I've been thinking of buying a new bow after this season but I've been considering getting a crossbow instead. Seems like they

[Alexi]

I've been thinking of buying a new bow after this season but I've been considering getting a crossbow instead. Seems like they are becoming superior to vertical bows in many aspects. Thoughts?

[huntfishtrap]

-Firstly, have you made sure that they are legal in your state?
-With that thought aside, I've shot both kinds pretty extensively, and while crossbows do have some advantages, and one or two pretty significant ones, they are not the overwhelming overall advantage that some people would have you think.
-Some of their advantages are: Easier to just pick-up-and-shoot, they don't have the learning curve that vertical bows carry, although since it sounds like you're already experienced with vertical bows, so that might not be as big a deal. Some of the higher-weight models are also faster and have more kinetic energy than your average compound, however, those can also be very expensive. And of course the biggest advantage they have is that you don't need to draw and hold the string back when an animal is approaching - you can just keep it cocked and ready for the whole hunt. Those are the main advantages I can think of right now.
- The disadvantages include: The faster bows with heavier draw weights (see above) can be hard if not impossible for a person to pull on their own, so you need a crank to get the string back, which is just one more potential problem. Crossbows, especially the cheaper ones, are also notorious for having horrendous triggers, with long, rough, 6, 8 or even 10 pound pulls that can easily lead to flinching (I've shot a couple of these, and it ain't fun). All crossbows, even expensive ones, are also prone to being pretty loud at the shot, much louder than the average vertical bow. They also tend to have a lot of vibration, which is hard on accessories (and the shooter). Most crossbows, except for the very pricey carbon models, are also quite a bit heavier/bulkier than vertical bows, with average weights in the 6-8 pound range, without accessories, whereas vertical bows average about half that.
-So in summary, they do have some real advantages, but they also have some significant (to me anyway) disadvantages. So it's really an individual decision. I personally would not use them, even if it was legal in IA, which it isn't; not because I hate crossbows, like some people, but simply because their negatives are outweigh their positives, for me.
-Hope all this helps.

[DSMbirddog]

I agree with huntfishtrap. If you can use a regular bow then I don't know why you would get a crossbow. If you want to travel and hunt you might run into some states that don't allow them ( see Iowa in previous post).

[JM]

I agree with both DSM and huntfishtrap. The only thing I would add to what they said is that if drawing the bow back and holding it back is becoming a problem do not be afraid to lower the draw weight, just keep it above 45#.

[Savageshot]

personal preferance

[6phunter]

the biggest advantage I see is not having to draw and hold during a live game sequence,the biggest flaw is are the seasons where you hunt as flexible as compounds

[Alexi]

Thank you everyone. Especially Huntfishtrap

[JM]

Any chance you made a decision yet?

[Alexi]

JM, I think I will get a vertical bow. Seems like the way to go. However, I am still very interested in crossbows. Wish I could afford both!