Excalibur vs TenPoint Crossbow Comparison

Pick Your Crossbow Like You Pick A Stand Location

If you want the simplest, toughest setup that keeps shooting in nasty weather and you do not care about cocking effort, I lean Excalibur.

If you want speed, a safer cocking system, and a quieter shot for tight timber or small parcels, I lean TenPoint.

I have hunted whitetails for 23 years, and I have burned money on gear that looked slick and did not help me kill deer.

I am not a guide or an outfitter, just a guy who splits time between a 65-acre lease in Pike County, Illinois and public land in the Missouri Ozarks.

The First Decision. Recurve Simplicity Or Compound Speed.

This is the whole fight right here.

Excalibur is mostly recurve crossbows, and TenPoint is mostly compound crossbows with cams and cables.

Here is what I do when I am choosing gear for a season.

I ask myself what is going to break, what is going to cost me money, and what will ruin a hunt at 42 degrees with cold fingers.

I learned the hard way that “fast” is not the same thing as “dead deer.”

Back in November 2019 in Pike County, Illinois, my biggest buck, a 156-inch typical, died because the bolt hit where it needed to, not because I gained 30 FPS.

If you are hunting public land in the Missouri Ozarks and you beat brush all day, forget about fancy and focus on simple durability.

If you are hunting a tight tree line behind a cut corn field in Southern Iowa and you only get one 18-yard window, forget about “simple” and focus on quiet and easy cocking.

Reliability Tradeoff. What Breaks In The Real World.

Recurve rigs like many Excaliburs have fewer moving parts.

That matters when you are hunting hard and you do not baby your gear.

TenPoint compounds have more parts that can wear, like cables and servings, but they also have more ways to tune and smooth the shot.

Here is what I do in my own garage.

I do a quick pre-season inspection in September, and I do a second check after any hard rain hunt.

This connects to what I wrote about where deer go when it rains because I am usually hunting right after weather shifts, and wet gear is when problems show up.

With a recurve, I look hard at the string and the limb tips.

With a compound, I check cable condition, cam timing marks if it has them, and I watch for serving separation.

My buddy swears by high-end compound crossbows because he says they shoot “like a rifle.”

I have found that a simple system that stays consistent beats a picky system that needs a shop visit mid-season.

Accuracy. Do Not Blame The Bow For Bad Bolts And Bad Practice.

Most decent modern crossbows will shoot tighter than most hunters can hold in a tree.

The real question is how well you can repeat the shot from awkward positions and bad angles.

I grew up poor and learned to hunt public land before I could afford leases, so I care about practical accuracy.

Here is what I do for accuracy testing.

I shoot broadheads at 20, 30, and 40 yards, and I shoot from the same pack or rest I will use while hunting.

I learned the hard way that field points lie.

Back in 2007 I gut shot a doe with my compound, pushed her too early, and never found her, and I still think about it.

That mistake changed how I practice and how I track, no matter what weapon is in my hands.

If you want more on making shots count, this connects to what I wrote about where to shoot a deer to drop it in its tracks because crossbows still kill with holes in the right place, not hype.

Excalibur recurves have a reputation for repeatable accuracy because the system is simple.

TenPoints can be laser accurate too, but you need to keep up with strings and cables, and you need good bolts.

Noise And Jumping The String. Quiet Matters Inside 30 Yards.

Crossbows are not silent.

In thick cover, I care about a quiet thump more than a high speed number.

TenPoint compounds are often quieter than recurves because of the way the energy dumps and the limb profile.

Excalibur recurves can be louder, and the bow has more “snap” to it.

This connects to what I wrote about are deer smart because mature does and older bucks learn fast, and noise is part of that lesson.

Here is what I do if I am worried about deer jumping.

I aim a touch lower in the chest at 20 yards and I pick calm deer, not deer that are already tense.

If you are hunting pressured ground like Buffalo County, Wisconsin public edges, forget about stretching range and focus on close shots and low movement.

