Crossbows 101 - Beginner Information on Crossbows

This is a presentation we did for SHEhunts, a program designed for women hunters. We only had 15 minutes so it doesn't cover everything but it should give you an idea of the basic things you should think about when getting started in crossbows.
To find out more about our custom crossbow packages, crossbow accessories, and everything else crossbows, please visit our website at:
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[@PierPaoloG]

I could listen to your lectures for hours ! So simply explained yet so straight to the point . Thanks so much from Italy

[@donaldjozwiak7938]

Great information for a older person looking to get into a crossbow. Some of the reason you said now I have a better understanding. THANKS

[@douglasborgaro6801]

Crossbow hunting has opened up many opportunities for me. I’ve always loved my firearms and I’ve invested a great deal in to them over time. I’ve always had a great deal of respect for archery hunting, but with all the time I put into firearms, I didn’t invest into archery, including the time it takes to be proficient with a vertical bow. In addition, I always had more interest in crossbows from the start. Since the state I live in legalized crossbows, I’ve been able to take advantage of better weather, more hunting time, hunting with less hunters in the woods, hunting during the rut and greater availability to hunt. I love my crossbow and tinkering with my gear. I love bringing home some venison. My crossbow is one platform I can use in most all seasons, from archery to gun to muzzleloader and bonus doe seasons. That spans nearly 6 months of hunting. With a crossbow, I can take advantage of the rut as I said and this gives me a better percentage chance at a trophy buck. Need I say more?

[@maxuskrachus9894]

Most bows pale in comparison to any crossbow you can pull up. You can hold maybe 40LBS of draw-weight, a crossbow will store more than the quadruple amount of force for you easily allowing you to focus on your shot as opposed to balancing your power between your bow and your effort to position your aim perfectly over your target. And i doubt you'd be able to down any deer with a 40 pound bow, so make that at least a 70 pound bow, and now you start to understand why medieval bow-archers had a deformed skeleton as part of their trade.

[@mikeinlouisiana]

I enjoyed his class! He did a great job!

[@ducagace1390]

Concise, precise. Excellent teacher! Thank you!

[@candigirrl003]

when it comes to hunting i expect clean, sain and professional. i enjoyed how he explained everything. its quick, not in depth, also it's also better to learn this in person.

[@amifrench2713]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a neck injury and unable to go bow hunting this year so I'm going to try crossbow instead!

[@mcdatacomm155]

Very informative., I am new to crossbows and know nothing so this was a lot of good new information. Thanks

[@coldbeerlover]

fantastic class!

[@Jivingturkeysmasher]

Great!! Getting into hunting with a crossbow. Thanks for the information!

[@patrickkronenwetter8629]

Don;t waste your money on a Ten Point

[@Bowfella]

Just one thing. If you're going to get a crossbow, get a compound crossbow if you're concerned about the little details. 1. They have a longer power stroke which means more velocity 2. They have less draw weight so it's easier to draw back and safer 3. They're quieter because of the lighter draw weight.

[@jheckert1]

nice thing about the recurve is you can change your own string in the field if needed and they are just as good at dropping game as a compound. Velocity is way over rated. 250 fps and up is plenty...if anyone is going crossbow because they cant draw a vertical bow then they need to get a crank since the draw is much higher on a crossbow.

[@heyfucko]

Recurve is better for Survival kit, all that needs replacing on a good recurve is the bow string. Too bad not many brands make great recurve crossbows

[@Samuraisnowy]

Great point on limb clearance and bolt height vs scope height.

[@payoloscovknorris6596]

Thanks for the class sr.

[@edwardjonez6615]

THANKS Great presentation.

[@patrickkronenwetter8629]

yea except you forget to show all the things Ten Point bow will not do after paying over $2100

[@Jeffrich308]

Great Video!

[@khoaly7146]

I applaud everyone that watches the fundamentals when handling a weapon that can kill someone and/or yourself when it's handled wrong. Safety should always be the number 1 priority.

[@guaporeturns9472]

At .58 he totally sweeps the woman in front with the ouchy end of the crossbow. FAIL

[@jeremyl.yoakam612]

Thanks.

