Are modern crossbows BETTER THAN BUNJIE?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Let's look at modern crossbows in Bunjie's 2010 price range.
I am not sponsored by anyone! But I do share what I like and what I don't like. And I like a good coupon code to save a few bucks as much as you do (see below). My "perfect" crossbow setup these days includes:
Killer Instinct SWAT X1 (starting 2023)
Burris Oracle X Scope (since 2022)
Dragon Claw arrows from Wyvern Creations (good outfit, been buying different gear there for years, these arrows are great in the SWAT)
All of our crossbows use the following, 100% of time:
Burt Coyote Lumenoks (since 2012 or so) (save 10% on lumenok.com with coupon code BUNJIE )
Swhacker #251 3" cutting diameter crossbow broadheads (for our last 20 or 30 deer) (save 10% off select broadheads including this "perfect" model using coupon code BUNJIE2324 on their website: swhacker.com/d... )
Bunjie (The Original Bunjie, The O.B.) is my 2010 Excalibur Axiom that got me hooked on crossbow hunting. This was my "one gun" for more than a decade and Bunjie's reliability is the reason I ONLY hunt with a crossbow. After killing dozens of deer, hogs, squirrels, woodchucks, and even a bear, Bunjie is now semi-retired, but still gets out every year and even killed two deer 2023--and a woodchuck at 81 yards!
Bunjie and I have written two books: The Death by Bunjie Crossbow Method ( amzn.to/3zJbAI0 ) and The Death by Bunjie Crossbow Story ( amzn.to/2Peq4aC ), both available on Amazon.com with those links.
Check out the Gear Page on our website, deathbybunjie.com. Again, I am not sponsored by anyone! But you can see what gear I like and don't like on that site. And if you buy from Amazon.com using one of those links, Death by Bunjie receives a small referral fee and you DO NOT pay more! How cool is that?
Check out the Death by Bunjie podcast, Talking with Bunjie! It's available on deathbybunjie.com or on the podcast app of your choice.
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Bunjie, Jr., is my daughter Genevieve's crossbow, an Excalibur Micro Suppressor 355. This crossbow was also a much appreciated gift from a Friend of Bunjie, and it changed Death by Bunjie forever by inspiring Genevieve to become a part of our story as a second-generation crossbow hunter, and it also convinced me there is a benefit to a newer, faster crossbow back in 2020 when I began the Quest for a Successor to Bunjie. Enter Bunjie III (or Bunjie '21, Bunjie 3.0, The Slick Black Cadillac of Crossbows), a 2021 Scorpyd Deathstalker 420, the result of trying various models and looking at dozens of them online for characteristics I liked. It is, in fact, a gift from a Friend of Bunjie, which goes to show how important Friends of Bunjie are to this channel and what an impact they can have. Bunjie III is a testament to modern crossbows, producing over .7 slugs of momentum and almost 140 ft-lbs of kinetic energy with stock arrows--at around 400 fps! This crossbow helped expand the Kingdom fo Bunjie by introducing me to compound crossbows and showing me they're nothing to be feared, and also helped me get my first deer on public ground. This crossbow also inspired the "Rule of 400" that I talk about from time to time: a crossbow that can shoot a 400 grain arrow at 400 feet per second is the definition of a modern crossbow--producing over .7 slugs of momentum and over 140 foot pounds of kinetic energy, the envy of the archery world.
Again, I am not sponsored by these companies. I am sponsored by Friends of Bunjie! (I'm not asking for gifts whatsoever--please don't feel like you should send me stuff! But I do appreciate the support I've received over the years! I'm just trying to express my appreciation for that.)
This channel is the result of combining my interest in filming and hunting...and music, too! The soundtrack for this channel is provided by my band, Yankee Militia. The albums "Live Free or Kill" and "Zombies Gotta Eat, Too!" are available on Amazon.com and elsewhere. A third album is in the works.
If you've read this far, then there is only one thing left to say:
All Hail Bunjie!
--Rich Wilson
Death by Bunjie
The best thing about the OB is that it's field serviceable and the newer Excaliburs are smaller and fast enough for most animals
I want a crossbow that will last 15 years so I will stick with Excalibur work on myself no cams or all that to go out of time . Lifetime warranty
Rich, Excalibur Matrix 355 was my first crossbow, I still have it. A Barrett C350e is my other. Both are deer slayers, the is Barrett is lighter . But Matrix is easier to work on. If I decide to buy another bow, it will be an Excalibur .
