If you had to replace your crossbow...

[Driftless hunter]

If you lost your crossbow (stolen, house burnt/heaven forbid, wife sold it at her garage sale, etc...), what new crossbow would you buy to replace it & why?

Even though I am not new to bowhunting (35 years), I am looking to buy my first crossbow soon. I am drawn to the simplicity of Excalibur crossbows & their lifetime warranties.

I sort of miss the old days when most guys (not all) shot Muzzy or Thunderhead broadheads. You didn't even have to ask which one, except for maybe a 3-blade or 4-blade Muzzy. Today's market is saturated with choices. It can be overwhelming for someone starting out.

If you were staring over & I didn't own a crossbow, what current model would you be drawn to purchase?

Prior to hearing what others have to say, I am bit drawn to the price/features of the Axe/Mag 340.

[janesy]

Pretty tough to beat the Mag340

[onebigskittle]

You can't go wrong on anyone that you choose. Welcome to the forum.

[Riflemanz]

Axe 340 or mag 340

[Hatchet]

Mag 340. But I could be happy with any Excalibur. Also welcome to the forum.
Take care
Hatchet

[AJ01]

I can only have one??? Jeez!! You're joking right? Okay...I'll be serious.
Make mine a Micro. Any one of them. They are great in a tree stand, perfect for a ground blind, and have the energy to take anything in North America with the right arrow and broadhead combination.

But then again, I'd take any thing Excalibur makes.

Welcome to the Forum.

AJ

[xcaliber]

For the price, I would get a Mag 340

[mr meat]

Welcome to the forum! I would have to say the mag 340 never held one but everybody seems to like them

[W.Miguire]

340 Mag for sure
W.M.

[xcaliber]

Yes, welcome to the forum, sometimes I forget my manners. I would look at the trading post here too. I'm going backwards and recently nabbed a Vortex. Yes a bit slower, and wider, but I'm a bit slower & wider too!
Look at some of the other models in the Post, a Matrix 315 would serve a fellow just fine, and not too hard on the back. Good luck, hope you stick around and get what you're looking for.

[DuckHunt]

It's hard to argue with the bang for the buck of the Mag 340, but if mine were all to vanish and I had to start over, I'd start with a Micro 340TD. If I got a Mag 340, it would be a matter of time before it was equipped like a 340TD minus the TD.

It's looking like we're almost at a consensus on how much speed is really necessary.

[Boo]

Welcome to the forum! While the Axe or Mag bows are a fantastic deal, my choice would be the 355 Suppressor. I’m actually toying with purchasing one myself.

[flinthead]

I feel you brother... been bow hunting for about the same time. I totally remember the Muzzy / Thunderhead days!!

Look for an Excalibur Vortex, wherever you can find one in good shape, and buy it.... it will be amazing and will last you the rest of your hunting days.

Top it with the Leupold of your choice.... the Pig Plex works well...along with some 20” Black Eagle Executioners.

You could even top the Executioner’s with a 100 grain three blade Muzzy for old time sake.

After that... get the grill hot

[janesy]

Welcome to the forum! While the Axe or Mag bows are a fantastic deal, my choice would be the 355 Suppressor. I’m actually toying with purchasing one myself.

That was actually my choice too, but I wasn't sure if it was still in the current catalog.

[Driftless hunter]

I appreciate the warm welcome to the forum & good suggestions so far. Thanks!

I believe the 355 Suppressor is currently listed as the Micro Suppressor on line. I only know that, because I have been comparing models. The Micro Suppressor is rated @ 355 FPS (343 FPS w/ Sound Deadening System). Same crossbow or maybe the original 355 Suppressor wasn't a Micro? This is all new to me! I am speculating (or displaying my ignorance already).

Stating the obvious - the Mag 340 has a MSRP of $750, & the Micro Suppressor is $1,300.

Just thinking out loud -
Specs like draw weight (270 vs 280) & speed are very close for the Mag 340 & Micro Suppressor. Micro Suppressor has 30 mm scope rings & most likely a better scope. If scopes are something many upgrade, a slightly better scope may not be worth the extra cost initially. Do most guys upgrade crossbow scopes? I am too new to this to know. I have the impression many do.

Warranty - The Vortex receives high praise. You don't have to hang out on a crossbow forum for very long to see that. I could probably research this more myself, but does a lifetime warranty apply to the original owner who first registers the crossbow only?

Like some have already stated, I will be happy with whatever I decide to get. That's high praise for Excalibur! I see a trend of guys liking the Micro crossbows that shoot in the mid-300 FPS range. Apparently, speed isn't everything! Accuracy with a good broadhead is the ultimate goal!

I appreciate what has been shared so far. The love of past Excalibur crossbows and willingness to purchase current offerings is reassuring. I emailed Excalibur a few days ago, & I was told the 2021 models will be out before the end of this year. I am going to wait a bit for that to happen & keep doing more research in the meantime.

I can already tell this is a nice forum to be a part of, & I really appreciate that very much!