If you want to time calmer deer on their feet, when I am trying to time deer movement, I check feeding times first because I see less “ducking” when deer are relaxed and feeding.

Cocking Systems. The Real Beginner Test.

I have two kids I take hunting now, so I care a lot about cocking effort and safety.

This is where TenPoint often wins, because their ACUdraw and other cocking systems can make a big difference for smaller shooters.

Excalibur can be cocked with a rope cocker, but it can still be a chore for some people.

Here is what I do when I am setting up a beginner.

I make them cock it five times in a row in the yard, then I make them do it sitting down like a tree stand seat.

If they cannot do it clean, it is not the right rig for them.

I learned the hard way that “they will figure it out” is a bad plan.

Back in the Missouri Ozarks on public land, I watched a new hunter fumble a cocking rope with cold hands and miss the only buck we saw that weekend.

If you are hunting in Ohio straight-wall zones and your kid is swapping between gun and crossbow seasons, forget about complicated and focus on safe, repeatable loading.

Maintenance Costs. What You Pay After The Register.

I process my own deer in the garage, taught by my uncle who was a butcher, and that mindset carries over to gear.

I do not mind work, but I hate surprise bills.

With Excalibur-style recurves, you usually replace strings more like a simple schedule.

With TenPoint compounds, you may pay more over time for string and cable sets and shop labor if you do not do it yourself.

Here is what I do to keep costs down.

I buy one spare string set before season, and I keep it in a sealed bag with a little wax and a cheap serving tool.

I wasted money on $400 ozone scent control that made zero difference, so I am picky about where my dollars go now.

This connects to what I wrote about an inexpensive way to feed deer because I would rather put money into habitat or tags than chase gimmicks.

Speed And Kinetic Energy. Do Not Chase Numbers Past Your Shot Window.

TenPoint often wins the speed race.

That can help with flatter trajectory, especially at 40 to 60 yards.

But I am going to say it plain.

If your real hunting shots are 18 to 32 yards in timber, speed is not your biggest limiter.

Your limiter is nerves, awkward angles, and not seeing the deer’s last step before you shoot.

Here is what I do with my own shot limits.

I set a hard cap based on where I can keep broadheads inside a paper plate every time from a hunting position.

On my Pike County, Illinois lease that is usually 40 yards.

On Missouri Ozarks public land in thick stuff, that is usually 25 yards.

This connects to what I wrote about do deer move in the wind

Trigger And Safety. Decide What You Trust With Cold Fingers.

A good trigger matters more than most guys admit.

If the trigger is creepy or heavy, you will punch it when a buck steps out.

TenPoint is known for good triggers on many models, and the safety systems are usually well thought out.

Excalibur triggers have improved a lot, but model to model it matters.

Here is what I do before I ever hunt with a crossbow.

I practice with gloves on at 28 degrees in the yard, and I test the safety and anti-dry-fire until it is muscle memory.

I learned the hard way that you do dumb stuff when you are excited.

Back in November 1998 in Iron County, Missouri, I killed my first deer, an 8-point buck, with a borrowed rifle, and I remember how shaky I was on that safety.

I do not want that feeling to turn into a mistake with a crossbow.

My Quick Rule of Thumb

If you hunt hard on public land in the Missouri Ozarks and you hate gear problems, buy the simpler Excalibur-style recurve and carry a spare string.

If you see deer ducking hard at the shot inside 25 yards, expect more misses and brisket hits, and move closer or pick calmer, feeding deer.

If conditions change to late season with bulky clothes and numb hands, switch to a TenPoint-style cocking system that you can run seated without fighting it.

Real Models I Would Actually Look At. And Why.

I am not going to pretend every model is equal.

You need to compare specific bows, not just brand names on a hat.

TenPoint Titan M1.

If I was buying a TenPoint as a do-it-all hunting bow, this is the lane I would shop in because it is built to be used, not just admired.

The ACUdraw-style cocking system is the selling point if you have kids or shoulder issues.

