How to determine age of crossbows

[okie143]

I am new to crossbows and crossbow hunting but not to archery in general. However, I cannot tell the age of a crossbow that doesn't have a date stamp or serial number.

Is there anyway to tell which model is the oldest? Reason: I can purchase several Excalibur models used but don't know how old they are because the seller bought them used as well.

For instance how old are the Exocet 200s? When did they upgrade the limbs or power stroke?

[racking up points]

I think for anyone on here to know definitively the age of the bows in question, you'd have to post pictures and a list of the stats you have on them: power stroke, camo finish, rail length, name on the rail, etc.... Someone will help you for sure.

Does it really matter how old the bows are? Save for a few cosmetic changes the exo-series bows are all the same...bulletproof.

Buy one, but on the cheap. Great deals out there. Check the trading post.

[awshucks]

For instance how old are the Exocet 200s?

My favorite Excal. Check out a Y-25 [25th ann model] They are 'handed', 925 right, 75 left, only 1000 made.

[Kegbelly]

This may help some, I ran across this info when trying to dig up some info on my bow:

ComfyBear wrote:
Spike Country wrote:
If I recall the only difference is the the 200 has the newer forward riser and the 175 has the older straight riser.

You're absolutely correct. Just a bit a history for those interested.

Prior to the introduction of the forward riser (in 2004), the magtip Excaiburs, i.e. Exomag, Exocet and Vixen, which all used the straight riser, had draw weights of 200lbs, 175lbs and 150lbs respectively.

It was the forward riser which added the additional 25lbs of draw weight. At that time the Exomag, became the Exomax (225lbs) in 2004, The Exocet became the Exocet200 in 2005. The exception was the Vixen which continued using the straight riser until 2005.

To fill the gap of the Exocet175, the Phoenix, which used the same 14" rail as the Vixen of that time, was introduced in 2005. The following year (2006) the Vixen had its rail shorten from 14" to 13.5' and used the forward riser, allowing it to retain its 150lbs draw weight. Also in 2006 the Phoenix, to meet its advertised speed, had it's rail lengthen from 14" to 14.5".

In 2009 Vixen, which previously was only available in "Deerhide Brown" finish, had it's name changed to the Vixen II and had a "Realtree Hardwoods" camo finish.

Hopefully I've given you some insight into the evolution of Excalibur crossbows throughout the years.[quote][/quote]

[Peacemaker]

I think you cut the stock in half, and count the rings......

[Xbowkiller]

I think you cut the stock in half, and count the rings......

[vixenmaster]

Most the Excals prior to 2000 were carved tip limbs & cast Risers

[cb750]

I recently purchased a used Equinox. Looking at the one on the site it appears mine is older than that one. For one the Excalibur logo is the old one. When did that change? I'm more curious than anything. Doubt I will be needing to replace it anytime soon. The previous owner said he thought it was 5 years old so 2009ish.

[JUSTANUFF]

Kegbelly,,,thanks for a very informative post,,

[JUSTANUFF]

Just curious,,,where did the aluminum rail Axioms fit in to the picture,,and what were it's specs?

[vixenmaster]

They made the alum. rail Axiom its 1st yr. then they went to the synthetic stuff

[vixenmaster]

Some of the 1st Excals were the Relayer that had a single bolt to the Riser in 1983. They madeWolverines wid a wood stock n cast Riser. Early E'cets wid a side safety instead of rear one

[Kegbelly]

Kegbelly,,,thanks for a very informative post,,

I just quoted someone else, they're the experts!

Also, I've read where at some point they changed the "Excalibur" logo style, and IIRC the nameplate was moved from one side of the bow to the other at some point but I don't recall the details and I can't seem to find that info again.
I sorta went thru something similar when I bought the Exomag, I bought it used and did a lot of digging after the fact, trying to figure out exactly what I had.

Keep an eye on the trading post section, been some good deals there. Also check Amazon occasionally, there's been a couple super deals come up recently on new bows but they don't last long, if you see something you like you better jump on it.