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Hickory Creek Koolaid
- Thread starter Nutterbuster
- Start date
The takedown feature is in the top 10 features I like about this thing. I’m really bummed that everyone is swapping it out. Of course accuracy is more important than being stealthy in urban environments. I really don’t want everyone to know what I’m doing in town.
Maybe a larger heavier stirrup would negate the need for adding the stabilizer up front.
Im really torn between this and a gearhead for my next archery purchase. I don’t like the idea of carrying an 18” ata bow and still carrying 29” arrows. Not crazy about the fiddle factor with the mini and even less excited that I apparently need to know how to reinstall the string after derailment. U know it probably doesn’t happen often but it’s the first thing you see when going to the website. Apparently replacement scopes can be difficult as well as the quiver.
I really like the fact you can re string it without a press and how easy it is to work on. And let’s face the facts it’s a bad little setup. I just haven’t decided if the positives are enough to put up with the negatives.
If you'd quit shooting flappers you cpuld lose them in the dirt instead.
ive never derailed mine. I am confident I can derail my compound as easily as the mini. And I need a press to reassemble the compound. I need an Allen wrench to address the mini.
if Jerry went back to a square joint on the mini like he had on the original, it would solve the need for a locknut. Square inside a square don’t rotate. Aluminum Circle inside aluminum circle do.
I swapped my knob for a short bolt and regular nut. And I have a nylon(not nyloc-an actual plastic nut) for the end post. I carry a cheap thin lightweight combo wrench that came with furniture. Lock the bolt down, slide regular nut Down to keep it in place. Then tighten plastic nut on end post for good measure. Weight/fiddle the same.
When @DanO figures out a stirrup that flares right at the joint, I’ll switchback to stock knob, and I’ll add a knob to front post.
Or someone could figure out all amsteel or cable stirrup....
Not everybody is having accuracy issues with the stock configuration. Several forum members have had no problem with it, and if you hop on Facebook there is a group with thousands of happy little fellers just using the thing as-is to kill critters.
Im not sure what the fiddle factor with the mini is, other than normal bow stuff. Make sure everything is tight and tuned, and keep an eye on things and shoot it often as opposed to rarely.
Derailment can happen with any bow. I've never had an issue with mine. I just re-read the whole 25 page forum and I think 1 dude had a derailment issue. Oddly, a hunting buddy of mine also had that issue, but he also failed to kill a deer on that same hunt because he didn't have an arrow on the string...100% if you derailed the mini, it was your fault. Good news is unlike literally every single other cammed bow out there, you can fix this one on the tailgate with the $5 Allen key set you should definitely own.
Literally, after reading 25 pages there's nothing but tuning issues and scope pickiness, assuming that you have all the screws tightened.
I'm not saying buy one. I'm just genuinely baffled as to how folks that will spend thousands of dollars and years of effort perfecting a saddle system can't use the mini to kill deer.
Vtbow
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2018
- Messages
- 5,516
Ok, heres my $.02 for what its worth. I think other than @kyler1945, @Nutterbuster, @mtsrunner, and @Sheldon I may be the only one that has handled the original and the mini. I've had 2 originals, one which I traded towards the mini. And I'm not sure how much others actually hunted with the original.
Mini-
I have had zero issues with the mini itself. Bolts rattled loose, no biggie. I also had the "Lighter" weight skeleton scope mount that literally bent when you pushed on it. Jerry came up with a stabilizer bar that fixed that and anyone who got that rail ended up getting a stabilizer bar. I just asked for one of the original blocky mounts. Solved that problem. Once I tightened everything up and replaced the mount it has been golden. I did add the lock nut on the end, but just for good faith. I Was NOT having repeat accuracy issues, but i was worried about wacking a limb or something when walking in and having it rotate slightly.
My "Gripes" with the mini are purely base upon personal nuances and body shape--just like saddles. I have a gorilla armspan...it feels like a laser tag gun in my arms, I have a hard time with that, I"ll get over it. The quiver thing is annoying at the beginning of the hunt, thats it as I take the quiver off in the tree anyway. the stirrup thing is again personal a little...I have size 11 feet, some boots fit great in it no problem, others are tight. I'd liek a bigger stirrup to not only protect the broadhead from hitting the ground when walking around, but so I can wear whatever footwear I want.
