If you intend to become a member of a crossbow club (this is usually an archery club with a crossbow club) where you will shoot your crossbow, it is important to read up on the limitations they place on the draw weight, the draw length and the weight of the crossbow. There are two categories for shooting crossbows, one is the 'Target Crossbow' and the other is the 'Sport Crossbow'.

I have included some links -

I liken a full size crossbow to a rifle as most crossbows will send an arrow on a trajectory at around 285 feet per second and even up to 440 FPS for the more expensive models. To state that a crossbow is a 'lethal weapon' is an understatement. I was considering a crossbow for target practice on my land (I have now abandoned the idea) where no creatures of any kind, would be harmed or even disturbed by its use. Firing crossbow arrows at targets is very similar to archery, and to a certain extent, I am not restricted by any crossbow club rules. However, arrow velocity does have to be taken into account in relation to the size of the target area and where the arrow might land if it overshoots the target.

 Compound Crossbows
Once I had read up on crossbows and watched a few videos, I realised that for my purposes, compound crossbows with their cam wheels and multiple string configuration were too complex. If the strings and wheels of a compound crossbow are misaligned through use or a knock, it is a complex procedure to re-string and/or re-align the crossbow to deliver the accuracy.

Recurve Crossbows
Recurve crossbows, especially the 'Excalibur Brand' offer exceptional power and accuracy without the complexity of the compound. You only have a single bowstring to worry about and should it break during target practise, it is a very simple procedure to restring it. See the video at the foot of this article on re-stringing an Excalibur Recurve Crossbow.

This article concentrates on recurve crossbows, but having researched some of the compound brands, I have kept them in. If you wish you can jump to - My Thoughts on Full Size Crossbows

The Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO is an exceptional recurve crossbow -

 

 

My Basic Requirements in a Recurve Crossbow -

  • Fitted with a shock/noise suppressors system

  • Fitted with a sound deadening system

  • A 14" length (or slightly more) from the rear of the stock to the trigger

  • A rope pull for cocking the crossbow

  • An optional handle/charger for cranking back the bow string for the arrow

  • A minimum arrow velocity of around 340 feet per second

  • Consistent accuracy

  • A lightweight design

  • A safety switch on cocking the crossbow

  • A de-cocking mechanism

  • Fitted with a decent scope with illuminated crosshair

  • As few moving parts as possible

Compound Crossbows - Overviews & Videos Section

Recurve Crossbows - Overviews & Videos Section

Crossbow Accessories & Maintenance

UK Crossbow Suppliers

Conclusions


Compound Crossbows Section


Bear Vanish Compound Crossbow
The Bear Vanish is a very nice crossbow. It delivers 370 FPS velocity and has a rope pull on the bow string as a cocking method. It is probably the best crossbow from an entry level price point and overall it is great value for the money. Bear have an excellent reputation for producing crossbows and it can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies in the UK.

Some videos on the Bear Vanish Crossbow -

 

 

 
Bear Saga 405 Compound Crossbow
The Bear Saga 405 is a quality crossbow. It falls just short of the claimed 405 FPS velocity and has a rope pull on the bow string as a cocking method but overall it is great value for the money. It can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies in the UK.

Some videos on the Bear Saga 405 Crossbow -

 

 

 
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro Compound Crossbow
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro is the ideal mid priced professional crossbow. The specification for the price is jaw dropping - check out the full specification through the link above. It can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies in the UK.

Some videos on the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Pro Crossbow -

 

 


Barnett HyperGhost 425 & HyperFlite 430 Compound Crossbows
These Barnett crossbows have everything I could wish for, albeit there is a minor wrinkle. The handle does wind back the bow string on the HyperFlite 430 (optional kit on the HyperGhost 425) but the wires connected to the handle pulley system (which is in the stock) actually run alongside both sides of the arrow slide rail on the outside with a hook on either side at the front which hook onto the bow string. Also having read up on compound crossbows with cam wheels, some are known to be prone to string misalignment after a number of shots have been fired, which results in a loss of accuracy and due to their pulley style construction, a greater degree of wear on the cam strings. The Hyperghost 425 can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies in the UK. 

