I have hunted with rifles and archery for many years. I recently purchased my first crossbow and stumbled on this video shortly after. Thank you for the great advice and putting videos like this out for the newbs like me. Subscribed. God bless.
GOOD MORNING and that’s for watching, subscribing and especially taking time to comment. What crossbow did you decide to go with?? Best of luck with it
@@followthefanchers I picked up a Barnett XP 370. Wally World had them on clearance down in South Texas, $189, so I could not pass it up. I played with it yesterday for the first time in my back yard, 30 yard airgun range, and I must say I am impressed. Going out for a Turkey/hog hunt this weekend and I think I’ll be taking it with me to see what I can harvest with it. I may put up an initial impressions review of it on my channel in the near future, from a beginner’s crossbow perspective. Thanks again.
It just occurred to me I left the last few comments using my secondary account, which I have not updated in some time. @BackatTheRanchSTX is my primary channel that I will follow you on and post my review. Thx again.
I have a Barnett whitetail pro and have been very successful with it. There is no way in this green earth I would pay $1700-2500 for a crossbow. I gave right at $500 for my Barnett. When I’m in a tree, I use my Matthews Riot. When I sit in a blind I use the crossbow. That’s the way I roll. Oh and I keep a small yellow jacket target in my truck to de-cock my bow when I get back to camp. Oh, and I use a 125 grain Swacker 2 blade head. Enjoyed it . Y’all be good!
Thanks a ton for this Richard! The mission Riot is a great bow. I put strings and cables on one today for a guy. I couldn’t afford the high dollar bow either and I mean how dead can a deer be??😂😂
Good video. The older I get the more I like to keep things really simple. I use an old Excal with peep sights. Crossbows are like computers. Year after year the next best thing comes out.
As a person with a computer science degree you may want to rethink your analogy. Computers actually do get better every year, considerably so in fact. It's not an illusion or marketing. Significant strides are made in software technology and hardware that makes what's possible 3 years ago fairly obsolete in practice for many applications. This is finally slowing down a bit, but Moore's Law is real my friend and that means your analogy sorta sucks lol, but I get your point and in spirit you are correct. As a matter of fact a particular interest of mine in the computer tech field was Unix like operating systems and their "keep it simple stupid" approach. The main idea of these sorta systems is have applications that do one things and do it well. If you need more features add an app that does that one thing and does it well. Simplicity and modularity. Anyways have a blessed day folks. Oh and if you're interested in what I scratched the surface on you can look into "the Unix philosophy".
The Ravin scopes come in two models based on arrow speed. 300-450 fps and 400-550fps. Since arrow and broadhead weight affect arrow drop so much none of the modern crossbow scopes are exactly what the crosshairs say they are. People need to practice religiously and see what their bows do at different distances and use the crosshairs accordingly. At short distances there may not be much considerable drop but at longer distances the drop magnifies greatly. Great video Slade!
O there is nooooooo doubt about that! Practice practice!!! I tell guys all the time DO NOT trust the crosshair yardage marks. Practice enough to know exactly what you crossbow is doing
My tenpoint is right on 20, 30 ,40. Don't plan on shooting it farther than that so don't know. Actually I've owned it three seasons now and have only hunted with it once. Always grab my real bow when I leave the house.
im new to crossbows just got a new pse but this is what i figure i will do. i shoot long-range rifles even competitively on occasions. It's pretty nice to have your reticle doped. i think i will just shoot it and tape a small cheat sheet on it.
Slade I enjoyed this video and totally agree with your opinions. I personally prefer more of a challenge now and shoot traditional but I've shot everything with bow in its name. I had a Ravin R26 for a brief period after shoulder surgery. Everything you advised about crossbows is dead on. I'd add that certain models like Ravin are high maintenance and expense the more you shoot them. My opinion is that they are not designed for a lot of shooting but rather a few good shots with very high kinetic energy. My pick of those 3 brands would definitely be the Mission.
Hello Mr James how are you? You are so so rite! Lots of crossbows are just not made to shoot a whole lot and to be honest they are not as much fun to shoot as a vertical bow because it’s a grind to Cock them over and over. Thanks so much for watchibg
Well, the Excalibur‘s are made for a lot of shooting that’s why all the maintenance you can do yourself, including a string replacement, I’ve got many hundreds of shots I’m just one of mine and have not replace the strings yet, because I do a lot of target shooting at the house and because it’s cheaper than going to the gun range lol
I’ve had friend that have purchased ravin crossbows and worked great. I purchased a Barnett, honestly I didn’t have the money to get a ravin. I did have to replace my scope, over time I started having problems with my scope. I ended up having to purchase a LUMIX speedring 1.5-5x32. Best 80 dollars I’ve ever spent.
