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Excalibur Matrix 380 Crossbow Package, Realtree Xtra, 260-Pound Review

The Excalibur Matrix 380 Crossbow provides hunters with the newest generation of crossbows. This model provides durability and performance in a small size and powerful recurve shape. The arrows explode from the bow with serious power. This bow is unlike any other with its intentional design to be quiet and power at the same time. This is the bow that hunters dream about.

Features

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This crossbow is a recurve bow dipped in a Realtree camo pattern. It blends in nicely with its surroundings, whether in a blind or in the woods. It is powerful enough to take down large bears and moose with ease. The crossbow is narrow, so it can fit in the tightest spots without sacrificing a shot. Its small size prevents it from getting caught on branches and brush on the way to the blind. It is so small and compact that restringing while hunting is not a problem.

The bow has a Tact-Zone Scope that includes multiple reticles that can be adjusted for the varying speeds of this bow. The scope makes shooting a breeze because it sights and holds the sight. It is nearly impossible to knock the scope off from zero. The scope has illumination, so this bow can be used at any time of the day or night.

It is a safe bow that has the Guardian Anti-Dry Fire system in place. This bow will not fire if it does not have a nocked arrow. It has a smooth trigger that allows arrows to travel powerfully up to 80 yards away. The bow weighs just under six pounds, making it comfortable to carry around on a long day of hunting.

Draw Weight & Length

The power in this bow comes from the draw weight, which is a heavy 260 pounds. The power stroke is 13.1 inches, which is manageable. Since 260 pounds of draw weight is not a reasonable amount for any hunter, the bow has a cocking rope which makes the draw quite smooth. It requires very little effort to pull the rope, especially considering the draw weight. With this powerful draw weight, the safety device is of the utmost importance. The safety automatically engages and disengages at firing time.

Velocity

With a 260-pound draw weight, the arrows are expected to fly. And they do, at speeds up to 380 feet per second. The kinetic energy of the arrows measures in at 109 ft. lbs. At 45 yards, the kinetic energy barely drops to 99 ft. pounds. This bow is truly impressive. It the arrows breaches the target, it does not take long for the animal to bleed out.

Assembly

This bow is not the easiest to assemble, because it requires the bow to be strung. Fortunately, the process is sped up because the assembly comes pre-strung. The limbs need to be placed on the riser and the foot stirrup needs to be put in place, too. The bow comes with the necessary hardware and Allen wrenches, too. Once those parts are put in place, the sights need to be added. Then, the scope can be added. It is well sighted out of the box, but most hunters need to fire a few test shots to get it dead accurate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

This bow is an outstanding piece of machinery. From the quality of the scope and the rope cocking device, the bow cannot be topped. It is attractive, small, and powerful. The durability is unmatched. It is a safe bow that also comes with a five-year unconditional warranty.

The accuracy at long distances and the power from those distances is unrivaled. The bow is an absolute joy to shoot. The small size makes it easy to hid in any blind or from any tree stand. It is extremely quiet, too.

Cons

There are just a few negatives about this bow, but they are minor. The first is that the scope can sometimes seem dark, but it is not a frequent occurrence. The other problem with the bow is the fact that it needs to be strung when taken out of the box. There are plenty of high-end bows that do not require this.

Final Thoughts

If you love hunting and you love the adrenaline rush that comes with firing a well-made crossbow, you will love this one. The features are remarkable, the design is nearly perfect, and the manufacturing is top notch. You will not be disappointed in the performance of this beautiful hunting tool.

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Parker Bows Challenger Ladies Crossbow Package with 4X Multi-reticle Scope Review

As the women’s and youth hunting market continues to grow, the Parker Bows Challenge Ladies Crossbow continues to impress the hunters and shooters who use it. This bow provides a lightweight option for women and children while still providing power for the largest game. It is a joy to use and has several useful features.

Features

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The bow comes in a pink Muddy Girl camo pattern. It look great, but does not blend it well with surroundings. It is a compact bow, with an axle-to-axle measurement of just under 22 inches. The overall length measure 31.75 inches, so its compact design makes it easy to store and carry. It has an ambidextrous safety and an automatic anti-dry-fire mechanism. It includes a pistol grip, too.

The bow is lightweight – only 5.5 pounds, so it can be carried all day. The bow is made in the USA and has machined aluminum riser, which is why it is so lightweight. It has a balance point that increases accuracy so the bolts can reach serious speed. The forearm is vented and the barrel is made of ballistic polymer.

