Excalibur Matrix 355 Review

[Fishous]

Excalibur Matrix 355 First Impressions

I recent purchased an Excalibur Matrix 355 crossbow. I used a Dunhams 30% off coupon, so I basically got it for $600.

So far, I really like this crossbow. I'll break down the items of the crossbow and highlight pros and cons of each:

Overall Impression:
Pros: The Matrix 355 is light weight (5.4 lbs) and compact, 355 FPS, 240 lb draw weight (doesn't really feel much different than a 175). The 18" arrows help make it even more compact. The assembly was simple, you don't really need the instructions, but you should read through them anyway. The rope cocking aid comes the perfect length, where it will stay on the string.

Cons: The string noise from this crossbow is horrendous. The string strikes the riser during the after travel. It really should come with the string silencers. (I've got some on order, I'll update this when I get them.)
It uses 18" arrows, which might be harder to find in some sport shops.

Stock:
Pros: I like the thinness of the rear of the stock, it makes it easy to carry in various ways. The forward hand grip is a good safe distance from the string path. You would really have to hold it in an odd position to get your fingers into the path of the string. It's a solid, yet light weight stock. The rubber inserts are a nice touch for just the right amount of grip.

Cons: Not as much cheek rest as other bows, but I will take that over bulkiness any day. There is an optional cheekpiece available.

Riser:
Pros: Extruded aluminum precision. Smoother than other crossbows that use composite material. Appears to be plenty strong enough for the job. The foot stirrup is plenty sturdy.

Cons: Because of the aluminum construction, noise while placing an arrow might be more than with a composite riser. It would be nice if the foot stirrup was rubber coated, it could make noise while loading in a metal tree stand, but that can be cured with tape or other material.

Limbs:
Pros: The nature of it being a recurve reduces the number of parts that could fail and the amount of strings to replace. Strings are user replaceable in the field.

Cons: Wider than some other crossbows: 30.75" uncocked.

Trigger/Safety:
Pros: The trigger pull was nicer than I expected, much smoother and lighter than some others I've shot. I like how I can reach the safety with my thumb by just bringing my thumb out of the stock, keeping my finger tips on the grip. The safety moves quietly and easily. It can be moved up and down with one finger instead of pulled in or out like other crossbows.

Cons: The safety does not automatically engage when cocking. This might be a "pro" for some people. It doesn't have anti-dry-fire, but that is available as an optional accessory.

Quiver:
Pros: To me, the quiver is outstanding. It's solid, doesn't make noise, and the bolt/knob that tightens it is 2" long, making it easy to get to. The length-wise mounting of it makes for a more compact setup. I really like that. It features double retention.

Cons: None that I can think of.

Scope:
Pros: The package I bought came with an Excalibur Tact-Zone scope. It has reticle marks for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 yards, as well as marks left and right for walking deer. It's infinitely variable lighted (red/green), instead of having 5 different light settings. It also is adjustable for speeds between 275 fps and 410 fps and features half-inch click adjustments at 20 yards.

Cons: Parallax distortion around the edges when your eye isn't exactly centered. Worst I've ever seen in any scope at any price. Usable, but not optimum.

Other Notes:
The Matrix 380 comes with the Anti-Dry-Fire system, a cheekpiece, and R.E.D.S. suppressors. So if you want those accessories, it's probably better to purchase the 380 instead of the 355 and then adding those accessories to it.

[Onetimeonly x-->]

That's a he!! of a good price for that bow! The $300 discount is worth all of your Con's.
Scott

[Riflemanz]

String noise doesn't matter because by the time a deer hears it he's toast!

[Fishous]

Thanks to Fur&Feathers for the coupon link.

http://dunhamsrewards.com/coupons/?code=08821a Valid through 9-30-2013

[Onetimeonly x-->]

My bad Fishous, welcome to the Forum a lot of good folks and knowledge.
Scott

[mr meat]

Welcome to the 355 club!

[Deaf jeff]

if that string is smacking the riser you probly should twist the string to shorten it.

[Spike Country]

Wow that's a great deal! I just tried the link but it goes to a blank looking page.

[Riflemanz]

http://dunhamsrewards.com/coupons/?code=08821a

[strum]

if that string is smacking the riser you probly should twist the string to shorten it.

X2 that's what I was thinking..
welcome to the forum

[Peacemaker]

regarding the width, yeah the recurves are wider than most compound bows, but the Matrix designs (Matrices?) are supposed to be a few inches narrower than the older Excals, such as my exocet 200 which is about 36 inches wide (strung and uncocked).

[Spike Country]

http://dunhamsrewards.com/coupons/?code=08821a

Thanks!

[todaupah]

Hi..nice crossbow and great price! Which Dunhams did you goto in west MI?

I don't recall seeing the 355 @ our store in g.r. on Plainfield?

Thanks

[Fishous]

...Which Dunhams did you goto in west MI?

Muskegon.

[todaupah]

...Which Dunhams did you goto in west MI?

Muskegon.

OK..thanks. Hopefully there one left