Cross Bow

I'm thinking of getting a cross bow to hunt with. Been looking for a couple months and wondering what those that have used them think of

Barnett Quad 400
Barnett C5 Wildcat
Wicket Ridge Invader


Also, how often will the string/cables last?
Any broad head better than others
mechanical vs fixed
100gr vs 125- I assume the higher grain, slower speed?
Does speed kill or is kenetic energy better

Anything else?

My pick would be any Excalibur crossbow. Plus it's easy to replace the string.

Other crossbows from what I hear the string should be replaced after 50 plus shots. Also you'll need a bow press for any adjustments or replacements.

Fixed is the only way to go.

Speed 100 vs 125 little speed difference with most crossbows.

Speed does kill but any crossbow over 300fps will do job.

Thanks Kmon, that's what Im looking for

kmon has it right on the 3 you listed.

I will say, I looked at several and actually settled on the Excalibur Matrix 380. Reason being, I don't need a press to change the string/cables. I can do it in the field if something was to happen to my string, and I usually carry a new string and stringer in my backpack, or at least have one in the truck or camper.

As far as BHs, I usually shoot a 125 grain, but last year I killed several pigs and a doe with a 170 grain mechanical head, and it did a number on each one. The more weight on the arrow, the quiter the bow.

The only crossbow I know of that you won't need a press for would be the Mission line-up.

Went and shot the Invader today... loud! Is there that much difference in 300 fps compared to 315 fps?

They sound MUCH louder indoors. All crossbows are going to be loud when shooting.

300 is fast, don't worry about posted numbers

explain por favor

Most companies use 350 grain arrows to get fastest possible posted speeds. Most hunters use 400+ grain arrows which results in slower than listed speeds. 300 fps is plenty fast for any need. Until the compound bow came along, lots of critters were killed with arrows launched at under 200 fps. Shot placement and sharp broadheads are what gets the job done. JMO

Bought a Barnett Predator used from a friend. It is 175# and a 16" power stroke; shoots at 375 feet per second. The first wire is good for 20-30-40 yards. Probably had 200-300 shots thru it, when I got it. Drew a crossbow tag in Texas and got it only for that; I have been a vertical bow hunter for a long time before that. Shot a couple hundred rounds thru it before the hunt, and another several hundred since. Just shot another hundred last weekend, before taking it to Wyoming for an archery antelope tag. The string has not been changed yet, and with proper waxing, should last for a long time. It is a lot of fun, and really doesnt detract form the experience of bowhunting at all. I thought it would seem like cheating, but it is just different.

They are a lot of fun to shoot, and very accurate. I cannot shoot more than 3 arrows at a spot on the target before moving to another, or I will be tearing up arrows at 30 yards. With a 4X scope and the stadia wires, I could shoot accurately out to 90 yards.

Mine likes 22" carbon arrows and 125 grain broadheads. I have tuned it for the 4 blade Muzzy, which locks the blades into the ferrule and is indestructible. Weigh the arrow and head and try to keep it between 400-450 grains for optimum performance. The better bows like Barnett, Parker, Ten Point, and Excalibur are all quality weapons. The recurve bows are simple and indestructible, while the compounds will require more upkeep and maintenance.

Whatever you get, go into it with an open mind and enjoy it for what it is. Another opportunity to enjoy hunting.

Go to this forum you will find a world of info.http://www.crossbownation.com/forum/

I'd stay with Excalibur ..it's simple and all you need to do is replace the string. They are not the cheapest crossbow but they are reliable and in the long run will be lower maintenance (string replacement).

I have the Invader HP and have shot many others before I decided on the Invader. I can tell you they are all loud! That's why I laugh at the guys that talk about how accurate their xbow is at 50-60-70+ yards. I promise you a deer will string jump a xbow when you start getting beyond 30 yards. In fact 30 yards is my max........not because I cant shoot past that distance but because with the amount of noise a xbow makes I think your chances of a bad hit past 30 yards due to string jumping go through the roof! My dad shot his buck last year at 34 yards and although it was a quick clean harvest the deer still spun about 70 degrees before the arrow got there. If you want to shoot farther than that then get a upright compound that's is much quieter.

Can you use both 20" or 22" bolts?

That will depend on which bow you end up with. Most are pretty specific in the manuals about what you can and cant use. They will even tell you what the minimum total weight your arrow should be. The Wicked Ridge even tells you which nock is acceptable. Make sure you buy the bow first so you don't end up with a bunch of accessories that wont work with your bow.

I thought my crossbow was loud. I set up my phone underneath the target and recorded a couple of shots. It wasn't as loud as I thought it would have been. I also shot it at camp one day and my buddy could not even hear it from about 30 yards away.