I have been looking at crossbows for several weeks now and I think I have enough information to ask for some suggestions. Initially, I was dead set on getting a Excalibur Matrix 380 or Ten Point Stealth SS, but after reading forum after forum, I am thinking of buying a cheaper bow. Unless I can be convinced otherwise, I am thinking a budget of $550 or less should be adequate for my needs. I would prefer not to have something that is huge and heavy. The smaller and lighter, the better.
This will be used mainly for target practice and some deer hunting. I love the reliability and simplicity of the Excalibur line of bows, but I am having some difficulty finding a lot of reviews of their bows outside of the new Matrix line. The Vortex and Exocet can be found in my price range without a scope, but is it worth it to go up to the Matrix line?
Also, I have just started looking at the Wicked Ridge line from Ten Point, but I cannot find a ton of reviews on them. Are there major differences between the Ten Point and Wicked Ridge line?
I usually purchase high end stuff, but it seems like when it comes to xbow's, there are a ton of people happy with their sub-$500 bows. If I can avoid buying an $800-$1000 bow and still be happy with some basic hunting and target shooting, I would like to save the cash.
Any recommendations and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!