[@Midnightrider773]

Thank you for this video it is very informative

[@nickmiller5479]

I shoot a Excalibur axe micro 340 and it's scope it's spot on. I love that xbow

[@rickdudzik9281]

these newer crossbows are fun to shoot and if you like archery at all you should get one.even if you think its like cheating to hunt with there jus fun to target shoot even i just got one and im not disapointed

[@tonyrome068]

Great job

[@PapaleguasNY]

Really great video. I am from Brazil and we don't have a lot of info here. I was thinking about the Sub 1 XR. Is that a good crossbow kit? Also, what arrows should I use for turkey and small deer and hogs?

[@wickwire9560]

Thanks great video ! I'm just getting into Crossbow hunting. I'm a Veteran and it's better for me get in ground blind with Crossbow . Can you reccomend a Good Shooting rest to place me crossbow on to take the shot ?

[@buckmark23]

Crossbows are excellent for older, younger, and handicapped people. It's also for beginners into hunting. X-bows may not be archery but they have their place.

[@jheckert1]

not that much different than vertical bow, only difference is not having to draw in front of a deer. That's really it. Both very accurate, vertical bow is quieter so you can stretch your shots a little further than a x-bow.

[@Junkitup]

Good teacher

[@markfarnsworth3306]

Good info thanks! What is a shooting stick?

[@bobbigrant9158]

Must Have

[@danorris5235]

I'm a CNC machinist that literally makes tools for plastic injection. I appreciate what you're getting at there, but that's a wild oversimplification while removing all engineering and skilled labor involved to mitigate production issues on both sides of that equation involving everything from material to tooling.

[@jeffmk951]

Exercise is more important than gear if u guys hear it

[@garylewis976]

Very informative, thanks

[@patrickkronenwetter8629]

not informative what soever. they don't show all the things their crossbows don't do that you pay such high prices for. (shame on them)

[@jheckert1]

@@patrickkronenwetter8629 what are you talking about? What type of things don't a x-bow do that you pay high price for? Sounds like you don't know anything about crossbows or hunting...if you have questions, ask clearly and i will answer them for you...

[@LostBeetle]

You can buy aluminum rail recurve crossbows very cheap, like 120-175 dollars cheap. They aren't the fastest, but still more than fast enough. And every bit as consistent as crossbows in way higher price brackets. All you are losing is speed, but again, you will still have plenty of speed for out to 30 yards. Check out the Jaguar 175lb recurve crossbow. Don't dry fire it (like any crossbow), either superglue the string servings or just put a higher quality string on, and you have a very functional and compact crossbow.

[@jheckert1]

speed is way over rated, it doesn't give much if any advantage at all. All deer shots should be within 30-35 yards anyways regardless of speed...even with the fastest bows a deer can react at any shot over that...

[@graftedbranchhomestead]

Love the video. I'm a 35 year old city boy raised by non weapon and hunting family. THIS IS NOT ME. I see and understand the value and need to develop these skills. I want to take me then me and my son and learn to hunt with a crossbow. Do you recommend starting with a rifle or crossbow? With the current amo and gun shortage at least in nm I was thinking might be good to try the bow. Are the laws on shooting a crossbow similar to a gun? What's your best advice as to where the heck I even start this journey

[@jheckert1]

depends where you are hunting. Both can be a good start. Big difference with a gun you can reach long range, with a crossbow you got to get the deer less than 40 yards from you, better if under 30 yards. That can be difficult to do. Give both a try and see what you like the best. Nice thing about bow season you get to hunt first and deer are less spooked then and haven't turned nocturnal yet. good luck.

[@danielshows7865]

What bow would recommend for beginner crossbow hunter under $500

[@John_Henry83]

I have a strange question, but I could not find another place to ask it. Is there and electronic bow target that will measure and or record the force of impact of a bolt when it hits?

[@kahnkretefpv7594]

No

[@TheBanjoman]

Love my crossbow.

[@matthewwagner4042]

Just got mine over a week ago... love it. Practiced out to 50... wow, it is simply amazing.

[@OutlawOfTexas]

What brand is yours? I’m looking to get a crossbow and wouldn’t know a good brand from a bad one if there is such a thing. I’m transitioning from bullets to arrows and looking to get a crossbow. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

[@TheBanjoman]

@@OutlawOfTexas stick with bullets. my brand is killer instinct the ripper 415

[@matthewwagner4042]

@@OutlawOfTexas Centerpoint Sniper 370

[@lanaholmes7098]

@@OutlawOfTexas Barnett whitetail hunter STR.