Some videos on these Barnett Crossbows (HyperFlite not yet in UK Stores) -

 

 

 

Ravin R10 & R26 Compound Crossbows
The Ravin R10 and the Ravin R26 are very desirable compound crossbows which match all my requirements and offer excellent handle cocking and de-cocking mechanisms which take loading the weapons to even higher levels. However, the Ravin R10 crossbow did not come without some serious criticism as you will see in one of the following videos. The Ravin R10 and the Ravin R26 can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 

Distress Warning: Animal killed at 3.54 sec to 4.11 sec in this video below

 

 


_________________________________



Recurve Crossbows Section


Unlike compounds, recurve crossbows do not have complicated stringing and cam wheels. They only have a single bowstring and should it fray or break in the field or at the target range, it easy to replace using a simple bow stringer. Recurve crossbows, especially the Excalibur range are on a par for velocity and accuracy to match the compounds. If the strings and wheels of a compound crossbow are misaligned through use or a knock, it is a complex procedure to re-string and/or re-align the crossbow to deliver the accuracy.


Anglo Arms Jaguar Mk II Recurve Crossbow
The Anglo Arms Jaguar DLX MK II is a recurve crossbow in camo or black with a 175Lb draw weight, a 10.5" power stroke and weighs in at 7Lbs. It fires arrows at 245 feet per second, and its length is 34.5". The Jaguar comes with a 6 arrow quiver, 4 x 16" aluminium arrows, a red dot sight, padded sling, wax, a bow stringer and bowstring. The crossbow is hand cocked by using your hands to pull the bowstring back to the trigger. The camo version costs £129.99 (Black-£119,99) but it is advisable to add a rope for cocking the bowstring which costs an extra £8.95. This crossbow can be purchased from UK Crossbows and there are various optional accessories on the webpage. There are no MK II videos on the internet but UK Crossbows have images of the crossbow in camo and black colours.

EK Cobra System R9 & R9 RX Recurve Crossbows
The EK Cobra System R9 is a recurve crossbow in black with a 90Lb draw weight, a 7.5" power stroke and weighs in at 4.4Lbs. It fires arrows at 240 feet per second, and its length is 21.5". The R9 comes with 6 x 7.5" arrows which are specially designed for the R9, a red dot sight and a sling. It costs £174.99. The crossbow is cocked using a built in under frame lever.

The EK Cobra System R9 RX steps up to a 130Lb draw weight, a 7.5" power stroke and weighs in at 4.4Lbs. It fires arrows at 230 FPS and its length is 21.5". The R9 RX has a stronger limb set with cushioned bow string stoppers, a front foregrip handle and part of the frame is in brown coyote colour. Like the standard R9 the RX comes with 6 x 7.5" arrows which are specially designed for the R9 RX, a red dot sight and a sling. Both models have a very similar FPS velocity and according to the EK website, the R9 RX is actually 10 FPS slower and costs a bit more at £219.99. The crossbow is cocked using a built in under frame lever.

The R9 and the R9 RX crossbows can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

Check out the R9 videos -

 

 


EK Desert Hawk Recurve Crossbow
The EK Desert Hawk is a recurve style, similar to the English Longbow but lying on it's side and of course much shorter. It has a lot less moving parts, there are no cam wheels and cam strings, leaving only a single bow string. What makes the EK Desert Hawk so interesting, is that it has been around for a long time and it is still being manufactured. It points to it being very reliable and still sought after. It fires 20" arrows at 330 FPS and sports a 225Lb draw weight, a 15.25" power stroke, weighs in at 7.5Lbs and is 39" in length. The package includes a 4 x 32 quality scope, a 6 x arrow quiver with 3 x 20" carbon arrows, a rope cocking device, frame wax and a shoulder padded sling. It delivers a punch and as you will see in the following videos, it is very impressive. This crossbow costs £239.99 and can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 


 Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 is a very nice option and it shoots a 18" arrow at 305 FPS. The draw weight is 200Lbs, draw length is 11.2", the cocking effort is 100Lbs, the weight is 5.5Lbs and the overall length is 33.2".

