Hi, guys...Kinda new here on this forum, but wanted to stop by and ask a few questions.
I'm sure most of you are aware that Pennsylvania made crossbows legal for all hunters for this coming season. Scope equipped is still up in the air, but I kinda expect it to be OK'd too.
I used to hunt archery years ago. Xi compound. Gave it up due to back and shoulder problems, and just never wanted to get a letter from my Doctor for crossbow use. Hate to admit getting older, I guess...
But now with the new regs coming out, I'm going to need some feedback as to what you all like and why. Price range is of some concern, naturally, but not a huge limiting factor for good equipment.
I need everything.... Would appreciate some good advice. Thanks..Don.

Call Wyvern Creations at 603-659-0575 talk to David Wilkens he is the best around
lots of knowledge,best deals,and honest as the day is long!Good luck on your search!

That's good advice David is great to do business with. IMO the best thing you could do for yourself is go to the local Cabela's, Bass Pro, or local archery range and try some of the models you are interested in first hand. See how they cock and shoot and see what is most comfortable for you. That's what I did with my dad. He shot my Excalibur at the range and he liked it but when he had a chance to shoot some others at Cabela's he decided on the Parker Terminator HP which he purchased from David.

Bob

Plus...the "search the forum"function will bring up loads of reading on the subject. Not much new on the market yet..

Mike

If He has a Sportsman's warehouse that is going out of business, they have some greay buys on Bow tech (Desert Striker) 40% off. Comes in a package bow,arrows,scoe sling quiver all for a little over $600.
RC

Thanks to all who took the time to reply. You've been a help. I'll keep checking back periodically to see if anyone has any more info. I'm not buying immediately, but don't want to wait too long, either. Thanks again....Don

Please tell us a bit more about your needs so we can be more helpful. What/how do you intend to hunt? Do you want to shoot a lot in addition to hunting? Any physical limitations that affect bow use? Will you be needing considerable support to maintain your bow, or want to do it yourself? What are your financial limits? Will you want to use a scope? Red Dot?

Well, I'll try to answer your questions...Seeing as I'm approaching the mid-60's, I don't think I'm interested in elevated stands anymore. I do have a Loggy Bayou that I used to climb with, and a hang-on stand. Probably going to hunt from the ground with Scent-Lok and a Ghillie suit. As far as shooting, I'm much more into benchrest rifle and handloading. I most certainly will devote enough time to the bow to learn to shoot it and keep in shape with it. I have no physical handicaps other than some arthritis in my right shoulder and lower back, which keep me from using my compound anymore. Bow maintenance will be done by myself, with the help of a good friend who does a lot of bow work.
Financially, I'm not afraid to spring for good stuff. I have learned over the years that you do, indeed, get what you pay for. As far as scopes go, here in Penna. they are currently banned under the new crossbow acceptance law, but I feel sure that is going to be overturned by the Game Commission later this month. So, yes, I'm probably looking at a low-power scope set-up also.
After discussing this with my bowyer friend, he suggested I look at the Ten Point and Excaliber. He also mentioned the Parker. I told him we'd go look sometime next week, and I'd see what I liked. He said some of them have "package deals" that include most everything you need to get going.

You won't find a btter source of the right information than David at Wyvern Creations. You also won't find a better price for the correct stuff than Wyvern. TenPoint, BowTec, Parker and Excalibur all make great crossbows , have terrific customer service and life time warranty.

You best bet would be to go someplace where you can try several diffrent crossbows and see which one feels the best to you. Everyone has the favorite manufacturer and model. It's what work best for you. All four manufacturers CB's are equally accurate. Arrow speed over 280FPS is sufficient for whitetail hunting. Sights are a personal preference with Hawke, TenPoint ProView and Excalibur Lumizone leading the pack.

I shoot both a recurve (Excalibur Phoenix and Vortex) as well as a compound (Parker Cyclone). The recurves re wider, just a tad louder (no crossbow is quiet, by vert standards) but extremely easy to maintain and very rugged (no cams or cables). The copmounds are narrower, tend to be heaviere and take a bit more effort to cock...esp the narrow ones, since their limbs are more stiff.
If I had to choose one to hunt out of a blind as you propose, it would be the Excalibur Vortex or a comperable recurve (both Parker and Te Point make them too) That get you at least 315 fps. .
As for scopes, its difficult to beat the Hawke MAP. 3.5 power, multiple aim points and at $70 areal steal. They have one with lighted reticule but that ups the price considerably.
Arrows, length and weight, will be determined by the bow you choose. I favor the Gold Tip Lazer II, with brass iserts and 2" Blazers for vanes, with either 100 or 125 gr Slick Trick Magnums for heads.They fly just like my filed points (I don't even practice with broadheads any longer) and give great terminal performance. Whats more, the FOC of these arrows is 18 and 20% respectively, about right for a crossbow IMO.
Be sure to get a rope cocker, the one by Excaliber is best. Using one centers the string, which pormotes accuracy, and makes cocking much easier.
I agree with Griz, a bow by Excal. Parker or Ten Point is hard to beat. (I'd add BowTech but have no personal experience). Lifetime warrenty on new bows, and very easy to work with. Best luck