Are cheaper crossbows any good?
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Here's a look at various low cost crossbow options...from WALMART!
I am not sponsored by anyone! But I do share what I like and what I don't like. And I like a good coupon code to save a few bucks as much as you do (see below). My "perfect" crossbow setup these days includes:
Killer Instinct SWAT X1 (starting 2023)
Burris Oracle X Scope (since 2022)
Dragon Claw arrows from Wyvern Creations (good outfit, been buying different gear there for years, these arrows are great in the SWAT)
All of our crossbows use the following, 100% of time:
Burt Coyote Lumenoks (since 2012 or so) (save 10% on lumenok.com with coupon code BUNJIE )
Swhacker #251 3" cutting diameter crossbow broadheads (for our last 20 or 30 deer) (save 10% off select broadheads including this "perfect" model using coupon code BUNJIE2324 on their website: swhacker.com/d... )
Bunjie (The Original Bunjie, The O.B.) is my 2010 Excalibur Axiom that got me hooked on crossbow hunting. This was my "one gun" for more than a decade and Bunjie's reliability is the reason I ONLY hunt with a crossbow. After killing dozens of deer, hogs, squirrels, woodchucks, and even a bear, Bunjie is now semi-retired, but still gets out every year and even killed two deer 2023--and a woodchuck at 81 yards!
Bunjie and I have written two books: The Death by Bunjie Crossbow Method ( amzn.to/3zJbAI0 ) and The Death by Bunjie Crossbow Story ( amzn.to/2Peq4aC ), both available on Amazon.com with those links.
Check out the Gear Page on our website, deathbybunjie.com. Again, I am not sponsored by anyone! But you can see what gear I like and don't like on that site. And if you buy from Amazon.com using one of those links, Death by Bunjie receives a small referral fee and you DO NOT pay more! How cool is that?
Check out the Death by Bunjie podcast, Talking with Bunjie! It's available on deathbybunjie.com or on the podcast app of your choice.
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Bunjie, Jr., is my daughter Genevieve's crossbow, an Excalibur Micro Suppressor 355. This crossbow was also a much appreciated gift from a Friend of Bunjie, and it changed Death by Bunjie forever by inspiring Genevieve to become a part of our story as a second-generation crossbow hunter, and it also convinced me there is a benefit to a newer, faster crossbow back in 2020 when I began the Quest for a Successor to Bunjie. Enter Bunjie III (or Bunjie '21, Bunjie 3.0, The Slick Black Cadillac of Crossbows), a 2021 Scorpyd Deathstalker 420, the result of trying various models and looking at dozens of them online for characteristics I liked. It is, in fact, a gift from a Friend of Bunjie, which goes to show how important Friends of Bunjie are to this channel and what an impact they can have. Bunjie III is a testament to modern crossbows, producing over .7 slugs of momentum and almost 140 ft-lbs of kinetic energy with stock arrows--at around 400 fps! This crossbow helped expand the Kingdom fo Bunjie by introducing me to compound crossbows and showing me they're nothing to be feared, and also helped me get my first deer on public ground. This crossbow also inspired the "Rule of 400" that I talk about from time to time: a crossbow that can shoot a 400 grain arrow at 400 feet per second is the definition of a modern crossbow--producing over .7 slugs of momentum and over 140 foot pounds of kinetic energy, the envy of the archery world.
Again, I am not sponsored by these companies. I am sponsored by Friends of Bunjie! (I'm not asking for gifts whatsoever--please don't feel like you should send me stuff! But I do appreciate the support I've received over the years! I'm just trying to express my appreciation for that.)
This channel is the result of combining my interest in filming and hunting...and music, too! The soundtrack for this channel is provided by my band, Yankee Militia. The albums "Live Free or Kill" and "Zombies Gotta Eat, Too!" are available on Amazon.com and elsewhere. A third album is in the works.
If you've read this far, then there is only one thing left to say:
All Hail Bunjie!
--Rich Wilson
Death by Bunjie
Shopping around for a new crossbow, great video! Thanks for posting it!
Walmart sells some Barnetts that are excellent. Any of the XP models are very solid. You can usually get them in the $350 range. Definitely not all the bells and whistles of a Tenpoint but definitely more than adequate.
I agree the Barrett’s are solid machines
Very accurate bows with great triggers
I have an xp380 and it’s honestly pretty decent
I have the Barnet XP 370 and its a tack driver really nice crossbow for the money it's solid..
I've got deer with the cheapest legal crossbow and the popular cheap crossbows. The jaguar, the jackal, currently using a killer instinct I got from Walmart for like 200 bucks on sale a few yrs ago. It's more of how effective the person is at hunting rather than anything they are using to hunt.
I wanted to get into archery a couple years ago but I just can’t get up in a tree stand. It’s embarrassing but my legs start shaking, I am terrified of heights. It was too difficult for me (on the ground) to stand up and draw back without a deer noticing me because I’m only comfortable shooting out to thirty until I get some practice. My friend just traded me a ravin r26 for my tikka t3 22-250. I loved that gun but I have a 350 legend and 270 that I prefer to hunt with. I think I made out pretty well and can’t wait to take the xbow out this year.
