Author Topic: How loud are xbows (Read 1454 times)

snicker · « **on:** December 12, 2005, 02:01:12 PM »

I don't know much about xbows and don't know anyone who has one but am considering getting one as Tennessee now lets you use one during the archery season. I was at Bass Pro Shop and was inquiring about the Excals they have and the salesman told me they were pretty loud, sort of like of .38 cal going off. To me that would be pretty loud for a xbow. Of course Bass Pro won't let you shoot one to find out so I am hoping some of you on this forum can enlighten me. I am leaning towards the Excal Vixen or Phoenix as they are lighter weight. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

Deer Dave · « **Reply #1 on:** December 12, 2005, 05:05:34 PM »

Snicker, I have shot 3 different models...Parker...Ten Point and Excalibur....

I purchased the Parker...

Go to Cabelas...you can shoot anything you desire

The Excaliburs are recurves and are naturally louder and seem to vibrate

The Ten Point was quiet, BUT is really on the Heavy side ...and is 3 times the price of the Parker

The Parker is fast...320 fps, quiet and accurate...the best of all worlds for the money spent..

If you are hunting deer...the Excal Vixen or Phoenix is more than enough.

I have a friend who just got the Exocet...200 lb model...it is too much and harder to cock/load...

Remember ...shooting a heavy bolt will help keep the noise levels down also.

email or pmwith any other questions.

Dave

snicker · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2005, 04:13:53 AM »

Thanks for all the good info Dave. I had ruled Ten Point out long ago when I checked prices. I'm sure they are really good but it's something I can not afford. We don't have a Cabela's anywhere close to us only Bass Pro but I think there is a Gander Mtn up in KY. Anyhow I will look at the Parker and see how they are for me. I don't need the fastest bow or the even the best. Light weight is a big consideration and that is why I was leaning towards the Excals but didn't know that the recurve bows were louder than the wheel bows. I've really got until next August which will give me time to shoot it and get comfortable with it. Thanks again Dave, I really appreciate it.

Jim

varmit_master · « **Reply #3 on:** December 14, 2005, 09:17:28 AM »

Hi Darton has a xbow out look at it. I would like to but nobody around has one yet. I have a horton and i like it. VM

Deer Dave · « **Reply #4 on:** December 14, 2005, 05:35:13 PM »

Quote from: snicker

Thanks for all the good info Dave. I had ruled Ten Point out long ago when I checked prices. I'm sure they are really good but it's something I can not afford. We don't have a Cabela's anywhere close to us only Bass Pro but I think there is a Gander Mtn up in KY. Anyhow I will look at the Parker and see how they are for me. I don't need the fastest bow or the even the best. Light weight is a big consideration and that is why I was leaning towards the Excals but didn't know that the recurve bows were louder than the wheel bows. I've really got until next August which will give me time to shoot it and get comfortable with it. Thanks again Dave, I really appreciate it.

Jim

Jim!

You are welcome, I am glad to help. The Parker model that I have is a Terminator. It is as light as the Excaliburs, and I have a single red dot scope on it. There is a 3 dot or a single dot scope available with the Terminator. I sighted my single dot in at 25 yards, and with the Parker bolts that they supply....it shoots real flat up to 25 yds and then drops 3 inches at 30 yds.......7 inches at 35 yds.......and 12 inches at 40 yds. I am shooting a 125 gr. Wasp Bh 3 blade, and 4 inch vanes.

The Parker xbow comes with 4 bolts, a quiver and the choice of a scope...single red dot or 3 dot. I have taken 2 whitetails with it and it does a nice job. The entrance hole was almost as large as a hardball!

Also the Parker is the quietest xbow that I shot...I was impressed with it's lightness, and speed and the accuracy it gives. The Super carbon magnum bolts they provide are very good bolts and are very straight and durable.

Good Luck!

Dave

Digger · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2005, 05:41:38 AM »

Here's a list of Excal. dealers in your state, if one is close, you could shoot one there. I have owned a number of Excaliburs over the last 15 years from Wolverines, Vixens, Emags, Exocets and the Bear/Excal Maxpoint/Paradox a compound xbow. Excals are made so that model improvements can be updated on older models you wont have to buy a new xbow. Their 3 lb trigger is used on all models as is the Varizone scope, That is sighted in once and can be fine tuned with the speed ring if you change bolt or head weights. Ease of maintence off sets the wider limbs. Speeds for Excal and draw weights are
Vixen-150 lbs and 285 fps
Pheonix-175 lbs and 310 fps
Exocet 200-200 lbs and 330 fps
Exomax- 225 lbs and 350 fps.