I bought my first crossbow a couple months ago which is the Centerpoint Wrath 430x on sale foe 449.00 + a $100 .00 rebate.
The ten point and wicked ridge are made in the United States that's what i have not made in china
Rich, you've got the DA look going on these days. Let's hope you have vacation time to get some scruff back for the season. LOL
Great video Rich! A ton of great information, I can’t imagine the amount of time you spend in research and editing for high quality content. And all that on top of a new and I’m sure stressful job. Thank you sir
You've just convinced me to wait to buy. I want a sci-fi futuristic crossbow.
Get a reverse limb crossbow they look pretty futuristic
Check out the Ravin R18 😂😂
Not quite sure why they let that thing out the door 🤷🏼♂️
Thanks for all you do ! I enjoy learning from your experiences and data!
Excaliber matrix series best bows ever ????the 380 is a beast
Matrix 380 one of the best excaliburs for sure
Hey RICH,due to all the variables,abilities,disabilities and personal preferences…I cannot answer your question 😂oh yeah and you got to consider price and your budget. Hahaha they are definitely getting to be more of a maintenance burden In all aspects! Have a great night 😊
Barnette has some decent crossbows at affordable prices.
very happy with my Barnet deer hunter model
Speaking of us missing the point- may I propose that if the old CPI methodology were used to show the ACTUAL usd inflation rate from 2010-present, you’d have a new crossbow budget of $803-842.00! 🤷🏻😂
I started with a Barnett BCX in 2012 and harvested several nice deer with it. It was a great crossbow. Very happy with Barnett and their offerings. I bought a Wicked Ridge M370 to replace it because of less weight and much smaller. It was on sale as well. It also has an excellent cocking mechanism. Made in USA. You are right about technology filtering down and arrow weight. Thanks for another great video. You are spot on......
Thanks!
Hey Rich, thanks for the comparison video, you're saving a lot of us the legwork. By the way, you're looking sleep deprived...get more sleep!
Your video is great ... Introduce and explain details about crossbow .. good job
Rich im still hunting with my excalibur Phoenix since 2012 i dont shoot over 30 yards here in mi . Never shot a deer over 25 yards in mi with a bow .
400 fps does 20 yards better than 300 fps 😁
Would not trade my Excalibur Vortex for none of the. Fast enough, but never one problem. Best investment ever.
Oh Rich, look I agree with you almost 100% of the time. I own both your books and truly enjoyed them. But I think you have missed the point here. The Axiom you own with it's aluminum rail/barrel is damn near bomb proof. I own it's big brother, the Pheonix. Same draw weight but different camo and some 'upgrades'. I've dry fired it once. It's been dropped from a tree stand from 20 feet cocked and loaded onto a limb tip and bounced back up into the air 15 feet and then landed on it's open sights (yes mine has the factory peep sights). It never fired during all of this. Mind you I did not drop my crossbow, it was done by a dear friend who had borrowed it. It never missed a beat. It has NEVER lost it's zero setting. Even after been dropped 20 feet! Wiped the mud off of it and went on. The old school Excals were nearly indestructible. You cannot compare the cost of these xbows to todays plastic fantastic xbows. That Centerpoint you referenced will not last as long as an old school Excal. I also own an older TenPoint. It is a TurboGT (hand cock model). It will out last the extremely narrow and highly stressed TenPoint/Wicked Ridge models of today. My older TenPoint has been extremely reliable and accurate. I get that you can buy 2 or 3 Centerpoints or Barnetts for the true cost of one old school Excal or TenPoint, but you cannot buy the durability and reliability of the those dead nuts reliable and accurate old school xbows. The bows today are too highly stressed and too cheaply made for my tastes. I will take dead on reliable and boringly accurate over an additional 25-50 feet per second and a few inches shorter and narrower and day.
A good point, durability is great but I'd rather not drive an old car no matter how well preserved it is. I like my modern stereo, handling, gas mileage, etc. Like my 2024 cell phone a lot more than my 2010 flip phone too, which still works btw. I'll still use the OB now and then but progress applies to everything, including crossbows.