I'd have to say 99.9 percent cheaper is not better if you get a good one you got it if you don't you get what you pay for that's what my dad always said
Rich, I bought the Barnett XP 350 last year in an emergency from walmart. For $198, it's a very solid build, comparable to my previous $450 bow. They're running out of stock, but I saw one on the shelf for $170. It has since become my go-to due to its simplicity yet good performance.
I love my Barnett xp 370
Shoots lights out and is very quiet with a 425gr arrow. Shooting 365fps bow is awesome. Has some down pressure on the rail but man it’s accurate. Aluminum rail and all for $239.00 upgraded the scope for 99.00 and for way less than a tenpoint it’s every bit as accurate.
If you place 1/8" shims between the front end and riser it will relieve the downward pressure on the string. If you will search on crossbow nation you'll find multiple threads on the process
@@jonathanyates5198
Sold it and went back to the best EXCALIBUR
Thanks for this info. I just bought this exact bow, today.
I bought the Killer Instinct Boss 405 (awfully similar to the Lethal you reviewed with an adjustable grip) from Bass Pro here in Anchorage for $300. My son and I shot it all summer and took two bucks with it a few months ago in Indiana. Heck I even dropped the darned thing out of my tree stand, but it's honestly really solid. Some reviewers said these cheaper bows might have their limbs break but we use heavier arrows and haven't had any issues. It came with the same hyperlite arrows as the Lethal, but I don't know if such a light arrow helps the limbs. It's probably heavier than the expensive ones and I replaced the scope, but for never owning a crossbow and being able to get into the sport for sub $500 with arrows, heads, etc. I'm mighty happy. Oh yeah, the Boss has AR 15 grips and I do believe you can change them up. They have the little storage in the bottom of the grip too. I actually have an adjustable stock off my actual AR 15 and planned to put them on my crossbow.
Plus the have cam alignment marks
Friend shot a buck at 60 yards with it the same day he bought it. Good bow!
I been shooting my boss 405 since it came out i did change scope right out the gate but no complaints on the bow
That's one thing that makes an Excalibur top shelf. Never have to worry about that or worn parts. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 @@reallife2849
I have the KI Fiery 400 which is basically the same as the 405. It’s a great Xbow for the price and I also use heavier bolts CE Piledrivers and replaced the stock scope with the Illuminix Speedring and it’s a TAC DRIVER. If you take care of the strings and lube the rail like your supposed to it will last for a good while. I agree I believe a lot of the reviews are from user error. The lifetime warranty is great and so is the customer service.
I bought a Barnett whitetail hunter from Walmart. Great crate crossbow. Been very happy with it!
Cool video Rich. My buddies 80 year old dad killed his biggest buck ever this year with a Lethal 405. I'll send you a pic. Nice big 8.
As stated by others, the Lethal 405 comes with super light bolts and you will break a limb if you keep shooting them. I bought it when it first came out (I resisted the crossbow vs. traditional til my body said otherwise). I think it was $350 then. Still a great value and my brother is using it now. For under $300, a great deal!! You have to do your research though and realize you need heavier bolts. You can absolutely change out the grips, BTW. Fun to watch video, thanks!
I have a killer instinct lethal 405, have used it for 4 years and killed a deer with it every season since I bought it. I did go with the heavier KI bolts and use 125 grain broadheads both sh-wack-ers, lol and rage hypodermics with great success. I bought from Wyver creations a Excalibur speed ring type take-off scope. Being a reloader and having a speed ring type scope it was imperative I shoot it through a chronograph and to my surprise, even with the heavier bolts it still shot right at 387fps. I love this crossbow and for the money I have been pleasantly surprised with it. I honestly believe that with these so called faster bows and cheaper quality the heavy bolts and broadheads is the way to go to stem the problems of cracked limbs
I also use have your bolts on my lease of 405 are use 415 grain total bolts I believe the arrows 390 grain that I use not counting the 125 grain field tip but yeah I’m on shirts great with the scope that came with it. It’s seems like it’s matched with the reticles
Rich..I'm an archery tech at Bass Pro. We've sold dozens of Lethal 405s over the past holiday season. The problem we've had with some of those crossbows was limb failure...IE..cracking or splitting..My opinion is... the bolts that come with them are too light ( 370grs w/100grn tip). for those limbs to handle with continuous use. I suggest to people interested in buying one is to shoot a heavier bolt..either the carbon express pile drivers...442grs w/100gr tip or the Gold Tip Nitros...500grs w/100gr. tip...We've had zero issues with people shooting the heavier bolts in those crossbows.
I buy 20" Carbon Express Piledrivers by the case and run them whenever and wherever I can. They shoot well and are pretty inexpensive compared to many other offerings. Screw a 100 grain field point or broadhead in for best results and that is also what I use.
