Want to buy crossbow for boyfriend...help me?

[CrissyK]

My boyfriend mentioned that he would LOVE to have a crossbow. I am sure he figures that I will not buy him something like that, also he thinks it would be too expensive. Of course, I think it would make a great surprise for Christmas, but I need advice.

Can I get some feedback on quality crossbows in the $350-$600 range? I know this is not top of the line money, but I am sure I could find one that he would enjoy in that range.

I have been looking at the Excalibur Pheonix or Equinox. Are these good names? I do not want to buy a piece of junk. Please advise!

Thank you in advance!

[GrumpyTom]

Any of the Excalibur bows are a good quality bow. They are dependable, very accurate and have a great history behind them. The pheonix I think will run about $450 for a bare bow and the Equinox is about $600. Also the Exquinox is the most powerfull bow at 225lb pull.

There is something you should tell us about your boyfriends prefrences and stature. The two bows you described are slightly different in the stock design. One is a standard stock and the other is a Thumb hole stock, which is one inch shorter in lenght. If your boyfriend is shorter or has shorter arms then this might fit him better. Also the thumb hole design fits people better which have smaller hands (their hands can relax better). IF he is tall or has long arms, then the full or regular stock would probually fit him better.

The Pheonix is a 175lb bow. If it is for hunting, it is strong enough to harvest any animal in North America humanly. I will add another bow name to your choice, only because it has the thumb hole stock but is of the lighter poundage and lower costs. It is the Vortex and it is 200 lb and is about $550.

Hope this helps you some.

[CrissyK]

Thank you so much for the informative and thoughtful reply.

My boyfriend is 6' 3", (tall and skinny, but strong). This will be for hunting (next year) and probably just for play until then... Honestly the Phoenix for the price is more attractive to me, but, do you think it is man enough for him? I do not want to get him something wussy if you know what I mean. I really want to buy him a tool that will be a good investment for years.

Thanks again, super helpful comments.

[Dnk]

The two bow you mention are great. I have both and the Pheonix is already more bow than eanyone needs for whitetail. It is a recurve style without wheels like a compound bow so you should find out which he wants a recurve a compound type.

[CrissyK]

How do you feel about buying on eBay from a highly rated seller? The bow would still be covered under Excalibur warranty... but should I not risk it and buy from a real store? Any suggestions on where to buy?

I have seen some good deals on eBay, just wondering.

[GrumpyTom]

CrissyK I know what you mean about if the bow might be "wussy" or not but I have never really ever hear of any of the Excalibur models put into that class and they sell a 150lb model (about $400) but it is more a basic model with no camo colour on the bow (think it is a brown colour). The thing alot of people are finding out about the 225 lb bows is that they are too much bow for them. Remember that you have to put all the energy into the bow each time you shoot it. Even with the rope cocker, it can become too much work when practicing, makeing it not as much fun.

Another thing you should think about is where he will be hunting. Some States have a maxium poundage of 200lbs, so if he might get a chance to hunt in one of those States, you might want to limit the bow to the 200lb class.

About the investment part, I do not think you could go wrong with the Excalibur bows as they will hold their value. Just an example, try to purchase a used bow and they are not far off the price of a new bow.

By the way, I shoot an Excalibur Relayer, which was the first model they produced back in the mid 1980's and is in the 150lb class. Yes that is aprox 25 years old and I have not had anything major go wrong with it and is still as accurate today as when I got it.

Any more questions, feel free to ask.

[GrumpyTom]

E-bay .............. I have heard some good things about it and some bad. Are you talking about a regular store (on e-bay) or a private seller. I think some people have used "bow supper store" or a name simular to that without any problems, but they will only give a store credit on returns if it ever came to that.

Local stores have some great features. They can set them up for you, you can go in at any time to ask questions and have them look over the bow (in case you have problems). I totally understand the money thing and how it is amost always needed to get the best price, but service, as in customer service is a major thing in my opinion ans is worth a little extra money.

Good luck.

[Planter]

How come I've never had a wife or GF that would buy me anything near as cool as a pheonix!!! I'm lucky to get a high collered fishing sweater.

Crissy you do know that if you buy him an Xbow he's gonna want to marry you cause thats a sign of undying love. It's bringing tears to my eyes rightnow..

[CrissyK]

I do have one more question....I also noticed that the Phoenix at least does not come with the scope.. is that a "must" buy as well? Should I just assume that I need to add the scope to any of these?

[tourangeaud]

I just bought the Excalibur Pheonix package deal from Bowhunters Superstore. This Xbow package comes with the xbow, scope, quiver, bolts and field tips and a string. Everything to get him started. I'm very happy with the xbow and the deal I got. Excalibur's a known for their accuracy and reliablity. I upgraded from an older Barnett compound x-bow. I'm lovin this recurve. Concider some accessories, as well as the package deal. Rope cocking aid, Xbow stringer, Boss Wasp 100gr broadheads, wax, Xcal carbon gold tip bolts.

Your boyfriend should love you long time for a X-mas present like this. Happy Holidays.

Get out in the woods with him.