This crossbow has approximately a 14.2" length from the rear of the stock to the trigger, which for my arm length is excellent. It comes in at £449.99 and includes in the package, a fixed scope, a rope cocking system and a 4 x arrow quiver plus 3 x Diablo arrows.

 You can add an Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Supression System and an Excalibur Sound Deadening System and an Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit and an Excalibur EXT 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger which reduces the draw weight to around 12Lbs.

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 


Excalibur Matrix Grizzly Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Matrix Grizzly like the EK Desert Hawk is a recurve style crossbow. It has a lot less moving parts than a compound crossbow; there are no cam wheels and cam strings, leaving only a single bow string. What makes the Matrix Grizzly so interesting, is that it has been around for a long time and it is still being manufactured. It points to it being very reliable and still sought after.

It shoots a 18" arrow at 305 FPS. The draw weight is 200Lbs, draw length is 11.5", the cocking effort is 100Lbs, the weight is 5.5Lbs and the overall length is 33.2". This crossbow costs £549.99 and the package includes a dead zone scope, a quiver with 4 x Diablo arrows and a rope cocking aid. It can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

You can also purchase an optional Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Supression kit and an Excalibur Sound Deadening System and an Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit. You can add an Excalibur C2 Hand/Cranking Aid which reduces the draw weight to around 15Lbs. It fits onto the rear of the stock.

This crossbow has approximately a 14.2" length from the rear of the stock to the trigger, which for my arm length is excellent.

Check out the videos -

 


The music stops at 2 minutes into the video when the guy finally gets into the review

 


Excalibur Matrix G340 Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Matrix G340 like the Excalibur Matrix Grizzly is a recurve crossbow style. This is a relatively new model, it shoots an 18" arrow at 340 FPS, it has a 'Feather Lite' style hollow frame stock and weighs 5.5Lbs. The draw weight is 230Lbs, draw length is 15.5", the cocking effort is 115Lbs, and the overall length is 33.25".

The rear of the stock from the trigger is approximately 14.2" which is a nice distance for the average person to feel comfortable holding the crossbow to their shoulder a firing it.

It comes in at £549.99 and includes in the package, a Dead Zone scope, a rope cocking system, a 4 x arrow quiver plus 3 x Diablo arrows. This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 You can add an Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Supression System and an Excalibur Sound Deadening System and an Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit and an Excalibur EXT 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger which reduces the draw weight to around 12Lbs.

 


Excalibur Micro AXE 340 Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Micro AXE 340 is a new model for 2019 and it shoots a 16.5" arrow at 340 FPS. The draw weight is 270Lbs, draw length is 13", the weight is 5.1Lbs and the overall length is 31.75". It comes in at £649.99 and includes in the package, a Dead Zone scope, a rope cocking system, anti-dry fire system, R.E.D.S suppressors, ambidextrous cheekpiece and a 4 x arrow quiver plus 3 x Quill arrows. You can add an Excalibur Sound Deadening System and an Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit and an Excalibur EXT 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger which reduces the draw weight to around 12Lbs.

This crossbow has approximately a 14.2" length from the rear of the stock to the trigger, which for my arm length is excellent. I have not been able to determine the rope aid cocking effort but I suspect it will be about 140Lbs based on other similar weights and draw lengths.

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 


Excalibur Micro 360TD Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Micro 360TD is a new model for 2019 and it shoots a 16.5" arrow at 360 FPS. The draw weight is 285Lbs, draw length is 15", the cocking effort is 142Lbs (12Lbs with crank/charger), the weight is 5.6Lbs and the overall length is 33.75". It has the 'Takedown' design which means you can easily unclip the entire front bow assembly from the frame.

This crossbow has approximately a 14.2" length from the rear of the stock to the trigger, which for my arm length is ideal. This crossbow can be split by unclipping the front limb section and carrying both sections in a Excalibur Explorer Rectangular Bag.

It comes in at £799.99 and includes in the package, a Tact-100 illuminated scope, a rope cocking system, anti-dry fire system, R.E.D.S suppressors, ambidextrous cheekpiece and a quiver plus 4 x Quill arrows.

