New member here.

[vtnative2012]

I'm new to Excalibur and just bought the Matrix 355 .I own another brand and find the Matrix light and the scope is very good. Excalibur has more accessories and a forum the the other brand doesn't. The Matrix is new and I don't have a opinion yet.time will tell.

[LongCarbine]

Welcome.
Hope you enjoy your new bow . Just check the brace height before you shoot it.

[Predator55]

looking forward to shooting it and especially hunting with it. As far as vanes with these short bolts, a 2,3 or 5 inch going to make that much of a difference? stability I would think would out weigh the few ft per second difference, yes?

[xcaliber]

If you use a helical jig to place your vanes, stay 2.25" or less. If you use 1 degree offset, or straight, go 3" - 4"

[drkeenan]

So I assume I can use shorter arrows? They recommend a 150 tip but I assume as long as the minimum total weight is 350 it's good to go? I have a bunch of 2219 eastons I plan on cutting down and using. I've notice a lot of the bhs are small, anyone use a wensel woodsman?

I have been experimenting with 15.5 2219 and 2216's. At longbowjoe's (thanks Joe for the help) suggestion I added weight to the front with a second insert and #8 machine screw. (107 gns) Both are dead on out to 30 yds however the 2216 are more accurate at longer ranges with 2-4 inch groups out to 50 yds.

[Predator55]

Some good advice, thanks. Now, as far as string bumpers,are the aftermarket better than the Reds system? or is it just price that makes the aftermarket ones more appealing? It looks like Excalibur gets a premium for their accessories. Also, I see boo makes custom strings, again, any better than a sting from Excalibur?

[drkeenan]

Some good advice, thanks. Now, as far as string bumpers,are the aftermarket better than the Reds system? or is it just price that makes the aftermarket ones more appealing? It looks like Excalibur gets a premium for their accessories. Also, I see boo makes custom strings, again, any better than a sting from Excalibur?

I have bumpers and string from Danny Miller. No regrets.

[Predator55]

Heard a knock on the door and looked out and there is was, my first Excalibur grizzly cub. Took it out of the box and just holding the bare stock, wow it's going to be nice to shoot/hunt with. The one thing I'm surprised at is that they don't include any lube seeing that it's a critical part to shooting, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I will be ordering some in a min, wondering if it has to be Excalibur brand. Or any crossbow lube will do?

[Predator55]

Also, I've read using Loc-tite the blue that is. Should all screws be locked down? Thanks

[robertyb]

I wax my string with a dab on the servings occasionally but have never used rail lube on any of my Excaliburs. Been shooting them for years and never have seen any reason to use it.

[j.krug]

Some good advice, thanks.

You'll find plenty of that here. Welcome to the forum.