Best crossbow for the money
 

I have hunted with a compound for about 8 years and am seriously considering swithching to a crossbow since they have been legalized. I want good quality and would not mind spending $400-$600.

I am wondering what brands to you veteran crossbow hunters think are the best.

Also, are there any that should be avoided?

thanks

Avoid Barnett and all the Chinese made bowssold via the Internet. A Ten point, Excal or Ten Point Wicked Ridge cross bow will do everything you want and will last forever,
Go to a store and shoot different models of each and see which one fits you the best and which one feels the best to you. Both manufacturers have crossbows in your price range and both have lifetime warranties.

A telephone call to David Wilkins at Wyvern Creations will be the best time you could spend to get the honest and straight forward facts! 603-659-0575

X2!!!!!Good advice!!!!!

After some research here and elsewhere, I chose an Excalibur Phoenix Lite package from here:

http://www.bigsupplyshop.com/Excalib...0_p_10920.html

This is $120 cheaper than cabelas sells it for. Just got it, so I will let you know how it works out.

I don't feel like I gave anything up getting a recurve rather than a compound. In the field, if I ever break/cut a string, just slap another one one and go back to shooting.

From another Excal fan, it helps some if your spare string has been broken in and carried w/ end loops 'twistie' tied together. New strings tend to creep [stretch] a bit and that can change poi a tad.

Good tip! Thanks

I would also add the Parker line to the mix. I have the Buckbuster 175 and it's been an awesome bow for me. Accuracy is astounding and it's very fast.

From another Excal owner....congratulations!

I think you need to go to a store that has a large selection and try some different ones on for size. There are ample choices out there. For example, while some here badmouth the Barnett bows, I have a Barnett Quad 400 that I absolutely love--and it came with a mechanical crank in the handle for $329 (on sale). I've shot two deer with it this fall and it works GREAT.

Is it the best for you? I don't know. But don't disregard the brand before checking it out yourself.

another vote for parker, i got a enforcer and love it. i bought mine from david at wyvern. i had not a clue what arrows, broadheads, etc to buy. left that up to david. he knows his stuff. had mine shooting dead on at thirty yards the first day.
good luck whatever you end up with.

Parker again.
I have a 2009 Cyclone and love it.

Vixen by Excal or Ibex/Phoenix

does anyone a own kodabow, dont know or iam bying a tac15i

I'm liking the middleton 355. it's lite and really fast

Have a high end 2007 vintage Ten-Point and 2010 Parker Tornado. Recommend either, though the Ten-Point's safety recently failed on me at full ****. Broken part. Ten-Point made it all good with no problems and not one iota of hassle. It shoots like it always did - super.

I bought the Tornado while the Ten-Point was in the shop just in case it was a goner. It had failed right at the start of Al. archery season. I shot at and killed 6 deer with the Parker. Most at about 25 yards. It is dead on accurate, lighter and more compact that my 2007 vintage Ten-Point, and apparently plenty fast enough to take deer out to 40-45 yards. I killed a nice 8 point at a ranged 42 yards. Hit right where I aimed and the bolt arrived before the deer moved more than 2-3 inches.

Man Kung Bows
 

I checked out this website, thescrossbowstore.com had some great deals on there Man Kung 150lbs bows. Prices on there bows and packages range from under $100.00 to $210

I have one of the Man Kung, it is the PSE viper. In fact they make the Viper for PSE and other bows for some companies. I have to say I was not expecting much, I got it and was going to use it as a back up. But I was surprised it shoots very well, once dialed in was 3 inch groupings at 40 yards and still burying arrows deep in the target. Dont get me wrong Ten Point and the other highend brands are great but I would put the Man Kung MK250 up against any bow in the $200 to $400 dollar price range. I now shoot it on a regular basis. I do use 20 inch carbon bolts though the 17 inch ones suck.

Get the one that fit's you best for the way you hunt, you can **** easily and has a lifetime warranty and demonstrated customer support system. Sooner or later you'll need help maintaining your bow, that's where a bow by a quality company is important. Why I shoot both Excal and Parker. Excals gives me durability and ease of maintenance; not to overlook being able to let it down without shooting. Parker satisfies my occasional need for speed and has demonstrated they will be there when I need them. Both are more accurate than I am.

I got me a wicked ridge invader made by ten point,very accurate crossbow and fast!

any one got a kodabow

I have a Ten point and have killed alot of deer with it. Not one problem, however it is a tad bit heavy. Overall I love it!!!:)

Excalibur is the benchmark

centerpoint 430 wrath

IMO, it's hard to beat a CenterPoint crossbow for the money. $350-$600 for a complete set up, depending on which crossbow model you choose. I purchased one for $349.99, and have killed several deer with it. Shooting through the chronograph at 355 FPS with my particular set up ( which is a littler heavier broadhead and arrow combination than suggested ). I have never had an issue with it.

In my honest opinion you cannot go wrong with an Excalibur crossbow. They are built like a tank and most things can be field repaired - including swapping out a string. I have a 335 Micro and it is a dream bow - small, rugged and powerful.

I'm thinking about buying the Wicked Ridge Fury by TenPoint! I like the fact you can de-cock the bow if you don't end up shooting while hunting.