenix for the camo finish.

ecoaster · Post by **ecoaster** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 3:15 pm

If you are thinking about the cost, go with the vixen. In my opinion, the camo finish is sharp, but the deer don't care. They won't notice. I bought my Exocet off ebay and I had to wait almost a month. Very frustrating. If you want to hunt with it this season, get it from your dealer. Either bow will kill a deer deader than dead!

groundpounder · Post by **groundpounder** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 4:26 pm

About to buy or not to buy, three months of hunting versus seven days. Thats a no brainer!

jonnyrotten · Post by **jonnyrotten** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 6:58 pm

The dealer let me shoot, load and unload the crossbow several times. One of the helpers dialed in the scope and did a couple of test shots...then i got to run through the gauntlet with it several times..by the third time I was hitting the bullseye. Amazing when you think about it...how many man hours would it take to get proficient like that with a compound....I think I am leaning towards the phoenix....now i have to learn to use cover scents and deer attractants....sigh the learning never stops....thanks for the opinions...JR

Excalibur Crossbow Forum

First time crossbow

First time crossbow

phoenix or vixen