As an optional extra you can purchase an Excalibur EXT 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger system that fixes onto the rear of the stock, an Excalibur Sound Deadening System and an Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit and an Excalibur Explorer Takedown Rectangular Padded Bag.

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 

 

Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO is a new model for 2019 and it shoots a 16.5" arrow at 360 FPS. The draw weight is 285Lbs, draw length is 15", the cocking effort is 142Lbs (12Lbs with crank/charger), the weight is 5.6Lbs and the overall length is 33.75". It has the 'Takedown' design which means you can easily unclip the entire front bow assembly from the frame.

This crossbow has approximately a 14.2" length from the rear of the stock to the trigger, which for my arm length is ideal. This crossbow can be split by unclipping the front limb section and carrying both sections in a Excalibur Explorer Rectangular Bag.

It comes in at £929.98 and includes in the package, a Tact-100 illuminated scope, a rope cocking system, anti-dry fire system, R.E.D.S suppressors, ambidextrous cheekpiece, a quiver plus 4 x Quill arrows and additional to the standard Excalibur Micro 360TD, a pro shot trigger, sound deadening system and air brakes.

As an optional extra you can purchase a blue Excalibur EXT 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger that clips onto the stock and an Excalibur Explorer Takedown Rectangular Padded Bag.

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 

 

Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 is a leading recurve crossbow. This is a relatively new model for 2019 and it shoots a 18" arrow at 440FPS. The draw weight is 300Lbs, draw length is 19.5", the cocking effort is 15Lbs with its included blue Excalibur EXT 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger, the weight is 6.2Lbs and the overall length is 35.75". It comes in at £1,149.99 and includes in the package, a Tact-100 illuminated scope, the Excalibur silent handle/sprocket 'clip on' charger cocking system, ACP 2 stage trigger, anti-dry fire system, R.E.D.S suppressors, ambidextrous cheekpiece and a 4 x arrow quiver plus 4 x Excalibur Proflight Premium arrows.

As an optional extra, you can add an Excalibur Sound Deadening System and an Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit.

The Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440, has approximately a 14.8" stock rear to trigger, which for my arm length is excellent.

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 


Excalibur Assassin 420TD Recurve Crossbow
The Excalibur Assassin 420D crossbow is a recurve style, similar to the English Longbow. It shoots an 18" arrow at 420FPS. The draw weight is 290Lbs, draw length is 18.875", but the cocking effort is only 14Lbs with a crank/charger which is built into the stock. The weight is 8Lbs and the overall length is 36". It has the 'Takedown' design which means you can easily unclip the entire front bow assembly from the frame. It delivers a mighty punch and as you will see in the following videos, it is very impressive.

The Excalibur Assassin 420TD is probably the best recurve crossbow in the marketplace. It costs £1,299.00 and comes with a Tac-100 illuminated scope, pro-shot trigger, anti-dry fire system, R.E.D.S suppressors, ambidextrous cheekpiece, 4 x arrow quiver with 4 x Proflight premium arrows and a fail safe strap. It also has an adjustable stock to accommodate different shoulder to trigger sizes.

As optional extras, you can add an Excalibur Sound Deadening System and an Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit and an Excalibur Explorer Rectangular Takedown Padded Bag.

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 

Distress Warning: Bird killed at 3.01 sec to 3.11 sec in this video below

 

 


_________________________________



 Thoughts on Full Size Crossbows



I like the recurve crossbows. The compound crossbows with their cams wheels and strings, well, they are just too complex in their restringing for my liking and they have too many moving parts that can break or become misaligned and reduce accuracy.

Losing an arrow in the grass is a pain in the butt. You spend more time looking for lost arrows than you do firing them. Some people use metal detectors to locate buried arrows but probably a better option is to purchase a net to put up behind the target. You can purchase an extra strong one which is 3 metres (10 feet) high (in various lengths) from Merlin Archery and the poles to support the wire from a timber store or a garden centre. Another support option which may be easier to erect and dismantle for storage are goalposts which can be purchased in various sizes from Net World Sports. A goalpost which offers the greatest height is the Forza, which is an all steel construction and has a 2 metre height with a 3 metre length. By leaving the goalpost net aside and attaching the Merlin supplied net to the front of the frame, you have a fairly decent arrow catching mechanism. The bonus of course is that if you have young kids, they can use the goalposts for football.


