I agree with all your listed advantages, and would add 1. Better shot placement, and penetration with an arrow/bolt equals more ethical kills and less lost game. 2. Smaller framed hunters like my 11 year old Daughter can utilize a crossbow to make ethical kills. 3. Smaller blinds and shooting houses work with a crossbow. The reverse draw crossbows are great in those blinds. 4. As your eyes get older, those peep sights just don't let you see what you use too. A scope can add years of hunting seasons. 5. For small property hunters, pushing bigger blades faster kills quicker. Meaning you can recover game on your own land. 6. Some people can't or do not want to climb trees. A crossbow is much more effective from the ground in a brush blind. 7. Multiple people can use the same crossbow, one size fits all members of the family. 8. And the one that hooked me, as a Single Father it's easier to take small kids into a blind and be effective. She could keep her movements hidden. And I was not about to take my 5 year old Daughter up in a tree. But she grew up hunting archery season, in warmer weather than Gun Season with me in a pop up blind. And that hooked her on hunting and gave me freezers full of meat. I was a die hard bowhunter until we lost her mother when she was quite young. I had to adapt and the crossbow kept me in the field with a kiddo along side me. The ability to use a crossbow was a blessing for us, and all the hunts we have had together as she grew up.
Great video Matt and thanks for sharing! I absolutely agree with you that beyond all the complications involved with shooting a vertical bow such as setting up the sights and keeping the bow tuned, is the sheer movement required when it's time to take the shot. I've lost so many nice bucks because they caught me moving. But the real problem for us aging Boomers is that when we sit for two to four hours in the cold waiting for the shot opportunity, our muscle memory doesn't return well! And lastly, even with regular exercise, I can no longer pull more than 50 pounds! Locked, cocked & loaded is a great advantage! And I took all six deer last year from the ground, five with my crossbow!
I'm pushing 60 and disabled. Could never hunt with a vertical bow. Crossbow has got me back in the woods hunting again. The new ground blinds are awesome as well. Easy to access and offer great field of view. I'm happy to see so many positive comments here. I hate to see some of the division and derision growing in our sporting community. Lets get together, and be happy for all those that hunt with either strings, powder and now air pressure. Quit arguing about methods and teach kids to shoot and hunt with what ever method brings you joy.
Good analysis & observations Matt. That’s why I always carry my x bow cocked & locked. I never saw an accuracy improvement when I switched but I was also shooting my Mathews compound every day & traveling to shoots. Shooting more arrows in a week than most guys did in a year! I also like that the x bow optics can give you a little more shooting time in the low light hours that big bucks are moving.
Undoubtedly the best advantage of an xbow. I had a doe at 5 yards that would have never allowed me to do a full draw cycle with a regular compound, xbow got the job done.
Bowhunting is all about getting as close as you can to your prey. My first deer was at 9 yards with a compound bow. My closest with a crossbow was about 4 yards. all I coul d see in my scope was tan colored hair. both recovered both fun.
I agree with all your ideas of benefits of crossbows over vertical bows but for me the number 1 advantage is ease of learning how to shoot a crossbow. I was able to go straight to shooting a crossbow and was able to shoot it accurately and effectively in just a few minutes.
I have to disagree. My 15 year old picked up a used vertical bow. He went out and hit target at 40 yards with just a couple draws. That was before he took it in and set up for correct draw and sited in. I get it people who have been shooting vertical bows for years want to take jabs at crossbow hunters but vertical bows sites are pretty well dialed in and now almost all vertical bow hunters use a trigger. I wish vertical bow guys would move on.
Advantage of trad prom bows. Faster loosing, can over draw and lower draw, can loose far, more efficient than a crossbow. Can curve arrows around obstacles. Compound advantage more power for weight of draw let off faster loosing, quiet, more efficient. Crossbow advantage can be cocked and pre loaded, Can be loosed while prone, can have more attachments to make the hunt more enjoyable. Cons of compound can not be over drawn can’t be looses in prone difficult to bend arrows around obstacles. Cons of trad prim, slower louder cant be looses laying down typically needs heavier arrows to make more efficient. Cons of crossbow slow rate of loosing, very inefficient weapons high draw low draw length makes them a closer ranges weapon than any style of vertical. Can not bend bolts around obstacles, very loud, still takes time to get to know the weapon and have a routine of where necessary cocking tools go on the body. This is just main points I found on the top of my head from vertical to horizontal archery.