Just checked and I have over a hundred of them still new and many others used and shot. Lol
Could I go with a longer bolt and heavier point ?
Should I go with a longer bolt and heavier point ? I almost did buy longer bolts when I first got my bow but I stuck with the recommended 20" bolts , now I'm kinda wishing I hadn't .
2 seasons ago I got my first crossbow... a Barnett xp370 from sportsmans warehouse on sale for $250. I have had zero issues with it, and is incredibly accurate within 40 yards with cheap bloodsport 300 grain arrows, and 125 grain (2.25inch) schwacker broadheads. I don't shoot it like crazy but probably put almost hundred arrows through it. This past season I got a perfect pass through at 27 yards on my biggest buck ever. I was figuring to start cheap and work my way up with equipment. After 2 seasons I see zero need to upgrade. I'm actually considering just buying a 2nd (and maybe 3rd) of the same model and generation before they change things. Sure a ten point 515 sounds luxurious, I just can't justify it with how great this cheap Barnett XP370 has performed. Who would have thought? But dead is dead and either way I ethically should stay inside 40yards.
Can't beat it, good to hear
I'm new to this, why is it considered more ethical to be within 40 yards? To make sure it kills the animal straightaway instead of less arrow impact from a shot over 40 yards?
@markjackson3531 Great question! maximum range is open to interpretation and varies from individuals. My personal ethical range is within 40 yards with any crossbow setup because my lack of training to be fully honest. If I trained frequently and was able to maximize the advantages these new high powered crossbows provide, and confidently hit my mark at 55+ yards, then so be it. But with my crossbow only shooting at a max 375fps, at 40 yards I am already starting to fight arrow drop by the time it get to the target. This channel has some amazing videos about this from years back. Taking about point of impact compared to aim points, and how much the deer can react and move during the arrows flight at lower speeds (like the Original Bungee - cue music). I encourage you to go through some of the old library of vids. So much to learn out there!
@@ajbabineau007 thanks, i will!
I hit a doe at 40 yards with the xp370 using 400 grain 20 inch centerpoint bolts and centerpoint deadpoint 100grain broadheads. Looked like the doe was hit with a slug, the arrow passed right through going 10 to 15 more yards sticking into the ground. The arrow and broadhead was completely fine.
Purchased the Killer instinct Fiery 400 this past season from cabelas for $199. Reviews were a mixed bag and very few due to being a new model. Few stated cracked limbs after low number of shots. After reading a bit I decided to go with a heavier bolt before even firing with the hyperlite bolts provided. Product functioned great and harvested deer with it.
Sounds good to me!
I bought my first crossbow from Walmart. Ordered online a center point Snyper 370. They sent me a master pack meaning I got 2 crossbows sent to my house. I contacted Walmart and they told me to keep both. So I ended up with 2 for right around $250
Wow! nice
It never hurts to have a backup crossbow
I got my granddaughter a Barnett 370 and I hunted with it before I let her use it and I took a deer with it at 34 yards I am going to let her hunt with it this year.
She didn't know if she would hunt or not I paid $ 254 for it I love it and it's lite
Barnett great trigger, true anti dryfire. The Barnetts I've had were plenty accurate. My experience with customer service (replacing scope) was positive. Yeah, Barnetts don't have the build quality of a high end crossbow, but your not looking for high end at Wally World...
Lethal 405 for only $220 and shoots 405 feet per second. That is a hell of deal for an entry level hunter or even an experienced one. Like you said, if it breaks buy a brand new one and still pay less then $500 for two. My daughter still uses the PSE Fang that shoots about 310(maybe) and took a doe this year. She doesn't shoot over 30 yards. It still does the job, but she will be getting a new one once she is done with graduate school. Thanks' for the video
You won't see many people tossing their Ravin crossbows into their truck or car trunk and riding around with them. I wouldn't be surprised many people would consider doing it or have done it with crossbows like these. Could be one you hang up in the basement, garage or barn for varmints that become a problem as well. Nobody is beating up their high dollar stuff or if they are they aren't the sharpest broadhead in the box. Some people have this mentality that everything is "a tool" and should be treated as such. They never had to pass a Military white glove inspection and NOBODY wants to buy their used stuff secondhand because it's all beat to ***t as well. You could destroy one of these and move into the next without losing too much sleep over it.
Barnett TS370, TS380..... Centerpoint Sniper 370, Sniper Elite 385, Wrath 430/430X and Wicked Ridge M370. All of these cheaper crossbows are very hard to beat dollar for dollar. They punch way above their weight classes and give you premium features at budget friendly prices.