And that’s the purpose of this video. It’s not necessarily a good versus best scenario but that fact that you got what I could afford on your budget and made it work is GREAT! Thanks for watchingb
Thanks for sharing information about crossbows .3 years ago I got a crossbow because I’m a older gentleman and can’t shoot my bow anymore but with this crossbow I can get out and enjoy the deer woods and my crossbow only shoots 340 fps a lot faster than my old bow lets just say I love it
Great advice Slade! I'm going to shoot my BARNETT Raptor FX this season and resist spending the money for a high speed modern DE- cocker! You're absolutely spot on about how easy it is to shoot a bolt at a target when you're done hunting, and it simple!
Good afternoon! Thanks for the awesome comment and I hope u enjoyed! That Raptor FX is a awesome Cbow. I’ve sold a ton of them and really enjoyed them. Hope u can share the content and keep watching
@@followthefanchers Yes and this fall I'm hoping to drop some deer too! Last year was a bust with numerous missed shots, and equipment troubles. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AMW880MR7lY.html
My favorite aftermarket add-on scopes are the Hawke XB30 Compact SR and the Vortex Crossfire II. If I change out the factory scope one of these always goes back on in it's place. IMO they offer the most upgrade for your hard earned dollars. They also aren't too expensive and significantly upgrade your crossbow by putting one on if the factory fixed power 4x32 with no range/speed adjustment isn't making it for you.
I bought the Barnett Whitetail Hunter 2, and it's such a good bow. If you're on a budget, I highly suggest it. I have taken two deer this season with no issues. It's perfectly accurate if you sight it in good. I will only say that the Whitetail Hunter 2 shoots louder than higher-end crossbows. But the FPS you get negates any issue with the deer reacting in time as long as you are shooting within 30-40 yards. My first deer dropped instantly with both lungs and the heart taken. My bigger buck ran about 15 yards before realizing his lungs and heart were gone. One of the biggest things I had to consider was my broadhead. You MUST sight in your scope with the broadheads you intend to use. They all fly differently.
Great video and awesome content with great information. I myself have a target block in the bed of the truck, and when ready to de cock the crossbow I have one bolt in the quiver just to use to shoot target and then put everything away. So good to see someone these days praise and give God the glory. Bless you Brother and Family.
Hello Mr George how are you?? Thanks so much for watching the video and we really appreciate the great comment! I’m glad you enjoyed and hope we have more that u will watch
I have been shooting deer with recurves, compounds, and crossbows since 1986. I put together a formula for maximum effective range based on arrow velocity and a 10 inch kill zone. I call it the HBTG value, (Hit Before They Get). Arrow velocity divided by 4 divided by 3. Examples: 240 fps divided by 4 divided by 3 equals 20 yards. 300 fps yields 25 yards. 360 fps yields 30 yards. 420 fps yields 35 yards. 480 fps yields 40 yards. These ranges represent how effective those velocities are at hitting a deer's kill zone, if you aim at the bottom of the kill zone and the animal drops at the sound of the string. If the deer doesn't move at all, or slightly hesitates, you are still in the kill zone. Even quiet crossbows are loud, so chances are.. they are gonna move. Keep in mind, this formula is for horizontal distance. If you are shooting up or down hill, you still have to shoot the horizontal distance to the target, not the straight line distance. Good luck.
What's up Mr Slade!!! Luv when you do your HONEST OPINION videos of Gear and outfittings. And I TOTALLY agree with you, on the you can spend as much as you want on your crossbow, but you dont to have too, to be successful. Have a WONDERFUL day, and God Bless all!!!!!👍🤗🙏🙏🙏🙏
Great video, I have an older Barnett buck Commander Extreme. ~365 fps. Horrible trigger. Can't get a good grouping using a tripod. I don't have the land in my yard to shoot more than 30 yards. In the field I have taken Whitetail Bucks from 20-55 yards. My scope is 3x32. Not the best. The triggers on Ten Point and Wicked Ridge are the best I have shot with and I have shot the Raven 29X. It is better than my older Barnet. I also heard about triggertech triggers and was thinking about getting a crossbow that shoots 425-450, drop in a trigger tech, and put the OracleX scope on it. I would like to reach out to 60-80 yards. Now I see Barnett newer models are using Triggertech triggers. I don't know if just getting the wicked Ridge shooting 400 with the triggertech trigger. A Ten point shooting 440fps is a leap in price. Advice? I don't mind Frankenstein a bow that shoots 400 fps, drop in a triggertech and put an OracleX on it.