[@mrkevinj]

Skip the first 2 min to get to training at 2:11.

[@bill1.4all8]

Yep

[@catpainblackudder01]

Should I leave my crossbow strung?

[@Samuraisnowy]

If it's a recurve, generally it's easier to unstring and doing so can help keep it in tip top shape for longer (like a recurve bow). Compounds I imagine are designed to be kept strong.

[@darrinsiberia]

do you think the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow is a good first timers bow?

[@jheckert1]

yes, they are a good bow.

[@cheachyang3502]

Hi expert can I use nylon to build a crossbow cam ??? Thks

[@jheckert1]

it would totally depend on the type of nylon, i haven't run the calcs but off the top of my head a type 6 fiber filled nylon MIGHT work.

[@tswm3578]

Do I need a background check in nc?

[@adamsifford6228]

I think more people that are beginners have problem with their fingers on string range.

[@codycheatham8609]

How to put draw strong back on fierce 405

[@stormk-1130]

where can i buy a combat bow?

[@republicanglockguy4926]

When did Kevin Nash start giving crossbow classes? Lol

[@sandrotejeda1203]

Do you always need to use the rope to decock the crossbow

[@yfliu592]

Sandro Tejeda Yes never dry fire a string weapon

[@jheckert1]

i just shoot a target arrow into my practice bag at the end of the day...dry firing will break the bow.

[@Debo89009]

Why wasn't any mention of a hand crank?? Most woman, and people that are handicapped that are not able to use a standard bow are the ones going to crossbows... Not only they needs to be more makers that need to start making "BUILT IN CRANKS" but they need to be on ones that are affordable!!!! UNDER $500 COMPLETE SETS!! Not everyone can afford a $3,000 crossbows!! Especially if you are Disabled and on SSD at $1200. a month!! I'm looking to find a Crossbow that is dependable (limbs don't crack or fail in a few shots like I keep reading about) or strings come apart in less than a year, ETC... You should have mentioned like the top 5 best crossbows kits for the dollar, and why... And how to pick out the bolts, and what the difference is using aluminum over carbon, and picking the right tips and weights... You wasted a lot of time that could have been better spent on things that we really need to know... I need to get something for next year, and most likely will be buying in the spring, unless I narrow down the crossbow I really want and find it on sale around Christmas... But I have the feeling and hoping a maker will come out with what I need for the Vegas Show in January, because I haven't found it yet... I need something that shoots the heaver bolts and 200gr tips at over 400fps with a built in crank (so we don't forget it or drop it in the woods and then the bow is useless!!) I want a Crossbow that if you have it you have everything you need for a hunt... PERIOD!! Why don't these scopes have the range finders built in??? How do you know how far away the deer is unless you mark every field like a football filed?? Or buy a rangefinder that you leave in the truck of drop in the woods ??? ALL SCOPES BY NOW SHOULD HAVE RANGEFINDERS BUILT IN!!! But at least someone should have them available!! And someone should be doing videos to let us know who has them and who has the best dollar for dollar value... Anyone knowing these answers, message me back with your suggestion for the best crossbow that has built in crank that is quiet, and has a good scope, hopefully has a rangefinder built in, complete hunting set for around $500. Thanks

[@jheckert1]

this info would be for another class, he could literally talk for hours going over everything...the intent here is just to help people understand a crossbow a little better.

[@graftedbranchhomestead]

Is it legal to practice with my bow in my city big backyard

[@Crossbowexperts]

You will need to check with your city for local regulations. Most likely yes...

[@Crossbowexperts]

Sorry, most likely it is illegal to practice in your city backyard.

[@Mallrick]

i dont usualy subscribe but you sir will be my background noise in the garage from now on

[@bigbird7838]

I just had a partial dry fire myself the other day 😕

[@matthewwagner4042]

Sorry, what happened? Were the arrow or bow damaged?

[@bigbird7838]

Luckily just had to have the strings replaced 👍🏼all good now !!!!

[@wcb22516]

No Cams Decoded @ 5:44 Fewer timing issues

[@rumplebumpy1330]

Great instructional video... can't help to notice the girls in the front row cannot even go through a 14 minute class without getting on the phone throughout the whole thing, unbelievable how these kids even learn anything nowadays.