I bought killer instinct crossbow less then $300 and have harvest 12 deer , had an issue mail it them they repaired and mailed it back didn't cost me an extra penny. Love my crossbow it's amazing
I have that wooden mankung crossbow with 150lbs for 6 years , more than 50 burah deers hunted at max range of 55mts , realy good crossbow , i have never replace the limb , only strings and keeps shooting as new, and hade dryfire it many times by accident
I spent $199.99 and I love my bear X trek 380 my gold tip ballistic arrow & 125 grain broadhead weighs 471 grains total and goes over the chronograph at 335 fps. I’ve probably fired it well over 500 times just shooting targets and it’s ready for its 3rd string lol.. lays the big hogs down here in SE Texas! The arrows it comes with are pretty light but they went over the chrony at 381 and are fun for longer range targets at 45 yards. It’s very accurate too. The only thing I’ve done is replace worn strings, buy good arrows and loctite the screws. Love it
My first and second deer were killed killed with a 125 lb draw Astro daco hornet. Those deer stayed dead
What was the usable hunting range at 125 draw?
I never shot one past 20 yards but that was a good spot, the deer got close@@kdavis269
@@kdavis269 I never killed a deer past 20 yards
I bought the barnett xp370 from Walmart 229. With tax 250. And I love it works great
That's a deal for sure! Good luck out there!
Loving these reviews! As someone who bought a Killer Instinct 415 Burner in this range ($300 at the time on Amazon) a year an a half ago, really appreciate how you break down the benefits of these cheaper models. Would I have picked a different model if I had known more? Probably. It's a little bulky but not a bad unit for the price and I was able to kill two deer last year with it.. That's what counts. :)
KI speed scope is sweet
That first recurve crossbow you looked at was the first crossbow I got. Not counting pistol crossbows. Mine was the metal stock version and I went with the camo because it looked cool. Its 150 lb draw and shoots 300 grain bolt at about 210ish fps like it claimed on the box. Its actually a sweet Turkey slaying machine. Had it for 4 seasons and counting. Only ever need to replace string. I haven't ever used it for deer. Only way I can imagine that working is if I was very close to the deer.. Like 10 yards or less close. But for Turkey it works like a dream.
Nice video Rich. Happy with my Killer Instinct crossbows.
$263 for my Ki burner 415…. Love it. Bought on Amazon on sale
New crossbow owner here...Great video!!
I bought 3 Barnett XP 385 for $161.00 at Walmart. Great gift ideas.
Centerpoint has some decent budget crossbows. I own a Wrath X 430, and a Wrath 430, so far they do what they're supposed to without a problem.
Just bought a Centerpoint Wrath 430X a few weeks ago for $429.99 and free shipping. You can't touch that X-Bow for at least another $300+ more with something else.
I have a wrath 430 for 2 seasons, put it through it's paces, made 2 detailed reviews on it, by far the best value, I like the 430x even better.@@JohnDoeEagle1
We both live in Pennsylvania but my local walmart doesn't sell guns, bows, crossbows, or even blinds, whole section where all the guns and ammo use to be is just fishing poles now. Makes me sad
Me too
NICE VIDEO MISTER. ARE CROSSBOW STRONGER THAN BOW FOR CARP FISHING AND GAR? WHICH SHOULD I BUY?
Either with heavier arrow probably gets it done! Totally your preference I bet.
@@Deathbybunjie GOT IT
I just bought a barnett xp350 for $95 on sale out the door and honestly it punches way above its price. Not sure about the power on game but its pretty impressive so far.
Great to hear!
My 1st crossbow was a Lethal 405, took a buck with it in my 1st season. I do believe the grip is AR compatible. I sold it off for 2 reasons. I wanted a narrower cocked/uncocked bow. And it fell, and the cantilevered scope mount took the hit. Had scope alignment issues after that. Moved to a Centerpoint Wrath 430.
Those prices man! You would FAINT at the prices here in Canada for even basic Crossbows like this. I got lucky and scored my Bear X Trek (complete kit) on clearance for 399.00+40 in tax. (In hindsight maybe I should've grabbed the Bear X Intense they had for 499 on clearance that came with the crank instead of shelling out flat 150 for a crank later on. (we all make mistakes)
I remember looking at the Killer Instinct Lethal crossbows but could never find any for less that 450 CND.
This video makes me feel better after watching some random dude do an unboxing and firing video for a Bear X Trek 380 crossbow and said it was crap. 💔 (after him standing at 40 yards and burying his bolt 5 inches deep into a solid wood stump! dude had to get an Ax to get the arrow out and he still chopped it off.)
Only thing I agreed with was the fletchings out of box are rather cheap as they crinkle after the first shot and need replacing. (not a problem for my local Archery shop setting me up with a Fletching Jig, replacement fletches and glue. One time purchase. Lifetime tool and replacement skills.
Walmart doesn't except any returns on any type of firearms and they tell you to contact the maker of the crossbow which is something to take into consideration. I now place like basspro don't have issues retuning, but for me warranty plays a big part when buying a crossbow.