Hello Scott Kara from Minnesota. I agree with you 100% on the optics. I don’t think you need a high tech optic though, but when you’re shooting with a bow and arrow whether it be a compound recurve or a crossbow. The point of using one of the three is not how far you can shoot to the deer….It’s how close you can get to the deer. That fun
Great video , I have the whitetail hunter and it does great for what it is! It has blessed me with some good deer. I’m looking into getting a ten point myself but with the technology of crossbows now I don’t think you can go wrong with most all of them.
Gettin ready to purchase my first x bow. I think you just answered most of my questions in a few minutes. Thanks for the insight. Great video my friend.
Good morning Me Jim! I’m sorry for the late reply but I was asleep when u sent this. I’m so glad the video helped and if you have any questions feel free to reach out
Just sittin here in my shed watchin 5 deer eating acorns on the edge of my property, bumper crop of acorns this year, decent buck in the mix. Cross bow would be handy. Thanks for the response and offering your help. Much appreciated. Have a great day buddy.
I have an old simple excalibur crossbow (I think it is a 380) that I have been hunting with for the past 7 years or so. With my setup I am shooting at about 30 yards and that thing is so powerful that no matter where I shoot at the shoulder I pretty much always get a passthrough and a decent broadside shot will produce a quick kill usually within 40-70 yards.
@@followthefanchers I think it is the matrix 380 with 260 lbs draw weight. Are they still being produced? I have to check into what the new crossbows would cost maybe it is worth picking up a second used one if someone lets the go for cheap. I do like how compact the new ones are but for what I need the old one would do me a lifetime the way it performs now.
I'm in my 70's, I've been compound bow hunting since 76'. Arthritis and getting older but still wanting to hunt during archery season, I purchased a used crossbow just to see if I liked it. I noticed one thing right away. They shoot like a firearm, except no recoil. That crossbow ended up blowing up in my ground blind. Went to the local archery store and bought a Center Point. I'm not going to spend a lot of money. If I was younger maybe. Might have to get the cocking device though.
This is great to hear that’s your still active in the outdoors and hunting! I tell people all the time that if we have a Rock and spear season the. I’m gonna throw rocks and spears at them! Whatever the season and what ever the weapon just stay after them
Bought the Barnett Whitetail STR with arrows from a buddy for $350, harvested 3 deer this year with it, at $14 a pound for farm raised deer meat at the local meat market I would say my return on investment in the crossbow has paid for itself, especially since the deer meat I have is organic! Thank the Lord for his creation!🙏
Thanks for your input on buying a crossbow. Getting ready to look at one to get for next season. Amen to your comment at the end. Praise th Lord!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!
Also agree to never try to decock your crossbow to unload it. Save a fieldpoint tip junker to always shoot it into the dirt or backstop for unloading. Next one would be keeping your hands and fingers out of the Danger Triangle at all times. Never dry-fire a crossbow as those three rules are part of the three most important things to learn and memorize with crossbows.
So, I'm looking at buying a crossbow due to shoulder problems. I'd rather stay with my compound, but it's not looking good for that. Anyway, I want to stay in the $500 range and was considering the Barnett Whitetail Hunter. However, I've heard several bad things lately about Barnett bows having problems with quality, as well as customer service. But from the comments I'm seeing here, people seem to like them and have no issues. Anyone have any problems with Barnett Bows? Just trying to get any info that I can. Thanks.
Well I had good luck with Barnett and the whitetail hunter was great. I’m sure there may be some bad press around the company but for the money you can’t beat them
That’s how my uncle always unloads his crossbow he has small target box he shoot into or I have seen him shoot the ground but most time uses the small target box to unload, and yes crossbows are loud, I have been over 300 yards from my uncle and heard him shoot before hard to get follow up shot if needed
Not always true. Took a doe on opening day, when a small herd of around 5-6 come past my stand. The rest scattered and within 10 minutes they all come back and wondered around under me until I gone head and took a second one. Pain in the arse draggin 2 out the woods but the crossbow didn’t scared em off for good like a gunshot would. Oh and I use Killer Instinct Boss 405. It has the quiet package on it and it’s lasted but I don’t know how much quieter it is with it. As for decocking I use those little disposable mini bolt from Barnett I think.
Get you an entry level crossbow that shoots at least 340fps, and then throw a good scope on it. I have a barnett stalker 380 with a killer instinct speed scope on it and it does EVERYTHING you need it to do! The whole setup was $360 Edit: The reason I upgraded the scope is because that Halo scope that came with the Barnett doesn't match with the speed of the bow. The reticle was dialed at 20 yards, but if a target was at 30 yards, you had to aim half way between the second and third reticle. I want better precision that that, so I spent $80 and it was worth every penny! 5 deer later, and I trust the setup perfectly. Even took a 150'' 9 pointer on October 29.
