Just getting started with Crossbow

[Old Mountain Man]

This seems like a great forum and I see that the members are quite helpful.
I needed a place like this for I have questions , if anybody doesn`t mind .
I would like the info before purchasing a crossbow.
Thanks
OMM

[j.krug]

Welcome to the forum. It's a great place to hang out for sure.

Ask all the questions you have and the helpful folks here will help you out for sure. This place is like having your own crossbow encyclopedia.

[awshucks]

Welcome! X2 on the questions, we all had some.....

[mr meat]

Welcome to the forum and shoot away with the questions!

[bowmaker]

I have just joined, but I read almost every thing on here for 3 months before taking the jump. I purchased an Axiom SMF in mid February, but with our lousy weather since then I haven't shot it a dozen times. By reading here and watching all the Excalibur videos and with my past experience with recurve and long bows I feel that I made the best choice for me at this time. You might answer a few questions before asking some, such as what will you be using the crossbow for, what will you be hunting the most, how much are you willing to spend, what kind of experience or exposure to crossbows have you had? All of these answers will help the very knowledgeable members on here to guide you to a decision that you will be very comfortable with. So get started!!

[Old Mountain Man]

I appreciate the welcomes. I`ll answer the questions asked then will ask a few.

I plan on using the crossbow for both , some small group friendly competion and also for hunting . I will use it mostly for Deer and coyotes and the occasional coons .
Looking over the crossbows I think I`ll be looking at the Phoenix ( $500 to $600 + range ) That way I can spend money on custom arrows , besides I think the speed of that crossbow will be sufficient for me.
I never have used a crossbow , but have gone from traditonal and Black Powder firearms to compound bows. , after ripping a rotor cup , compounds and traditional bows are no longer an option.

One question that I have concerns nocks. What is the best to use , flat moon ,etc?
What is the best type of broadhead to use , vented or not vented?
Thanks.

[wabi]

Welcome to the forum!!!!

Excalibur recommends flat nocks. There is no need for the moon nocks with the top release claws, and there is a possibility of not orienting the groove in the nock properly and dry-firing the bow.

I have been shooting deer with a Phoenix since Excalibur started manufacturing the Phoenix and it's plenty of bow for them. I like broadheads made for the higher speeds and have had good luck with G-5 Montecs and Wac'Em Exits (similar to Slick Trick in design) in fixed blade heads. I think about any of the short profile vented heads should do well.

[vixenmaster]

Welcome to the Forum, phoenix is good model. BH's fixed vented blades, Mech's are good also

[Deerstalker]

I would suggest that whatever model you choose to be sure and keep the BH, brace height, at the specified adjustment which helps with accuracy in my opinion.

[Raymond]

My first crossbow was the Phoenix and you can't go wrong with that one. I sold it and purchased the Equinox, but now because of disabilities I wish I would have kept the Phoenix. One of these days, I will have another Phoenix crossbow, the good Lord willing that I get a few more years, . Both fixed vented or mechanical broadheads work well.
Raymond

[newbie]

Welcome to the forum !
You wont go wrong with any bow. Lots of great deals on used ones right now. Just pick what feels right. Go cock a few if you can and shoulder them.
Mike

[Hoagy]

Welcome to the forum OMM. Where do you hail from?
Enjoy. Hoagy

[maine hunter]

welcome, what ever one you get, your gonna love. just be carefull, it's hard to stop at just one.

[georgiaboy]

Welcome to the forum!!!
The 175lb bows are a perfect "all around" bow...will kill any critter in north america
If you can get your hands on one give a vixen a try, it's as sweet shootin as they come...redneck crack you could say!!
Good luck

[Old Mountain Man]

Thank all y`all for the great info , I`ll now be able to do some resarch to see what will be to my taste. I will then do research on broadheads, I am thinking 150 grain. Is that a good choice? As stated earlier I want to do some competitive shoothing , one man here shoots crossbow , I do not know his setup yet , but any target out to 75 yards , I have been told , is good for him. 75 yards seems a long way for a crossbow with accuracy , but what do I know.
Thanks