Well it depends, you could make a bow from absolutely scratch which requires dex 13 to use and still be up to par with endgame bows you're able to find. Crossbows have a 14 or 15 dex requirement not sure, however since I suffer from legolas syndrome for me xbows will not be an option. Xbow AP cost is higher, damage is higher, range is lower and dex requirement is higher aswell. However since weapon damage scales with abilities, using abilities like, ricochet, barrage and arrow spray are way way way better with a crossbow.
When you hit act 2 you can literally pick up a great bow it is tricky to "find" the spot (bow is a level 14 weapon however), but it is there every game and it will be good atleast to level 18. Bow is called Heartseeker and it's a level 14 bow, so great for sextant and tormented soul aswell. (due to +1 bonusus becoming +2) It was from that point that my archer went from pretty decent damage to being Rambo.
With kind regards,
Rashar.