@@followthefanchers don't worry my minds made up, just want something to watch while I save up 😂 + no shops in u.k to go check one out 😤 one question though do you think we will see a new model from mission in 2024 perhaps a reverse draw?
I have the Barnett STR he is showing. Shot 2 deer (doe and 10 pt) this season at about 30 yds each. That s where I put corn out for the squirrels. ;) The nock disappeared into (or thru) the deer before they had time to even flinch. I am comfortable up to 40 yds. Just need to find a place to practice at 60. If you shop around you can get hat for under $400. Great starter Xbow. Not sure I will ever need an expensive one. This one is great. ALL points on this video are spot on (I.e.; scope doesn't need to be expensive, perfect point on uncocking). If I have to, I will just shoot an old arrow into the ground.
Great no BS advice. This is my first year crossbow hunting. I have hunted with a compound since 1990. I switched because of arthritis in my shoulders. Also just because I think it’s gonna give me the best tool (for me) to effectively kill another deer. My practice time is limited. I still have my old compound too but something made me think about practicality and effectively killing the deer I shoot at. I have a Centerpoint Amped 425 and worked up a piledriver bolt with a 100g brass insert and 150g Sevr broadhead and nockout lighted nock. Projectile total weight is about 608g. Speed is around 330. I’m going to Illinois in about 3 weeks with it. I want to shoot less than 35 yards. 50 might be my max but don’t really even want to go to 50 not because of accuracy but string jump by the deer. The reason for the heavy bolt is primarily stressing the bow LESS and secondarily more momentum. I also muzzleloader and rifle here in Georgia so the move was not a big deal to me and personal choice for me only. Hunt with the legal tools of your choice and be happy. Life is good! Killed a good buck 3 days ago Sat evening with my old Remington 700 muzzleloader. Great video, thanks for keeping it real brother!
Now this is why I do RU-vid! I’m not the most technical bow shop dude in the world but I know what’s simple and what works MOST of the time😂 I appreciate you taking the time to type and send this and thanks for the support! I hope u have GREAT LUCK in Illinois and please keep me posted
I walked in y'alls store to buy a couple sets of Sitka fanatic gear for my girlfriend and me. I had absolutely zero desire to purchase a crossbow, But we got to talking about the ravins and you handed me the R29 and just told me to try it out..... I literally took one shot and instantly handed it back to you and asked you to add it to our camo behind the counter. That is the easiest shooting crossbow I've ever used by far. It's really no fun target shooting and practicing with it out to 60-70 yds, because It's going to hit exactly where you aim it without question. Every deer I've shot has fallen within 40 yds. I used to tell people they're a waste of money, But I recommend them to everyone I can now.
HEY HEY!! I wasn’t expecting to see this comment today! I sure do appreciate you stopping in though and giving me the opportunity to show you the Ravin! They are unbelievable crossbows! I wish they would tighten their customer service up a bit but I’m afraid it’s a product of the world we live in today! Appreciate you watching and following along
@@followthefanchers fortunately I haven't had to deal with them yet! Do you guys have a Ravin press yet by chance ? I need to get some new strings put on mine, But don't have anywhere to take it.
I wish crossbow companies would stop calling their bows "your next rifle". I subscribed immediately after I heard you say "crossbows aren't rifles". I love my XR. But I love flinging arrows with my compound more
I tend to agree with most of what you said, but you didn’t touch on what I think is the MOST important aspect of choosing a crossbow… durability, accuracy and consistency. I’ve been using a Barnett Ghost 410 for about 9 years(the same crossbow). I made the mistake of putting vibration dampers on it when I bought it(does not help, like you said), but last year I noticed the limbs where the dampers mount are starting to become compromised, meaning the outermost(cosmetic)layer of the bottom limbs were literally being pealed away. There was no difference in performance and the only reason I noticed it was when I hung it up after a hunt, my eye caught a dark line on the outside corner. I looked closer, and the cosmetic layer was delaminating from the main part of the limb. I removed the dampers and found they were the cause of it, and a noticeable scuffing on the limb underneath it. If I hadn’t caught it when I did, I guarantee there would have been a catastrophic failure of the limb(both sides mind you). I hope you can put this out there, and let people know to look for this, as there is no reason to get yourself hurt over a gadget that doesn’t work on high powered crossbows anyway! As far as de-cocking go to Wal-Mart and buy a pack of de-cocking bolts, their a 8” 100grain expendable dummy bolt that comes in a pack of 6 for like $8. God Bless!