The majority of recurve crossbows fitted with scopes are incredibly accurate so to make target shooting competitions 'competitive' I would argue that the crossbow has to be hand held and the target set to a distance of around 45 metres. The use of a bench rest should only be used for supporting the crossbow, whilst it is inspected, re-tightened, cleaned, string waxed, rail oiled and of course for initially zeroing the scope to hit the target dead centre. I have outlined my crossbow choices below and weight and size are serious considerations for a crossbow that has to be hand held.

I have picked out the EK Desert Hawk Recurve Crossbow which is a very reasonable price, especially with all the added accessories. However, I have not, as yet, managed to source any sound/vibration suppression kits and the weight and size may make it unsuitable for hand held target competitions?

I like the Excalibur Recurve Crossbows and I have picked out four that I am considering for purchase. They are all more than adequate for target shooting and all have the options of adding Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Suppressors, Excalibur Deadening System and the Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit (some include part or all of these options) to reduce the vibration, shock and sound and brake the recoil of the limbs when fired. The Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 is probably a crossbow too far as it is very powerful and difficult to cock with a rope, requiring you to use a hand crank device which clips on the stock.

I like the Excalibur TD 'Takedown' crossbows, especially the Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO, where the entire limb front section can be unclipped from the frame (without tools) and the two parts carried in an Excalibur Explorer Rectangular padded bag which has separate storage compartments. Its a nicer solution, rather than carrying around an Excalibur T shaped padded bag.

The great thing about Excalibur is that you can purchase an entry model like the Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 for £449.99 or the Excalibur Micro AXE 340 which are terrific crossbows and then add to them (over a period of time) those desirable options. Although lube oil for the rail, wax for the bowstring, a spare bowstring and a bow stringer to restring the crossbow are mandatory extras.
 

EK Desert Hawk Recurve Crossbow
This is a recurve style crossbow, it has a lot less moving parts, there are no cam wheels and cam strings, leaving only a single bow string. What makes this crossbow so interesting, is that it has been around for a long time and it is still being manufactured. It points to it being very reliable and still sought after. It is a large crossbow at 39" and weighs in at 7.5Lbs which does make it on the larger size for handling.

So far, I have not been able to source a means of suppressing the sound and shock vibration. It has a long power stroke at 15.25" which may make it difficult for guys with shorter arms and back to rope pull and cock the bowstring.
 

Its technical specifications for the price are very impressive -

  • Approximately 14" stock rear to trigger with cheek piece

  • Rope for manual cocking of bowstring

  • Draw weight 225Lbs, draw length 15.25", 20" arrow velocity 330FPS

  • Good Accuracy

  • Weight 7.5Lbs, overall length 39"

  • Anti-Dry Fire System (requires an arrow to fire)

  • Manual safety switch

  • Standard 4 x 32 fixed scope (not illuminated)

  • 6 x Arrow quiver plus 3 x 20" Carbon arrows

  • Small Wax Tube

  • Padded Sling

The EK Desert Hawk costs £239.99 and can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies

You can add the following accessories - individual links & prices in new window - Click here

The accessories that can be purchased from UK Crossbows -

  • Spare Bowstring

  • Bowstring Stringer

  • Wax for the String

  • Lube for the Rail

  • Trigger Oil

  • 6 x 20" Carbon Arrows (Minimum Weight 350gr)

  • Universal Crossbow Stand

  • Crossbow Bench Rest

  • Crossbow Extendable Bipod Bench Rest

  • El Toro Large T Shaped Padded Case

  • EK 'Hand Crank Clip On' Unit

A Pricing Example of a EK Desert Hawk System -

 