I had a very slight delay on my first set of limbs. This was when the bow was into its 2nd season. And when I mean slight…I continued hunting with throughout the season. Once season was over, I had the limbs replaced. All is well @ year 4! Hands down my favorite xbow.
I would say an advantage of compounds over crossbows is arrow weight. Crossbows seem to be very limited in arrow size and weight. Which is the primary factor in penetration. As far as FOC goes, yes, xbows can increase it more easily, but that means you just have to add more weight or get a bigger broadhead for a compound which only adds to the overall weight and momentum and thus penetration. Not that crossbows somehow lack penetration. But just to point out that they’re somewhat limited.
Thanks, Paul. I think compounds have a little more wiggle room for maximizing weight often times, going with what you said about simply having more arrow. But, I will say, with crossbow arrows being super short...they're very stiff. 500-550 grains is very attainable with most shafts while still maintaining excellent flight. To me, on the crossbow side of things, one of my biggest gripes is arrow spines are not printed or advertised like compound arrows. Appreciate the insight!
Good content. Do you consider the price of a crossbow an advantage? I know there's high end expensive crossbows out there. But if I were new to archery hunting I could go buy a KI for 400 bucks and kill something with it tomorrow.
Crossbow prices vs. compounds are kind of the same...they both cover the full spectrum. But like you said, easy of use is certainly a crossbow advantage!
I guessed your answer before you said it! Truth! All the other marks are true too. You have it nailed. If you didn’t hunt with a vertical bow you would miss that perspective too and I hunted with one since since 1989? Crossbows are most often super maximum killing minimal wounding archery tools. When hunting with a vertical bow I have a hard time without shooting standing with a vertical bow but that is just me.
#1 advantage is crossbows are ambidextrous. No weak side saddle hunting, just shot opposite hand. #2 bolts is already drawn back, less movement. #3 crossbows are more accurate, in the heat of the moment it's easy to miss with a compound, we've all done that, crossbows point and shoot better.
Compound bows are easier to move thru the woods with, light years easier to get off a follow up shot, better offhand than a crossbow. Crossbow is a much more deliberate act and a rest is important.
Crossbow hunters get some flack from vertical bow hunters. Let it go and be courteous to them. I don’t differentiate with what I hunt with. I crossbow, I muzzleloader, I centerfire rifle. I will also get my compounds out if I go to a spot that requires it. I’m 58 now … it’s less about method and more about personal interactions with the game and people.
I hunt with all kinds of weapons too, including vertical bows. I’m not giving anyone flack, simply stating the main advantage of a crossbow vs. vertical bow from personal experience
@@draggindeeroutdoors you are doing great … no foul. I’m talking about other “ bowhunter” sites. You represent every method and being a hunter to the utmost LEVEL! Sorry if I got my perspective mistaken and misunderstood! Keep telling as you tell … don’t change anything.
None of these damn xguns belong in archery season. The only reason they are is because of crooked politicians buying into crossbow companies. It is insider trading at its finest. If you are able bodied and don't have the time to learn to shoot a vertical bow, tough. You are not entitled to the special archery season. They are 50 yards guns. Able bodied grown men singing their virtues is sickening. My 12 year old daughter was proficient enough to hunt with our crossbow within an hour of the first time she fired it. We have a crossgun for the kids and as a backup for 76 year old father that has had two rotator cuff surgeries. He hasn't shot the xgun since his shoulders healed. He does everything he can not completely cross over to the dark side.
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I agree with all your listed advantages, and would add
1. Better shot placement, and penetration with an arrow/bolt equals more ethical kills and less lost game.
2. Smaller framed hunters like my 11 year old Daughter can utilize a crossbow to make ethical kills.
3. Smaller blinds and shooting houses work with a crossbow. The reverse draw crossbows are great in those blinds.
4. As your eyes get older, those peep sights just don't let you see what you use too. A scope can add years of hunting seasons.
5. For small property hunters, pushing bigger blades faster kills quicker. Meaning you can recover game on your own land.
6. Some people can't or do not want to climb trees. A crossbow is much more effective from the ground in a brush blind.
7. Multiple people can use the same crossbow, one size fits all members of the family.
8. And the one that hooked me, as a Single Father it's easier to take small kids into a blind and be effective. She could keep her movements hidden. And I was not about to take my 5 year old Daughter up in a tree. But she grew up hunting archery season, in warmer weather than Gun Season with me in a pop up blind. And that hooked her on hunting and gave me freezers full of meat. I was a die hard bowhunter until we lost her mother when she was quite young. I had to adapt and the crossbow kept me in the field with a kiddo along side me. The ability to use a crossbow was a blessing for us, and all the hunts we have had together as she grew up.
