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The only 200lb Excal I see listed is the Exocet 200. It goes up to the Equinox and Ecomax or down to the 175lb and lower CBs from there. Did I miss one? I will be using whatever I get for deer, elk and bear hunting. I have no problem going with a lighter CB as long as it will get the job done. I dont want to leave any wounded animals behind. I guess its the same as rifle hunting and depends on where you hit it. The .308 I use works just as well as a 7mmwhen you take a head shot.

Had an Equinox...for a short time. Fast but too hard to cock for my abused then 68 yr old body, preventing me from shooting as much as I like. Traded back for a Vortex, much easier to cock. Also got a Phoenix, easier still. Then I got a fast compound ... for the speed. Not nearly as much fun to shoot and casued me a nasty flinch when it blew up. I still have it but invariably pick up on of the recurves for shooting. Looks like to me that you're focusing on "magnum" bows. Faster isn't necessarily better when it comes to CB. Speed comes with a variety of side issues like bow weight, difficulty keeping arrows from going through the target - much less pulling them out - and equipment wear. When something fails at heavy draw it's usually a tragedy where gear is concerned.
The topic of compound vs recurve has been covered many times on this forum and elsewhere, which a search will avail to you. Suggest you do that and then ask bow specific questions.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Cossack

Had an Equinox...for a short time. Fast but too hard to cock for my abused then 68 yr old body, preventing me from shooting as much as I like. Traded back for a Vortex, much easier to cock. Also got a Phoenix, easier still. Then I got a fast compound ... for the speed. Not nearly as much fun to shoot and casued me a nasty flinch when it blew up. I still have it but invariably pick up on of the recurves for shooting. Looks like to me that you're focusing on "magnum" bows. Faster isn't necessarily better when it comes to CB. Speed comes with a variety of side issues like bow weight, difficulty keeping arrows from going through the target - much less pulling them out - and equipment wear. When something fails at heavy draw it's usually a tragedy where gear is concerned.
The topic of compound vs recurve has been covered many times on this forum and elsewhere, which a search will avail to you. Suggest you do that and then ask bow specific questions.

Cossack gave some great advice. Faster is not always the best, there are pro's & con's. Yes they shoot faster and flatter, but usually are also harder on equipment (strings and cables if a compound). Like said above, if you have dryfires or failures, they are usually more damage involved. The cocking of the bow is also more strenuous with the higher poundage which will make practice or family shooting more like work and less fun (even with rope cockers and other devices).

As for your statement

Quote:

I have no problem going with a lighter CB as long as it will get the job done. I dont want to leave any wounded animals behind. I guess its the same as rifle hunting and depends on where you hit it. The .308 I use works just as well as a 7mmwhen you take a head shot.

the largest moose taken in Ontario with a bow was taken with a 150lb Excalibur. Your are correct that if your bow hits large bone structure, it would not matter if your bow was 150lb or 250lb the end result would be a bad hit. You need to put the arrow into the vitals, which is why accuracy and confidence is most important.

good luck.

Dusty1
Best thing you could possibly do is go and shoot several different crossbows, both recuve and compound. Try bows from different manufacturers: Ten Point, BowTech, Parker, Excalibur. Find which one feels the best and you feel comfortable with. People on this and other forums have their favorite brands and models. Some live and die for recurves, some do the same for compounds. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. Don't be swayed by a few people's opinions. Try several crossbows and choose the one that feels best to you.

Wyvern will give you honest straight information and guarenteed terrific customer service.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Dusty1

The only 200lb Excal I see listed is the Exocet 200. It goes up to the Equinox and Ecomax or down to the 175lb and lower CBs from there. Did I miss one? I will be using whatever I get for deer, elk and bear hunting. I have no problem going with a lighter CB as long as it will get the job done. I dont want to leave any wounded animals behind. I guess its the same as rifle hunting and depends on where you hit it. The .308 I use works just as well as a 7mmwhen you take a head shot.

A lot of the user say Excal instead of writing out the full name Excalibur.

A lot of things need to go into making a selection. If you hunt from a treestand or other structure, is there room to move the bow you are looking at? If you stalk hunt, how much will the bow weight at the end of the day(how is it balanced)? These are a few of the things that no one but you can answer for you. Like it has been stated, go someplace and handle (shoot) as many different crossbows that you can, then think about how you will use it. Check accuracy with others in group. Then make your choice. Don't forget to get one that looks good also.

Dave

The Excal 200# models are the Exocet, the Vortex and the Y-25. The 225# models are the Exomax and the Equinox. I've owned or shot them all, [Excals] and the 225's are bruisers for sure. The 175# Phoenix is reported to be their biggest seller in Canada. The 150# Vixen has a huge following.

The dirty little secret about crossbows is they are all adequate for hunting as long as you pick a name brand.

The fit and feel is what makes the bow and that varies from one person to the next a bunch.

Im already in touch with Dave from Wyverns and hes going to hook me up as soon as I make a final decision. He has already sugested the Vortex rather than the Equinox. The only local dealer is a Bowtech pro shop and I had a personality clash with him, lol. Located some dealers in the places I will be driving through next week and will stop and see what they have.

One thing to keep in mind is the warranty. Barnett is only a year so stay away from them. All others I think give you lifetime.Another thing is try to buy local even if you have to frive a ways. Shipping costs both ways to internet dealers get costly if it gets into warranty issues. Antother thing with the excal line is the recurves are wider are louder then the compound cb. I went with the Parker Tornado. Its compact,not too loud,lifetime warranty,and fits like a dream in your hands.

I just got off the phone with Dave at Wyverns. I went with the Excalibur Equinox. Although he recomended the Vortex he still hooked me up and treated me right once I decided what I was going to get. Thanks Dave.