Vortex Vs Exocet.... With Updated news from Excalibur

Rage_A_Holic · Post by **Rage_A_Holic** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:58 pm

I was considering purchasing an Exomax... however decided not to based on sheer size, and impending arrow damage.

I am now considering the Exocet..... However since I won't have the funds for a few months..... The Vortex will be on the market by then.

So back to the contemplation boards.

1st Question: Other than the Thumb Hole, are there any advantages of the Vortex over the Exocet?

2nd Question: Any ideas on price? I don't want to pay substantially more for basic features just because "it's a new model".

Thanks a ton guys.

shurite44 · Post by **shurite44** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:35 pm

I think it is an inch shorter, should have a little better balance I would think.

Kuffs · Post by **Kuffs** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:55 pm

Hi Rage a Holic!
I would send an email to excalibur's contact centre to ask about any differences in the mean time.
Otherwise the best thing to do is wait for its release & pick it up to feel it for youself compared to the exocet. I kind of wonder how it would feel myself however I've had my exocet for over a year & love it.
Besides, I'm sure the stocks will be interchangable within a few years.
Excalibur i believe is the best crossbow I've ever picked up & they stand behind their product 100%.

Rage_A_Holic · Post by **Rage_A_Holic** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:03 pm

So I have heard. Their customer service is one of the reasons I am 100% I want an Excalibur.

Sorry to cross threads, but do you ever wish you went for the Exomax?

I am so torn between the Exocet and the Exomax.... now with the Vortex in the mix I am ready to tear my brains out.

I hate making big purchases... I always end up regretting my decisions later.

ComfyBear · Post by **ComfyBear** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:59 pm

When Excalibur started production of the Exo series, I believe in '92, it was the Exocet that they made. Due to a need for speed, the Exomag was introduced later. However, since back then rope cockers weren't around, and some folks had problems with cocking even the Exocet, the Vixen was also produced, to cover the other end of the spectrum.

Over the years, with the exception of the Relayer, I've owned every recurve Excalibur model produced, from the Wolverine to the Exomax.

However, currently I only own two Excaliburs, an Excoet 175 and an Exomag 200. If I could only own one, it would be, without question, the Exocet 175.

In my opinion, when all things are considered, it is the best compromise, if you consider owning one a compromise. Personally I don't, since I feel it is all the crossbow needed.

Rage_A_Holic · Post by **Rage_A_Holic** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:03 am

Ok. Exomax is out.

Back to the original question; anyone else know the differences between the Vortex, and Exocet200?

ComfyBear · Post by **ComfyBear** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:00 am

Rage, since the Vortex will not be available to the public until April, the best folks to ask that question to would be the Excalibur staff. Why don't you give them a call at 800-463-1817, or email them at service@excaliburcrossbow.com.

A.W · Post by **A.W** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:45 am

Rage_A_Holic. The Toronto Sportsmen Show is coming up and I see you live near Toronto.

The show would be a prime time to get your answers from the "horses mouth" as well as checking out all of the Excal products.

grandtrout · Post by **grandtrout** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 4:42 pm

One thing to concider is that the thumbhole isn't always an advatage. I've got a wood stock with a thumbhole and it's a bit of a pain in the butt to flip the safety off if a deer is aproching (took some time to get comfortable with this process)

buzz · Post by **buzz** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 4:51 pm

Rage. I'm in the same position as you. I don't know which to buy.
I called excalibur tuesday morning, and they said they would have the vortec at the T.O. sportsmen show in march if you can hold out tell then to see if you like it compaired to the other bows. good luck.

Rage_A_Holic · Post by **Rage_A_Holic** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:47 am

I called the number above; and spoke with Dawn of Excalibur this morning.

Apparently the only physical difference is the Thumb Hole. However the reccomended selling price is approximatly $50CAN more than the Exocet.

They both have the same;
- Draw Weight
- Dimensions
- Power Stroke
- Arrow Velocity

Therefore personally; I will be purchausing an Exocet. If any of you value the thumb hole at more than $50CAN you may want to consider the new Vortex. Thought I would share some information with you guys.

ComfyBear · Post by **ComfyBear** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 12:00 pm

Fifty bucks extra isn't much, if you really like the thumbhole stocks. Heck I paid $325 extra for one of Mark's laminated stocks.

Not that one can compare these new plastic stocks to the workmanship and quality of Mark's laminated stocks.

sumner4991 · Post by **sumner4991** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 2:47 pm

Rage . . .no one here will tell you their Excalibur shoots like crap . . .I guarantee you, regardless of the one you pick, it will kill everything you point it at and do it smoothly.

However, you need to get the bow that fits your personality best. For me, it was the Exomax. Only had it a few months, but I simply love the thing. I pull the trigger and whack, instantly . . .I got to have the speed. Weight isn't a issue, but I'm in darn good shape. Besides, you're only talking a few ounces. Cocking . . .not hard at all, and I enjoy a OK workout during target practice. I cock it real slow and feel it tighten up as I reach the latch, I do use the rope . . .I'm not juiced.

I also like to hold it in my hands and feel like I have something for my money. I hate paying more for less(like those little arse cell phones that won't even stay in my pocket!)

Just my personality, I guess.

The thumbhole . . .that gives you more of the feel of a pistol, right? I've never been big into pistols. Always a rifle hunter/shooter. Therefore, I'm not so sure I would enjoy the thumbhole. I'm very comfortable shooting a rifle. Like grandtrout said, it's easier to release the safety. That's just another personal thing to consider.

You have already made the right choice, Excalibur. Don't sweat the little stuff!

Once you have it, just don't shoot nothing else and enjoy. You'll most likely not care to shoot anything else. Well, unless you already have eight shotguns . . .ooops did I just break rule number 4??

sumner4991 · Post by **sumner4991** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 2:57 pm

By the way . . .great looking crossbow, ComfyBear! No wonder you want nothing else! Sweet.

Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:26 am

OK guys, here's my thoughts on the new stock. I of course have played with all this new stuff and I have to say Bill out-did himself with the new thumbhole stock. I found the Vortex to have amazing balance and feels very stable for my size...I'm not exactly sure why but the design works. The stock is also an inch shorter at the butt/stock area so shorter people will find this style to fit well, it is also a tad lighter. Larger individuals may still prefer the "classic" stock due to the longer length. It will be a personal choice decision and the reason we have both types is we will let you the consumer tell us what stock works best.

The new Realtree AP camo looks awesome and I think the whole package is perfect but of course I may be a bit biased

. The new crossbows will probably not hit the shelves until sometime in April. The Phoenix package is available now.

The Apex is also available now and is a very cool little crossbow and my wife already wants one! The problem is right now we only made a small number of these fun little bows so if you want one get your order in ASAP with your favorite shop. If they go over well we will have to find a way to make more!

I hope everybody is doing well, we're off to a bunch of trade shows for the next couple of months but I'll try to keep an eye on things here with my laptop.

Take care...

Peter