I agree sometimes newer is not better old school can be serviced in the field I don't care sometimes you just got to put down the new stuff and go what you started with love the videos my friend Mikey Daytona Beach Florida😊😊😊
Not first! Always a great day when death by bunjie posts a video
$750.00 is about what I paid for my Barnett HyperWhitetail 410 a few months ago.
Hey Rich, I can now answer the question “are modern x-bows better than bungee?” No. Let me explain. If I were to go on a out of state dream hunt I would take my xcal. 335 micro with an extra string and cocking rope. Maybe even 2 of each 😊. On the spot field repair invaluable as long it’s not a broken limb! I would also take one of my Ravins for a back up bow,however I don’t believe it would ever need to be used.
A lot can be said about the value of simplicity 👍🏻
Thanks Rich,have a great day ✌🏻😉
I got the first Gen micro 335 about 10 years ago and hundreds of hunts and zero issues. Just picked up a micro suppressor 400 the other day for $700. I will keep the 335 as a backup now with Zero worries
@@DIRTISTERRIBLE yeah,so simple and effective! If you ask me I believe it’s more about want and not need. I’m right there with the majority of people-give me speed and power! Guilty as charged
😐
@@MichaelLakota-vc4tk when we all practice together my 335 is more of a lob where the 400+ guys are like lasers. Going to see how the micro 400 compares and hopefully get a couple more of those string jumping deer
@@DIRTISTERRIBLE I hear you bud 👍🏻however you don’t want to be the one pulling the trigger on these fast ones when they decide to blow up. It’s very scary! But it is extremely exciting shooting them
When hunting close to home I rotate my r26,r29x and r500. But going for a camp and hunt trip where you might be a few miles from camp that little xcal 335 with minimal risk of getting damaged is really something to ease my mind. I love them all. Heck I just love all archery equipment! It’s definitely a passion 👍🏻. You can never have too many bows,of any design or speed-Go Play, Life is short Enjoy it!
Rich, great video, always great content.
Better is always determined by several factors.
One thing though Canada sucks for prices I was shocked to know that my crossbow the Eclipse was around 500-600 in the states yet here it was 1000.00 even OB was around 900 here.
But better is everyone’s opinion. I like to shoot i shoot a lot that puts companies like Ravin out of my list. 5 shots a year is not enough and after 25 shots or 75 shots your into strings and cable replacements i call this an over priced toy.
Some compounds you can shoot a lot but nothing lasts as long as Excalibur they did a commercial back in the day with all leading brands in the early 90s and only a few compounds made it to 500 shots. Excalibur lasted several thousands. The old wide body were the most reliable to get for a non tinker crossbow shooter.
Probably still are their value is even going up now.
If you want faster and don’t shoot or care to tinker and just want to sight in and shoot minimal any crossbow in your price range is good.
But if you are anything like some of us recurves are the best to reverse draw maybe being close to or possibly slightly better.
Warranty these things are expensive and life time warranty is mandatory. I would not even consider a company that’s 5 year warranty. This tells me they don’t trust their product to last so why should I? That comes down to 3-4 crossbow companies now.
Scorpyd
Excalibur
Killer instinct
Mission
I think are all that offer lifetime warranty.
With scorpyd and Excalibur being on par with service and customer satisfaction.
So essentially Rich you got 1 of each crossbow from the best companies of the industry which is better than those out of those well that’s personal too.
OB still kills and so do the others so…. Lol anyways great video and looking forward to rev review. I knew you were going to do a video on that. Lol
Great video! Looking forward to the Rev X vid!
Rich, I really enjoy your videos! I notice the crossbow industry as well as the compound bow industry values speed above ALL! This I believe for a hunting crossbow is a mistake! Speed sells and I get its all about sales, BUT hold on a minute here!Danny Miller resident Horizontal Archery crossbow Master will readily admit anything above 350fps will 100%?sacrifice accuracy!!! Not to mention the longer the power stroke, the longer the arrow remains on the riser which is less forgiving to user error just like brace height in a compound bow. These considerations should be brought into the mix when talking “hunting crossbows”. I suspect this is why Bunjie is such a stone cold consistent killer and considered king hung over your fireplace even though it’s slow in comparison to modern crossbows…haha! 😂
There are lots of really accurate crossbows over 350 fps, I own 2...
