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RECURVE VERSUS COMPOUND CROSSBOWS Making the best crossbow purchasing decision

Important!

Many prospective customers initially ask for "compound" crossbows, thinking that these are the newest, most technologically advanced and fastest bows. You, as an informed buyer, should consider what are the important factors. EXCALIBUR crossbows already meet the high standards required by shooters seeking a crossbow that is fast, reliable, easy to use and, most importantly, accurate.

Apart from price, after sales service and quality, what are some of the factors that you should think about?

• unlike a "vertical bow" you don't need the let-off to span the crossbow. The crossbow is spanned by using both arms and the back in a short, sharp action. If this is a problem then there are aids available to make the job easy
• with a compound bow, the peak weight is reached half way through the power stroke when the back is bent
• unlike a "vertical bow", once spanned, the hands and fingers do not have to hold back the string - the trigger does
• compound limbs are comparatively heavy, less reliable due to their higher complexity, noisier and slower than the rugged technologically advanced paddle-shaped EXCALIBUR recurve limbs
• if you break a steel cable you may be injured
• you cannot easily change a broken cable in the field and that could be the end of your day's shooting. A recurve string can be changed easily in the field
• a compound system often masks a heavy trigger
• if a simpler recurve system delivers a faster arrow, then why bother with a compound?

The only advantage offered by a compound crossbow system is that there is less force acting on the trigger sears. EXCALIBUR has overcome this by superior trigger design. These triggers do not fail and are warranted for 5 years. [We can honestly say that Ausbow Industries has not needed to touch any triggers on any of the EXCALIBUR crossbows that we have sold].

The discerning customer should be informed that the EXCALIBUR trigger actuation force is 3 lb. maximum - some others can be up to 9 lb.

Simplicity, performance and reliability are the design watchwords at EXCALIBUR. - You don't need wheels to fly!

So please don't be conned by the compound marketing hype. Without any doubt the EXCALIBUR sporting crossbow is the best value for money, the high performing, most reliable and most accurate, no-nonsense crossbow available.

Whatever crossbow choice you make, please be a responsible crossbow shooter and good shooting!

IMPORTANT CROSSBOW INFORMATION FOR AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMERS New legislation concerning crossbows is being proposed and introduced in most Australian States. In most eastern Australian states, crossbows have been moved from being CONTROLLED WEAPONS to now being PROHIBITED WEAPONS. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY HAVE BEEN BANNED! This means that you now need a permit or a licence. SOUTH AUSTRALIA From 1 June 2006 crossbows are now classified as "dangerous articles". While there is no requirement for a licence, the manufacture, sale, distribution, supply or possession of crossbows requires "lawful purpose". Dealers are now required to determine whether a prospective customer has lawful excuse. The regulations do not define what constitutes lawful excuse, however membership of an archery or shooting organisation is acceptable as is legitimate hunting. Ausbow Industries will maintain a voluntary sales register and will include the stated purpose as indicated by customers. QUEENSLAND New legislation was introduced in QUEENSLAND on 1 November 2004. Please note that Ausbow Industries can no longer supply crossbows to Queensland customers directly, except via a licenced Queensland-based firearms dealer. However we can still help you with the selection of our equipment, assistance with arranging your purchase and other important advice. TASMANIA Crossbows are now prohited in TASMANIA. You need to apply to the Police Commissioner for permission to own and use a crossbow. VICTORIA The new VICTORIAN Legislation regarding crossbows came into effect on 1 July 2004. This requires all crossbow owners/shooters to apply for permission and pay a fee. MEMBERS OF APPROVED SPORTING BODIES WILL BE EXEMPT FROM FEES BUT YOU MUST APPLY FOR EXEMPTION. NEW SOUTH WALES and ACT NSW and ACT customers are advised that crossbows are prohibited in both jurisdictions, except that it is possible to obtain a permit for bona fide target shooting at recognised archery clubs. Please consult respective authorities. CHECK OUT THE ARCHERY NSW WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION - www.archerynsw.com/ WESTERN AUSTRALIA Currently, crossbows are a controlled weapon in WA. No licence or permit is required, however, lawful excuse is necessary. Both the Firearms and Weapons acts are under review.