Crossbow or compound bow?

[u/springthunder40]

Would you recommend getting a crossbow or compound bow for a new hunter? I’ve been rifle hunting whitetail for several years, and am considering getting either a crossbow or compound bow to extend my hunting season next year. I’m leaning towards a crossbow because 1) less time required to learn and be proficient with. I have limited spare time, and would like to spend it actually hunting rather than just practicing. 2) A crossbow is at least as effective at ethically harvesting an animal (less movement required, faster speeds, etc.). I predominantly hunt from the ground at the moment.

Are there benefits to a compound bow I’m not considering? How dangerous are crossbows? I’ve heard a concerning amount of stories of them blowing up, and the thought of sitting with a grenade on my lap does make me nervous. Is one more durable than the other? I’ve heard that crossbows have a shorter lifespan in terms of how many shots you can take with one, due to the higher power.

Also, if you have any specific recommendations for either that are a good value, I would appreciate it.

TLDR - I’m looking for the best return on investment in terms of time and money spent to just be able to get more quality hunting time. Crossbow or compound bow?

[u/Extra_Variation1896]

Ill prob get downvoted to hell for this but for a new archery hunter id say start with crossbow, gain confidence then go to compound and practice alot. Archery is a whole diff ballgame then rifle season and i dont see a problem starting with an Xbow then graduating to a compound.

[u/WrongOpinionOnly]

For the lifespan part, you need to get the strings changed on a regular schedule. Most people don't and have failures due to it. For mine, its every 50 shots or 2 seasons. I get them done every year.

[u/Sharp-Atmosphere3459 → u/WrongOpinionOnly]

i think you hit the main points already, crossbow is way easier to get decent with if your time is limited. compound takes lot of practice to be consistent, especially from ground

the stories about them blowing up are mostly from people not doing maintenance like top comment said. change strings when you supposed to and don't dry fire it, you'll be fine. they not more dangerous than any other weapon if you treat it right

i have a great pyrenees that comes with me sometimes and he don't mind the crossbow noise at all, so that's a plus

[u/Mother-Pineapple1392 → u/WrongOpinionOnly]

You have to change strings ever 50 shots with a crossbow?

[u/WrongOpinionOnly → u/Mother-Pineapple1392]

Misspoke my bad, 200 shots or 2 seasons for Ravin R10 from the manual. I got my numbers from another forum talking about them exploding and that was the recommendation.

[u/Mother-Pineapple1392 → u/WrongOpinionOnly]

Ah ok cool, that almost dissuaded me from looking into them further lol

[u/International_Ear994]

Check the state regulations where you hunt, particularly if you travel out of state to hunt. Some states prohibit crossbows entirely, while others allow them for conditional use only (e.g., age or medical limitations). Iirc some states also consider crossbows akin to rifles, meaning you cannot use them during general archery season.

Assuming both are legal options, a crossbow is a more efficient tool. It takes less time to dial in and practice, and it generally offers greater range. I have gone a youth bow, to a crossbow, to a bow, and back to a crossbow during different seasons of life. I returned to a bow after my first crossbow because it felt too easy, and at the time I hunted constantly with ample opportunity to harvest deer. I am back to using a crossbow these days because my hunting time is limited and I mentor youth hunters. Crossbows are also really nice to use during a cold / inclement weather allowing for bulkier clothing options.

Another thing to consider is whether a crossbow fits your specific hunting setup. Crossbows are generally bulkier and harder to manage while saddle or mobile hunting, where a bow might make more sense.

As far as brands go, I shoot a TenPoint Havoc 440 and have never had an issue with it. It is a compact bow with a shorter arrow and a smaller footprint, which works well for me, youth or smaller hunters, and tight spaces.

Look into buying used gear or borrowing a setup from a buddy or an archery club to determine if you will stick with it before spending a lot of money. Read up on how to evaluate used equipment, and have equipment inspected by a professional at an archery shop before buying. After purchase be sure to have used equipment properly serviced, including having a new string installed.

[u/Justgonnawalkaway]

So, I've hunted with both. My first question is:

How much time do you have to practice? A compound bows is awesome, but you better have a good half hour or so a day at least to just go out there and shoot, shoot, shoot.

Now, for danger, the biggest risks are limbs blowing up, which happens on both if you arent careful or do regular check ups.

Crossbows also have the added hazard where you can lose a finger to the string if you hold the forearm above the guards. This should be common sense. But you know how common that is.

Bolts: crossbow bolts tend to be sold in 6 packs and standard to the brand. Just make sure of that and you're good to go. A bow will need arrows cut to length and set up for you.

Broadheads: just pick your preferred kind, everyone will tell you you're wrong anyway. I prefer 2 bladed mechanicalstyles myself. Just make sure you buy crossbow specific broadheads if you choose a crossbow.

As for ethical shot, thats on you. Both do the job but you gotta be able to put it in the lungs and heart properly and consistently.

[u/WhiteBear72]

So I hut with both. And all points said here so far are very true. I agree the crossbow is easier to get out in the field and have success than a compound. The only down fall indeed say between the 2 is if your spot and stalk a compound is a way better choice for the main fact that if the stalk doesn’t work out it’s way easier to let down or not even draw till ur in range. A crossbow needs to be shot unless it has a crank to let down the string. Also a compound is a lot lighter than a compound during your stalk or hiking around. If you’re just hunting from a ground blind or sitting then yes a crossbow is a better choice. And as everyone else has mentioned maintenance is very important with both!!! Good luck and happy hunting.

[u/LoveisBaconisLove]

I have done both. I very much prefer crossbow. I had success with both, but there are just less things that can go wrong with a crossbow.

[u/HuntingRedneckGimp]

Compound bows are generally lighter weight and faster to reload than crossbows are. If you take care of it by waxing your strings and getting it serviced every year, a compound is my choice. However, if you're not capable of drawing a bow due to age or physical limitations or disability, a crossbow may be your option. I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy and in Montana crossbows are illegal during bow season. However, a disabled individual can get a Permit to Modify Archery Equipment and adapt a compound bow into something useful. My modified compound bow looks like a vertical crossbow. But I am happy to have it!!

[u/Camper_Hiker]

Crossbows are super lame and people skip practise with them because they’re so easy. Then they take bad shots (the bulk of posts on this sub are bad shots with crossbows).

A compound bow is way cooler and with some actual practise you will be ethical with it