I'm looking to buy an affordable crossbow for this season. My three choices as of now are a Barnett Jackal, a Horton Explorer HD 150, and a Horton Yukon SL. They're all the same price but the Yukon is used with some rust on the metal parts, the other two are new. Which one should I get?

I just found another option, a Barnett Wildcat C5 which costs $50 more but I'll spend that if it's worth it.

not sure the price on the bows you mentioned but I'd strongly suggest the Wicked Ridge line from TenPoint. It's their new entry level line that came out this year. Packed with features and affordable!!! Good luck with your search!!!!

Post this in the xgun section and you might get more responses.

Well the cheapest I can find the Wicked Ridge line is $375 with shipping, and the others are $250/$300 for the Wildcat.

I know times are tough but spend the extra on the Wicked Ridge...you will not regret it.

More than likely, not a lie. I have a Horton Hunter Express SL. It's done well. It's held up nice. It's accurate as hell. I love shooting it. It's loud as hell, though, as almost all crossbows are. Tenpoints are no joke though. You probably won't have any issues with the Explorer. It's probably around the same type of technology as my Hunter. The Yukon, as far as I know, has been reliable for a lot of people for a lot of years. If you want to stay cheap, stay cheap. I have heard things about the Wildcat being a little inaccurate. Could be hear-say but that's what I've heard. My buddy has a Barnett and couldn't get it sighted in last season for whatever reason and just went out and bought a new Parker bow because of it. I don't know what kind he has. I'm sure that since his bow was made many moons ago technology has improved. It's possible it could just be that his old xbow is just way past it's prime. It could be a number of things that have nothing to do with the xbow itself. Just my penny's worth.

Stay away from the Stryker Crossbow by Bow Tech.

Read this review, as the company seems to continue to put out products with no real care of hunter safety!!! Dont' fall into the category of, "But hey, it is on sale at Dicks Sporting goods and Gander Mountain!!!" This will only land you in the field with a white tail waiving as it runs away laughing at you for purchasing a Bow tech product. Here is a crossbow blog for your review:


http://www.crossbownation.com/forum2...not-impressed/

I have a feeling that if he's looking at the $300 price range a Stryker or Strykeforce isn't even in consideration.