EK Desert Hawk Crossbow

£239.99
Custom Made Spare Bowstring £29.99
Universal Bow Stringer £19.99
String Wax & Rail Lube Pack £24.99
Trigger Oil £19.99
6 x 20" Carbon Arrows £24.99
EK Hand Crank 'Clip On' Device £99.99
El Toro Large T Shaped Padded Case £59.99
Universal Crossbow Stand £24.99
TOTAL £544.91

 

EK Desert Hawk Recurve Crossbow

 

Optional - EK Hand Cranking Device -

 

 

Check out this video on the EK Desert Hawk -

 


Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 Recurve Crossbow
Its technical specifications for the price are very impressive -

  • Optional - Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Suppressors

  • Optional - Excalibur Sound Deadening System

  • Optional - Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit

  • 14.2" stock rear to trigger & ambidextrous cheekpiece

  • Rope for manual cocking of bowstring - cocking effort 100Lbs

  • Draw weight 200Lbs, draw length 11.2", 18" arrow velocity 305FPS

  • Accuracy guaranteed

  • Weight 5.5Lbs, overall length 33.2"

  • NO Anti-Dry Fire System

  • Manual safety switch

  • Decocking System

  • Standard fixed scope (not illuminated)

  • 4 x Arrow quiver plus 3 x Diablo arrows

The Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 in standard form costs £449.99 and the cocking effort of the bowstring using the supplied rope system is very comfortable at 100Lbs.

You can add the following accessories - individual links & prices in new window - Click here

  • Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Suppressors

  • Excalibur Sound Deadening System

  • Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit

  • Excalibur Spare Bowstring

  • Excalibur Bowstring Stringer

  • Wax for the String

  • Lube for the Rail

  • 6 x 18" Carbon Diablo Arrows (Minimum Weight 350gr)

  • Excalibur Crossbow Stand

  • Universal Crossbow Stand

  • Crossbow Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Extendable Cross Pod Bench Rest

  • Crossbow Extendable Bipod Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Deluxe T Shaped Padded Case

  • Excalibur EX-Shield T Shaped Padded Case

  • Excalibur Blue EXT 'Hand Crank Clip On' Charger Unit

A Pricing Example of a Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 Grizzly System -

 

Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 Grizzly Crossbow

£449.99
Excalibur REDS Suppressor Kit

£54.99
Excalibur Sound Deadening Kit £54.99
Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Kit £54.99
Excalibur Matrix Spare Bowstring £34.99
Excalibur Bow Stringer £29.99
Excalibur String Wax & Rail Lube Pack £24.99
Excalibur Trigger Oil £19.99
6 x 18" Diablo Arrows £59.99
Excalibur Blue Hand Crank 'Clip On' Charger £199.99
Excalibur EX Shield T Shaped Padded Case £99.99
Excalibur Crossbow Stand £34.99
TOTAL £1,119.88

 

Excalibur Matrix GRZ2 Recurve Crossbow -

 

Optional - Excalibur 'Clip On' Hand Cranking Charger Unit -

 

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies............... Check out the video -
 

 

Excalibur Micro AXE 340 Recurve Crossbow
It is a new model for 2019 and its technical specifications are very impressive -

  • Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Suppressors

  • Optional - Excalibur Sound Deadening System

  • Optional - Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit

  • 14.2" stock rear to trigger & ambidextrous cheekpiece

  • Rope for manual cocking of bowstring

  • Optional - Silent handle/sprocket charger cocking system (clips on stock - cocking effort 12Lbs)

  • Draw weight 270Lbs, draw length 13", 16.5" arrow velocity 340FPS

  • Accuracy guaranteed and fitted with Premium Trigger

  • Weight 5.1Lbs, overall length 31.75"

  • Guardian Anti Dry Fire System (requires an arrow to fire)

  • Manual safety switch

  • Decocking System

  • Dead Zone scope (not illuminated)

  • 4 x Arrow quiver plus 3 x Quill arrows

The Excalibur Micro AXE 340 Crossbow costs £649.99.