Walmart and Dunhams near me usually have pretty good deals. I’m on my second year with my Barnett Assault 350, I’ve shot over a hundred arrows in my backyard and she’s still in great shape and shooting good. Keep the strings waxed and the rail lubed. 👍🏻
The safety release jamming is usually from getting rail wax in there and it just needs cleaned out
I purchased the Killer, Instinct, lethal 405 from Amazon this past summer. It shoots excellent in the backyard all way to 40 yards not had any problem with it at all. Haven’t hunted with her at this time. Had to have cataract surgery. Laugh out loud plan on doing it next year, well this season I mean anyway, I think Lehal 405 at least mines fine no problems yet. By the way, I watch all your UA-cam videos. Keep up the good work.
Good luck!
My lethal 405 list the driveway at 210 pound and my set up shoots an arrow at 372 ft./s because I have a Krono that’s worth a 415 grain arrow set up. I’m going right through target except for a brand new when I got which is called an Iron Man it doesn’t go through it, I really love this bowl considering it’s not very expensive. It’s my first crossbow I’ve killed three big deer they’re on my wall. I’ve got two turkey on my wall tailfeathers that is I haven’t had over 20 years but I’m retired now and I’m getting back into it this year, hopefully
With the string breaking that is a ware item 😊great video for beginners. I wish that I had some one to show me around the crossbow world when I started out.
Just bought another backup/loaner crossbow tonight direct from Barnett on super sale. I got a Whitetail Hunter STR (obsolete/discontinued) model for $299 and free shipping. I have co-worker friends that like to tag along with me but they don't own a crossbow yet. I look for these $200 - $450 crossbows in particular for that purpose. Sometimes lightly used second hand but not always or all the time. This one was brand new in the box with a warranty so that was a no brainer decision to make. I actually like the camo better on this Whitetail Hunter STR more than the replacement newer Whitetail Hunter PRO STR model. It looks cooler with the Mossy Oak Bottomland and black grip, butt-plate, cheek-weld anyway IMO. "I'd really like to come with ya, but I don't have anything to use!" Now you do bud!!👍
At the end of the day, you gotta keep it real. You get what you pay for.
Only lawmakers in California would be doing something sexual with a crossbow... reproductive harm. Dang. Did a review on the Blackcat/Wildcat Barnett. I did not like the stock, nor the trigger, nor the small "foot pedal". The arrows did not seem to set flat on the arrow rail. I modified a tooth brush with a hose clamp (no kidding) and that seemed to help. In my opinion, Barnett went backwards with the stock design. I took the bow prod off the Blackcat and put it on my old Barnett Recruit stock. The cocking length on the old stock was shorter, so I lost some FPS but, it still shot about 20 FPS faster than the original 150 lbs prod that came on the Recruit. The one thing that did impress me regarding the Blackcat was the arrow speed. It actually shot FASTER than advertised. (This never happens), around 270 fps with the 18 inch 385 grain arrows it came with. Too light for hunting in my opinion. Recommend 450 grains and up. Trigger was a little creepy on the Blackcat. Still, I think it is well worth the $169 price at Walmart. I reconfigured the stupid arrow quiver attachment and used a different quiver that holds 6 arrows. I came up with several different arrow systems and a doe kill on video recently. Thanks for all the good info and commentary Rich.
Thank you for this comment, lots of good stuff here, appreciate it and appreciate you watching
Kurt I was going to suggest your channel to Rich. I love your Frankenbow tinkering videos. I watch 'em all.
Ha thanks. Kind of fun to tweak on crossbow that may not be best set up from the factory. Slingshot crossbow dead deer test coming next week. @@briargoatkilla
Great video review Rich and honestly you really can kill deer with cheaper slower crossbows! That said, I'm probably the only one in America who has not taken a deer with a Barnett crossbow! I've had two now, and their customer service is superb, perhaps even better than TenPoint. But thanks to you I do have three hogs with two Barnett crossbows! I personally think that they've all gotten too expensive and really one of the best values around is still Wicked Ridge, TenPoint's second label. In fact, the M-370 is still now only $499 at both Bass Pro and Cabelas! And the 370 FPS can't be attained with heavy arrows, as the best I've been able to hit is around 350 or so! That said at 15 yards, complete pass-throughs and five deer bagged this season! Thanks for sharing, as this is a great way to gift a new crossbow hunter and get them started!
I have a Barnett TS380 and a Wicked Ridge M370 and love them both!
My brother bought his son a Barrett 385 xp crossbow at Walmart. It shoots really good and it shoots 385fps with a 400 grain bolt. That center point wraith 430 shoots good. It shoots around 420 fps with a 400 grain. I bought a Barrett ts380 it’s an older model but designed to more like an ar and it’s grips and cheek surface is rubber so it feels very comfortable to hold. It shoots 385 fps 400 grain.
I think it’s awesome that you have sooo…many options depending on your budget! BUT if you buy a x-bow with no way to cock it that would be like buying a gun with out a trigger or a car with out a steering wheel….you see where I’m going with this,right?!
Yep!