Great cross bow, I sold a couple hundred of the Ghost 410 back in the day. My only issue with those de cocking bolts you are referring to is I have seen a LOT of them bust in the rear and cause a crossbow to dry fire. The knocks they use are really cheap in my opinion. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed. We also appreciate the great comment
Excellent video very good safety tips...I like the EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW FOR ITS QUALITY AND EASE OF USE...HERE IN PENNSYLVANIA AN ETHICAL CROSSBOW SHOT IS GENERALLY UNDER 40 YDS.. THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON THE CROSSBOW!!!
My opinion is that Axe crossbows beat all of these for value. Especially with the current rebate of $750 through the end of October 2022. I essentially paid $850 for a crossbow that many users are claiming "easily outperforms a $2,500+ Ravin". The shop I was just at sells Ravins all day, and the pro said he doesn't know why people aren't lining up to buy the Axe. Edit: Still watching the video. You may want to check out the Axe crank as well. Users are saying it's the best crank they've used. I'm not gonna rattle on--just try the Axe 405 or 440!
Yes sir I looked at the Axe pretty hard but initially they did not have any to ship when I needed bows. I did like them for sure but they were a little heavy to me. I just heard about the 750$ rebate and am a tad bit perplexed about that but I’m pumped u love yours. Ferrydyne owns them and a great company
@@followthefanchers You have a point, they are a tad heavy, but they say it's only as heavy as an expensive rifle, and I can't argue with that either. The short length definitely makes it feel a little less heavy though.
Decocking is Never an Option is what I was told. You might be lucky but eventually there will be damaged, broken and possibly non repairable missing parts. On top of all that you're probably going to damage the Bow. Thanks for the video. I started watching it several times but im not into the higher level - priced equipment because I run on a Zero Based Budget since they decided to retire me. Usually I don't spend much on myself because of the church I have to maintain. I'm what you could consider non-denominational?? I purchased one of the Dagger 405s just in case the supply chain to this tiny ghost town breaks down so I can keep the dogs who live at the church fed. Idaho is kinda out of the way you know and even now it seems like everything is Two weeks away from delivery. I suppose that is why they call it the Lost River Valley. Again, Thank you for the video. I'm glad that it kept coming up and that I finally finished watching it.
Great video ! I recently purchased a MISSION SUB-1 . I absolutely love it. The trigger is the best on the market. The hand crank is real easy to use. The life time warranty is awesome to . The customer service answers there phone, and you can understand them . They are Americans . The only thing I wish they made was a hard case for it. Love you videos!👍🏻
CUSTOMER SERVICE, CUSTOMER SERVICE, CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! If people get anything else out of this video I hope they understand why MATHEWS is the best! Thanks so much fir watching and following along
Apparently someone (Joshua) has never really tried an X-Bow that can really spit ‘em out! They are a blast! And! -Don’t take my optics either!!! What makes it fun is to have a buddy that likes to shoot ‘em and see how far you can group your bolts! At that point it’s not about loud it’s about seeing who can group the best at a 100! I don’t have one anymore but planning on a Ravin or a Mission just for the challenge to see how far you can group. Don’t get me wrong there ain’t nothing like vertical, but you can be extremely accurate with a X-Bow and have a ton of fun doing it!
O I TOTALLY AGREE! I love and will shoot a vertical bow as long as I can but the sport of shooting is what it’s all about! The crossbows are a absolute blast! Back up to 100 and let it rip, walk down, get you bullets and do it again😂😂 THANKS WAYNE
@@followthefanchers by the way - I too was a lineman for forty years! Every where I go I’m still riding line and looking for problems! It just gets in your blood!
YEP and I can’t get it out! I still look at pole top pins and the way guys make up their transformers, how the wire is tied in on top of insulators and the sag in the wire. Can’t help it
I have an early model R10 Ravin. I’ve had it 6+ years with no problems whatsoever. Always accurate, reliable and one of the best triggers in the business. As everyone knows, another company bought out Ravin. I’ve noticed that Ravin is different today than what they were. I see and hear of broken strings and cables with little use, broken limbs, busted trigger mechanisms, etc,, etc. From what I’ve heard, the triggers on many of the newer Ravin’s are different from the earlier models. Is it just me, or are others noticing the same trends?
Thank you so much for helping me buy my first bow this past Tuesday! I appreciate your patience and assistance. You've gained a customer for life all the way from the coast!
