Width??? Has it been a problem?

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coop
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Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by coop »

So there are many new narrow bows coming out with very narrow string angles.
This will be very hard on serving and no way to cock by hand for sure and many post are questioning the accuracy of these super narrow bows.

So my question is, has your bows width ever been a serious problem that kept you from getting a shot?

I have had a Vortex and Matrix and have never had the width keep me from having a shot. But I know they are wide and plan accordingly. I've shot from many tree stands and many blinds and never had an issue. But people seem to think they have to have a narrow bow. I think these narrow bows are going to create a whole new set of problems that's worst than being a little wide! Your thoughts?
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Phillyarcher
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by Phillyarcher »

I also have had a Vortex and we're able to shoot Deer out of a tree and a Bear also. I do like the Micro I have and it does give you a bit more freedom in taking shots. I do twist my body around the tree and having a smaller xbow does help. It also is better in a blind too. I'm happy with both of my Excals.
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NEPAbowhunter
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by NEPAbowhunter »

I have never had an issue with width. I used to own a Vortex and killed deer with it with no issues. I did however sell it to buy my 355. I now prefer the width of the Matrix style crossbow to the older style wider limb models.
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by W.Miguire »

I have a Matrix and a Micro and have no problem with them at all . I have also polished the triggers and that helps . I can see what you are talking about some of the bows today are only 6" wide . only time will tell how that is going to work out. your serving must be tight or you will have a problem no matter what you do.
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by nchunterkw »

I too have a Vortex and Gen 1 Micro. Never had a problem with my Vortex and took many deer with it from the ground, or a tree, ladder or climber. Then I got my Micro and hunted with that. Then went back to the Vortex........holy cow did that seem HUGE! I just prefer the Micro size all around. And I feel the shorter, stiffer arrows perform better on the animal. Ballistically they are very similar but I think my Micro hits much harder. And with polished latches...AND.. a second serving, my servings are lasting just fine on the Micro. The second serving always goes on much tighter than the first.
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coop
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by coop »

The new Micro's are indeed very nice and still wide enough to not cause many problems. I'm talking more about the new compounds coming out with 10" or less axle to axle.
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by nchunterkw »

Ahhh. Gotcha. I won't be able to help there. No interest in a wheeled bow. Been there done that.
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vixenmaster
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by vixenmaster »

I have had most of the Excals line of models thru the yrs. The onlt time i have been cramped fer spacre is inside those small blinds wid the wide limbed models. Thats where the Micro shines in a ground blind.

Some of the Compounds have gotten very narrow, some are havein to be double center served to hold up
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Minnow
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by Minnow »

I was thinking exactly what you are when looking at that new raven xbow, looks impressive but also looks like it would be loaded with problems because of the extreme string angle
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Carnivorous
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by Carnivorous »

The wider models were never an issue. But when the Matrix and Micro came out I convinced myself to upgrade because they were narrow and I needed that...lol
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galamb
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by galamb »

Since I sell "hunting stuff" I do handle a bunch of brands/models (and get to mess around with them everyday if I want - I love my job) :)

Anyhow, I shoot a Vix II and my hunting buddy has an Axiom. We stand hunt but walk in through dense bush - and he tends to wander around. We both have noted and commented that the bows are "gangly" and do often hang up on branches etc no matter how you tend to carry them - but once in the stand having less "wingspan" wouldn't equate to any great benefit.

I did compare the standard width against the Matrix line - just not significant enough to warrant an "upgrade" if that's the only reason.

The Micro's are "narrow" for a recurve style, but as noted they are still "wide" compared to some of the compound offerings out there.

There is however a downside with most of the compounds (aside from the more moving parts, need of a bow press etc) - but just from a mobility point of view - they are just plain heavy - often 2'ish pounds heavier than a Micro and if you compare the reverse limb models, that's three extra pounds.

So trade off's with any choice. If needing a narrow wingspan is your over riding "need" I was looking at some 2017 models from Bear at a buyers show that were only 11" (cocked) - but they were heavy and front heavy when shouldered - really depends what you need.
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by Eck »

bellerivercrossbowhunter wrote:The wider models were never an issue. But when the Matrix and Micro came out I convinced myself to upgrade because they were narrow and I needed that...lol
Me too!

I went from an ExoMag to a Micro, and wow what a difference. I've added a couple of Matrix bows to the collection, and think I'll stay put with those.
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one shot scott
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by one shot scott »

width has never bothered me, but I upgraded to a matrix to get the fps increase. Never felt a need to buy a micro...other than the fact they are cool
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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by DuckHunt »

I moved from an ExoMax to a Micro. On one occasion the ExoMax width bit me in the butt when I misjudged just how wide the limbs would deploy. Fortunately I only damaged my pride and the doe got to live an extra half hour.

The only time the width is a problem is when I walk through the house. I have to turn sideways when passing through doorways with an ExoMax. :lol: It may be wide, but its tried and true and harvested a couple more deer this season.

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Re: Width??? Has it been a problem?

Post by Bullzeye »

In a tree stand, no issues with my Exocet200, in my Dog House blind it was ok, but a slimmer bow would definitely been better. Having never carried the newer models, I would think you would get hung up less on branches while going through thick bush. But with all the stories of broken limbs, I won't be selling my 200 anytime soon.
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