I have never derailed the mini. MY father bought one and did it the 2nd time shooting it. It is his first xbow. IT took him less than 10 minutes to put the string back on, and he didnt even have to re-sight it in...
Original
The longer stroke makes it easier to derail, as of this morning, I have derailed it after doing a ton of work to it. I have had issues with the original, the latest being the limbs cracking. I just replaced the limbs this morning and the verdict is still out if its back to normal or not. IT's 8 years old.
The attachment of the stock to the bow is much more solid on the original, tolerances are so much better throughout as well. Less plastic, more metal. Its quieter, the trigger is lighter and smoother. IT feel less "toy" like. BUT, the trigger is clanky--sometimes the catch gets hung up and you have to pull to trigger a couple times prior to cocking it to get it to pop back out.
It is a total tack driver. I'm guessing mostly in part to it fitting me better it is easier to shoot and more forgiving with a longer profile. And if you held both next to each other, you'd say, "THIS THING IS HUGE". The power stroke is longer and it shoots 27.5" arrows. AT 125lbs it drives an arrow deeper into a target than the mini does maxed at 150.
SO, as far as the "Prototype" thing goes. I think the mini is quite refined. What I have noticed having seen a few of them now between pictures here, mine, my fathers, etc. is there seem to be several different "versions". Most everyone's I've seen has a parallel square tubing like the original. Mine does not. It has scalloped tubing that is definitely thinner and the anodizing is matte as opposed to like a semi gloss like the original. The different scope mounts is also an evident difference. The holes/thread are different for each of those too, so when I changed to the "older" style scope rail, I had to drill and tap my stock to fit it. Funny thing is my father who just got his had the old mount already. I wonder if what you get is depending on the supply chain at this point in time or?
Overall, I"m happy with both. Most would probably disagree, but I prefer the original. IT feels more like shooting a rifle to me and therefor my form is more consistent, where I rest my finger off the trigger is the same, eye relief is right on. IT just feels good. Shooting the mini is like shooting a kids cricket .22 to me. I can do it, I can do it pretty accurately, but I really have to focus and work to hold it right. There is definitely a learning curve with either,, but there will be with every tool you learn to use. I would not hesitate to buy one, just be willing to put the time in with it to become proficient.
Mini-
I have had zero issues with the mini itself. Bolts rattled loose, no biggie. I also had the "Lighter" weight skeleton scope mount that literally bent when you pushed on it. Jerry came up with a stabilizer bar that fixed that and anyone who got that rail ended up getting a stabilizer bar. I just asked for one of the original blocky mounts. Solved that problem. Once I tightened everything up and replaced the mount it has been golden. I did add the lock nut on the end, but just for good faith. I Was NOT having repeat accuracy issues, but i was worried about wacking a limb or something when walking in and having it rotate slightly.
My "Gripes" with the mini are purely base upon personal nuances and body shape--just like saddles. I have a gorilla armspan...it feels like a laser tag gun in my arms, I have a hard time with that, I"ll get over it. The quiver thing is annoying at the beginning of the hunt, thats it as I take the quiver off in the tree anyway. the stirrup thing is again personal a little...I have size 11 feet, some boots fit great in it no problem, others are tight. I'd liek a bigger stirrup to not only protect the broadhead from hitting the ground when walking around, but so I can wear whatever footwear I want.
I have never derailed the mini. MY father bought one and did it the 2nd time shooting it. It is his first xbow. IT took him less than 10 minutes to put the string back on, and he didnt even have to re-sight it in...
Original
The longer stroke makes it easier to derail, as of this morning, I have derailed it after doing a ton of work to it. I have had issues with the original, the latest being the limbs cracking. I just replaced the limbs this morning and the verdict is still out if its back to normal or not. IT's 8 years old.
The attachment of the stock to the bow is much more solid on the original, tolerances are so much better throughout as well. Less plastic, more metal. Its quieter, the trigger is lighter and smoother. IT feel less "toy" like. BUT, the trigger is clanky--sometimes the catch gets hung up and you have to pull to trigger a couple times prior to cocking it to get it to pop back out.
