New to Crossbows and Excalibur

[BigBadJohn]

Hello all. I'm an old recurve and longbow shooter who's too broken down to pull a light draw weight compound wheel bow...so on to crossbows. After a lot of research online, going to archery shops, and talking to folks that I know who hunt with crossbows, I've decided on Excalibur's IBEX SMF for my first rig.

My reasoning is simple. First, it's a very light crossbow and with bad shoulders, elbows and back (along with a host of other joints), I could really tell the difference in front-end felt weight between the Equinox (Hey...start at the top if you can!) and the IBEX SMF. The IBEX just feels MUCH lighter and is easier to shoulder because of it. Second, the IBEX is fast enough to take most any North American game with proper shot placement and taking only ethical, responsible shots in the first place. Third, I like the simplicity and durability of Excalibur's product line in general and especially the benefits of the composite rail. Having spent some time in plastics manufacturing in the past, I can appreciate how plastics are sometimes superior to metals in certain applications. I think Excalibur is dead on the mark with this application. Lastly, I wanted to be able to do all of my own maintenance in the field, if needed. Nothing is more frustrating than having the very technology fail in actual practice that was supposed to help ensure success. How many times has that happened to each of us?

I plan on adding the S5 string suppressor system, the dissapator bars, and will upgrade the VariZone scope to the ShadowZone scope in order to get variable magnification and the illuminated reticle. I'll use that for hunting hogs here in Mississippi in low light. They're a real nuisance down here.

I'll also purchase the stringing aid, the padded deluxe case, extra string, and some extra arrows as well.

I do have a couple of questions, though. First, is the sling a good thing to have or not? Not sure it would be necessary on short distance hunts, but when hiking long distances, it might be a real lifesaver. Second, what type of broadheads do you guys like with your Excaliburs? I don't have a preference here. Back in my recurve/longbow days I shot Simmons Treesharks with a heavy insert (total tip weight about 225 grains) on Easton XX Hunter Orange 2514 shafts with 5-1/2" fletches...essentially a lodge pole with a pointed end. At a 34" draw length, I was only getting about 196 FPS, but with such a heavy arrow I could've shot through a couple of hippos! Since the draw length is set by the crossbow manufacturer, I'll have to rethink my arrows for this application.

Thanks for taking time to read my long post. As soon as the bow comes in I'll post pics and also pics of dead animals. Dead, tasty animals. MMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

[vixenmaster]

Ibex is fine model congrats on it. BH's lots of good & if'en you have some of them Simmons sharks try'em. I use RazorTricks & Spitfire. I have used half dz others that were jus as good. Its all in the knowin of how to kill game, speed is there fer those tha needs it. More powere please more power. Thats why i use vixens most of my Huntingtime. They have the ultimate power n speed don't cha knowed

[Sopchoppy]

Welcome aboard and to Xbow hunting. After you hunt with it, you'll wonder why you waited to get one. Your second best decision was to get an Excalibur. Built like a tank, shoots straight and fast. As for broadheads, I've used Slick Trick Magnums and Wasp Hammer with the same results. I have some 2" Swackers that were given to me as sample, but haven't had the shot to use one. Good hunting!!

[papa bear1]

Welcome to the forum BigBadJohn, you made a good choice to go with Excalibur crossbows. any questions just ask away, theres a ton of knowladge here, there is always somebody waiting to help others out,

Dave

[robertyb]

Put on the S5s and forget about the D bars. Just extra weight to carry around. I started using 2" cut 100 grain Swackers this year and they fly like field points out of my Vortex. Cut a heck of a hole in a deer also. I have also shot G5 Montecs and they also shoot same POI as field points.

Welcome to the forum.

[roly]

Welcome to the forum BBJ

Congrats on your new bow.

I would start out with what your used to and
what you like, then if you can't get it dailed in
then make some changes

have fun and enjoy your bow.

[colouredchameleon]

Your same reasons for going to a crossbow are pretty much the same reasons for considering a sling.

[awshucks]

Your same reasons for going to a crossbow are pretty much the same reasons for considering a sling.

I can shoot my Y-25 better w/o sling.............

[j.krug]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new Excal!

I have a sling for my Vortex but don't use it much. I find it a bit of a nuisance. I don't walk with my bow cocked so I either carry it in one hand by holding the rail or over my shoulder with the stock behimd me while holding the limb. Both are comfortable to me.

As for broadheads there's a ton of good ones out there. I'm a big fan of the Rage broadheads and have had good success with them.

[mr meat]

Welcome to the forum!

[Hester0305]

Welcome to the Forum and Congrats on a fine Excal when you get it. You may need to purchase an extra string also because if you shoot a lot you'll wear the serving out and just need to replace string until you get the other serving fixed.
Good luck and have lots of fun.

[flightattendant100]

I think the bows carry better in the field by putting the rail on my shoulder and holding one limb down(verticle carry) Bill T. carries one this way in a vid I saw once. It makes the bow not near so wide and I prefer it this way.I shoot off a table or rail so I dont need a sling.

[strum]

welcome and congrats on your new bow..its a nice one..
as afr as a sling...you can use any you may already have . a shotgun sling works well...but im like most here in the fact that i dont use one much,,eveyone does things different to suit their needs..
i love the slick trick broadheads,,they shoot consistant and are very well made..

[maine hunter]

welcome, you are going to love your excal. alot of great people on here, ask away, they know what there talking about. good luck and most of all, have fun.

[UPSMAN]

A sling comes in really handy while walking through the woods. I take mine off after I get in the stand. Bow is quieter and easier to handle in a stand with the sling off. Would highly recommend a top mount quiver attachment if you are going to sling your bow. The factory, bottom mount quiver, does not work well with a sling. Danny Miller (Horizontal Archery) the U.S. factory warranty dealer makes a great top mount quiver bracket. It's very light weight,which you mentioned was an issue for you. As for broadheads,everybody on this site has their favorites. Lots of great ones to choose from. Lots of hogs in S. Georgia where I hunt and the Swhacker broadhead does quite a number on ole porky. If you shoot Gold Tip bolts you can add one of their 110gr inserts to increase your FOC for whatever broadhead you choose. Welcome to the Forum and Good Hunting.