Just received my Vortex any input?

[Joshua 24:15]

Good day All,

I received my Vortex. Very happy with the finish, machine work, and lightness of the xbow. I have noticed the stock creeks at the the end where it meets the aluminum rail by the buttstock/safety lever assembly. I like the safety mechinism compaired to the dryfire on the rest of the bows. It would have been even cooler if the lever would be on safe in the up position instead of the way it is now. Then it would be more like a rifle when you pulled it down it would be ready to fire. But no complaints just a coolness factor.

I was not able to adjust the string to the middle of the two marks located on the barrel. The string has to stretch, I guess. I read an inch from where the riser meets the barrel is the sweet spot for the Excalibur.

I sighted the Vortex, it stirkes good from 10-40 yards. However, I distinctly noticed a sensitivity issue with the shadow zone scope. If my eye is not directly centered in the rear of the scope looking through with perfect eye relief, I mean perfect, the arrow placement will wonder. I found this to be a little odd compared to my rifle scopes that are not this sensitive. At first, I thought it could be an arrow issue, but I quickly dispelled that idea. As long as everything is lined up with perfect eye relief, the scope is accurate. Now with that said, I find the xbow to be crazy accurate. I have a robinhood and a $12. arrow debt to prove it. Not too crazy about the scope as of now...that may change as I get used to it.

I noticed the bow to be quite loud compared to my compound bow. I'm not to crazy about this, but I'm sure ya'll will help me figure a remedy for this issue.
I found cocking the xbow to be quite easy...thinking maybe I should have bought the Exomax. These are my observations.

All around...I'm impressed with the Vortex. I'm not crazy about the scope sensitivity issue or the loudness of the xbow. I think the xbow would be "consistently" more accurate if the scope was less sensitive.

I am very pleased with the lightness, quality, and the easiness to cock the bow as well as the safety lever feature.

One thing I noticed, I smelled an odor of burning rubber after each shot. Is this the string breaking in?

[Cossack]

The burning smell is wax burning off, no problem. Keep t lubed. Cocking effort is about right wi9th a Vort. for me. The 225 lb pull was too much of a good thing. The cheap scopes do have a parallax issue. Crossbows are loud (compared to a vert) not much you can do about that ...except pick your shots. Shoot at relaxed animals within 40 yards.

[vixenmaster]

Keep yer thumbs n fingers below the rail. If'en ya don't the string cut them off when you pull the trigger!

[Gemjam]

I too have the vortex and I'm amazed at the accuracy of it also! Its the most consistant crossbow I've ever shot. Enjoy! I love that smell when I fire mine!

[Boo]

If that smell is similar to striking a match it is likely aluminum oxide. It's caused by the rear aluminum insert touching the rail on it's ride to the target. I used to get that smell but no longer since I switched to arrows with plastic nocks (Carbon Express Maxima Hunters).
Your complaint about your wondering POI is likely caused by canting the bow or not having your verticle reticle plumb. A very small amount of canting when using the lower chevrons makes a big difference in POI. Consider using a level on your riser. At $7.00 everyone should use one. http://www.lancasterarchery.com/cir-cut ... level.html

[j.krug]

Congrats on your new Vortex. Have fun shooting that bad boy. I'm loving my Vortex too, it's a tack driver for sure!

[Hester0305]

Congrats on your new Vortex there is a big difference from a crossbow and a vertical bow. I shoot both but I am starting to love the Vortex even more. Catwhiskers served into your string will probably make the biggest difference in noise and add the S5 system if you don't have it already. Like others have said keep your shots under 40 yards on relaxed deer and you won't have problems killing them if you do your part.

[Shotnbeer]

My Vortex has performed very well. I don't think you can go wrong with any xbow in the Excalibur line. All will do the job.

[thestuz]

i have noticed the same smell when firing my vortex too. i have only noticed this on my vortex and not my exomax.
upon inspection i noticed the rear knocks are burnt.... this can not be good for the centre rail.
think ill have my bolts re-knocked with less abrasive ones.

[UPSMAN]

If that smell is similar to striking a match it is likely aluminum oxide. It's caused by the rear aluminum insert touching the rail on it's ride to the target. I used to get that smell but no longer since I switched to arrows with plastic nocks (Carbon Express Maxima Hunters).
Your complaint about your wondering POI is likely caused by canting the bow or not having your verticle reticle plumb. A very small amount of canting when using the lower chevrons makes a big difference in POI. Consider using a level on your riser. At $7.00 everyone should use one. http://www.lancasterarchery.com/cir-cut ... level.html

Boo, Where do you mount that thing on the bow. Have one on my bench-vise but not my bow.

[Boo]

There is a peal and stick from Lancaster Archery that goes on the riser next to the male dovetail and there's one from Hawke that clamps onto the Weaver scope base. Also available are various ones that go onto the scope.

[mingle]

There is a peal and stick from Lancaster Archery that goes on the riser next to the male dovetail and there's one from Hawke that clamps onto the Weaver scope base. Also available are various ones that go onto the scope.

how about a pic boo.(level placement) thanks...

[Boo]

There is a peal and stick from Lancaster Archery that goes on the riser next to the male dovetail and there's one from Hawke that clamps onto the Weaver scope base. Also available are various ones that go onto the scope.

how about a pic boo.(level placement) thanks...

I will be drilling and tapping a hole on the right side for the level on the riser.



Don't mind the white things on the bow. I was hunting this afternoon and put the boot drier on the trigger/latch to dry it off.