Matrix 405 or Bulldog

[Opey]

I'm brand new to the crossbow world and I have been doing a ton of research on which xbow to buy. I have decided on Excalibur Bulldog. I was strongly looking at the Matrix 405 but they seem to be discontinued for this year. Well I just found a 405 pkg for $899. Which is a huge saving but I'm nervous because I can't find out why they where discontinued.
I did go and shoot the Matrix 405 and I did really like it. Unfortunately they did not have the Bulldog in stock to compare. I am tempted by the savings but I'm the type that I buy the best I can because I will not be buying a second xbow for ten years or so. So if the bulldog is the better bow I don't mind spending the extra cash but if there isn't a difference as far as performance then I'll save the cash. Any info, advice, or suggestions are welcome.. Thanks

[ThunderXB]

I'm in the same situation you are. Buying my first crossbow.

I went Bulldog on recommendation from experienced friends, but then again I didn't find a 405 package for $899 either!!

From what I've seen,that's a great price.

[Boo]

Mega 405 on for $899 ? Must be USD and if not I want one!

Between the two though, I would prefer the Bulldog. Little shorter and a little less draw weight, virtually same speed.

Also, a better balanced bow.

[newbie]

Mega 405 on for $899 ? Must be USD and if not I want one!

Between the two though, I would prefer the Bulldog. Little shorter and a little less draw weight, virtually same speed.

Also, a better balanced bow.

X2, feels much nicer in the hands.

[Boo]

by newbie

X2, feels much nicer in the hands.


I sure hope you and Boo are still talking about the bow!

Well I am! Donno about that other guy, who ever he is

[newbie]

I like oranges fer sure!
Don is just being shy.

[robertyb]

They discontinued the 405 because of the new 400. They did have a lot of limb problems with the 405s but claim that the problem has been fixed and it appears that it has been as the reports of split limbs have pretty much gone away.

Your choice...buy knowing you have one of the top crossbow companies lifetime warranty covering you on whichever bow you choose.

[mchurch]

Does anyone own the bulldog 400 yet?

[paulaboutform]

Thank you after careful reviewing on other cross bow sites we found many reports of M405 Limb issues.Some M405 owners have 2-3 Limb breakages .We decided to go with a Darton 160.

......Joe, you are so transparent. Oops, sorry, too many letters. You are so easily exposed. That's more easy understanding....duuhhh, aarghh, wwaaahhh. Just to word it for you understand better talking. Lonely up their I take it.

[wildcatter]

Joe you are easy to scare. The limb problem was as stated, pretty obvious you use your head and think about it, for some time no problems, then a run of limb problems, and now again, no more problems!!! Pretty elementary if you tink the facts thru.

I have 2 and fer me 100% fail free, well over 100 hours cocked time, and over 100 shots on the oldest one. I have discussed this and was assured I was making a big mistake if I get rid of them. As it stands I have 2 of the fastest, most accurate long range bows Excalibur ever built, and are no longer available. I was also assured that the limbs are now 100%,, as Excalibur no longer uses an outsourced camo service to finish the limbs. They are now done in house 100% and are no longer subjected to the temperatures that were being used on days this other company was being loaded down heavy with other Excalibur and other manufacturers wanting everything on a timetable. Now they have total control, and as we have seen, Micro and Mega limbs are not being heard of, and trust for the last year there were more of these bows sold than any other model out there.

So run Joe, run, but save the stories here because there are a few around hear that do know the other side of the story,,,,

[Opey]

Slow down guys! I'm on enough other sites where people get in pissing matches and lose track of the subject. All Im asking for is honest opinions and Joe if that is your experiences than thank you for sharing it! However like I said, I do my research and if I find that Joe seems to be lying then I realize that and take it with a grain of salt. Joe is the one that has to face GOD someday and explain why he stole from his brother.
But if I'm understanding the majority it would be benificial to buy the M405? And it is a brand new one, not used.

[wildcatter]

Joe you never seen any such thing, you are reading into more than my words, I stated I have a Kool bow coming,,,,, if you think a Scorpyd is a cool bow,,,, I can understand why you act the way you do!!!

[Shadytree]

The 405 had only been on the market a couple of years when it was completely redesigned and introduced as a slightly slower bow. That is not typical behavior for any company unless there is a product design issue. I know Excal is fervently defending the story and is tired of the couple of individuals on this board who continue to question it. I run my own business and have developed numerous products. If there were no design issues with the 405 then someone explain to me the 350LE.
I'd purchase a Bulldog and not look back.
That being said Excal has an excellent warranty and will have your back no matter what you end up with.

[Opey]

Sorry for the repost. I'm new to the forum and I did not see the search ability. I found a previous post that answered my question. But can anyone tell me when that batch of bad limbs came out? Was it recently or a year or two ago?
I have to save up a little more cash and if they still have it I will be purchasing the M405.
Thanks for the information.

[newbie]

To me its irrelevant when they came out. They have addressed the issue and IF you have a set go bad(bad batch) rest assured your next set will not be from it