Affordable crossbows great video sir, Killer Instinct good affordable crossbows IMHO, I've got two of them a Ripper 415 then a Ripper 425 both of them great deer killing machines for me. -W. Liggett
I have the 405 killer instinct
I would recommend this crossbow.
It very accuratel hard hitting crossbow
Great overview! The first thing you need to learn when shopping online is weeding out the ridiculous reviews that are obviously brand fanboys or haters or 1* because the UPS driver left it at the wrong door and nothing about the product.
My focus for years has been air rifles so the crossbow is the next fascination for me.
Thanks again.
My centerpoint sniper 370 works fine but who doesn't want a faster bow ...
I have a barnett 350 from walmart still in box just to have ...
I’m not new to crossbows or hunting and I had a Killer Instinct Lethal 405 and I have to say the last review isn’t wrong. I bought one with a bent rail and the bolts would have a gap from the rail. It’s not user error, however killer instinct did make it right so I proudly use killer instinct because they will back up their products.
My Tenpoint had to go in the shop during hunting season. I bought the KI Lethal 405. After a few shots in the back yard to sight it in I took it hunting. I got a doe the first time hunting and she dropped in sight. Now it's my backup bow, but I am very confident with it. It is really fast and accurate. I've updated the scope and shoot 500gr arrows with a 3" Swhacker. It's a great bow for the money!
I have killed dozens of bucks with a 50-52 lb compound that shoots an arrow at 240 fps with complete passthroughs on a broadside shot. A 255 fps crossbow with a heavier arrow and a quality two blade broadhead should work nicely inside 20 yards.
I started my crossbow experience with the first bow you mentioned ($139 made in Taiwan) over 40 years ago. When Crossbows became legal to hunt with, I managed to kill 4 deer with ti, all within 20 yards, all pass thru. I then bought another crossbow (MK 250 made in Taiwan) and killed many deer with it, all within 30 yards. After that, I bought a famous brand crossbow that cost me over $500 and one of the limbs started delaminating after 20 shots. I had them replaced under warranty but ended up paying a $50 service fee. I am 70 years old and will probably stay with what I have for now.
People would be surprised to find out how many crossbows are mare in Taiwan. I sell crossbows as a side business and even the big name brands gets made in Taiwan (I believe TenPoint and maybe one more brand are the only exceptions). They might be designed in USA, but the factory is based in Taiwan - guess it is just cheaper that way. BUT, that should never discourage anyone from buying these crossbows - they are amazing pieces of equipment that will serve the hunter for MANY years (at a fraction of the price)
I picked up a Barnett XP350 bow for $180 at walmart 2-3years ago. It was my first crossbow.....It has not disapointed. Now my 3 sons are starting to hunt. I had $200 in amazon gift cards from doing surveys. Found the Killer Instinct Leathel 405 kit for $220 that you were looking at on Amazon after deer season closed. Ordered it and the thing looks & feels impressive......hopefully it holds up like the barnett XP350. Overall I'm feeling good only spending $380 on two very solid crossbows. Can't wait fo see you review/test them.
Right now everybody is running super sales and it's past season so they are moving excess inventory. It's the perfect time to buy right now for the next few months before warming up and people start going outside and shooting again. I know I have hit some really good deals the last month myself. -$200 off....-$300 off, usually free shipping and sometimes no sales tax (depending on the dealer and total volume of sales) etc etc.
budget crossbow series would be awesome to see.
Personally i own a mankung xb52 stalker which is the centre point sniper made by same company...
I would like to know what tick spray you use that does not alert deer?
Permethrin, use according to instructions
@@Deathbybunjie thank you
Killer instinct has a lifetime warranty
Years ago I had a Barnett jackel got 2 deer with it gave it to my son when I got an Excalibur the jackel is still shooting 😂
If you made a few more videos a month you would not have to work as an attorney or district attorney like your accountant learned a lot shooting a wicked ridge 400 raider in my backyard first time ever last fall got a buck 25 yards from my blind on the corner of my house to my food blocks legal in the state of Washington
Rich, another great and informative video, thanks for all the time and effort you put in, I really enjoy them as do others.
Why is the bear behind you happy and smiling. You would think he'd look angry
That's a Maine bear! All that Jazz Cabbage keeps em pretty happy.
Great video for me, just looking into it now, after air guns.
Its all in what you can afford!
Dogs excited about shed but not the crossbow. 😂
great video Rich
I bought my Kill Instinct 405 last year. I wanted to try a crossbow as shooting a compound bow I was not vary good at. With being a first time crossbow owner, I had a hard time getting it put together, but I over came it. It didn't take me long and I got it sighted in and I was shooting consistent. On the 2nd day of bow season 2023 I took my vary first buck with this crossbow. Now granted it was within 3 yards (lol), I nonetheless got a kill shot and he only ran 80 yards maybe. I love this crossbow and would recommend it to anyone as a beginner crossbow. It's a great beginner crossbow at an affordable price which is what I was looking for.
That's great congratulations!
