How decent are cheap crossbows?

[Iron_llama]

Some sales dudes like to hear themselves talk and get diarrhea of the mouth.
You don't know the history of a crossbow from a Pawn Shop. I would steer clear of that issue.

Probably wise, thanks!

Here's the thing about modifications to bolts for crossbows.... Everything is proprietary with crossbows. Meaning Ravin crossbows have to use Ravin crossbow bolts and nocks to match their equipment. All crossbow companies are that way with their equipment....no matter if it's TenPoint, Wicked Ridge, Barnett, etc.

I talked on the phone with a Ravin tech about this very issue. He said that as long as I was using a Ravin bolt, adding internal tube weights (3 Rivers Archery), the only thing it's going to hurt is the bolt speed. Obviously, I'm not going to get 400 fps out of a bolt that I've weighted to a 500 or 600 TAW and that's to be expected. Adjusting the Ravin scope to the appropriate speed would allow all the internal sight marks to apply to the yardages they are intended. I described the heavy arrow setup that I use on my Elite Ritual 30 compound (brass insert, weight tubes, heavier broadhead, etc.) and he said the same thing could be done with a Ravin bolt....with no harm to the warranty or the crossbow itself. The "hot rod" crossbow, might actually last longer too.

That's very helpful. I know that Ravin bolts are proprietary; I assumed that other brands used sort of a range of standard or interchangeable bolts. Thanks for setting me straight.

 

[Iron_llama]

@87v6bird
If you used the nocks required by CenterPoint, you met the criteria of proprietary, for their components.
I could use a different brand of bolts, but it would void my warranty for repairs, if the crossbow broke in a way that could be proved by Ravin that the cause was improper components or non-proprietary components.

Personally, I don't see the issue, if there's enough bolt weight for the crossbow to push, there shouldn't be a breakage issue. Most of these manufacturers are building these crossbows to be "hot rods", for the high speeds as a marketing ploy and it's working....on most people.

I'm not a speed demon, and I like lighted nocks. I read somewhere that velocity rating corresponds to spine; if I build up the front I might need a "faster" shaft. I suppose I'd need to call customer support before plunking down cash though.

 

[BuckYeah]

Ravin and Centerpoint are both owned by the same company. The CP400 is a Centerpoint bow with Ravin limbs. It’s also on sale.

CP400™

Crossbow With Silent Crank

www.centerpointarchery.com

I just bought that crossbow and wasn’t even in the market for a crossbow….I guess I have something decent to shoot around the farm when deer are further out….I will post updates on how it is when I get it.

 

[MattMan81]

I almost picked up one of those centerpoints. Seemed like a decent bow for the price. Last season I ended up shooting single bevel 200gr out of my crossbow. It was like 2" lower at 30 yards. Conditions would have to be right for me to shoot at a deer past 30 again. Even if the arrow flight is a little off, I don't think it matters. The accuracy was there, and had enough weight behind it that I don't think it's as big a deal. Just gotta make sure the broadheads clear the front if it's tucked in some.

 

[Iron_llama]

Local Dunham's has a KI BC370 on clearance for $200.... one will probably follow me home today as I'll have physical therapy for a good chunk of the season, which will prevent additional archery practice until late September at the earliest. I can ground hunt with a crossbow until I can use my hand again, then start again with archery and climbing practice.

 

[87v6bird]

I don't think you'll be disappointed at all. The only thing about crossbows that's a little annoying is their size/weight when carrying them.

 

[BuckYeah]

I don't think you'll be disappointed at all. The only thing about crossbows that's a little annoying is their size/weight when carrying them.

I really like my compound and shooting deer with it. I’m thinking I’m only gonna use it around my parents property I have a box blind set up that I take a doe from early season. I’ve had nice bucks out at 45 50 yards to far for my compound. What’s does everyone use for broad heads I see center point has their own expandable. And do they fly like field points with crossbows I always shoot my broad heads with my compound. I’m wondering if I need to shoot a broad head with this.

 

[Iron_llama]

I really like my compound and shooting deer with it. I’m thinking I’m only gonna use it around my parents property I have a box blind set up that I take a doe from early season. I’ve had nice bucks out at 45 50 yards to far for my compound. What’s does everyone use for broad heads I see center point has their own expandable. And do they fly like field points with crossbows I always shoot my broad heads with my compound. I’m wondering if I need to shoot a broad head with this.

I think most crossbolts are thicker than standard arrow shafts, so the ferrule of the broadhead needs to be wide enough that the insert doesn't act as a brake. As per the KI website their bolts are .346" OD, and Grizzly single-bevels are a touch under at 11/32" (.343"). Grizzlystik are .334" OD. I might have to go with a Montec, but would prefer a single-bevel.

 

[87v6bird]

@87v6bird
If you used the nocks required by CenterPoint, you met the criteria of proprietary, for their components.
I could use a different brand of bolts, but it would void my warranty for repairs, if the crossbow broke in a way that could be proved by Ravin that the cause was improper components or non-proprietary components.

Personally, I don't see the issue, if there's enough bolt weight for the crossbow to push, there shouldn't be a breakage issue. Most of these manufacturers are building these crossbows to be "hot rods", for the high speeds as a marketing ploy and it's working....on most people.

Wrapping back around to this... There are several styles of crossbow nocks (flat, half-moon, capture, Omni,...). You do need to match the style to your crossbow but most of these are sold by multiple manufacturers. Ravin may be the exception here with their stuff. I don't follow all the latest and greatest in the crossbow world. I only learned what I needed to set mine up to the level I wanted it.

 

[DedicatedShooter]

FWIW, I bought a "budget" crossbow last year for my son, one of the Sub-$300 models from a big box store . My experience with that crossbow, in my opinion as I saw others did not have this same experience, was that it was an absolute hunk of crap. You get what you pay for however. Here were my issues:

- The stock/frame was uncomfortably flexible.
- The grip bolt's female insert was press fit into the stock, not very permanently, causing the entire insert/bolt/grip to pull out of the frame when I tried to tighten the grip.
- The crank cocking system kept getting tangled internally, would not cock evenly, and after jamming up mid cock it exploded. How I did not catch plastic shrapnel to the face is beyond me.
- The rope cocker was much easier and safer-feeling, as if feeling safe with that bow was even possible.
- Accuracy was subpar and the scope it came with was equally not good.

Overall it scared the crap out of me when it was cocked. It didn't feel safe enough to store that much potential power and I wouldn't let my son use it.

We upgraded to the Wicked Ridge M-370 (On sale for $499.99 from Cabelas right now) Which we purchased on sale for the same price last year about two weeks after the first crossbow. The Wicked Ridge, for an extra $200 is a night and day improvement on all levels. Can't stress that enough. I highly, highly, recommend just saving up a little while longer and purchasing a higher quality crossbow right out of the gate and avoid the same situation I found myself in.

 

[Iron_llama]

Almost bought a Centerpoint Sniper 385 from Dunham's. I was looking at the KIs and want to spend some more time researching the Centerpoints. Aluminum rail vs composite, which I like. Should make it less flexy, even if it is significantly heavier than the all-composite units. Trigger and scope are kinda meh but good 'nuff for 30yds. Most of what I'm reading is positive so I'll probably see if it's still there tomorrow.