X bow vs. Compound bow?

[rmhaack]

I am new to archery hunting but would like to take some form of it up for white tails. I am aware of local laws concerning cross bows, etc. Cross bows and compound bows are very different, I understand that so it probably hard to make a compariso but bear with me. I am just looking for some input from people who have done both as to what they prefer and why, what might be easier to learn, etc. ANYTHING...I know there are alot of guys out there that know more then I will ever comprehend but I am just looking for some insight on this. Thanks.

[rmhaack]

comparison...sorry, and I should reword the easy part b/c I have already been told that a cross bow is easier then a compound bow is a big myth. Perhaps more the pro's and con's to x-bows and compounds. Thanks...

[ComfyBear]

Crossbows and Compound are both archery tools. Both are close range hunting tools. Both have pros and cons. A compound might be harder to master for accuracy on stationary target shooting, However when hunting, both involve shooting live moving targets, so neither has an advantage when hunting. For instance, while a crossbow is more cumbersome to carry, a compound one has to be drawn and held. With a crossbow, shooting a second arrow takes more time, than with a compound. When it's cold it might be harder to draw a compound.

As you can see both have pros and cons, so in my opinion, it's just a matter of perference on which one chooses to use.

[ship22340]

Thanks.

Do you not think you were wrong?:X:X

[wabi]

I have bowhunted for more years than I care to admit, but my experience with compounds is limited. I like a longbow and instinctive shooting much better and just never made the transition to compounds. When shoulder problems left me unable to shoot the longbow, the crossbow did the job of launching arrows very well, so I switched to it. I had been shooting shoulder arms (rifles & shotguns) all my life, so the transition was easy for me.
The crossbow definately has it's limitations and drawbacks. It's heavy, it's bulky, and it's slow to get a second shot off. I had to adjust my hunting methods to fit the crossbow, but with some adjustments I found it was an effective way to hunt.
I know there are exceptions and arguments, but for my hunting styles and habits the crossbow works best from an elevated stationary perch (tree stand) and is very difficult to use on the ground (still hunting). The longbow is best suited to still hunting and ground blinds and has it's problems & drawbacks in a tree stand.
I would say you're best to pick a bow to fit your hunting methods and abilities, then learn to use it proficiently. If you prefer hunting on the ground the vert bow may be the best choice, but if you like to use an elevated stand the crossbow is a great way to launch you arrow.

[Tom]

rnhaack in general the pro's and con's between the crossbow and compound even out. I will try to list as many as I can remember.

Crossbow:Pro's

• Range with these bows is 30-35 yards on deer
  easier to become efficent in accuracy.
  people slight in physic shape can use easier
  disabled can use more efficently and safely
  there is no holding the draw waiting for the shot

Con's

• Bulky to carry espically in the bush
  heavier then the compound
  you need a horizontal shooting lane for limb clearance (Tougher to get as tees grow vertical)
  Shooting second shot takes alot of movement and time (hardly even get a second shot)
  more difficult to load in treestands, can be done but more difficult
  noisier than the compound

Compound: Pro's

• Range with these bows is the same as crossbows -30 to 35 yards with deer
  Easier to carry, espically in the bush, more sleek
  held vertical so finding shooting lane is easier (clearance for limbs)
  second shot is quicker and with less movement
  in the hands of a quality handler, usually it is more accurate then the crossbow.

Con's

• have to draw and hold bow before the shot
  takes more time and effert to become efficent
  shooter needs to be physically strong to be able to handle the draw and hold it (physical limitations will prevent a shooter from using these bows safely)

There are probually more then I listed but most are here. As you can see, there are many for each style bow and with the use of pop-up blinds, stationary blinds, treestands ect. you can overcome alot of the cons. All that is needed is to figure out which bests suits the shooter then he/she can choose the hunting tool that he can hunt most safely with.

Both style of bows have the same efective range and BOTH need practice to become effiecnt. You still need to get within close distance to be able to harvest your animal.

Hope this helps you.