Shot my cheap center point for 3 years with no issues
Same! I’ve harvested four deer with mine so far using the optic it came with. It does great for what I need!
Love my little Recurve Wildcat. Great for rabbits, squirrels, and bullfrogs. I reckon it would work for deer if I kept the distance reasonable and did my part.
It’s a tack driver if you practice, learn the trigger, and add a little blue loctite to the bolt holding the nose piece
accuracy and shot placement is key. If people can hunt with low poundage recurve bows, then you should be able to get the job done as well..... maybe not on Cape Buffalo or Bison... but for white tail and medium sized game at 20yards and under, you should have no problems
It’s like guns I’ve had 700$ shotgun and 300$ ones the cheaper one shoots just as good depending on operator and use
The Killer Instinct 405 DOES have a Ar15 style grip, which is cool because I have some nice ones that didn’t work with my purpose built Ar’s.
That's sweet!!
Right now 8/18/24 Ten Point has a Cross Bow for $399. Pre Owned Certified with a 3 year Warranty. It's the M370. 370 Ft. per second. Nice looking and nice Cross Bow for someone just starting out. I'm thinking about it myself because my Ten Point is as old as Bungie.
Sweet deal that's cool.
To my knowledge Horton was the only one who had perfected scoped cross bow even to this day after their out of business.
As far as the Man Kung Buy it it specs surpass all of Horton's recurve crossbows and bracketed compound bows and compound crossbows. The chart I have says their fastest one was the super sport at 250 fps and the Man Kung is 255 fps. 175#,... 11''power stroke.
Yeah I'd totally hunt with the Man Kung its faster than the Hortons of the past.
Barnet wild cat hell yeah buy it it's 195# 260 fps 12 power stroke and it weigh's 4.8 pounds the only price I can find is $200.87.,....he say's $169.98 well it beats all of the Horton's from the past.
I investigated cross bows/ review's Bear Archery was No. 1 Barnett Was No2 people were proud to have them.
I'd go to Ebay and type in Bear Archery Crossbows and find the one you like.
As far as the Man Kung and the Barnett hell yeah they would bring a deer down,... just like the millions of deer that fell from the slower Horton's from the past.
So my old PSE of the past is 260 fps just like the barnett which one would I hunt with the big old heavy PSE because it hits out to 50 yards.
But if I had the Barnett I'd set it up like the PSE, peep sight in the rear and 3-4 sight pin's in the front.
Because scopes hit at the range you sight it in at,... say 30 yards,...Horton's scoped hit at all ranges.
Horton scope is in the next video by the way
Great prices in pawn shops cheap
Man I would love if you did some videos like "in the $xxx price range I would buy THIS model"
There are so many options out there I have a hard time keeping up and I'm a die hard x-bow hunter that generally stays up to date on them. When it comes time for me to pull the trigger again on a new one its a loooong pull. 😂
Long pull indeed there's tons of options!
Bought the center point 325 for $211 amber love it!!!!!
Wow 👌
Listen to this one again. First time I was working late. Didn't quite sink in. After watching the whole thing I have different thoughts.
I heard your comment in this video about driving, well, I just started driving a vehicle, only hit five cars before I found out what the brake is actually used for. That means I'm learning, yes? According to your way of thinking, do you think I'm catching on and doing a good job? I sure hope so, or not. Some of it was crazy fun! Just saying.😅
Anyways, if you're serious about hunting with one of these, go with the 405 boss. Has adjustable ar stock. A little flimsy but, using your head you can figure out how to tighten it up. Other things you can also swap out. Better model for the most part. You won't find it for that price. But they're still deals out there. You will have to swap out the scope. Sometimes the triggers has a giddy up in it. Double pole type of thing. Takes a little getting used to. I think I jumped up to 465 maybe 480 overall arrow weight. Sorry, out of season, can't remember off hand. This thing is a beast! Had to purchase another Target, because I was blasting through my old target at 30 yards. Had a shoot around one day with other crossbow people. Crossbows from 395 to 430, speedwise. And this thing was outperforming them at every aspect. All shooting relatively close to the same weight. Crazy! I was completely impressed and bought one. And just like you, I added a few things to make it special for me. But damn, those things are shooters! I know you'll be happy or at least I doubt you'll be unhappy. Try it. I'm sure you'll find a buyer for it if you don't want it. Me, I'm keeping mine. Lol. Absolutely nothing wrong with having more crossbows!😊
And yes, I know I'm crazy. What do you think keeps me sane!😂
So I actually bought a killer instinct fierce 405 from Walmart a couple years ago and the box showed it having the curved metal/plastic arrow retainer and when I put it together I saw that it had like a brush type arrow retainer. The brush type caused problems because the brush was too long applying too much downward force on the back of the arrows and it would lift up the front of my arrows so my arrows were not sitting flat in the barrel. I even tried trimming it and couldn’t get much better results. All I had to do was contact killer instinct and explain to them what was going on and provided pictures and they sent me the curved metal arrow retainer and got me back in business. When shooting from my bog tripod I have to aim at different spots on the target or else I’m hitting arrows 😂
That's an odd thing to have going on with a crossbow but at the same time great to hear that they fixed it, thank you for this
I know people that get new golf clubs every other year and still can't play golf. Take care of your equipment and learn how use it. If you are shooting tennis balls at 30 yards you are in deer country even a might farther. Some people like Chey and some fords
Good points 👍
150lb is way more than you need.
