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I am in love...
August 19th, 2005 11:45 amFalling in love when you are already in a committed relationship can be dangerous. In this case, I blame Brian because he took me to the place where I fell in love.
The object of my ardor? A crossbow. Honest!
On a recent trip to a hunting show down in Richmond, the buzz was all about Virginia's new crossbow season for whitetail. I had the opportunity to talk with representatives from 4 crossbow manufacturers. One bow was far too expensive (Tenpoint ~ at least an initial investment $1,000+), another crossbow was much too heavy (Horton) ~ leaving two manufacturers: Parker & Excalibur.
Since I hunt from a chair, the crossbow seems very logical for me. In fact, when I decided to take up the bow, I wanted to learn crossbow, but Brian talked me out of it. He felt the crossbow did not have the stopping power of a compound.
Parker crossbows are one of the newest on the market. Rumor had it that they had some issues with the first year's release, but Parker worked hard to resolve the problems. Since I already shoot a Parker compound, I am familiar with the company (VA-based!) & am very happy with my current bow (the Challenger). The Parker rep was a gem & I was able to shoot 2 different models. WOW! No recoil, smooth shooting & in the bullseye every time!
Excalibur, a Canadian company, has been making crossbows for a long time. The unique feature of the Excalibur line is that they are recurve - not compound - crossbows. They are lightweight & easy to cock. The stocks are a bit "commando-esque" & the lightweight model does not come in camo. I did not get the opportunity to shoot an Excalibur, but someone else shot one while we were shooting the Parker. It was VERY loud.
Excalibur & Parker models are comparable in price - with kits running in the $500-600 range. While I was ready to go home with one that day, I will have to save my pennies up to be able to obtain one.
One other interesting note, I got to try a tree stand for the first time. Of course, it was a very limited test - indoors, on a carpeted pole & only traveling a few feet - but it is something I would like to try my hand at. I mused for a split second on buying one ($300) but the crossbow was calling & if I do get a crossbow, I can keep hunting from my chair until I figure out if I can really hunt from a stand.
Signing out for now!
The object of my ardor? A crossbow. Honest!
On a recent trip to a hunting show down in Richmond, the buzz was all about Virginia's new crossbow season for whitetail. I had the opportunity to talk with representatives from 4 crossbow manufacturers. One bow was far too expensive (Tenpoint ~ at least an initial investment $1,000+), another crossbow was much too heavy (Horton) ~ leaving two manufacturers: Parker & Excalibur.
Since I hunt from a chair, the crossbow seems very logical for me. In fact, when I decided to take up the bow, I wanted to learn crossbow, but Brian talked me out of it. He felt the crossbow did not have the stopping power of a compound.
Parker crossbows are one of the newest on the market. Rumor had it that they had some issues with the first year's release, but Parker worked hard to resolve the problems. Since I already shoot a Parker compound, I am familiar with the company (VA-based!) & am very happy with my current bow (the Challenger). The Parker rep was a gem & I was able to shoot 2 different models. WOW! No recoil, smooth shooting & in the bullseye every time!
Excalibur, a Canadian company, has been making crossbows for a long time. The unique feature of the Excalibur line is that they are recurve - not compound - crossbows. They are lightweight & easy to cock. The stocks are a bit "commando-esque" & the lightweight model does not come in camo. I did not get the opportunity to shoot an Excalibur, but someone else shot one while we were shooting the Parker. It was VERY loud.
Excalibur & Parker models are comparable in price - with kits running in the $500-600 range. While I was ready to go home with one that day, I will have to save my pennies up to be able to obtain one.
One other interesting note, I got to try a tree stand for the first time. Of course, it was a very limited test - indoors, on a carpeted pole & only traveling a few feet - but it is something I would like to try my hand at. I mused for a split second on buying one ($300) but the crossbow was calling & if I do get a crossbow, I can keep hunting from my chair until I figure out if I can really hunt from a stand.
Signing out for now!