First, very sorry for your loss. Some great points you made as well, thanks for sharing!
Great video Matt and thanks for sharing! I absolutely agree with you that beyond all the complications involved with shooting a vertical bow such as setting up the sights and keeping the bow tuned, is the sheer movement required when it's time to take the shot. I've lost so many nice bucks because they caught me moving. But the real problem for us aging Boomers is that when we sit for two to four hours in the cold waiting for the shot opportunity, our muscle memory doesn't return well! And lastly, even with regular exercise, I can no longer pull more than 50 pounds! Locked, cocked & loaded is a great advantage! And I took all six deer last year from the ground, five with my crossbow!
I'm pushing 60 and disabled. Could never hunt with a vertical bow. Crossbow has got me back in the woods hunting again. The new ground blinds are awesome as well. Easy to access and offer great field of view.
I'm happy to see so many positive comments here. I hate to see some of the division and derision growing in our sporting community. Lets get together, and be happy for all those that hunt with either strings, powder and now air pressure.
Quit arguing about methods and teach kids to shoot and hunt with what ever method brings you joy.
Couldn't agree more! Glad you're back in the woods!
You get a pass and deserve it. The rest of these able bodied men wanting to use them in archery season don't.
Great video Matt! I totally agree. Having a rangefinding scope helps cut down on the movement even more. 😊
Ain't that the truth!! Thanks, Jim!
My number one pick was movement good video 👍
You nailed it 🤘
Good analysis & observations Matt. That’s why I always carry my x bow cocked & locked. I never saw an accuracy improvement when I switched but I was also shooting my Mathews compound every day & traveling to shoots. Shooting more arrows in a week than most guys did in a year!
I also like that the x bow optics can give you a little more shooting time in the low light hours that big bucks are moving.
Thanks, Greg! Sorry for the delayed response to your email...check your inbox!
Undoubtedly the best advantage of an xbow. I had a doe at 5 yards that would have never allowed me to do a full draw cycle with a regular compound, xbow got the job done.
Love it, well done!
Having started hunting with a compound bow before switching to a crossbow I have to agree with you completly.
It’s a different game with a vertical bow!
Bowhunting is all about getting as close as you can to your prey. My first deer was at 9 yards with a compound bow. My closest with a crossbow was about 4 yards. all I coul d see in my scope was tan colored hair. both recovered both fun.
I agree! You've got me beat on closest shot w/ a crossbow, the 5 yard shot discussed was mine :)
Good video, I fully agree with some points and half agree with others
Thanks for watching! 👍
I agree with all your ideas of benefits of crossbows over vertical bows but for me the number 1 advantage is ease of learning how to shoot a crossbow. I was able to go straight to shooting a crossbow and was able to shoot it accurately and effectively in just a few minutes.
VERY fair point...ease of use for many could be #1
I have to disagree. My 15 year old picked up a used vertical bow. He went out and hit target at 40 yards with just a couple draws. That was before he took it in and set up for correct draw and sited in. I get it people who have been shooting vertical bows for years want to take jabs at crossbow hunters but vertical bows sites are pretty well dialed in and now almost all vertical bow hunters use a trigger. I wish vertical bow guys would move on.
Advantage of trad prom bows. Faster loosing, can over draw and lower draw, can loose far, more efficient than a crossbow. Can curve arrows around obstacles.
Compound advantage more power for weight of draw let off faster loosing, quiet, more efficient.
Crossbow advantage can be cocked and pre loaded,
Can be loosed while prone, can have more attachments to make the hunt more enjoyable.
Cons of compound can not be over drawn can’t be looses in prone difficult to bend arrows around obstacles.
Cons of trad prim, slower louder cant be looses laying down typically needs heavier arrows to make more efficient.
Cons of crossbow slow rate of loosing, very inefficient weapons high draw low draw length makes them a closer ranges weapon than any style of vertical.
Can not bend bolts around obstacles, very loud, still takes time to get to know the weapon and have a routine of where necessary cocking tools go on the body.
This is just main points I found on the top of my head from vertical to horizontal archery.
Good looking crossbow. I’m seriously thibking about the Swat X1.
Question, have you ever had limb problems with the X1?
I had a very slight delay on my first set of limbs. This was when the bow was into its 2nd season. And when I mean slight…I continued hunting with throughout the season. Once season was over, I had the limbs replaced. All is well @ year 4! Hands down my favorite xbow.