Elk have been dropped with a 30lb long bow and a sharp 2 blade.
Personally I care about speed and arrow weight, not poundage.
What are your thoughts on the bruin ambush 425..i really like mine you can find it on line for 269.00.some places are selling it for 700 i believe its a great budget crossbow it comes with a crank and bolts super fast very accurate and the scope is awesome comes with the speed ring scope you would be the perfect person for a review..
I've talked to several Friends of Bunjie who love that crossbow! It's a good value, that is for sure. I'm convinced it'll get the job done. Use it properly and maintain it, like any crossbow...should do it for sure!
Hey rich two thumbs down I'm thinking peta lol 😂
😅
Some of those reviews i could tell are fake. They're probably from the cheap-o chinese manufacturer or wholesaler whos promoting their own product through reviews.
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You say high end crossbows i say not so much since excalibur has triggers that they say can be made 2 stage but this is not working, so triggertech doesnt have any quality control and neither does excalibur. So thats not much high end at all. I have 2 of those and neither of those have a 2 stage working still behave as 1 stage. tried to register but didnt get it working and tried to complain about this issue but it seems people lost its hearing ability. So if some issues fall thru the loopholes what else does pass thruu as well. Just looking at something can look good but spend some time using and it will show its goob and bad. A turd is a turd no materr on how much one tries to polish it. Russian "Lada" looks ok from afar, but dont get too close and dont use it and it will show all its baad.
Funny you mention the Lada! I saw a Lada Niva 4x4 in person in Canada back when I was in law school in the 1990s. Got up close to it and there was orange peel in the paint. The Russians aren't big on finish but man it was a neat little vehicle though and I'd love to have one LOL... and for what it's worth I have no interest in the two stage trigger, I'm just personally not a fan is all.
almost looks like a houge grip
Good thought about user error.
Can't return crossbow to Walmart even bought there.
That is definitely something to consider
Have you ever even used one of these recurve crossbows your opinion doesn't mean shit if you don't have time on them
Dial it back, buddy
Was that dear still ….
Ya probably just imagine that
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I have the center point wrath 430 and people on UA-cam been saying it's only really 407-415 fps. At the crossbow/broad head range the other day that thing was ripping through the 12x12 foam blocks targets at 20 and almost through the blocks at 30. Very accurate crossbow, brand new never sighted but was hitting the bullseye. Not bad for the price and is good bow under 1000.00
I love Barnett but the wildcat is hard to draw and the trigger poundage is high. Also the bolt sticks out in the front. A recruit or raptor fx or any XP is a big step up for not much more money
Great topic and video BTW......I get tired of the $2,500 - $3,500+ crossbows and hearing about them. Something has to be wrong with your head to spend that much on a X-Bow.......
Barnett recruit bass pro awsom crossbow shoot 330 ft per very accurate. Only 300 dollars. Double lung pass thu very impressive for 300 dollars. Deer ran 15 yard dropped. Rage did the job🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌
I traded my K.I. Ripper 425 for a K.I. Vital X. My brother n law wanted one for his grandkids. I told him to look on line at North Woods Outfitters. He payed $299 for it. Check them out
Some people might not get what I just wrote. You know how you can buy a stripped Anderson or PSA AR15 lower for $45 -$55 on sale? Imagine being able to do the same thing with a crossbow. The guy that only has 50 bucks to spend can FINALLY get started while grinning ear to ear...When you have a bit more money you can buy the limbs separate, the trigger separate, the stock and pistol grip etc etc etc. Surprised nobody has thought of this idea yet. They would sell very well and be very popular.
Some modern crossbow manufacturers are starting to use "some" AR15 parts on them. By doing so you can change or customize parts within the same platform. If I was a betting man I would bet someone comes up with a modular or kit crossbow within the next few year. You can both (A) customize it exactly how you want in the color you want. You can also (B) buy it piece by piece and part by part as you can afford it. It would be the same concept as building a AR15 completely from parts on a stripped lower receiver. On a crossbow you would start with a stripped and bare riser/rail and go from there. You could even pick what trigger you want to install in it from a large selection. You want OD green parts instead of black, no problem. You prefer camo or flat dark earth, no problem either. You also should be able to buy high quality premium strings like Catfish Custom, 60X Custom, GAS etc etc to install before you even take your first shot without having to remove junky cheap strings first. They should also expand more on folding and telescopic buttstocks because anyway you can keep a platform more compact and easier to move/store it's all the better as well.