The title says it all.  NYS is opening bow season to Xbowers last two weeks.  I have like 700 cabelas bucks and I want to get a good solid deer killer, (package would be preferred)

I was looking at these two;
Darton Viper SS

StrykeZone 380

Anyone have suggestions or alternatives?  Also some guidance on hunting bolts and points would be appreciated








ETA


5 pm last night.  We had about 2 inches of snow so it made tracking in the dark easy.  Double lunged him at 55 yards.  He ran maybe 200 yards.  Yellow tag is last years printer stock, That's all Wal-mart had.  Also got an extra DMP in the mail Saturday for 7S.  

8 pointer with two broken tines.

Darton Viper SS
Black Eagle Executioner 22 inch bolts
Muzzy Trocar 100 grn broadheads.

This is probably the biggest deer we will see off our hunting lands this year.  Northern Catskills


ETA
Pops knocked over an 8 using the same set up

Being totally new to crossbows, I can't tell you anything about the products in question. I have been reading up on the Carbon Express CX3 SL. Seems like a nice setup. http://www.cabelas.com/product/CARBON-EXPRESS-COVERT-CX-SL-CROSSBOW-PACKAGE/1803389.uts

Went with the Darton.

Based on reviews and articles I read it was best buy for the current sale price

Cool, it is a nice looking setup. I got a chuckle out of the description though: "smooth, quiet, snakelike accuracy".

Little heavy but very accurate.  Picked up some muzzie trocars and CE bolts. Looking forward to using it this season.

In the market myself.

Not familiar with either of those two, however the name Strykezone is 'familiar' to me, meaning that when I was at a show in Harrisburg PA that brand was one I looked it.

ETA: Both links you posted indicate they are both SOLD OUT !!!

I am looking into ones with the reversed limbs for now.

However I may fall back to the same company that made my compound bows .... Mathews


CROSSBOWS ----> Truly the SILENT KILLERS !!!!

Local places can't keep xbows stock now that NYS is having a 2 week pre rifle season.    

If you plan on hunting with it, buy some crossbow unloading bolts.  If you spend all day in the stand with a loaded xbow, and don't get to take a shot at anything, you have three options:

1.  Shoot that $15 bolt and broadhead combo into the dirt, and destroy it.

2.  Shoot a reusable $20 unloading bolt into the dirt, and spend a few extra minutes looking for it.

3.  Shoot a $1 biodegradeable unloading bolt into the dirt, and forget about it.

4.  Try to unload your brand new $700 xbow by hand.

When I was hunting with a xbow, I used both options 2 & 3 depending on the time of day.

I bought a reusable one.

I spent all weekend shooting.  With no wind I was able to go 11 for 12 at 90 yards in a 6 inch circle from a rest.  The first shot was high and ended up going through a 2 x6 pine plank.  I was really really impressed with the performance.  I am not planning on shooting past 50 yards while hunting but color me impressed with xbows.

They're fun, but after two seasons with one I switched over to a compound bow.  I found it to be a little awkward/cumbersome to use in a tree stand.

I use old school plank stands with lots of room, I could see the xbow being a hassle on small archery stands. Shit I hunted on one with a rifle and it was a challenge.  I was convinced I was going to fall and die.  bow hunters are crazy

Bump with update in OP

Drunk on crossbows.

Bought a CE Covert CX2 off amazon during black friday.  Haven't had a chance to shoot it.  Going to take time over holiday break.  I will post results.  

In general the assembly and construction of it was on par with Darton and it seems to be lighter.  Also scope is better quality and better located with regard to height.

Don't like the quiver set up and the VFG included is kinda dumb and needs to be slid on to the rail.  Did not install it.