Rich. Have you followed the story about the drone recovery crew that the PGC shut down? When you talk about tech trickling down, I think that in a few short years, all consumer grade drones will be thermal image capable, compact, easy to use and affordable to a point where most any hunter can pick one up at a big box store and use to retrieve wounded deer. Thoughts?
I agree with you about the technology and I am sorry to hear that about the Drone being shut down, I do think it's useful technology for tracking deer
I picked up my mag 340 last year for $699.
I'm never going to buy a CB unless it has the safety feature that will never let me wipe my left thumb out by the string. I will only use a CB where I must push in a button with my thumb or the bow won't fire. And yes, I'm equally proud of the Buck and two doe I've shot on State Game Lands in Bucks County, Pa.
One thing for folks to keep in mind about the OB... Is that even in 2010 those stats were very mid-tier even for back then. Rich could have got an Exomax then and had a 350 fps version, but otherwise identical.
Both classic Excaliburs though. This was a fun watch. Times sure have changed either way.
Thanks for all your great video
I know I’ve missed your segment about reverse limb or inverted limb cross bows . Can you touch on them to what your opinion is on them and if not can you tell me which segment that would be so I can watch it or them . Thank you sir For your time
th-cam.com/video/D2iRnI_gcE4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=fbhstI-gVcSKZ73C
Great vidoes, very informative and great presentation. I am considering getting a crossbow for hunting, I've hunted with compound bows for years but never owned a crossbow. One of the ones I'm looking at is the killer instinct lethal 405. Wanted to ask your opinion. Are you at all familiar with this brand? What brand and model would you suggest?
I think that the evaluation of the cost in today's market should include both the inflationary value, that you calculated, plus some of the features that the OB had, such as the aluminum rail. If this was also included, then the Mag340 would probably be the closest fit, thus the approximate value of $800 in today's market. ...SamT
Awesome info thank you for sharing!!
GKW did a GREAT job on your State Land doe.
Hey Rich, I think the one guy has a real good point. I apologize, I can't remember his name. But it's down below, somewhere. Maybe you could do a video on what he's talking about. Which is, he practices a lot, I do too (can't help it, enjoy the hell out of it). Anyways, How many shots, on average, do you get out of a crossbow, before you need a new string, and/or cables????? I have two crossbows, and probably need to get strings on both, yet again. (Yes, I buy quality strings / cables). Sometimes I put it off and add serving string to problem areas, just so I can keep practicing. In my experience, the problem areas end up being, were you knock the bolt and it rides on the rail. And where the cables mount to the cams. Yes, yes, I wax both the rail and string (often), cable also, not as much on the cable. I'm contemplating asking the people that changed my strings to put extra serving string on these areas. Or, I'll do it myself. Anyways, wonder how/what other people think about this issue? Or maybe somebody has a few little tricks up there sleeve.🤔. Maybe future video?😊
Yes, I lubed the rail. After every seventh shot or so. Just throwing that in there. Don't want people to think, whatever they want to think.😊
the mag 340 its light weight....im getting 105 foot pounds............. easy to work on. good strings are cheap.. i can put 12 bolts in an inch group at 60 yards.......... i paid 400 canadian dollors for mine.... its got a life time warrenty.......my 600 grain bolt is 275 fps........... it will take any game in canada, did i mention its cheap its light weight easy to work on and got the best warrenty out there..... i will be hunting with this thing till i die i wouldnt trade it for a $ 5000 dollor 10point or ravin
That does sound pretty good to me!
...no cables=no troubles in the field...it`s as simple as that...
I've never had trouble with cables though, but did have a broken limb before a hunt on a recurve, so there's that...
I don't think you have to spend 2 or 3000 dollars to use a crossbow to hunt you can use a cheaper crossbow to hunt with just my opinion
Mine was $260 off Amazon its an off brand I've gotten a few deer with it I love it.
Bunjie has harvest many deer I say no if you spend 1000dollars kills deer if you spend 300 550 dollars kills deer. I'll stick with my Barnett
I have a Excalibur grizzly and it is all I will ever need simple and effective and easy to maintain 😂
I've been there...but hunt with a more modern one for a season and tell me that. I was surprised by what I was missing.
