Things to Consider When Purchasing a Crossbow

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Crossbow

By Jessica Graham

We are fortunate to be able to live and hunt world-class whitetails in the state of Iowa. A few things contribute to the trophy class deer such as agriculture production, wildlife research, and hunting rules and regulations set by the Iowa DNR. The state of Iowa has done a commendable job building and managing the whitetail herd. One of the ways Iowa has grown trophy class whitetail is by pairing appropriate tackle and seasons in which hunters can harvest deer. One of the current limitations revolves around placing an appropriate season in which hunters can utilize the superior benefits of crossbows.

Where and who can currently use crossbows?
Currently, there is a time and place for Iowans to use crossbows and enjoy harvesting deer with them. For instance, individuals deemed physically handicapped are able to use crossbows during Iowa’s archery season. For several seasons, Iowa residents have been able to use crossbows during the late muzzleloader season in December. Last year, for the 2020 deer season, Iowa residents age 65 and older were able to qualify for a senior antlerless crossbow license to be used during the Iowa archery season. The most recent version of the Iowa Hunting, Trapping & Migratory Game Brid Regulations should be consulted for current information and rules regarding crossbows.

What are some differences in quality?
If you are interested in purchasing a crossbow for hunting or recreational shooting, you might be wondering where to start. Since there are limited deer hunting seasons surrounding Iowa’s crossbow usage, many Iowans have limited experience and knowledge when it comes to evaluating crossbows. While browsing through different crossbows, it can be overwhelming. There are variable prices and packages starting from a few hundred dollars and some packages costing well over three thousand dollars. You might be wondering why the prices vary. While speaking with industry leaders such as Bryan Zabitski, Marketing Coordinator for TenPoint & Wicked Ridge Crossbows, I learned a lot about different features that are added and taken away from crossbows to make them either more affordable for the backyard target shooter or precisely accurate for crossbow hunters.

Entry Level Crossbows
Most entry level crossbows are bigger in size and weight. They also tend to be slower than the more expensive models and will lack upgraded triggers, cams and construction. For instance, Wicked Ridge (by TenPoint) makes the Rampage 360 crossbow priced affordably so a beginner can be introduced. Another crossbow, an Excaliber GRZ 2 sold by Pure Archery Products, is similar in concept in that you can buy a crossbow package at an affordable price. You will not have the advanced accessories that you would find on some nicer crossbows. However, you will get consistent performance at a decent price. These entry level bows are good for families to target shoot together. Parents can teach kids about shooting safety without paying an overwhelming amount for the crossbow.

Hunting Crossbows
Some decent models that make up the middle-of-the-road crossbows include Excaliber Micro Mag 340 sold by Pure Archery Products. The smaller limbs make it a good fit for hunting in a box blind during the late muzzleloader season. The crossbow is designed to aid hunters in the field with movement.

Xpedition created the Viking line of crossbows to fulfil the consumer’s demand for mid-range bows. The X-430 Edge crossbow boasts IBO speeds of 430 feet per second and have some qualities you would typically find on more expensive crossbows such as: anti-dry fire trigger protection, an adjustable AR tactical butt stock, and an AR grip for comfort.

Upper-end Crossbows
The latest technology costs money, and today’s crossbows are technology driven. Upper-end bows have some of the finer technology, such as ways to uncock the bow without shooting a bolt or arrow through the bow, anti-dry fire mechanisms, and precision accessories. On TenPoint’s package, the crossbow includes a Garmin range finding scope and TenPoint packages bolts and other accessories specifically for that individual bow.

An Iowa company that has over 45 patents between owner Jim Kempf and COO and director Rex Isenhower, has been influential in some technology used in crossbows. In 2009, Scorpyd first started shipping unique crossbows that appear flipped around without brace height to achieve less energy used to cock crossbows. The Termor and DeathStalker LT are redesigned cams with let off and are easier to cock and have less pressure on the string. They are available with an AR style platform and 2 lb. trigger.

Quality and construction as well as the company’s reputation often set crossbows apart. High-end crossbows tend to be manufactured and assembled in the USA, like the Iowa based company Scorpyd Crossbows and TenPoint. Both companies seek local and domestic companies for CNC precision machining. Scorpyd Crossbows are assembled in Iowa and machined in various places around the USA. Jim Kempf, owner of Scorpyd Crossbows points out that people tend to keep crossbows longer than compound or vertical bows.

Other things to consider when buying a crossbow
One of the biggest considerations in selecting a crossbow will be how you will cock your crossbow. Rope cockers are common and will give you about 50% mechanical advantages, so you only have to exert about 50% of the force to cock the crossbow. Wicked Ridge, offers a stock rope cocker that the cords retract into the unit so there are not cords hanging loosely. Jim Kempf of Scorpyd Crossbows recommends rope cock crossbows for individuals with rotator cuff problems. As he points out the pressure is taken off the shoulders and instead the shooter uses his or her leg muscles to cock the bow.

There are also crank style crossbows where the shooter cranks the limbs back. TenPoint Acu Draw Pro and Acu Slide allow the user to silently cock the bow while in the stand. TenPont has an Acu slide in a newer technology that allows hunters to cock the bow silently, and allows hunters to unload the bow without shooting a bolt through the bow. The crank style crossbow allows a mechanical advantage of about 95%. This way, the effort required to cock the crossbow is minimal. This is ideal for kids and injured individuals.

Crossbows have a reputation for shooting farther distances faster than compound and traditional archery tackle. Although crossbows are faster and can effectively shoot farther than compound bows, you still must practice with your crossbow. Curt Headington of Xpedition Achery states “the faster the bow, the faster the miss”. There is no replacement for practice and becoming comfortable and familiar with your equipment. During Iowa’s late muzzleloader season, when lots of layers are necessary to thwart Iowa’s cold temperatures, crossbows can be easier to maneuver than compound or traditional archery equipment and may be used during this season.