It is a total tack driver. I'm guessing mostly in part to it fitting me better it is easier to shoot and more forgiving with a longer profile. And if you held both next to each other, you'd say, "THIS THING IS HUGE". The power stroke is longer and it shoots 27.5" arrows. AT 125lbs it drives an arrow deeper into a target than the mini does maxed at 150.
SO, as far as the "Prototype" thing goes. I think the mini is quite refined. What I have noticed having seen a few of them now between pictures here, mine, my fathers, etc. is there seem to be several different "versions". Most everyone's I've seen has a parallel square tubing like the original. Mine does not. It has scalloped tubing that is definitely thinner and the anodizing is matte as opposed to like a semi gloss like the original. The different scope mounts is also an evident difference. The holes/thread are different for each of those too, so when I changed to the "older" style scope rail, I had to drill and tap my stock to fit it. Funny thing is my father who just got his had the old mount already. I wonder if what you get is depending on the supply chain at this point in time or?
Overall, I"m happy with both. Most would probably disagree, but I prefer the original. IT feels more like shooting a rifle to me and therefor my form is more consistent, where I rest my finger off the trigger is the same, eye relief is right on. IT just feels good. Shooting the mini is like shooting a kids cricket .22 to me. I can do it, I can do it pretty accurately, but I really have to focus and work to hold it right. There is definitely a learning curve with either,, but there will be with every tool you learn to use. I would not hesitate to buy one, just be willing to put the time in with it to become proficient.
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You guys have made some very good points defending the mini. I have NEVER used a scope that came on a rifle or crossbow. Company's buy the cheapest scope they can to make a "package" deal.
I think I will have to agree with ya'll, being in the fly fishing industry for years, anyone can nitpick something to death. You guys might have just talked me back into getting a mini.
Who hunts with a quiver attached to their bows or crossbows anyways? I transport with the quiver on, but always take them off.
I think I will have to agree with ya'll, being in the fly fishing industry for years, anyone can nitpick something to death. You guys might have just talked me back into getting a mini.
Who hunts with a quiver attached to their bows or crossbows anyways? I transport with the quiver on, but always take them off.
- Joined
- May 16, 2018
- Messages
- 1,834
Two observations about the quiver issue:
1) it bothered me more hunting out of my hang on then the saddle. This is because in the saddle I definitely remove the quiver to hang the Mini on the tree. I used a bow hanger on my stand and therefore tried to keep the quiver on it. Sounds illogical now that I read this, but point was I was constantly taking it on and off. Less so in the saddle.
2) I stopped de-cocking the Mini for the haul up on an evening hunt (most hunts for me) after reading somewhere that they (safety experts) recommend cocking a crossbow prior to climbing. This ended the need to remove the quiver in order to decock. Like #1, this reduced the number of times I had to remove quiver to cock and uncock the bow.
It really isn't a huge issue. I was just taking it on and off a little too much and didn't love the noise and fiddle factor. It can be managed very easily.
I have zero other crossbow experience but I have zero regrets about my Mini purchase.
1) it bothered me more hunting out of my hang on then the saddle. This is because in the saddle I definitely remove the quiver to hang the Mini on the tree. I used a bow hanger on my stand and therefore tried to keep the quiver on it. Sounds illogical now that I read this, but point was I was constantly taking it on and off. Less so in the saddle.
2) I stopped de-cocking the Mini for the haul up on an evening hunt (most hunts for me) after reading somewhere that they (safety experts) recommend cocking a crossbow prior to climbing. This ended the need to remove the quiver in order to decock. Like #1, this reduced the number of times I had to remove quiver to cock and uncock the bow.
It really isn't a huge issue. I was just taking it on and off a little too much and didn't love the noise and fiddle factor. It can be managed very easily.
I have zero other crossbow experience but I have zero regrets about my Mini purchase.
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I hear you about the quiver. I have shot a bunch of crossbows and compound bows. I have practiced with the quiver on for "just in case I jump a deer walking" but as soon as I hunt the quiver comes off. I tie a little loop of 550 cord to the quiver and it gets put on a gear hanger or tree branch, or goes in my pack.
[mention]Vtbow [/mention] makes some great points. I definitely prefer the mini over the original that I owned for several years, but let’s take a closer look at my preferences in general.