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Restrictions for firearms under 18 USC 922 are permanent and wildly over inclusive; the only restrictions on crossbows are the age limit. Ken Flick has a 1987 conviction for copyright infringement and still can't own a gun today. Archery is definitely a viable alternative for those who wish to hunt who have been stigmatized by long ago nonviolent felony convictions.

[@dr.greenthumb8895]

Beginers can easely shot 20m distance whit crosssbow, for first buy a cheaper crosssbow, midrange price. When you wana continue shoting you shoud buy more expensiv crosssbow. I buyed first a 200pound 385fps Ek TITAN. I tellllyaa its a MONSTER! It penetrates 2car doors whit fild tips. Use 3blade boltcuter brodheads. Be always carefull and give respect for crosssbow, and look always whats behind target, it can easy penetrates target!!! String can cut of finger, use always protection glases!

[@charismausa]

Is it a good idea to use it for personal protection at home?

[@jigginjohnson2893]

Nope. One shot. Takes around 30 seconds to reload.

[@CCWSig]

@will edwards lol ok Darryl Dixon.

[@matthewwagner4042]

Not ideal... 1. Slow reload as stated, probably will only get one shot. You'll also have to cock it and put a arrow in. A lot to do in a stressful situation. 2. You're likely to get over penetration and it will hit whatever is behind your target. Forget that aim for the groin stuff... Just aim for the vitals like the lungs. They will be done.

[@jheckert1]

no...

[@NoRageImAPage]

"Your youth are very very busy, theyre playing football, theyre playing hockey, theyre playing baseball" LOL

[@mikejaskiewicz6683]

I think he meant video games 🤣

[@mandoberlinmusic]

Love your channel but I must say - Beware people who bought the SWAT XP crossbow as the limbs are bad and will break. Killer Instinct Crossbows does not care about the integrity of their company and will NOT pay for any repairs. The warranty is garbage. Wish I could attach photos to show y'all the email correspondence with KI and the split limb.

[@jheckert1]

i have a ten point and two wicked ridge crossbows. My wife wanted to get me another bow and got me a wicked ridge. Since i got it i am finding that they will crack limbs, but alot of people haven't had that issue. I did hear they will replace it if broken though. I guess i'll find out. I don't shoot much so hopefully that helps the life of it. If not they can keep fixing it. If i would have known i would have had her send it back, it does shoot nice though.

[@carlossantiagodelima2481]

what is the mark of this crossbow

[@tuanvandersluis4433]

how far can a crossbow bolt go before it becomes unleathal.

[@johnbarron4265]

It's lethal out to farther than you can accurately shoot it, as with any other projectile weapon.

[@jheckert1]

there are online calculators that you can put your info into to determine kinetic energy, this will let you know how far for a given crossbow and bolt setup you are using is lethal. In general you don't want to shoot deer more than 30-35 yards because even with the fastest crossbow on the market today, a deer can react to it and cause an unethical shot.

[@alanbooth183]

B

[@jolllyroger1]

If you can't hit a 6 inch at 100 something is wrong

[@diaryofagoat-lass1023]

How cold can a crossbow safely operate at? Finally got a crank for my Bear X Trek and I am super excited to start training! Greetings from Saskatchewan and our 7-8 month long winters! Average winter temps hover around -20 centigrade. 😅 Peak rut time for us is November and it can absolutely get cold here and that's when the big bucks move! 😁

[@masterclif]

First thing he does: Pick up the crossbow and lower it towards the audience...Rule one of weapons, always treat it as if it's loaded. Gun or crossbow.

[@frogmanjack8790]

Youth are busy with work college girlfriends boyfriends

[@videoadult1]

And on their phone like the two girls in the front.

[@uK8cvPAq]

@@videoadult1 They perked up every time he said cock.

[@jheckert1]

even with the fastest crossbow, 30-35 yards is max distance you can shoot before a deer can react to the sound...anything further you are risking an unethical shot...

[@Bluegrass-ballistics]

Didnt know the sound of ya bow had anything to do with were ya aim lmfao

[@truespec7124]

you can shoot further with a crossbow accurately yes. dont lie to that girl lol

[@jheckert1]

at a target yes, but a crossbow has shorter range for deer because of string jump, even with the fastest bows 30-35 yards max before a deer can react to it...

