This is a simple 2 part video comparing two functional set-ups on hunting bows, one a crossbow and the other a modern compound bow. Part 1 has operational demo and data. Part 2 has a practical based narrative. Neither of these are studio show bows but are truly field equipment. The time covered was inadequate to coven this subject in any depth so these are really just scratching the surface. Comments are more than likely disabled for this video. Not to be unfriendly but this subject almost always draws some of the worst in a very small, but very loud, segment of archers who simply hate what they dont understand.
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Charles Jines
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@bowhunterofdarkages not in cali
Neither are better than the other. It depends on what’s better for you. Shoot what ever makes you enjoy the sport. Personally I go compound. I get a work out while I shoot. And if you get past the draw the let off is great. Then releasing the arrow gives you a sense of relief that you are not holding that weight anymore. Pick what you like if you have to choose, don’t listen to what some prick says. They both take another level of skill over a rifle.
@raddpuppy70 – I agree.
why do you think a crossbow takes less practice? i’ve shot both compound and crossbows alot,i found them both pretty easy to get the hang of, but once you know what you’re doing, why would you have to practice alot more before the season with a compound, with a good release, and sights theres no more chance for human error than with a crossbow. at full draw with a compound, 85% let off, you’re holding back less weight than a crossbow, so you’re arms getting tired shouldnt mater
@TopOfTheLine3 – Why do I think…. if you are addressing me it (imho) is because I have sufficient real-life experience to (again, impo) know what I am talking about.
The time it requires to drop a sub-1″ 3-bolt group @ 35-40 yards and physical conditioning is miniscule compared to a compound bow. The same holds true for compounds vs traditional (long/recurve).
Yes all are throwing an arrow be it very short and there are some skills in common, but many are not.
These are jus my opinions.
@TopOfTheLine3 – for hunting,.. say you have a 3-1/2 yr old or better walk in on you. It’s not frekin TV on essentially deer farms so used to the stench of people you can’t chase them off… you or a thief who has broken into his house. If someone came into your house and moved your coffee table, would you notice?
He does and he knows the shadows look and smell different today. Now, a) crossbow: raise a cocked bow, slip safety off & hold that pose for minutes in a staring contest as you look
@rldel149 …as you look through a light collecting scope. -or- quietly stand, bend at the waist, draw 26 to 30″ depending on who/how big you are, aim hold – even @ 80 let-off w/out catching his eye.
Do you understand? I
@rldel149 – you see, you are generally over extended, off balanced, straining, in an often moving tree w/arms spread vs tucked in tighter like a rifle shot (often with a shooting rail – can’t do that w/compound bow). You are not shooting flatfooted in the backyard.
I use the cross bow because I enjoy using the bow during the Gun season. Is that so wrong?
@TheMHandDSfan – I’t isn’t wrong to use one whenever your local laws permit – including bow season if that be the will of the people.
Help me understand this?! As you have specified the crossbow arrow lose traction much faster. So you can not shoot as far as with a bow. I know I am right about that because I asked around but what I do not understand is that with a crossbow you have a scope while with the bow you do not. I figure it should be reverse since it would be more helpful to use a scope with a weapon that shoots further. I am afraid I would be less accurate with out a scope on a weapon.
@Lyecdevf – I understand your confusion. There are few absolutes. Having a scope adds to ease of operation. It doesn’t actually make the platform capable of placing a shot in the same spot repeatedly any differntly. You may be able to shoot a little better w/significantly less effort invested. Think of a rifle If the rifle can at bet produce 1-1/2″ group @ 100yds.. With open sights you (and I mean you) may only achieve 3″ groups. 2/a scope you may get the 1-1/2″ it can do.
@Lyecdevf – I’ll approach it another way, crossbows and bows are both deadly no doubt but different right. Different advantages and disadvantages. A typical lever gun has a big round or hog-nose bullet and simply won’t hold as tight of groups as clip fed rifles w/balistic tips. Just in general it holds true. Banging nose-to5ail doesn’t help aerodynamics. It doesn’t they aren’t effective systems – just different. IMO, bolts temd less accurate because of length etc.
@Lyecdevf – I’ll approach it another way, crossbows and bows are both deadly no doubt but different right. Different advantages and disadvantages. A typical lever gun has a big round or hog-nose bullet and simply won’t hold as tight of groups as clip fed rifles w/balistic tips. Just in general it holds true. Banging nose-to5ail doesn’t help aerodynamics. It doesn’t they aren’t effective systems – just different. IMO, bolts temd less accurate because of length etc.
Please everyone don’t be put off by what I am going to say the real issue with crossbows is simple human nature. They shoot relitivly easy and flat while still being hunting effective that the AVERAGE user simpply doesn’t practice like a compound hunter does leading to human error such as wind drift and elevation miscalculations or pushing it too far. Deer will sure jump a crossbow string much faster than a compound. It doesn’t mean they escape unharmed. Loud noises and long distances=bad shots
Great couple of videos, thank you for putting them up.
Great couple of videos, thank you for putting them up. I for one am grateful for cross-bows. Due to an accident some years back I just have not got the upper body strength to draw and then hold for a minute or more any compound bow above a 40Lber, even one with an 80% let off. With a cross-bow, thankfully, I can still practice archery.
Very nice video you have here. I shoot a compound myself just because i get more enjoyment out of it. I’m glad to see you are not biased toward one particular type of bow and this can really help out a beginner getting into the wonderful sport of archery.
What is the name of your crossbow? Thanks
To be honest I’m 16 and I can cock a rifle crossbow quickly, but bows are more versatile because you can add a string to the arrow
which one ends up cheaper in the long run?
Which is best for hunting? Taking into account, speed of reload, range, power and silence? I want one but I’m not sure which to go for, the crossbow seems to have double the tensile strength of a bow? And what ARE the effective ranges of the 2, in general?
@mannr100 – I accept your word but in a “hunting” scenario, movement in the stand and noise as well as safety are/should be considerations. The reality is crossbows are just loud klunky sounding devices compared to vertical bows (generally speaking).
Ultimatly, [imho] people should shoot what they like for the full collection of reasons: noise, accuracy, weight, maneuverability, price, maintenance, age/physical factors, local regulation/club rules, pride, etc.
Shorten vanes to 2″ on arrow, just like for compounds, makes it more accurate at longer ranges for xbows. You have to practice with either type of bow, if you think your going to pick it up and go hunting without putting in the work, i hope you dont hunt around me. Crossbows have to be waxed, string and cables alot, you dont do that and you get snapped strings and cables. Being able to use a scope is an advantage. I own a barnett predator, with a hawke sr scope on it. Its is a beast.