Draw Weight & Length

The draw weight can be adjusted to weights between 125 and 150 pounds. The length is 10.6 inches, so it is manageable for shooters of all sizes. The draw weight can be reduced with a cocking rope. The mechanism is smooth so hunters can get consistency in their shots. Children who use this bow will appreciate a good cocking rope to aid them in target practice and in all-day hunter expeditions.

Velocity

Even though the bow is small and pink, it is a serious weapon. The velocity can reach speeds over 275 feet per second. When the draw weight is set to 150 pounds, the bolts can reach speeds up to 300 feet per second. This is impressive. This means the kinetic energy can vary between 67 foot pounds when the draw weight is set low to 80 foot pounds at the heavier weight. If the target is farther away than point blank range, the kinetic energy will drop a few percents for every 10 yards. But, at 30 yards a large deer could certainly suffer. For a young or rookie shooter, these speeds are enough to make the experience worthwhile.

Assembly

This bow take about 10 to 15 minutes to assemble when following the included instructions. The bow needs to have the cable guide installed, then the prod needs to be attached to the stock. Finally, the quiver needs to put on the bow. Once the bow is assembled, the next thing to do is to set the draw weight. There are shims that need to be removed to increase the weight, but the instruction are included with the bow, too. This step only takes a minute or so.

Pros & Cons

Pros

There are several good reasons to add this crossbow to a hunting arsenal. It is lightweight, compact, and powerful. The fact that it is pink makes it fun for women and children to shoot. It can be hidden in the right blind or tree stand. The bow comes with a quality scope that is pre-sighted. This high quality scope has a 4×32 multi-reticle, so it is easy to find the target and make the shot. Even though the scope is pre-sighted, it might need to be adjusted after assembling the bow. But, once the scope is sighted, it stays sighted. The scope is not illuminated, but it works in some low-light conditions. It does not take long to get used to the capabilities of the scope.

The safety protocols are also quality. The automatic safety is important for young shooters. This one works without error. It engages when it should and the fact that it is ambidextrous adds to the safety features. The trigger is smooth and does not jerk back at the shooter.

Cons

There are just a few cons with this bow. The first is the color. Although, the color is a fun part of the bow, it is not the best option for a day hunting in the woods. Sometimes the laminate comes off of the bow, which can be problematic when out in the woods, but the manufacture takes care of the problem quickly and accurately. The other problem with the bow is the fact that the scope is not illuminated; this limits the amount of time the bow can be shot.

Final Thoughts

For a rookie shooter, this bow gets the job done. It is easy to carry and has a smooth and accurate shot. What more could a hunter ask for?

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Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow Package Review

The Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow is a peerless weapon designed for the serious hunter. It has one of the fastest speeds on the market and the quality construction is unmatched. It is lightweight and compact, so it can be used in nearly any blind or tree stand with comfort. It includes several impressive features as well as patent-pending designs from the manufacturer. The safety and power are second to none.

Features

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The crossbow comes in a technical black color making it an intimidating machine right out of the box. The precision tool does require climate controlled storage as well as regular maintenance on the strings. Waxing is recommended after every 10 shots. The measurement from axle to axle is 20 inches, which is compact for a bow of this power.

It has a high quality scope with 3×32 reticule. It is also illuminated, so shots can be accurately taken at any time of the day. Because of the scope and the accuracy, it is possible to hit tight groupings around two inches from 50 to 60 yards distances. The scope is pre-sighted and it remains accurate in all weather conditions.

The crossbow is perfectly designed with ergonomics in mind. The weight is set so the bow does not feel heavy on the front end. The trigger is smooth and flawless, so shots are consistent. No other bow is as easy to aim.

Draw Weight & Length
The draw weight is 185 pounds, but with the included cocking rope, the weight drops to 90 pounds. The foot stirrup makes cocking the bow more accessible for all hunters and using the stirrup prevents any injury while cocking the bow. The cocking aid makes it easy for any hunter to set the bolt and take a shot. The draw length is fully adjustable, so any hunter can use this bow.

