Excalibur Matrix 380 Xtra, my take

[mchurch]

Like many, I have owned numerous crossbows. Almost all of them I could find things that really bugged me within 5 minutes of assembling them. I have owned an Excalibur Equinox, Bowtech Strykeforce, Tenpoint Phantom, Darton Serpent Limited 2, Kodabow Big Rhino, Excalibur Vortex and the Excalibur Exomax. Since 2007, I have been a die hard Excalibur fan, and have regretted numerous times switching to other brands.
I got a serious case of toy fever when the Matrix 380 Xtra came out. I was lucky enough to find someone who had a few, and I couldn't turn it down. When the box arrived, it looked way to small to have the Matrix in it, but sure enough, it did. I quickly assembled the bow, and was shocked how much smaller it was compared to my Equinox and Vortex. You really have to hold one to fully appreciate it. In no time I had the scope level and I was ready to go shooting. Seriously, the trigger is flat out amazing on this thing, and I have lots to compare it to. It is very light and crisp. The cocking was better than I could have hoped for. Right when you feel the weight stacking, the latches grab the string. I had bought some goldtip laser 4 arrows for this bow, and was glad I did because they shot so well with the Excalibur X act and the Ulmer Edge broadheads. Have a good target, those arrows are tough to stop. Considering the draw weight, I was amazed how quiet the bow was and how quickly it settled down after the shot. I can't understand why all the criticism of the scope. I have owned numerous crossbow scopes including the well respected Hawke Xb 30 and didn't feel like I was using a lesser scope. I have never been a fan of the chevrons in the Excalibur scopes, but I really like the new more refined version. I am very pleased with every aspect of the bow and kit., nice work Excalibur.

[vixenmaster]

It appears that you like yer new Matrix & its a 380 congrats

[excalibrett]

Glad you like the scope. My replacement (the one I am trying to sell) arrived yesterday from Danny Miller and is much better. It seems to be getting a bum rap-wonder if mine wasn't the only bad one out there?? Now if I could only sell the darn thing

[Hoagy]

Thanks for the great review mchurch. Very thorough
Quote "I had bought some goldtip laser 4 arrows for this bow"
Could you tell me what weight & length your arrows are?

Sounds like the 380 is a good fit for you for sure.
Thanks mchurch, Hoagy

[ComfyBear]

Glad you like the scope. My replacement (the one I am trying to sell) arrived yesterday from Danny Miller and is much better. It seems to be getting a bum rap-wonder if mine wasn't the only bad one out there?? Now if I could only sell the darn thing

Would you be interested in trading it for a Excalibur Lumizone?

[excalibrett]

Glad you like the scope. My replacement (the one I am trying to sell) arrived yesterday from Danny Miller and is much better. It seems to be getting a bum rap-wonder if mine wasn't the only bad one out there?? Now if I could only sell the darn thing

Would you be interested in trading it for a Excalibur Lumizone?

Ahhh...no thanks.

[mr meat]

glad you liked the bow! i have not had a chance to hold one yet! think i will be waiting till the Toronto Show!

[Mr.Whitetail]

Glad to hear the reveiws!! Wanting one myself - just been trying to find a dealer to set me up.

[bigredopie]

Great review my friend. I figured you might be in the market for a new toy when you sold your Vortex a while back. Those hogs will not know what hit them

[secret]

Good review! Thanks for the Honesty!

[cspot]

Thanks for the review. I will be pickin mine up on Saturday.

[j.krug]

Thanks for the review. Good to hear you're pleased with your new bow. Have fun.

[mchurch]

The laser 4's with 100 grain tip weigh right around 490 grains. I have fletched them with Goat tuff optivane 2 vanes. They come with 60 grain brass inserts. I wish they came with 100 or more grain brass inserts. It has been tough to get my Slick Trick or G5 montec broadheads to fly well. As a result, I am leaning toward Ulmer Edge and Excalibur X act broadheads.

[Mister B]

Hey Mc, I presume you got some Diablos with 150gr tips. Did you by chance weigh them? Just curious. I won't be able to get a Matrix till next month.
Thanks Wayne B

[cspot]

I had emailed Excal a while back about the diablo's, and they said that they weigh 250 grain, so with 150 grain broadhead you would be at about 400 grain.