You can add the following accessories - individual links & prices in new window - Click here

  • Excalibur Sound Deadening System

  • Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit

  • Excalibur Spare Bowstring

  • Excalibur Bowstring Stringer

  • Wax for the String

  • Lube for the Rail

  • 6 x 16.5" Quill Arrows (Minimum Weight 350gr)

  • Excalibur Crossbow Stand

  • Universal Crossbow Stand

  • Crossbow Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Extendable Cross Pod Bench Rest

  • Crossbow Extendable Bipod Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Deluxe T Shaped Padded Case

  • Excalibur EX-Shield T Shaped Padded Case

  • Excalibur Blue EXT 'Hand Crank Clip On' Charger Unit

A Pricing Example of a Excalibur Micro AXE 340 System -

 

Excalibur Micro AXE 340 Crossbow

£649.99
Excalibur REDS Suppressor Kit

Inclusive
Excalibur Sound Deadening Kit £54.99
Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Kit £54.99
Excalibur Micro Spare Bowstring £34.99
Excalibur Bow Stringer £29.99
Excalibur String Wax & Rail Lube Pack £24.99
Excalibur Trigger Oil £19.99
6 x 16.5" Quill Arrows £59.99
Excalibur Blue Hand Crank 'Clip On' Charger £199.99
Excalibur EX Shield T Shaped Padded Case £99.99
Excalibur Crossbow Stand £34.99
TOTAL £1,264.89


Excalibur Micro AXE 340 Recurve Crossbow -

I have not been able to determine the rope aid cocking effort but I suspect it will be about 140Lbs based on other similar weights and draw lengths.

 

Optional - Excalibur 'Clip On' Hand Cranking Charger Unit -

 

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies............... Check out the video -

 


 Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO Recurve Crossbow
This is a new model for 2019. Its technical specifications are very impressive -

  • Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Suppressors

  • Excalibur Sound Deadening System + Air Brakes

  • 14.2" stock rear to trigger & ambidextrous cheekpiece

  • Rope for cocking - 142Lbs cocking effort

  • Optional - Silent handle/sprocket charger cocking system (clips on stock - cocking effort 12Lbs)

  • Draw weight 285Lbs, draw length 15", 16.5" arrow velocity 360FPS

  • Accuracy guaranteed and fitted with Pro-Shot Trigger

  • Weight 5.6Lbs, overall length 33.75"

  • Guardian Anti Dry Fire System (requires an arrow to fire)

  • Manual safety switch

  • Decocking System

  • Tact-100 illuminated crosshair scope

  • 4 x Arrow quiver plus 4 x Excalibur Proflight Premium arrows

  • Takedown Design (front limb assembly unclips - no bolts)

The Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO Crossbow costs £929.98.

You can add the following accessories - individual links & prices in new window - Click here

  • Excalibur Spare Bowstring

  • Excalibur Bowstring Stringer

  • Wax for the String

  • Lube for the Rail

  • 6 x 16.5" Quill Arrows (Minimum Weight 350gr)

  • Excalibur Crossbow Stand

  • Universal Crossbow Stand

  • Crossbow Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Extendable Cross Pod Bench Rest

  • Crossbow Extendable Bipod Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Explorer Rectangular Padded Case

  • Excalibur Blue EXT 'Hand Crank Clip On' Charger Unit

A Pricing Example of a Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO System -

 

Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO Crossbow

£929.98
Excalibur REDS Suppressor Kit

Inclusive
Excalibur Sound Deadening Kit Inclusive
Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Kit Inclusive
Excalibur Matrix Spare Bowstring £34.99
Excalibur Bow Stringer £29.99
Excalibur String Wax & Rail Lube Pack £24.99
Excalibur Trigger Oil £19.99
6 x 16.5" Quill Arrows £59.99
Excalibur Blue Hand Crank 'Clip On' Charger £199.99
Excalibur Explorer 'Take Down' Padded Case £109.99
Excalibur Crossbow Stand £34.99
TOTAL £1,444.90


Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO Recurve Crossbow -

Optional - Excalibur 'Clip On' Hand Cranking Charger Unit -

 

As an optional extra you can purchase the blue Excalibur 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger that clips onto the rear of the stock.