Excalibur Micro series, like the Micro 340.

This is the style I think about for a guy who wants dead simple and easy field service.

Recurve limbs and a simple string setup are easier to understand if you are not a tinkerer.

I am not saying you need those exact models.

I am saying pick a lane, then compare features inside that lane.

Where You Hunt Should Pick The Bow. Not The Internet.

Pike County, Illinois is big buck country, but leases are expensive, and I do not want to waste a sit fighting gear.

In that kind of place, I care about quiet, safe handling in a tree, and consistent accuracy.

That pushes me toward TenPoint for a lot of hunts, especially if I am in a lock-on and I want a clean cocking routine.

In the Missouri Ozarks, stuff breaks, strings get wet, and you crawl through junk.

That pushes me toward Excalibur-style simple gear because I can fix more of it myself.

Back in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, I hunted hill country with pressure, and the best deer came in tight and fast.

In those moments, short, handy, and quiet beat “fastest on paper.”

If you are also thinking about deer size and how that changes penetration needs, this connects to what I wrote about how much a deer weighs because a 210-pound Midwest buck is not the same target as a 130-pound Ozark deer.

Bolts And Broadheads. The Mistake Guys Keep Making.

People buy a $1,800 crossbow and shoot cheap bolts with random heads.

That is like buying a nice rifle and feeding it junk ammo.

Here is what I do.

I shoot the bolt weight the manufacturer recommends, and I run fixed blades if my bow tunes them well, or a strong mechanical if it does not.

I learned the hard way that “it flew fine once” is not a test.

I shoot three broadheads, not one, because one lucky head can hide a bad setup.

This connects to what I wrote about how much meat you get from a deer

FAQ

Is TenPoint better than Excalibur for beginners?

Most of the time, yes, because TenPoint cocking options like ACUdraw can make it safer and easier for new shooters.

If the beginner cannot cock it and load it smoothly, the brand does not matter.

Do Excalibur recurves really need less maintenance?

Yes, in my experience, because there are fewer parts like cams and cables to wear out.

You still have to watch the string and keep it waxed, and you still have to inspect limbs.

Should I pick speed or quiet for whitetails?

If most of your shots are under 30 yards in timber, I would pick quiet and a good trigger.

If you are hunting field edges and you can truly practice to 50 yards, speed helps with trajectory.

How far should I shoot a deer with a crossbow?

My rule is the farthest range you can keep broadheads in a paper plate every time from your hunting position.

For me that is 25 yards in thick Ozark cover and 40 yards on my Pike County, Illinois setups.

What is the biggest mistake people make after buying a crossbow?

They skip broadhead practice and they assume the scope is “set” forever.

Check zero after bumps, and practice from seated and standing positions.

Do I need a crossbow-specific rangefinder?

You do not need “crossbow specific,” but you do need fast, reliable yardage.

If you are hunting from a tree, range the main lanes before the deer show up.

The Gear I Would Not Waste Money On Again

I have burned money on stuff that did not matter.

The worst was $400 on ozone scent control that made zero difference for me on real hunts.

Here is what I do instead.

I hunt the wind, I get in clean, and I set up where deer want to be anyway.

This connects to what I wrote about deer habitat because the best “scent control” is being in the right place with a good wind.

If you want a cheap investment that actually pays off, my best cheap buy was $35 climbing sticks that I have used for 11 seasons.

I would rather have a mobile setup and better access than another bottle of magic spray.

What I Tell A Buddy Who Is About To Spend Real Money

Excalibur is the call if you want a tough, simple crossbow you can keep running on your own, even after a wet day and a long drag.

TenPoint is the call if you want easier cocking, a quieter shot, and a more “refined” feel for tight-window whitetail hunting.

Here is what I do before I buy anything that costs more than my first beater pickup did.

I picture a real sit, not a showroom, and I ask what will fail at 6:58 a.m. when I cannot feel my fingertips.

I learned the hard way that buying gear for the internet, instead of for my woods, makes you broke and frustrated.

