Amazing weapon. I'm level 100 in archery, with about 100% bonuses, so I'm literally wrecking havoc, even on expert. So much fun.

Just wondering, will there be different types of crossbows? And how many types of bolts? .... Or is it safe to assume it has all the same types as bows and arrows did in the game before this add-on?

There are only the regular and Dwarven crossbows. Both have enhanced versions. There are Steel and Dwarven bolts as well as exploding ice, fire and shock bolts.

So you can upgrade them with Smithing?

Curious about the reload time though. Are they worth using in a drawn out archer battle or are they better for a one shot then move to melee style?

Yes, you can upgrade them with smithing. I think the crossbow is a good weapon all around. If they get in close just bash them and the next bolt will take them down most of the time.

Ok, sounds good enough for me. Thanks for the info.

And about the reload time, theres hardly any. I use it for all around battles, archery and melee. Its quicker release, so it makes up for the reload time, along with the bash move, its good for close encounters. It has a great feel to it, better than I imagined.

Well that's odd as I thought the reload time was the only drawback to the weapon. Having used both weapons myself in RL I would hate to get into a ranged battle with anyone using a crossbow as I can fire three arrows in the time it takes to reload and aim a crossbow. Granted crossbows do hit a lot harder.

In Morrowind the only character I ever had use one was an Orc warrior as it seemed to fit them better than a bow. A shame there isn't an Orcish Crossbow in Skyrim though.

what's the range like on them? Similar to comparable bows?

The range is the same. I noticed the bolt rises a bit when you shoot it though, sometimes I'd have to aim lower than normal. Not sure if this is the same for a regular bow though. I don't use archery very much.

Thank you for answer....yes depending on range bows also rise a bit