http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/tn.html

Digger

Customstocked Vixen

2002 Vixen

2004 Paradox by Excalibur (model discontinued after 2004)

ihuntbucks · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2005, 06:31:59 PM »

snicker,I have a Barnett Rhino Mag,and it does make a little noise:But nothing like my .38.Not even close..............Rick

slayer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2006, 06:33:59 AM »

I would bet every gun I own that a crossbow is in know way as lound as a .38 That is crazy!! Good info fellas, I am also in the market for a Crossbow and down to Horton or Excalibur, but will check out the Parker also. Thanks-Jack.

snicker · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2006, 06:15:57 AM »

I think I'm done looking at all the options now and will get the Excal Vixen. While the wheel bows are nice and could be had a little cheaper compared to the Excal and all the extras a person needs, there was something about them that just didn't feel right to me, maybe balance or end heavy but the Vixen felt real nice. Of course the purchase will have to wait a few months til I unload a couple of muzzleloaders.

Digger, I sure like that black Vixen you have there, it looks real nice. I know they have been discontinued but I'm going to look around and see if I can find one someplace. The black sure is nice. Thanks to all who responded to me about this.

On a side note, I went back to Bass Pro to look at all the xbows again and the resident pro there told me they didn't sell many Excaliburs due to the price of the bows and the accessories as compared to a fully decked out wheel bow but that he wished they only sold Excaliburs because they were so sturdy and easy to work on if anything happened to them. He said they really hold up and you don't have to baby them. A good selling point.

slayer · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2006, 02:47:49 PM »

Congrats Snicker!! I shot an Excalibur Excocett today and I am hooked, the balance is perfect and is so well built it`s silly :grin: I am saving for the Excocett. Jack.

smokepolehall · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2006, 05:46:00 PM »

I own an Excalibur Phoenix its fast its very accurate it has dissapater rubber bars on it, helps dampen noise. You can also use the heavy 2219 alum. quirls they help to dampen noise. Great safety and trigger also simple and easy string changing in the field. I know a dealer you can get best price around, if and when your interested give me a PM! :grin:

snicker · « **Reply #11 on:** March 24, 2006, 02:21:50 AM »

Thanks for the offer smokepolehall. However, I picked up an Excaliber Phoenix late in January. Real nice bow, very accurate the few times I shot it, fast, and really not loud at all. It is everything everyone has said about it and more. One only has to hold and shoot one to really appreciate it. Only problem is I think it is too much bow for me and should have stuck with my decision to get the Vixen. I have a very bad back and rheumatoid arthritis and cocking the bow seems to aggravate them. I can shoot a dozen times and have to put it up for a week or so. Thats the main reason I went from compound bow to xbow. I may sell the Phoenix and get the Vixen or might just inquire if the Vixen riser and limbs will fit the Phoenix stock and rail, have not made a decision yet. I think they are the same. Anyhow, if it were not for my afflictions I would indeed be giddy with the Phoenix as it is an excellent bow.

smokepolehall · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2006, 07:10:44 AM »

The Vixen is different than the Phoenix so the interchange won't work. You can get the crankaroo for about $79 from my dealer, that was a Nov. price quote. Its so easy to use, like using a fishing reel. I would never get rid of the Phoenix because of that. Its very easy just a few pounds of pressure. I hope this info will help you. I have 3 herniated disc's and i use it. I will be able to hunt until i can no longer use my hands. I just love mine! :grin:

snicker · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2006, 12:28:33 PM »

I checked with Bill T and you are right, the Vixen riser won't work on the Phoenix. I tried the crankaroo and while it worked real well I wasn't crazy about packing it around, if the handle would fold up out of the way it would be alot better. I will more than likely keep the Phoenix and just limit my shooting for practice. During the season I won't be cocking it nearly that much so it shouldn't matter. Might keep an eye out for a used Vixen for my off days. Of course, my oldest son is looking at the Phoenix real hard when he comes over. I'll have to keep an eye on it when he's here, HA HA! Take care and good hunting!!

smokepolehall · « **Reply #14 on:** March 25, 2006, 02:09:42 AM »

I am so use to packing stuff i don't even know i have the crankaroo. I look like a CHRISTmas tree without lights when i go hunting with my ML. I have bags and more bags and powder horns, i don't know why i tote all that stuff. I need to trim it down i hunt 200 yds. from the house. I bet i could put everything i really need in my pockets! Well enjoy yourself and bow. :grin:

Digger · « **Reply #15 on:** March 27, 2006, 08:32:22 AM »

I have a 175 lb Exocet with a Ten Point Acudraw that really works well. Call Dan Miller to get a price. The handle comes off and stores in a holster.

Horizontal Archery
37432 Fifth Ave.
Sardis, OH
43946 US
740-483-2312

Digger