Back in the Missouri Ozarks on public land, I have had mornings where everything was wet, the brush was grabbing, and I was still-hunting to a spot I scouted in August.

That is where simple gear earns its keep, and why I have a soft spot for Excalibur-style recurves.

But I am also honest about this.

On my Pike County, Illinois lease, I am usually in a tree with a clean lane, and the deer I care about tend to show up once, quiet, and close.

That is where TenPoint’s cocking systems and quieter shot make sense, because a fumbled cocking rope or a loud snap can wreck a whole month of planning.

If you are trying to learn deer behavior along with learning a new weapon, start simple with the deer basics.

If you are new to this, start with my breakdown of deer species so you are not mixing up what you are hunting and how it moves in your region.

Decide Your Realistic Shot Distance. Do Not Lie To Yourself.

This is the decision that should pick your crossbow, not speed ads.

If you are honest and your shots are 20 to 35 yards, both brands are more than enough.

Here is what I do before season.

I shoot 15 bolts at 20 yards, 15 bolts at 30 yards, and 15 bolts at my “maybe range,” and I do it from a seated position like a stand.

I learned the hard way that flat range groups do not equal hunting groups.

Back in 2019 in Pike County, Illinois, I watched a good buck step in, stop for three seconds, and then quarter away into brush, and the only reason I killed him was because my shot limit was already decided.

If you are hunting thick cover in the Missouri Ozarks, forget about 60-yard bragging rights and focus on getting inside 25 yards with a calm deer.

If you are hunting a bean field edge in Southern Iowa with a steady rest and you truly practice, then yes, a faster TenPoint style setup can buy you less holdover at 45 to 55 yards.

When I am trying to line up sit times with my best shot windows, I check feeding times first because a feeding deer is usually the least jumpy deer.

Make The Cocking Choice Based On Who Will Use It. Pride Ruins Hunts.

This is the mistake I see the most with crossbows.

Guys pick a bow that their body can cock in the garage, but not in a stand, in a coat, after sitting still for two hours.

Here is what I do when I set up a crossbow for a kid or a new hunter.

I make them cock it with the same gloves they will hunt in, and I make them do it without standing up.

TenPoint has a real edge here with systems like ACUdraw.

It costs more, but it makes cocking safer, more even, and more repeatable for smaller shooters.

My buddy swears by rope cockers because he says “less parts, less problems.”

I have found that for beginners, the problem is not the parts, it is the panic and the awkward body position.

If you are hunting late season in Buffalo County, Wisconsin hill country and you are bundled up like the Michelin Man, forget about tough-guy cocking and focus on what you can do clean and quiet.

This connects to what I wrote about do deer move in the wind because windy, cold days are when cocking struggles turn into rushed shots.

Pick Your Maintenance Burden. Either Pay In Time Or Pay In Money.

This is the tradeoff nobody wants to talk about after dropping $1,200 to $2,500.

Recurve systems like Excalibur are simpler, and that usually means fewer surprise failures in the field.

Here is what I do on recurves.

I keep a spare string, a stringer if the model calls for it, wax, and I check brace height the same way every time.

Here is what I do on compound crossbows like most TenPoints.

I budget for string and cable replacement, and I do not pretend I am “saving money” by ignoring wear until it blows up.

I learned the hard way that skipping maintenance is just gambling.

Back in 2007, after that gut shot doe I pushed too early, I started taking the unsexy parts serious, like prep, patience, and checking gear, because mistakes stack up fast in the woods.

If you want the crossbow you can understand and service without a press, that points toward Excalibur.

If you want the smoother draw cycle and quieter shot, and you are willing to pay for upkeep, that points toward TenPoint.

If you want more on how weather changes hunts and gear problems, this connects to what I wrote about where deer go when it rains because wet sits show you what your setup is really made of.

Decide If Quiet Matters More Than Speed For Your Woods

This decision is simple if you are honest about your cover.

