Seeking Crossbow Recommendations/Input

[Crusader]

Hey guys,

I'm retiring at the end of this August and one of the "gifts/toys" I'd like to treat myself to is a new crossbow. Several years ago following onset of shoulder problems I was relegated to a crossbow and I bought a low-end Excalibur recurve model. I'd like to get one of the newer, faster, compact compound models on the market. Something by Ravin, Wicked Ridge, Ten Point, and the like. I'm thinking I should buy new, with a warranty and service backup.

I'm kind of setting a $1,500 limit on the purchase as I have a few other toys I'd like to get, as well. I want fast but also reliable; would give up some velocity for a more dependable, reliable model.

So what say you guys, can you throw out some experience-based suggestions for a make and model that is a good value with a track record of less problems than others?

Thanks in advance!

 

[OR Archer]

For that price you can get a few different Ten Points that are pretty nice. The Turbo S1 is a pretty good option. It’s not as heavy as other crossbows which is nice. Rated at 380fps. I like the crank system on the ten points also. They don’t unspool if the crank comes out of your hand and they have a decock feature as well.

 

[Maddyb]

What did you end up going with? Are you happy with your purchase?

 

[wtrbrdm]

I'd strongly suggest Tenpoint. My buddy got a new Ravin a few months back and it's on the recall list. Tenpoint seems to have a decent reputation. I had the Viper 430 and loved it. I now run a TX440, which I'll be taking out west in September. Really compact...carries and shoots well.

If you go with Tenpoint and it doesn't come with the Evo-X Marksman Elite scope...upgrade. Wyvern Creations sells new take offs for a great price. It's far better than the standard one that comes with the mid range bows. I put my TX440 on radar and it runs about 430fps with 100gr heads and rops about 10fps every additional 25gr of broadhead. Also go with a good crossbow rated target, as you'll zip through standard targets. Lighted nocks help in finding lost arrows too. When you buy arrows...make sure you get the right nocks. Viper 430 used HP Alpha nocks and the new high speed bows use the HPX.

That's all I've got...hope it helps.

 

[Maddyb]

I'd strongly suggest Tenpoint. My buddy got a new Ravin a few months back and it's on the recall list. Tenpoint seems to have a decent reputation. I had the Viper 430 and loved it. I now run a TX440, which I'll be taking out west in September. Really compact...carries and shoots well.

If you go with Tenpoint and it doesn't come with the Evo-X Marksman Elite scope...upgrade. Wyvern Creations sells new take offs for a great price. It's far better than the standard one that comes with the mid range bows. I put my TX440 on radar and it runs about 430fps with 100gr heads and rops about 10fps every additional 25gr of broadhead. Also go with a good crossbow rated target, as you'll zip through standard targets. Lighted nocks help in finding lost arrows too. When you buy arrows...make sure you get the right nocks. Viper 430 used HP Alpha nocks and the new high speed bows use the HPX.

That's all I've got...hope it helps.

Super helpful thank you!

 

[Crusader]

I shopped around, looked at some models in person at Bass Pro then ended up buying the TenPoint Venom X, from Wyvern (can't beat his deal, no tax and free shipping). Huge bang for the buck. I am not a huge fan of the scopes that come on these bows, with the multiple dots or hashes in the reticle, too cluttered for my liking. Also, they typically are smaller field of view. I found a really good deal on a Huskemaw Crossfield 4x40 from Bud's Gun Shop. A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to shooting it, zeroing it at 20 yards then shooting it at 10-yard intervals to get the drop/click data to give to Huskemaw for the custom dial turret (like the Leupold CDS system). I absolutely love the bow, it's super accurate, the cock/de-cock mechanism works perfectly, and the bow is balanced well and not too short (like some of the bullpup models out there). My custom turret is supposed to be delivered today and I'm looking forward to installing it then doing some more shooting and hopefully, sticking some deer with it in the next couple of months!