Hey hey Eric! How’s it going man? I am so so glad you made the trip to stark and it was my pleasure helping u! Hope I can make it up again soon after football
I have the Barnett stalker 380 that I snagged on a massive markdown because academy priced it wrong on the shelf… picked it up for 129 out the door with a 6 pack of bolts after tax… I’ve shot it a few times at the range and worked up a couple arrow loads that fly so accurately they robinhood at 50 yards if I’m shooting at the same dot… Personally I prefer my compound bow but that Barnett is crazy accurate.
I prefer the one I hold vertically. I've owned a tenpoint vengent 440 for 3 seasons now, and have only hunted it once. Always grab my real bow when it's time.
I like my Crosspoint Sniper. It gets the job done just fine. I will say the optics that come on the Crosspoint are adequate to get the job done. But I did put a Truglo Opti-Speed on my Sniper 380 and it was a very nice upgrade. So en the end I spent about as much as the Barnet does. I think the Barnet optic os adequate but I think I would swap it for the Opti=Speed as well.
Mission crossbow strings can be changed in the field also. I believe Mission and Excalibur are the only two that can. If you're on a wknd hunting trip and encounter a problem with your string, at least your wknd won't be ruined. Especially way out in the boondocks.
Your right that’s a deal breaker for me, always ruled out compounds for that reason, no shops near me and don’t fancy shelling out for bow press, now I’m thinking the sub 1 is the 1!
@@followthefanchers only ever shot a recurve so the world of compounds is now open 😺 Only just learnt mission are a subsidiary of Matthews & they don't mess around so Think this might just be the 1!!! Thanks for reply 👍
All three are great pieces of equipment in the crossbow works that’s for sure! I love them all. Really appreciate you watching and also commenting! Happy thanksgiving
How do I find you online? I'm looking for a Sub-1 XR with the Pro kit (or a different optic) and have it fully assembled. Ready to buy. Thanks for the video!
The best weapon is the best one that fits all or most of your check list. We all have check lists of what we want. The excalibur eclipse xt fit mine they may not fit others.
When I bought my last crossbow I went with a mission for a few reasons. Mission has a lifetime warranty, they are the most accurate on the market, the decocking feature means less wear on strings and cables also moving parts, you can back the limbs off and change strings and cables without a press. I have owned three other xbows first a Barnett quad 400 limbs broke after two years, a Barnett raptor nothing but problems sent it off to be fixed they sent it right back with no repairs then it exploded one day while target practicing. Third was a center point owned by ravin limbs broke on it good luck getting a live person on the phone I eventually got a replacement head and it is now my backup bow. Was gonna buy a ravin until I had trouble getting a live person on the phone then realized they only offered a five year warranty on a $2000 bow.
Omg Larry Ravin has been an absolute nightmare the last 18 months and everything u said about the mission was spot on! Such a great piece of equipment and even a better crossbow. I appreciate u watching and commenting! SUB1XR!!!!!
Ravin is absolutely horrible. For the price buy a scorpyd its the excalibur of compounds. Mission is awesome too and a great crossbow in it’s class same with Killer instinct. I do think even tenpoint is now lifetime i think i heard. Excalibur is lifetime too. There is lots of great bows with great customer service. And most to all are very reasonable price. Ravin is a “Oh look i have money and i don’t know what to do with it…” Kind of crossbow.
Straight no nonsense wisdom! Thank you 🙏 I am interested in the KI SWAT for several reasons but the reviews are BAD 👎 poor customer service, fraying strings, delaminated limbs 👎 any insight brother?
Hey Nick, how are things going my friend?? Man I’m just not familiar with those but if the reviews are not up to par then your probably on the rite track with steering clear from them! I appreciate the comment and hope u can continue to enjoy our channel as other videos
You're wrong about the Ravin on a few point. The 1 I'll mention is; You can quiet the limbs by half with suppressors. They worked on my R29 like a hot damn. It's never been super loud, but suppressors have brought it down my half. That's alot.
Never been super loud??? Really?? What are you comparing the decibels to?? In the archery world as a whole ALLLLLLL CROSSBOWS are loud! They sound like slamming my F150 hood but they sure are fun to shoot. The limb suppressors def do not cut the noise in half. My point was that nothing in the market makes a significant difference in the noise they make. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@followthefanchers - My .338 is super loud💥. I've shot 2 deer a year with my Ravin since I got it, and none of them have jumped the string or been alerted at all by the sound of my Ravin. Crossbows are best when used at close quarters. The arrow will get to the deer before it can react to the sound if you keep that in mind. This side of 50 yards is the best killing range for a crossbow in my experience.