Turkey gun: 12 ga T/C Encore with a 20” barrel. Yep, a 20” 12 Gauge shooting 3” mags at a total weight of 6 pounds 4 ounces. My shoulder takes a beating, but usually 2 or 3 shots per year.
Deer Rifle: T/C encore with 22” Bullberry custom .260 Remington wearing a Leupold Vx3 compact 3x9. 7.5 pounds and 38” long.
Squirrel rifle: Kidd Custom 10/22. 6.5 pounds and 36” long.
See the trend here. I like light and compact. The original HC in-line was just too long and heavy for my taste. It was super accurate and quiet, though. I also miss the square fittings.
Turkey gun: 12 ga T/C Encore with a 20” barrel. Yep, a 20” 12 Gauge shooting 3” mags at a total weight of 6 pounds 4 ounces. My shoulder takes a beating, but usually 2 or 3 shots per year.
Deer Rifle: T/C encore with 22” Bullberry custom .260 Remington wearing a Leupold Vx3 compact 3x9. 7.5 pounds and 38” long.
Squirrel rifle: Kidd Custom 10/22. 6.5 pounds and 36” long.
See the trend here. I like light and compact. The original HC in-line was just too long and heavy for my taste. It was super accurate and quiet, though. I also miss the square fittings.
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Jimmyfunk60
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2019
- Messages
- 658
Anyone looking for a gently used one I’ll have one for sale as soon as my wife kills a buck. I shot a buck with it and she’s killed a button buck. Going to get her a compound and fund some other gear. This years model with an updated Excalibur scope.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So would you say those suffering accuracy issues that are repaired with a standard nut have a defective product?
I’m not bashing hickory creek. Heck I’ll probably wind up owning one. I’ll likely think it’s the best thing ever. Maybe the term prototype is a little harsh. I feel like it’s been in production for five years. In those five years the changes made seem to be more about sourcing parts than improvements. I read about the safety having to be tightened up after a couple uses. Then having to repeat the process over and over. Then there is the takedown knob, the quiver, and the stirrup. I don’t know what the scope issue is. I just remember reading that some will work and others will not.
Maybe fiddle factor should be called quirkinesses. Just stuff like removing the quiver to cock, having to put the string loop on the hook, the little mustache guard etc. Some of that is design and some is just the nature of the beast.
I get that they don’t derail often. But it’s going to happen more with the mini than any other design I’ve seen. Crossbow strings generally run against a rail and you cock them that way. On a standard compound you would almost have to be trying to grip and torque the riser enough to cause derailment. Sure a stick or rope can get in the cam groove on anything. The mini it would be easy to torque because of the stock and you have to take it out of alignment to hook the loop and remove. I still agree if it pops off it is your own fault.
I’ve been kind of waiting to see if they change the little things I do not like. But since I’m the only one that thinks that those little things are problems at all I guess I can’t expect it to get any better.
@
Please put me at the top of the list. I'll PM you.
Swingin' Free
Well-Known Member
Blue locktite on the loose bolts
As far as accuracy, I had to buy some more arrows, I William Tell'd one so only had two left.
My only gripe is the stirrup, we wear alot bigger boots where I'm at then is Mississippi. I hope Dano comes through soon...
I would honestly not expect to see a huge change in the bow. Jerry seems quite content to be a small business and has declined offers to purchase his patents/product/business. He stays pretty busy with the product he has. Good or bad, the mini will most likely stay the mini for a while. I'd venture a guess that selling more of them would be a quicker way to get improvements made
I do kinda think the safety is a con. But, when you think about it, you have 3 safeties. The trigger safety, the anti dryfire safety, and just taking the arrow off the string. I don't see it as a safety concern. I put a small nylon washer on mine, tightened it once, and have been happy with it.
My mini shot fine for hunting purposes bone stock. I did not value the takedown feature and the nut was an improvement for me. I'd agree with those who said the joint is not ideal. But I've got a pickup bed of dead deer that wish it was less accurate.
The quirkiness you describe is to me about like the "hassle" of using all them dang ole silly ropes and biners and straps when saddle hunting. Yes, you have to cock it (remove quiver and hook d loop). If it makes ya feel better though, you can take the lip guard off? I've shot it plenty without remembering to engage it.