[@truespec7124]

@@jheckert1 that makes sense but I have killed deer up to 60-65 yards with crossbow good luck hunting brotha! Thanks for advice

[@jheckert1]

@@truespec7124 good luck, you can definitely shoot a deer further, but if you do the calcs, you are definitely taking a risk of missing or injuring the deer...alot of factors apply too, deer alertness, age and what not...also shooting lane to account for the arc. Most people think a 400+ crossbow gets them more range but it really doesn't...have a good day....

[@spankedbacon6957]

w/h

[@Samuraisnowy]

Great class! but...1st law of thermodynamics. You're not creating energy. You're storing potential energy from the effort of you drawing it back.

[@JK-cz6bu]

1st law of thermodynamics? It is Physics - Elastic Stored/Potential Energy....nothing to do with temperature.

[@Samuraisnowy]

@@JK-cz6bu the first law isn't temperature my friend. The first law is you cannot create energy. It's within thermodynamics, but that doesn't mean it is temperature based.

[@jheckert1]

@@JK-cz6bu The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only altered in form. For any system, energy transfer is associated with mass crossing the control boundary, external work, or heat transfer across the boundary. These produce a change of stored energy within the control volume.

[@1alexcody]

never touched on safety

[@jaylrap8552]

He totally aimed a crossbow at several people

[@NiteshKumar-tn8xt]

Flags in the background are flown wrong.

[@edwardjonez6615]

You are correct. This is also another example of using a flag for decoration. A flag should fly free from a staff or pole. You are not supposed of them strung together as disposable trash.

[@NiteshKumar-tn8xt]

@@edwardjonez6615 Even if you do, keep the stars on the left side at least

[@whoopdeedo83]

Its decoration. See stuff like that everywhere around the 4th of July. As long as its not a real flag its fine.

[@CCWSig]

@@whoopdeedo83 No it's not fine. Display the flag with the honor and respect it deserves.

[@luckent47]

Bows are faster to reload if you're under fifty lol

[@matthewmillet3807]

Great presentation, but the amount of "flagging" going on is cringe-worthy- especially when teaching young shooters who are very impressionable . Someone help this dude out.

[@BLAM777]

Youth today live on their phone's or spend just about all their time playing video games. Nice video though.

[@adamforbes1019]

Dude, you are providing WAAAAYYY too much detail, given your audience. You are talking about molds and CNC machinery. This is an introductory lesson and most women don't care or want to know anything about manufacturing processes. Stick to the fundamentals of how to use a crossbow, parts, techniques, etc. Most new people are not going to care about energy output of one crossbow vs. another. They just want to know how it works, how to use it, and to stay safe with one.

[@azizcook1651]

There's a science to the fundamentals and when you aren't meticulous in teaching them then the student won't fully grasp a concept of which they only have a part of.

[@MrStu1960]

If it was to TMI for you just play it over again. You'll eventually catch on.

[@jasonsinatra9457]

Go make a better video about it yourself then.

[@dipster14]

Stop. Whenever I wanted to dive into a new field to learn off of, I don't go half way in, I go all in and full dedication.. I don't believe in half-assed work. The full detail and run through is better than searching through 20 sum videos and mashing up bs, bro science, and speculation.

[@TheInflationGuy]

Im at two minutes and I'm leaving already!

[@CCWSig]

I think the information was presented well, however I didn't care for the handling skills of this presenter. There's NO reason in this presentation to be cocking and de-cocking the bow repeatedly, and there was certainly NO reason to load a bolt into it at any time. Crossbows should be treated like a firearm. Even unloaded, when it can be clearly seen it's unloaded I don't like to flag people, its a good habit to get into. This was a beginners class, I would have preferred it be taught with some stricter safety in mind.

[@jacksagrafsky4936]

Good video, but half way threw it he begins to sound like a salesman, pushing his products. I am new to the sport and want to just learn to shoot a crossbow before I put real money into a good crossbow.

[@dr.greenthumb8895]

Buy EK! They have replacement parts, you can easy buy them! Hard to find replacement parts for other brands!

[@whoopdeedo83]

Wow I didn't get that impression at all.

[@seanflorian4653]

Ok, guns are way safer and require way less skill to operate. Good video though