I agree with the closer the better! That’s with all archery equipment. It’s not about how far but how close we can get them. Rest assured though, it’s string, cams and a arrow and they can suck it. At least my deer in Mississippi can😂. My .300 win mag is quieter than the Ravin when I have my Thunder Beast on it!! Great points and conversation though. Appreciate u engaging
I read your comment below... how dead can a deer be? I like it. That sums up my feelings too. Pretty much agree with all of your video. Spot on assessment of what works in the field. Deer aren't like that target at 100 yards. They aren't going to stand there waiting to see where your bolt hits. Also, my thumb can vouch that xbows are violent machines. won't go into the stupid details of how I tried to decock a bow but I do know, it takes almost a full year to first lose, then regrow a thumb nail.
OUCH DAN!!!! I’ve had several customers make mistakes with crossbows and they are never good! I had one get me in here, scared me to death. I appreciate you watching and FOLLOWING THE FANCHERS
Every Weapon i own Runs Hawke Glass ... They are solid reliable and I love them .. Ive tried others but every single time i returned to The HAWKE ..." ... for me the best glass for the price you can get .
You don't need to spend these ridiculous prices. I just bought my FIRST crossbow about 2 weeks before our archery opener. I did my homework. Found a Centerpoint Patriot 425 at my local gun & pawn for $225. I picked up a Killer Instinct model 1020 Lumix Speed Ring scope at Academy for about $90 and mounted on the bow. Great combination and I love the scope. Harvested a nice 7 point on opening day with it.
Yep I do not disagree with you. One if the crossbow in this video was about the same price and it was new. Most crossbow guys are grip it and rip it customers anyway. Buy it Zero it Prop it in a corner till time to go wack a deer. I have no problem with any of ut
There was a manufacturer (Parker ?) that used Co2 I think to cock their crossbow but I don't know anyone personally that had one. Not sure if that didn't work out or what.
🎉 I thought your video was very good and interesting, but, How come, you didn’t mention the Excalibur’s on the recurve from high in the low end price’s. I own 3 Excalibur Assassin crossbows, the 400 & 420, and the 3rd is Micro Mag 340. I have used Mission Sub 1XR, it’s a great crossbow, I have used Raven Centerpoint, even Barnett, but what I like the most about Excalibur is a completely takes out the repair shop. In the field if something happens, I can take care of everything myself and has lifetime warranty, I think that’s worth mentioning in your video.
I agree with most of your comment and I appreciate you watching! Excalibur makes a great bow but lots of my customer base has serious issues cocking it when I was a dealer and to me they were rough…….. may not be a great word but it’s just my opinion
@@followthefanchers Yes, and I understand that, but the higher end has a cocking crank built in and you can purchase one for the other units. Makes it a lot easier? Because I have a shoulder surgery it took a quarter inch off the bone and socket from a Roater Cuff injury and repair surgery. I can use the rope cocker, the built-in unit or the unit that you can purchase for the others with ease. That’s why I say it is worth mentioning.
Good afternoon Keith!!! That’s all I know sir, I’m not a super smart guy but I do know what works. What a great comment and I appreciate you watching and following the FANCHERS
Already have the Mission Sub 1-XR,, 😎 Not a fan at all of The Raven crosswell or the wicked ridge crossbow and to make it even worse they cost more money than most of us can afford,, Definitely too many hassles if something goes wrong with the bow,, even though they have a guarantee on their product,, I j s,, I do disagree with the mission being the quietest on the market,, It is definitely quiet it is definitely smooth,, Absolutely love the cranking system on it,,, However, I own 4 killer instant crossbows,, the fatal X and the swat X1,, both of those are a lot quieter than the mission,, Maybe because I should shoot 550 grain bolt out of the Mission Sub 1-XR, hmmmmmmmm 🤔
@followthefanchers Love them so much i'm pro staff for them one of their number 1, I also do pro staff for omega sites, Trying to get on with real tree camouflage, And I'm part of 7 different crossbow groups. I do my own processing,, Throughout the year when deer season isn't in? I am constantly shooting or in the woods. Looking for a new area,, And right now as I'm sending you this message. My wife and I are on our way next door to a refuge. Where we put some cameras and stuff out to look for feral hogs
You know that you had a really good video and in my opinion on crossbows my dad always told me you get what you pay for and a lot of the barnetts in which I have owned all three of those crossbows well actually I own a raven r-10 and I own that mission crossbow that you've got right there right now and in my opinion if you get a good Barnett it'll be a good Barnett crossbow if you get a bad Barnett crossbow you're going to have problems with it even though it's only a $500 crossbow if you want to buy a crossbow every two or three years go with the Barnett but if you want to really good crossbow and you don't want to have to buy one every year it's really a no-brainer here Raven until after this year the Raven crossbows were all made in the United States I believe after this year they'll probably be coming out of China because Crosman likes all their stuff made in China like their Centerpoint crossbows and their air rifles they all made in China but as far as quality and the money well spent in my opinion I think the mission crossbow is the very best due to the fact that it has a lifetime warranty the Ravens got a five-year warranty even the 10-point crossbows it cost thousands of dollars they don't have a lifetime warranty so at the end of the day if you spend the money and you get a lifetime warranty and it is a really well made crossbow I feel that's the best way to go because after this year who knows where Raven will be made I know Crosman loves China that's my opinion
O you are so so rite! That’s one reason I love Mathews/Mission! What’s a wonderful company and it’s all made rite there in Sparta Wisconsin in the good ole USA! Love this comment and the time it took for you to send it! We hope u enjoy all our videos and Continue to watch
I have a sub1 for 6 years. Best investment I ever made a fine weapon. My 12 year old daughter has shot 2 deer and my self 8 with it . Quieter than a Barnett by far. I had an accident decocking 8 years ago. I had a decocking bolt with heavy steel tip. I shot it 30 yard what I thought was a rotten log I marked. It was a rock, bolt flew back at me I remember moving but it caught my cheek. Bled like crazy but no pain. The good lord was watching out for me. After that I used old bolts with washers on a field tip. Converted sub 1 shortly afterwards and always decock at the truck.