I'm not sure what exactly has to happen to derail one because I've never had it happen and honestly can't imagine what I'd have to do to make it happen. Folks have done it. Folks short-shuck shotguns too. All the time. Deal-breaking design flaw or completely avoidable but commonplace operator error?
If you were closer, I'd encourage you to come shoot mine. I would literally set all of my saddle gear on fire before I parted with mine. I think it will be the single greatest gear-related advantage I have on the 20 deer quest this year. Way ahead of saddles, huntstand, boats, ghillies, and all the other junk that cost me more money and kills me fewer deer.
It's weird to me that folks will buy $300 worth of sticks and then promptly tape, wrap, saw, and file at them and be happy as clams, but get weird about a few dollars worth of hardware and 10 minutes tinkering with screws. Or spend hours "super tuning" compound bows but won't do it with the mini. I can almost guarantee that if you bought a mini and:
- put a nylon nut and locking washer on the riser joint
- put a nylon or lock washer on the safety screw
- bought the quiver adapter and/or new stirrup Dano is working on (or just tied a piece of paracord to the stock stirrup)
- bought a decent scope for it like you would any gun/bow that came with a junky, $30 stock scope
- spent an afternoon drinking a couple of beers and paper tuning with the same enthusiasm you've done for your current bow
I know I sound like I'm being too enthusiastic and borderline weird. I hear it in my voice. But this thing is a good idea of a rarely seen caliber. It just doesn't have the fanboy base saddle hunting has and is fighting an uphill battle because it's a "crossgun." Once you get it in the woods it just makes sense and kills deer, man. It really does.
DB4x4
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2018
- Messages
- 1,870
I made it just east of Columbus GA last week and that will likely be as close as I venture to Alabama this year. I have no doubt it’s a killer.
I’m not going to provoke you anymore today. If you can hear the enthusiasm in your voice that means you’re already talking to yourself.
It's not you, brother. I always get antsy when my reality doesn't seem to jive with other folks'. I start 2nd guessing myself and wondering what I'm missing.
"I'm not crazy. I'm not crazy, am I? AM I?!?!?"
You’re not any crazier than the average saddlehunter when measured on a curve based on your location.(actually based on last weeks voting results I’m kind of digging bama)
Like I said earlier I’ll probably end up with one. I feel two ways about equipment. I’m either 100% confident in it’s ability to perform as needed or drowning in a sea of doubt. I would change the knob for a locknut right off the bat because I would always wonder if today was going to be the day it shifts. Until the last decade or so I would sell a gun if I missed a deer. Like standing shooting with my off hand 200 yards crouching to shoot under a limb and miss. I knew it wasn’t the guns fault but I was no longer confident with it. I also sold my pretty guns because I cringed every time they got bumped or rained on. As far as wrapping and silencing 300 dollar sticks it’s not happening here. I’m sporting hawk minis. No wrap, still full of shavings with crooked steps. I did whittle on the cups to get them to function properly but I wasn’t at all happy about having to do so.
Like I said earlier I’ll probably end up with one. I feel two ways about equipment. I’m either 100% confident in it’s ability to perform as needed or drowning in a sea of doubt. I would change the knob for a locknut right off the bat because I would always wonder if today was going to be the day it shifts. Until the last decade or so I would sell a gun if I missed a deer. Like standing shooting with my off hand 200 yards crouching to shoot under a limb and miss. I knew it wasn’t the guns fault but I was no longer confident with it. I also sold my pretty guns because I cringed every time they got bumped or rained on. As far as wrapping and silencing 300 dollar sticks it’s not happening here. I’m sporting hawk minis. No wrap, still full of shavings with crooked steps. I did whittle on the cups to get them to function properly but I wasn’t at all happy about having to do so.
I'm the same. I prefer rifle hunting because I am much more confident that a trigger pull will have the desired outcome. I have killed probably close to an equal amount with a gun and a bow by now, but I cannot look at a deer when an arrow is involved and think, "He's already dead."
And my rifle is a synthetic/stainless combo, because rain and truck beds.
The only "bow" I have ever had more faith in than the mini was a Wicked Ridge Invader HP. That thing was uncanny accurate and I never lost a critter with it. I felt like I was carrying a cross through a monkey bar factory after a hurricane though whenever I hunted with it.
Although, if it wasn't for this thread, I'd have more faith in the mini.