Please pardon any stupid questions, but I am new to here and to crossbows (Arbalists?). I found a great pin-style prod at DIGITARC in Belgium. I think it fits the bill for an early style Arbalist I want to make a project of. Wanted to ask if anyone was familiar with their 50V or 70V prods? Also, if anyone stateside has a comparable product? What are the in's and out's of ordering from this company in Belgium? I should not think that a steel prod would be anything that would set off the Homeland Security bells and whistles
Thanks

Hi Tinker,

As our recently departed friend Robin Allen used to say, "There are no stupid questions........................"

The two prods you refer to are very heavy in draw weights; being some 500 lbs for the 50V and 774 lbs for the 70V and IMO way too much for the average use. And you would certainly need a mechanical spanning device to go with them.

I would recommend that you look at Jim Koch's products at http://www.alcheminc.com/crossbow.html and pick out a prod or two of more practical weights. His prices are very reasonable and the prods are good value for the money, even if not exactly like the steel prods of old. Such authentic prods can be prohibitively expensive and unless one is striving for perfection in every regard, then they are not necessary for a satisfying result. But be prepared to wait for your Alchem order to be filled. Mine took quite a while, to say the least. I don't know why.

Please navigate your way back and forth through this forum and you will find most of your questions have been answered already. But at the same time, don't be shy about asking more. We're all here to help.

Pavise

Thanks for the feedback, I will take it to heart. I am learning! (PS: I Really like the rig at the top of this page) I used to have a friend who would do a lost wax casting for such fittings as on that piece... Waaay beyond my abilities...