Velocity

Game of any size need to be on the look-out for hunters using this crossbow. It shoots at speeds up to 410 feet per second. It is important to use the right types of arrows with this bow because of the intense speeds and over 145 foot pounds of kinetic energy. The energy drops a mere two pounds for every ten yards, but even at 60 yards, the energy is more intense than most bows. This is a serious weapon, and it can take down any large game that is legal to shoot.

Fortunately, with serious speed and power comes serious safety. The bow has an anti-dry fire mechanism that includes an automatic safety. The bolt will not shoot until it is in the proper position – making it one of the safest bows on the market.

Assembly

Along with safety and excellent design, this bow has one of the easiest assemblies of any on the market. The foot stirrup is a part of the design and so is the scope. The easy assembly can be completed in under five minutes. Shooters just need to attach the quiver and the riser to the stock. It requires a total of three screws. No other bow can be assembled that quickly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

The pros of this bow certainly outweigh any cons. All game are “game” with this bow, making it a perfect tool for any hunter looking to expand into larger animals. The FPS is impressive and intimidating. The accuracy can be seen at ranges over 70 yards – most other bows lose accuracy around 50 to 60 yards. The lightweight makes it easy to carry and to store. Its compact size also makes it a great weapon for small spaces. The impressive scope allows the hunter to aim and fire with trust. Even the assembly was well planned by the manufacturer. The balance of the riser makes it an enjoyable weapon to use all day long.

Cons

There only two drawbacks to this bow. The first is the need to wax the strings after every ten shots. This can get a bit tedious after a while and can slow down target practice and serious hunting expeditions. The other problem is that the bow needs to be stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Final Thoughts

This weapon is second-to-none. Whether is use for hunting or target practice, the pure power of the bow is inspirational. Other manufacturers should take note of the quality of the construction and the accuracy of the scope.

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Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow Kit Review

The Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow Kit bow (Rope Cocker, 3 Arrow Quiver, 3 Crossbolts, Rail Lubricant, 3 Practice Points, 4×32 Glass-Etched Reticle Lighted Scope) will make you look twice. This bow is designed to look just like something the military would use. It is a top-of-the-line bow that offers superior shooting capability with accuracy and power. This bow is totally customizable so you can make it even better than it already is.

Features

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This crossbow comes loaded with power. It includes a patent-pending Picatinny platform that fits AR parts from military and commercial manufacturers. The rails is 29 inches long, providing plenty of space full customization. Even the length of pull is adjustable to fit the style and speed of the shooter. From axle-to-axle, the crossbow measures 13.5 inches when fully cocked. This lets hunters fit into tight spaces and still get the shots they want from blinds or tree stands. The no-creep trigger allows for a lethally clean shot. The bow also comes coated with SilenTech; this finish keeps the vibration and sound down for better hunting the quiet of the woods.

Draw Weight & Length

The draw weight comes in at a reasonable 175 pounds. It comes with a cocking rope, which lowers the draw weight significantly, making it reasonable to use this bow on a full day (or weekend) of hunting. The cocking rope keeps the draw consistent, which makes the shots more accurate, even as the shooter gets tired throughout the day. The cams are smooth, keeping the shot consistent, too. The bow includes a safety and anti-dry fire mechanism. Hunters who prefer to use the trigger will appreciate the 3.5 pounds of draw weight. The draw length on this crossbow are adjustable. The different choices are between 13-19.5 inches.

Velocity

With the draw weight and length, the velocity of bolts is impressive. It is possible to reach 360 feet per second with 115 foot pounds of kinetic energy. Of course this speed is reached at close distances, but it is still possible to maintain 340 feet per second at 40 to 50 yard away. This speed is certainly enough to take out large game like elk, moose, and impressively sized deer. These speeds can create serious impact on a target block, so be sure you have the backs stopped firmly.

Assembly

With easy-to-read instructions, the crossbow can usually be assembled in about 15 minutes. After attaching the cable slide and mounting the limbs, the foot stirrup is attached. Then, the scope and quiver need to be mounted. Once that is finished, the scope can be quickly sighted – usually in about two shots – and hunting can commence. There are videos available for shooters who prefer to watch see the assembly rather than reading about it.

Pros & Cons

Pros

The benefits of this crossbow are easy to see. It comes in a intimidating black color making it look like a military-grade tool. The dark color blends in well with ground blinds. It is a lightweight bow, weighing in at 8.3 pounds; there are lighter bows, but not with so many benefits.