An Excalibur Takedown Padded Bag is rectangle rather than a fixed T shape. The Excalibur Micro 360TD PRO can be split by unclipping the entire limb assembly at the front and the two parts placed in special compartments within the bag. NOTE: The crossbow shown in the image below is the Excalibur Assassin 420TD and the limb section is not in its compartment -

 
This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies.

 

 

Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 Recurve Crossbow
This is an awesome and very powerful crossbow with excellent technical specifications -

  • Excalibur R.E.D.S Shock/Noise Suppressors

  • Optional - Excalibur Sound Deadening System

  • Optional - Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit

  • 14.8" stock rear to trigger & ambidextrous cheekpiece

  • Rope for cocking - not supplied

  • Silent Excalibur 'Clip On' Hand/Cranking Charger (clips on stock - cocking effort 15Lbs)

  • Draw weight 300Lbs, draw length 19.5", 18" arrow velocity 440FPS

  • Accuracy guaranteed and fitted with ACP Trigger (2 stage adjustable)

  • Weight 6.2Lbs, overall length 35.75"

  • Guardian Anti Dry Fire System (requires an arrow to fire)

  • Manual safety switch

  • Decocking System

  • Tact-100 illuminated crosshair scope

  • 4 x Arrow quiver plus 4 x Excalibur Proflight Premium arrows

The Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 costs £1,149.99.

You can add the following - individual links & prices in new window - Click here

  • Excalibur Sound Deadening System

  • Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Bar Kit

  • Excalibur Spare Bowstring

  • Excalibur Bowstring Stringer

  • Wax for the String

  • Lube for the Rail

  • 6 x 18" Carbon Diablo Arrows (Minimum Weight 350gr)

  • Excalibur Crossbow Stand

  • Universal Crossbow Stand

  • Crossbow Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Extendable Cross Pod Bench Rest

  • Crossbow Extendable Bipod Bench Rest

  • Excalibur Deluxe T Shaped Padded Case

  • Excalibur EX-Shield T Shaped Padded Case

A Pricing Example of a Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 System -

 

Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 Crossbow

£1,149.99
Excalibur REDS Suppressor Kit

Inclusive
Excalibur Sound Deadening Kit £54.99
Excalibur Air Brakes Dissipator Kit £54.99
Excalibur Micro Spare Bowstring £34.99
Excalibur Bow Stringer £29.99
Excalibur String Wax & Rail Lube Pack £24.99
Excalibur Trigger Oil £19.99
6 x 18" Diablo Arrows £59.99
Excalibur Blue Hand Crank 'Clip On' Charger

Inclusive
Excalibur EX Shield T Shaped Padded Case £99.99
Excalibur Crossbow Stand £34.99
TOTAL £1,564.90


Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 440 Recurve Crossbow -

 

Included in Package - Excalibur 'Clip On' Hand Cranking Charger Unit -

 

This crossbow can be purchased from Outdoor Hobbies............... Check out the video - 

 


Now, I know this guy in the video below is talking about hunting animals with an Excalibur BUT for me, well, it is strictly target practice. The last thing I want, is to organise a target competition were we all take turns of my crossbow and something breaks or the accuracy is compromised; so reliability for shooting at targets is just as important as this guy hunting animals.

 

 

Compound and Recurve Crossbow Maintenance
Crossbows by design are subjected to vibration when cocking and more so when firing. It is only to be expected that screws and fixings can become slack, especially in the limbs section. Therefore it is important to regularly check the fixings and if required, to re-tighten them. Some fixings may regularly slacken off and by continually re-tightening them you may actually create wear and worsen the longevity of the part. In these cases, you may want to consider removing the fixings and re-insert any screws, bolts, nuts with a little drop of 'Loctite Threadlocker Adhesive' before re-tightening.

The following video discusses oiling the rail and waxing the strings of compound and recurve crossbows -

 

 

Something totally different and a guy with a heart of gold -

 

 

How to re-string an Excalibur Crossbow -

 

 

 

UK Supplier of the Crossbows - Outdoor Hobbies
 

If you have enjoyed this article - please donate to my charity of choice  -  The Sick Kids

Richard Lawrence
Scotland
United Kingdom