That was interesting good job
Comparing the OB to modern compounds, yes the speed is in the ballpark. However, the accuracy is far superior. You can't shoot from a rest with a compound.
Hence, yes, crossbows are superior to compounds.
Huge problem Rich. Huge! No MSG Tshirt?!!
😁
Doesn't matter that he doesn't have finger guards, you're over 6ft if i remember right so you're a big guy and the string is still like a half inch away😉
Wyvern Creations - Mag 340 is $599.95. I was one of those who paid $619.99 for a KI Swat X1 shipped to my home factory direct last fall. I wouldn't shop MSRP.
Sweet! I never thought to check wyvern, was I thinking LOL
72 ft lb is pretty high for a compound bow, not a lot of under 500$ compounds even in 2024 can achieve that.
A good point, but for crossbows it's half the energy of a modern one...
I have never been one of these "INOVATE" guys when it comes to guns, knives, archery, fishing, boats, vehicles or anything else. I like what I like and generally prefer time tested proven models that are classics vs ultra modern and full of problems. You know what they always say..."so an so person is going to keep on fixing something until they break it!" 😆 Ain't that the truth though...I mean seriously! What works very well and is great will still be 20+ years from now. What won't still be here are all the "INOVATED" failures, blunders and junk! 😉
The cool kids keep saying how outdated 1911 .45s, Browning Hi-Powers and revolvers are. Yet still anybody over the age of 40 +/- seems to greatly favor them! They work and are highly proven to work well. The same people even do that with GLOCK and HK these days. Really? Are you nuts?!
May I share your channel to an FB crossbow grup in my country? Thank you..
Sure!
Modern crossbows can get way better electronic solenoids triggers have been on uk airguns for 10 years plus best crossbow trigger 2lbs aigun electronic trigger you choose
Did Bunjie come with a scope? For that price
Yeah, but it wasn't even a speed scope a great question
Rich, here's an actual question...what does the $550 in 2010 equate to in today's market?
Watch the video he tells you
yea i saw that after i posted the question@@mikeorourke7171
Very nice taxidermy work, proud dad i bet.
There is a bear behind you...
😄
First! 👍👍
Where’s one able to purchase a t-shirt ?
Right now none available but we'll see!
Yeah Rich, buddy, you need to get that fixed. Pretty sure you'd sell out awfully quick. Just saying😊
no, its your baby.
I would be willing to bet you’ve killed more deer with the OB than most archery hunters have with their bow, crossbow or compound
Well, I am a deer hog 😆
First😅
I'd say 260 is fast enough because 260fps has taken deer since the 80's
I had the PSE FoxFire and the StarFire both were 260 FPS in the 80's.
They had to be rigged with a device called the Whipper Snapper it held the shaft to the barrel till it launched.
I was supposed to use 20 inch arrows but I used 22'' tipped with Muzzy 145 gr broadheads. and they shot wild with out the Whipper Snapper device.
I like being able to just lay down in a low spot and wait and watch the double heart trauma happen,....see by the time they hear the loud kerchunk of a PSE their about to fall,... it's kind of a double oh shit.
I had 2 what I considered better Cross bows the Horton's were 220, 230, 235, 250 fps depending on the model all would drop Deer with a scoped cross bow Horton had a mechanical device that worked perfectly turn the nob A B C D and you were on at different ranges.
If they were still in business they would still be top dog today,....PSE had cross bow sights that were perfect.
PSE never made a as far as I know working scope system, you could put a scope on but if you sight it in at 30 it will only hit at 30.
Hortons sights worked and their scopes worked too.
PSE's sights peep rear and 3-4 sight pins were exelent,...Scope system did not work.
Some sight company had a system for around $100.00,....it fit right on, you just couldn't cock the crossbow after?
Can't say if it would work or not.
All of the above says is the weight of your arrow and kinetic energy kills not speed.\
A heavy arrow absorbs more of the bows energy.
PSE sights were perfect.
Horton's sights worked and their scope system worked too.
Other Cross bows sights only worked at the range you sighted them in for,.... 1 sight pin