yoderjac
5 year old buck +
I've been using an old Parker Hurricane for quite a few years now. Parker went out of business this year so parts and maintenance will eventually become an issue. I have a couple friends that I'd like to introduce to hunting this year. They don't have equipment. I've been lending out firearms and such but I don't have an extra crossbow. So, a week or so ago I started doing some research. My primary concern is noise, not speed which is driving the industry. Here is an old thread where I posted some string jumping information: http://www.habitat-talk.com/index.php?threads/crossbow-noise.9885/ I don't shoot past 30 yards with a crossbow at deer for ethical reasons, so speed is not a factor.
I found some reviews in one of the trade magazines that took standard measurements including sound. Not every crossbow was reviewed, but it was a good mix. It look to me like Mission Sniper-lite was significantly quieter than others. I started to look into that. There is a Mathews dealer not to far out of the way on my way home from the farm and I decided to stop by and check one out. Well, the dealer said they had been discontinued this year and replaced by the sub 1-lite. He said it was even quieter, but I kind of doubt that since it is about 20 fps faster at around 330 fps and only 1 lb heavier at 7 lbs, but who knows if that is true or just puffing. One thing I really liked about it is the decocking mechanism which was the only major complaint reviewers had about the Sniper-lite. Of course, it is more expensive.
Well, I made the mistake of shooting it. Same mistake I made years ago with a Switchback. Don't shoot it or you will leave with it. Even in the indoor range, I found it pretty quiet. There were guys shooting compounds in the other lanes. I'd listen to them shoot and then listen to the Sub 1-lite. It was only slightly louder to my ear. I'm sure it is significantly quieter than my Parker. I'll do a more controlled comparison when I get a chance.
I only took a few shots at the dealer, but I plan to sight it in later this week. I'll have a better feel for it then. So far, I like it a lot. I'll still probably use my Switchback in the early season when it is warm and my arthritis isn't acting up, but I think I'll be more tempted to use the Sub 1-lite than I was to use the Parker in the early season.
If anyone else is shooting one of these and has any advise, thinks to watch out for, or tricks, please let me know.
Thanks,
Jack
I found some reviews in one of the trade magazines that took standard measurements including sound. Not every crossbow was reviewed, but it was a good mix. It look to me like Mission Sniper-lite was significantly quieter than others. I started to look into that. There is a Mathews dealer not to far out of the way on my way home from the farm and I decided to stop by and check one out. Well, the dealer said they had been discontinued this year and replaced by the sub 1-lite. He said it was even quieter, but I kind of doubt that since it is about 20 fps faster at around 330 fps and only 1 lb heavier at 7 lbs, but who knows if that is true or just puffing. One thing I really liked about it is the decocking mechanism which was the only major complaint reviewers had about the Sniper-lite. Of course, it is more expensive.
Well, I made the mistake of shooting it. Same mistake I made years ago with a Switchback. Don't shoot it or you will leave with it. Even in the indoor range, I found it pretty quiet. There were guys shooting compounds in the other lanes. I'd listen to them shoot and then listen to the Sub 1-lite. It was only slightly louder to my ear. I'm sure it is significantly quieter than my Parker. I'll do a more controlled comparison when I get a chance.
I only took a few shots at the dealer, but I plan to sight it in later this week. I'll have a better feel for it then. So far, I like it a lot. I'll still probably use my Switchback in the early season when it is warm and my arthritis isn't acting up, but I think I'll be more tempted to use the Sub 1-lite than I was to use the Parker in the early season.
If anyone else is shooting one of these and has any advise, thinks to watch out for, or tricks, please let me know.
Thanks,
Jack
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