Crossbow superior to Bows?

[Atlar]

Recently got into crossbow-hunting, mainly because rifle/shotgun-hunting was starting to feel too easy.
Now the game feels challenging again yet I'm also droping more animals than ever, so that's nice :)

Anway, it seems to me that the crossbow is superior to bows in almost every way:
+ insane penetration, goes clean through the full width of a buffalo and the length of a deer
+ unlimited aiming
+ easier (long range) shots with the scope

The only downside I see is, that it takes much longer to ready a shot... but reflex shots or multiple shots on a herd are not easy with a bow, too.

So, am I missing something or are bows merely interesting for flavour or as an additional step up in challenge?

[Leadmagnet]

Bows are a step up as far as a challenge...look at the base accuracy and peak draw weight of the crossbow versus any of the bows. The crossbow posts better numbers for those two. The new bow sight makes them a lot easier to use and far better at longer range. My longest 5 pin sight hit is 89 yards; the longest hit with the new sight is 145 yards. The bulk of my shooting is still around 30 yards or less.

As far as penetration goes, at 2.77 yards, the new bow (2 tiers pumping iron) will go almost completely lengthwise on a water buffalo with a 600gr arrow.

[Everjumper]

Razerback with new bowsight is really easy to use. If use 5-pin, you can take another pistol.
The power difference is not significant, you cannot get fast kill by crossbow at the position bow cannot.
And the noise issue, bow will affect 50m, crossbow about 70m.
The best point I think crossbow has is it does not require perks and weapon xp, and can take down large target when you
dont have high calibre, friendly to beginner. I use it to gain xp until i unlock 600gr

[DanthemanBoone]

I use the crossbow almost exclusively for Cape Buffalo. You can hit a buff in a group and the rest will run, very seldom will it result in a charge. Can use both 420 and 600 gram on buffs with very little difference in results. Most of my shooting is done stalking in the trees along the river from Bush valley at 20 to 70 yrds. With the 420 bolts you can take everything from scrub hares up with full integrity.

[CaptainNebulous]

The disadvantage of the crossbow is that you can't take follow up shots really. The proper way to use the bow in this game is to take down multiple animals in a short time. Also in some instances I actually find the bows a bit more predictable than the crossbow. But if your plan is just to shoot one animal at a time then crossbow is usually a better choice.

[TamponTimmy]

Bows used to be very challenging. The new bow sight completely changed all that though. Now Bows are easier than rifles. You get all the accuracy of rifles plus massive penetration and damage.

I favour a bow over any rifle at short range. That tells you how good that new sight makes them. Because I can now pinpoint the shot with the bow, and that arrow is going to complete a pass through of the animal making quick kill 100% certain, in a way I can't be so sure of with a rifle.

[Funky Stunt]

Originally posted by TamponTimmy:

......massive penetration and damage.

Yup. Since this dang thing would not leave me alone, I asked it to BOW before my unrelenting charm and wit. I was just a touch surprised how fast it went down - right where I hit it.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1885262265

[Kentobu]

The bow is for a more challenging hunt, since it isn't just easy mode --- though I will say that the new sight is ludicrously advantageous.

The true downside of using a crossbow, is that you have to be that weird "look at how cool I am" guy actually carrying around a crossbow instead of a rifle or a bow.