I've been thinking about getting into bow hunting so I can get in on the early season. I just don't see myself spending $4,500 or even $1,500 for a bow that doesn't hold it's value like a gun does. What would aldeer suggest for a newbie in the $800 range. I will be hunting from a ground blind and a tree stand, and I may have to walk up to a mile to get to a stand, so I believe weight will be important. Also, some of the tree stand are very protected, therefore, size and weight will matter as well. Do you suggest getting a quality bow to start out or just a cheap bow that will get me through? I'm not much into buying twice, I would rather have something that will last. I'm worried about some of the cheaper materials holding up to the power of the bow, I've read too much about broken limbs or strings. I will be practicing throughout the spring and summer that is why I am asking now. I don't want a bow that is going to blow up on me and cause me down time, because with my luck, it will happen the evening before my first hunt. I've read and researched on youtube and qwant, and I am still confused.

Centerpoint would be a good place to start

My Barnett hunter has also been good - my 2nd year w it - bolts and broad heads - think I got less than $550 in it.

Center point hands down best value for the dollar

Killer Instinct makes lightweight, fast and accurate crossbows for about $300. I really like that it takes AR stocks (tight fit though) and has a pic rail to add whatever fore grip you want. I'll probably get a higher end x-bow one day, but it's good enough for now.

I have a centerpoint 415 amped with a ravin speed dial scope on it. My bow is not small or light as the ravins bows the fellas at my lease have. but it will shoot side by side with them for a fraction of the price.

Ten Point vote here. Made in Ohio and great people to deal with if you need them.

The center point 425’s are on clearance at Walmart for $200 right now I bought one for my girls to shoot next year. Cheap and effective!

^^^^
That’s cheap

I'm a diehard Tenpoint fan, and the Tenpoint Titan is their entry-level bow, and it's a great rig. I've not personally used any of the wicked ridge models, but they're made by Tenpoint so you'll still get their same great service and quality at a lower price.

Wicked Ridge crossbows are great and affordably priced (compared to the pricier TenPoint models). Both are super.

The Wicked Ridge Woodsman is on sale, and the TenPoint Blackhawk is a solid bow at a good price. I'd hunt with either of them. The Wicked Ridge Invader 400 offers about 35 more foot-pounds of KE vs the other two. All three will kill animals with a proper shot.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to see them:

https://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/product-category/crossbows/

I bought a wicked ridge Invader crossbow last fall. It came with a TenPoint scope and seemed to work fine. It killed 4 deer. After all the discounts at BassPro I paid $180 for it.

Now I need to get my bow strings fixed because shooting a crossbow just doesn't feel right. But It worked in a pinch and I'm glad I have one now for the kids.

I have a Center Point 370 - https://wildproofgear.com/best-hunting-crossbows-under-400/ and the 3rd Center Point I have owned over the years. It will hit a tennis ball at 40 yrds and shoots around 370 fps. For the money it is a fine xbow. I have taken 6 deer with it and none have complained about being shot with a low money bow. You could easily spend another grand but not gain much performance.

I had one listed back in the fall in the classifieds. 10 point.

Find you a used Excalibur, I bought a micro 335 for my son and it has served us well! Fast enough and very compact, can de cock it and change strings etc on your own. For a crossbow it will last however long you wanna use one. I’ve seen some on archery talk and eBay. If you want faster than 335 then they make on up.

I have a Horton I'll sell cheap. I upgraded and no longer need.