Never Hunted With a Crossbow "Yet"

[Possum]

I am new on this forum. I have bowhunted with vertical compound bows and recurve bows for 32 years. Only missed 2 years hunting due to some serious injuries about 27 years ago from a 1972 Buick Regal slipping off the bumper jacks. (learned the very hard way to ALWAYS use jackstands) I have owned, shot and practiced with both compound and recurve crossbows for about four years but never hunted with either. That is about to change starting this spring. The old injuries from 27 years ago came back to haunt me this past deer season as I found that it was too painful to draw and shoot my 70 lb vertical compound bow. After much research and a lot of time cruising this forum I got rid of the other two crossbows that i had and bought new Matrix 330. I would like to thank everyone here who takes the time to post all the very helpful information that I used in making my decision (never to old to learn. I had been looking at Excaliburs for many years and when the Matrix 330 came out it caught my attention. I almost went for the Micro 335 but I don't think my shoulders would hold out on the 270 lbs draw weight without a crank.
I've already installed Danny's RBBBs and added a cheek piece and decided real quick to get a custom flemish string ASAP The only problem now is deciding who I will get the string from as there seems to be a lot of highly skilled and recommended string makers on this forum. Its no problem adding twists to the string that came with the bow, I just don't like having to stop and do it before, during and after I shoot. (I do keep a close watch on my brace height)
I will be ordering an ADF scope mount but I have one concern there... From what I can tell, it looks like the arrow retaining arm/spring sets quit a bit further forward on the rail of the Matrix 330 with ADF Mount... Is this so? and if so does this cause any problems?
I will also be ordering a doz Gold Tip Pro series II shafts soon so that I can get busy building some arrows.
I really do like my Matrix 330 but now i'm afraid that after I get finished switching out the scope, trigger and trying out different strings that I may be tempted to go after the Micro 335

[Boo]

Get a couple of strings from Danny Miller. He's in Sardis Ohio, right across from Paden City.

[ehntr]

I will be ordering an ADF scope mount but I have one concern there... From what I can tell, it looks like the arrow retaining arm/spring sets quit a bit further forward on the rail of the Matrix 330 with ADF Mount... Is this so? and if so does this cause any problems?
I will also be ordering a doz Gold Tip Pro series II shafts soon so that I can get busy building some arrows.
I really do like my Matrix 330 but now i'm afraid that after I get finished switching out the scope, trigger and trying out different strings that I may be tempted to go after the Micro 335

Welcome to the forum. Yes it is so.......the retainer will move further down the rail and it looks out of place but it still functions as it should.........no problem. However, I did put on a Micro arrow retainer as it does improve loading an arrow by not having to place it so far down the rail to get in front of the retainer. Order it directly from Excalibur ($20....make sure you insist on the Micro arrow retainer). I've done all the stuff you are contemplating to do on your 330.............and I won't be trading it in for a 335

[bubba]

Welcome to the forum and your new 330 Excalibur crossbow.As far as custom Flemish strings go look no further than the trading post. just click on board index, there are some great sting makers here, boo the guy who said check out Danny Miller is probably the most famous string maker any where, but there are others in the trading section all are very good.. And if you later decide to try the new micro 335 well its always good to have two bows you will always have a back up smile, again welcome.........

[xcaliber]

Congrats on the new Xbow, and welcome to the forum.

[amythntr]

....yes and Amen to everything previously said...with regard to the 335... I purchased one... It is a little bit of a beast to cock...I can cock it on my own...even with a bad back, and both of my shoulders are shot...it's the last inch that's a biach... But it's manageable... With that said I still will be using the C2 crank at the range... Why tempt faith?...

Welcome aboard and enjoy your new bow....

Anthony

[vixenmaster]

Welcome n the 330 is a real nice model to have. It will do what you need it to. Get yerself couple extra strings, & a stringing aid

[paulaboutform]

Welcome to the forum Possum, it's good to have you here. I'm with Bubba re the strings but I personally shoot a Boo string. Whichever you buy I suggest getting two of the same. Shoot one until it's settled in then remove it and shoot in the other one. I actually put a small mark on the side of my rail where my string needs to sit for a quick brace height reference. Also,rather than chasing the brace height try setting the string 3/8" - 1/2" from where you want your brace height to end up. Thr extra tension will help settle tthe string faster and within about 75 shots the majority of settling should be done. You will still have to make adjustments of half a twist or so here and there. There are a lot of good arrows out there but the majority of us shoot Black Eagle Zombie Slayers for a reason, I believe they're the best. Congratulations on a great bow and again, welcome.

.....and as mentioned the stringing aid is a must.

[Possum]

I actually had the stringing aid before the crossbow arrived and I will definatly be ordering a couple of flemish strings to replace the stock string real soon. Ive already put contact info on pc and cell phone for several string makers most of whom have already responded to this topic.
Thanks "ehntr" for the info about the micro arrow retainer, I will most likley go that route.
I still have several things I want to do with the Matrix 330,, arrows to fletch and strings to order. Can hardly wait to go at them turkeys spring.

[Fletch2]

Welcome to the forum

[Patriot*]

Welcome, don't shoot a 335 micro or you will really want one. The truth.
Don't ask me how I know. simply perfect.

Patriot

[mr meat]

Welcome and congrats on the 330!!

[Mo wannabe]

Welcome! .... As long as your bow says Excalibur on it you are good to go ...

[strum]

Welcome! .... As long as your bow says Excalibur on it you are good to go ...

Truest statement made today..or ever welcome and congrats