Notice alot of hunters use smaller bows

[Chuck AA]

Hi

Just noticed that lot of the hunters on the forum use the smaller crossbows? Is there a reason for this other than cost? New to the game just wondering? Is there a reason? are they better?

[VixChix]

Hey Mike/DeerSlayer/VixenMaster - you wanna get this one?

Moni a.k.a. LoveMyVixen

[vixenmaster]

I thouht my lovely friend VixChix would do the Honors. I will try to answer yer ? Ease of handlin in a stand of any type. Dependable absolutely the best model. Comfortable you want sumpin thats light n easy specially durin cold weather. Vixens can kill any Tick Toter out to 40 yds without a hiccup! Put on good scope & sight it in, use good BH's & yer in like Flint!

[VixChix]

AMEN, Brother Mike!

Among the Excalibur shooters, there is a special subset of Vixen affictionadoes ("groupies" )

Usually Vixenites aren't "entry level" shooters - in fact, the opposite is often true: people start out with bigger (assuming better), then in time they realize that the "smaller" bows are just as effective and more of a joy to handle.

I can cock the other, faster Excalibur models, but I wouldn't trade my brown xbow. There is just something special about those Vixens!

[Chuck AA]

Ok, you have anwered my question somewhat. Just like i shoot a .300 win mag faster and less trajectory, so I guess the equinox appealed and like with the .300 used to the extra weight, I have blinds that room is not an issue so all is good, in the end then i guess it is preference. Thanks

[Chuck AA]

Hi I just checked the stats on the Vixen II it is not much lighter or smaller than an equinox? maybe the original was? I am not here to start a war about what is better like they do on some forums was just asking.

[awshucks]

Hi I just checked the stats on the Vixen II it is not much lighter or smaller than an equinox? maybe the original was? I am not here to start a war about what is better like they do on some forums was just asking.

That's because they all have the same limbs and riser, the power diffs are in the rail lengths.

[vixenmaster]

Hey Chuck pick them up & handle them not much diff in felt weight until you shoulder them. The bigger pounders stick way out yonder in front! Nutten wrong wid any model that tickles yer fancy or melts yer butter! Its all in the personal choice/mind

[Deerstalker]

I believe that any Excal will shoot completely through any North American animal. With the higher poundage CBs you have the advantage of learning how to re-fletch your arrows because of the through target damage. Been there done that.

[one shot scott]

The equinox and the exomax are the top sellers because FPS speaks to a lot of folks, and for strictly hunting its hard not to argue that they are the king. They have a straighter trajectory and reach their target faster... Alot of us who shoot more targets than anything perfer the lower weight bows so that with alot of shooting we dont nedd to reserve as often, its easier to pull back, etc..etc.. Nothing wrong with any excal model, just type of use should dictate what model may be your happy place.

[taz3]

The stronger crossbows are harder on equipment too, so a mid to light one is easier to maintain, even to the wallet!

[Vmoore]

Ordered an Axiom, was a difficult choice, but feel confident about my choice after reading these comments. Was my son's recommendation, smart boy!

[ShaneInMN]

I went with an Ibex which is the step up from their lightest model. I didn't want to get the heavier bow for a few different reasons. The main reason why I got the Ibex was the thumbhole stock and the speed is plenty fast to get the job done.

The heavier bows I'm sure are great, but not being a string maker I just didn't want to deal with replacing strings or having to reserve the center serving as often.

They're all great choices, just depends on how much power you want/need.

[JT of PA]

Chuck,

I was able to shoot all the Excalibur models at our local shop. I was surprised how the higher-poudage bows felt compared to the lower-poundage bows: Ibex & Vixen.

I would have gone with a Vixen, however this model only comes in a non-thumbhole stock. I went up to Ibex to get the thumbhole stock. Amazing, how an inch or two difference in a few spots change the "feel" of the crossbow so much.

All the best.

[Oppie]

I'm wanting into your little club had my Exocet 200 in a two man ground blind this fall and thought, might need a addition on it to swing this bow around.

So after New years I'll be looking for one, ya can never have to many Excals in the house can ya?