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Thinking....

Jake_C

Junior Member
I'm thinking about picking up a crossbow to tinker around with. I love shooting compound and have been into archery far longer than I have hunting, but I'm a little bored with it at the moment.

Any recommendations for a used high end or new mid-range crossbow? I have never owned or shot one so I'm starting from scratch here. I'd like to be in the $4-500 ballpark. something that my son might be able to use in a few years when he's a little bigger would be a major plus too. And speed isn't a giant concern. I've killed several deer with an old Hoyt Intruder shooting about 240 FPS so I know I don't need 380 to get it done.

Thanks!
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member


Barnett recruit
Inexpensive, and get the job done.
 

Beentown

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,740
154
Sunbury, OH
For new and inexpensive I recommend:

- All Wicked Ridge, pick one.

- Centerpoint Sniper 370

For mid to high end XBowguy will hop on and recommend.
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,027
274
North Carolina
Don't rule out slightly used higher ends like Ten Point as well.... Lots of folks buy, don't use a lot and unload a couple years later.... Mine was 4 years old when I bought it and the guy never shot it.... Won it in a raffle and put it in a closet hoping to get into archery some day....


 

Jake_C

Junior Member
Don't rule out slightly used higher ends like Ten Point as well.... Lots of folks buy, don't use a lot and unload a couple years later.... Mine was 4 years old when I bought it and the guy never shot it.... Won it in a raffle and put it in a closet hoping to get into archery some day....

Definitely not. that's how I buy almost all of my compounds and I'd honestly prefer to do the same here. I know used High end compounds can be had for about 60% of original cost a year later. I'm a cheap skate and prefer to get good things for good prices ;)
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,027
274
North Carolina
Definitely not. that's how I buy almost all of my compounds and I'd honestly prefer to do the same here. I know used High end compounds can be had for about 60% of original cost a year later. I'm a cheap skate and prefer to get good things for good prices ;)

Xbowrick is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to these matters, pick his brain and he may also come up with a line on a deal for you....


 

Jake_C

Junior Member
Giles, any problems with the factory string on that barnet? Seeing a lot of bad string reviews, but otherwise very positive. I wouldn't think a custom string from a quality maker could cost TOO much, but i could be wrong about that.
 

xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,687
234
Licking Co. Ohio
I would agree with Charles. For an all around crossbow, the Wicked Ridge Warrior is a good choice. The warranty is golden being a Tenpoint product. There is one used, fully loaded package deal in your area right now. rsg3d-5802820428%40sale.craigslist.org Tell him you can get a brand new one off ebay with 6 arrows for 349.00 and you will give him 250. cash. Might even offer him 225. to start.

I also like the Parker Crossbows as their warranty is excellent as well. The Challenger, Ambusher and Enforcer all shoot right at 300 fps. and will not break the bank.
I don't say this to start any arguments from anyone. But I am NOT a Barnett Fan (Past or Present). I don't like their warranty (could have changed though) and have seen too many that shoot arrows terribly. (Sorry Giles) I won one in a raffle once, I sold it asap before my buddies seen me with it. The older Hortons are also not an option actually. There is no replacement parts available. They are cheap if you understand they are basicly a throw away if something happens.
 

Jake_C

Junior Member
I would agree with Charles. For an all around crossbow, the Wicked Ridge Warrior is a good choice. The warranty is golden being a Tenpoint product. There is one used, fully loaded package deal in your area right now. rsg3d-5802820428%40sale.craigslist.org Tell him you can get a brand new one off ebay with 6 arrows for 349.00 and you will give him 250. cash. Might even offer him 225. to start.

I also like the Parker Crossbows as their warranty is excellent as well. The Challenger, Ambusher and Enforcer all shoot right at 300 fps. and will not break the bank.
I don't say this to start any arguments from anyone. But I am NOT a Barnett Fan (Past or Present). I don't like their warranty (could have changed though) and have seen too many that shoot arrows terribly. (Sorry Giles) I won one in a raffle once, I sold it asap before my buddies seen me with it. The older Hortons are also not an option actually. There is no replacement parts available. They are cheap if you understand they are basicly a throw away if something happens.

I think i'm actually looking at that Wicked Ridge right now lol. Thanks for all that info. definitely gives me some more research to do. In the mean time, I think i'll email the CL seller and see if that bow's still available.
 

Jake_C

Junior Member
I'll look into those Parker's for sure. I forgot my local guy is a dealer for them and he talks them up a good bit. would be nice to get my hands on a few before making a decision.
 

xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,687
234
Licking Co. Ohio
Listed for 200. Would still ask him if he could take 150. since it's all you have saved up as of yet.....rotflmao

Or all you want to spend on "Your Wife's Birthday Present".....rotflmao

Or since work has been slow......rotflmao

Not that I have done any of this. Just my Dad taught me... "On ANY deal, there is money in the middle of the table. Do you want it or let him have it?":smiley_coolpeace:
 
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giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I know a few people with these recruits and no one has had problems. It is by no means a comparison to a high end crossbow. But for someone "looking" to get into it...with a kiddo. It's a great starting point. I will step up my game when I find the right deal...I've been saying that for 3 years. Lol
 

Jake_C

Junior Member
I know a few people with these recruits and no one has had problems. It is by no means a comparison to a high end crossbow. But for someone "looking" to get into it...with a kiddo. It's a great starting point. I will step up my game when I find the right deal...I've been saying that for 3 years. Lol

I hear ya. usually it takes a failure or disaster with my current stuff before I actually step up my game lol.
 

Jake_C

Junior Member
Listed for 200. Would still ask him if he could take 150. since it's all you have saved up as of yet.....rotflmao

Or all you want to spend on "Your Wife's Birthday Present".....rotflmao

Or since work has been slow......rotflmao

Not that I have done any of this. Just my Dad taught me... "On ANY deal, there is money in the middle of the table. Do you want it or let him have it?":smiley_coolpeace:

hahaha Yessir. I never pay asking price for used gear. Not even if it's a steal.
 

Jake_C

Junior Member
No doubt. I've done the same buying cars. Told a guy once that X dollars was all I had and I desperately needed a car to get to work the following week (have 2 others at home) and he knocked another 400 off what I was offering. In the negotiation game, if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying! Lol. I've gotten many a good deal on mostly new compounds for the same reason. Either the guys buddy is a hunter and he wanted to be too for a minute and a few days later they get buyers remorse lol