Good gracious Mr Jim!!!! The Lord was watching over you for sure! Y’all have had a blast hunting it sounds like! Thanks so much for sending this great comment! The sub1 is a great bow in my opinion and mathews customer service is THE BEST
@@followthefanchers we live 2 ½ hours away from Mathew’s Factory in Sparta Wi. If you ever get up to the land of cheese and beer check out the factory. A lot of our hunting was in Northern Wisconsin. Year on year sometimes had huge population shifts up and down depending on the winter weather. If lots of snow and cold next 2 years are slow.
I agree and it’s a great bow for sure. My opinion only……. The Mission is a quieter and smoother feel versus the R9. Accuracy depends on the man pulling the trigger rite??😂
First thing I look for is the cams & limbs. The way their built. Hell with the scope. You have cam problems or limbs cracking...then you might as well junk the damn thing.
One that doesn't have a split limb design!! My Horton is 29 years old and my uncle still shoots it. My SA Sports Ambush is 7 years old and works awesome! Both were under $250!!!!
I keep my block target 🎯 to shoot and decock my bow with a flat grinded practice tip so the arrow doesn’t penetrate so deep and is easier to pull out of the block
Great video!!!!! Thank you for the info and tips. You’re very straight forward and detailed!!!🤙🏼 Your sincerity just earned a new subscriber brother!!🤙🏼🤜🏼🤛🏼God bless🙏🏼
What’s going on Tony? Comments like this is what it’s all about! We really appreciate you following along and reaching out. I hope you continue to enjoy the channelln
My $200 Killer Instinct package did the job just fine on a nice buck last year @ 25 yards; deer don't care how much you spend. Make sure it shoots from A to B accurately & consistently, the rest is fluff.
What’s your thoughts on killer instinct? I have the lethal 405. Haven’t shot it much, but looking at another crossbow now, and people keep saying the KI always has gets broken limbs? Is this a fact?
@@jjsage8903 I've read users having trouble with cracked limbs on the KI crossbows, but that has not been my experience. I didn't take my crossbow out this year, I used a compound bow instead. Had I had my KI, I'm confident I would have notched another tag. The buck ended up ducking the arrow out of my compound @ just under 30 yards. My old compound just doesn't have the speed that the crossbow does.
Gotcha. I didn’t take mine out either this year because the job I was working at sucked all my time, I couldn’t even plant anything. But this year I’m taking mine out way more often. Along with my recurves. But good to hear. I was also reading that some folks put a heavier bolt on their KI. And didn’t have that issue again
I have a Mission MXB-360 and I love it. I shot a bear with it two years ago. However I wasn't impressed with a mechanical broadhead.I went to a single bevel fixed blade.
I got a misión never let me down It’s a great crossbow I wanted to get a ten point but the guy in the archery store told me that Ten point are so problematic So I’m happy he advised me
I do not disagree with that. Light gathering capabilities on a crossbow are not as important only because if the shorter shot distances if that makes sense
What’s your opinion on the Micro Crossbows such as the Excalibur line? I run and gun hunt deep in Louisiana swamps so humping weight is my deciding factor
I have an origonal center point 370 sniper and shot 22 in shafts with nap thunder head 100 gr and it is assume with a lighted scope. They have so many newer models and are great. Don't waste ur money on high priced bows just to keep up wit ur buddies. Use limb savers bow jacks.