The best part of the bow is the scope, which is dead-on accurate after hardly any sighting. The 4×32 scope is illuminated and it has glass-etched reticles for easy spotting. Once it is sighted, the scope stays that way. The scope works in every light conditions without problems. It is fog-resistant, too.

The long rail is another benefit to the crossbow. It is long enough to add nearly any accessory with room to spare. The six-position AR stock is a plus, too. Another benefit is the fact that the arrow can be shot with a traditional draw or with a trigger, depending on the style of shooting the hunter prefers.

Cons

Most crossbows have at least one downside, but there is not much to take note of this one. The only complaint would be the color. Some hunters prefer to shoot a bow dipped in camo because they are easier to hide in tree blinds. The 8.3 pounds weight can get heavy after a long day of hunting, too. Other than that, this bow is nearly perfect.

Final Thoughts

The power and accuracy of this crossbow make it a favorite with hunters of all experiences. It comes with one of the best scopes available. Hunters and shooters cannot go wrong with this strong and speedy bow.

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Excalibur Matrix 330 Mobu Vari Zone Crossbow Camo Large Review

Strong and accurate are the two words that best describe the Excalibur Matrix 330 Mobu Vari Zone Crossbow. This bow is covered in Mossy Oak camo so it is easy to hid in the woods and in a blind. It is one of deadly crossbow with the ability to take out the largest game – including bear, elk, and moose. It is lightweight but incredibly powerful.

Features

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This crossbow is compact and light, making it easy to store and carry. It does have a safety mechanism, but it does not have an anti-dry firing system. Once the bolt is engaged, the safety engages, too. It is a loud crossbow, but it is not the loudest on the market. The recurve shape of this crossbow comes with a rope cocking device, there is no reason for any shooters to get tired using this bow throughout a full day of hunting.

It comes with a 4×32 Vari-Zone scope with distances measured at 10 yards ranges between 10 and 50 yards. It is a bright scope when looking through it, but the fact that it is not illuminated limits the time the bow can be accurately used. The optics in the sight have an anti-fog coating; the highly reliable scope itself is water- and shock-proof. Since the scope is vital to the performance of any bow, it is helpful to know that it holds its sight for months, even if it is just sitting in storage.

Draw Weight & Length

In order to get the velocity this bow delivers, the draw weight is quite heavy. It requires 220 pounds of draw to get the power the bolt need to make the shots hunters strive to reach. Despite this draw weight, there are bows that need even more power to send. The power stroke is 11.4 inches. The weight of the crossbow is only 5.1 pounds and the total length of the bow is 33.9 inches. The small weight does make the draw weight easier to tolerate, especially since it comes with a cocking rope to make the job accessible to shooters of all sizes.

Velocity

The velocity of this small and powerful crossbow is mighty fast. At 330 feet per second and 84 foot pounds of kinetic energy, this can pierce thick hide with ease. It can be expected to puncture a large animal – even a big Cape buffalo.

Assembly

The crossbow does require some minimal assembly that usually takes less that 15 minutes. You will need an Allen wrench for cap screws and washers for the limb system. The stirrup needs to attached to the riser front. The last two steps include adding the scope and the quiver. Once that is finished, you simply need to sight scope, take a couple of practice shots to be sure everything is ready and you are off to memorable hunting expeditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

There are several benefits to being an owner of this crossbow. The power it delivers is remarkable. The recurve design makes it a pleasure to shoot and the accuracy is better than nearly every other bow. Even the manufacturer’s customer service is outstanding. The style of the bow with its camo dipped look is impressive. The bow comes with all of the tools and instructions needed for easy assembly. Once the scope is sighted, it is difficult to knock out of alignment, so each hunting trip does not require realignment. It comes with a cocking rope, which is necessary considering the intensely heavy draw weight on the bow.

Cons

While the draw weight is important to the power of the bow, it one of the cons to it. The 220 pound draw weight is quite difficult to draw this bow by hand, especially for a complete day of hunting. The cocking rope helps ease the challenge. The other problem with the bow is the scope; while it is a useful tool and very well made, it is not illuminated so it limits the time that the bow can be safely shot. Because of the power of the draw, the bow does need strong bolts – which can get expensive over time.

Final Thoughts

The bow is a serious hunting tool and is easy to respect. Even if it has a few faults, it is a great product that is designed to take down big game. The power, accuracy, and size of the bow makes it a top choice.