I would say an advantage of compounds over crossbows is arrow weight. Crossbows seem to be very limited in arrow size and weight. Which is the primary factor in penetration. As far as FOC goes, yes, xbows can increase it more easily, but that means you just have to add more weight or get a bigger broadhead for a compound which only adds to the overall weight and momentum and thus penetration. Not that crossbows somehow lack penetration. But just to point out that they’re somewhat limited.
Thanks, Paul. I think compounds have a little more wiggle room for maximizing weight often times, going with what you said about simply having more arrow. But, I will say, with crossbow arrows being super short...they're very stiff. 500-550 grains is very attainable with most shafts while still maintaining excellent flight. To me, on the crossbow side of things, one of my biggest gripes is arrow spines are not printed or advertised like compound arrows. Appreciate the insight!
First thing I thought when I saw title was, Don’t have to draw. I’ve gotten Bucks with Recurves Compounds Xbow, not drawing huge advantage.
It sure is!!
Ambidexterity as a left hander it was easier to get in to a crossbow than find a lefty bow
Very true!
Good content. Do you consider the price of a crossbow an advantage? I know there's high end expensive crossbows out there. But if I were new to archery hunting I could go buy a KI for 400 bucks and kill something with it tomorrow.
Crossbow prices vs. compounds are kind of the same...they both cover the full spectrum. But like you said, easy of use is certainly a crossbow advantage!
I guessed your answer before you said it! Truth! All the other marks are true too. You have it nailed. If you didn’t hunt with a vertical bow you would miss that perspective too and I hunted with one since since 1989? Crossbows are most often super maximum killing minimal wounding archery tools. When hunting with a vertical bow I have a hard time without shooting standing with a vertical bow but that is just me.
Thanks, Greg! I think many of the hunters who have or still use vertical bows too will agree!
@@draggindeeroutdoors Agree! You have some of the best no BS content about our sport PERIOD! I appreciate the stuff you are doing full circle. Thanks!
@@FDRGREG I appreciate that, thank you!!
#1 advantage is crossbows are ambidextrous. No weak side saddle hunting, just shot opposite hand. #2 bolts is already drawn back, less movement. #3 crossbows are more accurate, in the heat of the moment it's easy to miss with a compound, we've all done that, crossbows point and shoot better.
Great points, I didn't think of the ambidextrous part!
In your opinion does shooting a crossbow over a compound make you less of a bowhunter
John, such a good question. One asked and argued all the time. Care if I answer in a follow up video instead of a long winded comment?
@@draggindeeroutdoors no sir not at all , I'll be looking out for it, any idea on a time frame.
Compound bows are easier to move thru the woods with, light years easier to get off a follow up shot, better offhand than a crossbow. Crossbow is a much more deliberate act and a rest is important.
Man you're stealing all my "Compound advantages vs. Crossbows" video content :) You're spot on with your assessment!
I would have thought that that was the #1 reason with everyone who use xbows.
I feel like many think it’s speed and effective range
Hello ser. Any KI coupon codes still available? Thanks
Check the video description 😊
Crossbow hunters get some flack from vertical bow hunters. Let it go and be courteous to them. I don’t differentiate with what I hunt with. I crossbow, I muzzleloader, I centerfire rifle. I will also get my compounds out if I go to a spot that requires it. I’m 58 now … it’s less about method and more about personal interactions with the game and people.
I hunt with all kinds of weapons too, including vertical bows. I’m not giving anyone flack, simply stating the main advantage of a crossbow vs. vertical bow from personal experience
@@draggindeeroutdoors you are doing great … no foul. I’m talking about other “ bowhunter” sites. You represent every method and being a hunter to the utmost LEVEL! Sorry if I got my perspective mistaken and misunderstood! Keep telling as you tell … don’t change anything.
@@FDRGREG greatly appreciate that! Thanks for your support!
None of these damn xguns belong in archery season. The only reason they are is because of crooked politicians buying into crossbow companies. It is insider trading at its finest. If you are able bodied and don't have the time to learn to shoot a vertical bow, tough. You are not entitled to the special archery season. They are 50 yards guns. Able bodied grown men singing their virtues is sickening. My 12 year old daughter was proficient enough to hunt with our crossbow within an hour of the first time she fired it. We have a crossgun for the kids and as a backup for 76 year old father that has had two rotator cuff surgeries. He hasn't shot the xgun since his shoulders healed. He does everything he can not completely cross over to the dark side.
Everyone’s entitled to their opinions!