Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
Bought a Horton Explorer 150 at a local big box sporting goods store. I live in a small town so this was the ony place that carries crossbows where I could handle a few different models (all Horton). This is my first crossbow so I was a little worried I might learn something about it I didn't like and wanted to be able to return it easily. I got it for deer hunting. So far it has been fun to shoot and I know will get the job done.
After reading many posts here and considering the advice, I'm worried I will have no local service for this compound bow. The Horton website lists no servicing dealers within 100 miles and I don't want to be packaging it up to ship off for service if I'm not sure something needs to be replaced or not. I don't think I have any archery places in town either except for one small fishing/hunting store (carries bowtech) where the guy who runs it has lost my business long ago.
So if service will be inconvenient I'm wonderinf if I should return my Horton and accessories and mailorder me a Phoenix? The recurve design will be something I can maintain better, plus it seems highly regarded by you guys. It will cost me a lot more so I'll shop around a bit if that is what I decide.
RE: Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
I shoot a Vortex, big brother to the Phoenix, couldn't be a much easier bow to maintain. Make my own strings, don't even need a press to change them. Also shoot a compound, no comparison for ease of maintenance. Plus you get the vaulted Excal lifetime warranty.
__________________
Vortex, Phoenix, Cyclone, single shot rifles and handguns.
Only accurate guns- and bows - are interesting.
RE: Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
Excals are my bow of choice and the Phoenix is a good one. However, you can make a device such as the one pictured and service your Horton yourself. All you would need is a few spare strings and a set of cables every few years. i don't know the name of this gizmo or where to buy one, but easily fabbed if you are at all handy. Have Fun!!
RE: Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
If you are a high volume shooter you'll appreciate the Excalibur. If not the and all you do it hunt and shoot a few before hunting the Horton will be fine.
__________________
OHA Life member, NRA member, DVC# ON 452
RE: Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
if you want to take it back, make sure thats what you really want. Hortons are decent and harvest tick toters fine. there are ways just like awshucks showed to change out strings.
RE: Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
Ive had a Horton for many years that I have not had any problems with, so that may not be much of a problem. That being said I dont shoot it much either. On the other had, if I had a choice between the Horton and the Excal, I would go with the Excal solely based on what I have read about them. There is no Excal dealer close by and I dont know anyone that owns one. Ive been hunting mostly with a compound bow for several years now, but Im getting the crossbow bug again. I would love to have a Exomax. I just cant afford it with all the extra stuff.
RE: Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
I'm not sure I'dexchange it based on justa maintenance issue either, my old man has an explorer and its a verynice crossbow, however, I do like my phoenix better...
Thinking of returning new Horton Explorer for Phoenix
Excals are my bow of choice and the Phoenix is a good one. However, you can make a device such as the one pictured and service your Horton yourself. All you would need is a few spare strings and a set of cables every few years. i don't know the name of this gizmo or where to buy one, but easily fabbed if you are at all handy. Have Fun!!