Inside 30 yards, noise matters, because deer react before the bolt gets there.

TenPoint compounds tend to be quieter than many recurves.

Excalibur recurves can have more snap, and in tight timber that can mean more ducks and spins.

Here is what I do if I am hunting close in cover.

I aim low third on the chest at 18 to 25 yards, and I only shoot deer that look relaxed and unaware.

If you see a mature doe with her head up and her body tight, forget about “threading the needle” and focus on waiting for the next step or the next deer.

This connects to what I wrote about are deer smart because old does teach young deer what danger sounds like.

Make Your Bolt And Broadhead Setup Match The Bow. Cheap Bolts Waste Deer.

This is a mistake, not a preference.

Too many hunters spend big on the crossbow and go bargain-bin on bolts, inserts, and heads.

Here is what I do every season.

I shoot the exact bolt weight the manufacturer recommends, and I spin-test every broadhead before it ever sees a target.

I learned the hard way that “close enough” ruins blood trails.

I have lost deer I should have found, and I have found deer I thought were gone, and both stories usually start with a bad hit and end with a long night.

If you want a clean reminder of what a bad hit costs you, this connects to what I wrote about how much meat from a deer because meat in the cooler starts with a bolt in the right spot.

If you want to keep your shot choices simple, this connects to what I wrote about where to shoot a deer to drop it in its tracks because crossbow or compound, the vitals do not move.

Decide What “Field Fixable” Means To You

This is a real tradeoff, especially if you hunt public land.

I can fix more recurve problems myself in camp or at the truck than I can with a compound crossbow.

Here is what I do on trips away from home.

I pack a spare string, wax, an extra scope battery, and a small set of Allen keys that fit every bolt on the bow.

In the Missouri Ozarks, that matters because you are not always ten minutes from a pro shop.

In Pike County, Illinois, I am usually hunting closer to towns, but I still do not want to burn a prime cold front sit driving around for parts.

If you want to understand why big deer can still vanish after a “good” hit, this connects to what I wrote about how fast can deer run because even a mortally hit deer can cover more ground than most people think.

FAQ

Which brand holds up better for hard public land hunting?

I lean Excalibur for hard public land because recurve simplicity means fewer things to go out of tune after a fall or a wet hike.

If you are rough on gear in the Missouri Ozarks, that matters more than speed.

Will a TenPoint kill deer “deader” because it is faster?

No, not if your bolt placement is the same.

Speed helps trajectory and can help penetration a bit, but a bad hit at 420 FPS is still a bad hit.

How often should I replace strings and cables?

On recurves, I replace strings on a schedule or at the first sign of serious wear, and I keep a spare ready.

On compounds, I watch servings and cable wear close and I plan on replacement sooner, especially if I shoot a lot.

What should I practice with, field points or broadheads?

I practice with both, but I confirm with broadheads every year because that is what I hunt with.

I learned the hard way that field points can hide a setup problem.

Is a recurve crossbow too hard to cock for kids?

Sometimes, yes, depending on draw weight and the kid’s size.

If your kid cannot cock it seated five times in a row without drama, switch to a better cocking system like TenPoint ACUdraw or pick a different bow.

Do deer really “jump the string” on crossbows?

Yes, especially close, especially on pressured deer, and especially if they are already tense.

If you keep seeing hard ducks inside 25 yards, move closer and pick calmer deer or quieter setups.

My Last Word Before You Spend The Cash

Excalibur and TenPoint both kill deer clean if you do your part.

The best choice is the one you can cock safely, keep maintained, and shoot with confidence on your worst morning, not your best one.

Here is what I do with any new weapon, crossbow or not.

I set my shot limit, I practice from a stand position, and I stop chasing gadgets that do not put bolts through ribs.

I wasted money on that $400 ozone scent control because I wanted an easy answer.

Now I focus on access, wind, and being ready when the deer takes that one last step into my lane.

If you keep it that simple, either brand can work.

If you do not, both brands can still let you make a bad decision fast.