Dont leave out the vixen or axiom and ibex . The smf axioms r cheap used .on amazon you can still find new axioms. 305 fps is pleanty fast.the vixens a tad wide but i have o troubles in the blind
Vixen 2, metal ibex,Phoenix,sapphire,matrix 330 ,matrix 355 ,vortex and baby grand piano y25 relayer.
Trigger tecs,leupold crossbones and nikon bolts.
Zombie slayers and mostly swat broadheads.
I had a modified Vixen 2,,it was an accurate bow and I liked it,but after awhile I decided I wanted something a bit lighter and narrower...I decided on the Cub.I installed a trigger tech and and upgraded Flemish Grizzly spec string,,I also played a bit with arrow length and weight.I am glad I made the move and it didn't cost a lot in comparison to other Excal models.Its easy to load,,its light..and it packs plenty of power and its very accurate,Its my opinion that there are more potential problems with the high poundage bows,,especially if you shoot a lot. I don't shoot a lot,,most of my shooting is pre-season here in Wisconsin where I make sure I am dialed in,,I have started to only shoot what I hunt with as far as my arrows are concerned,,I shoot only with the broadhead and lumenocs,,
Good luck!
Cub *TactZone * Trigger Tech (AKA Cub-Pow)
308 Short Banshee* TactZone * Trigger Tech (AKA Shorty)
Magnus Buzz Cuts * Mad Hornets
Gold Tip Laser II's 16.5 386grn
BE Executioners 16.5 405grn
Miller Top Quiver Mounts
Boo string
Any used exo bow would make a great back up, in fact I'll go as far to say they're the best deal on a crossbow right now. I've seen them go for under 300 bucks.
If you hunt from a blind, or have some youngsters ready for their first hunt the cub may be your best option
I have no experience with either model you listed as possibilities.
However, I do have some with the Axiom SMF and it's a great model that is easy to draw and can be shot all day long. It was one of the most accurate Excals. I have ever owned or shot and it's speed is right with the bows your looking at. Cost is usually a bit lower especially if bought "used".
But then, neither would a rule out a good deal on a gently used Grizley or a 310 Matrix.... Should my funds ever allow either of the later would be a great addition to the harder drawing models I currently own.
Gene
Camo Micro 355 w/ XB30 SR Pro & TT trigger
Camo Matrix 380 W/ XB 30SR Pro & a Boo trigger
Very Nice 98 Jeep Tj
Sweet old 73 Bronco ( 2nd Owner)
Scamp tralier
I bought a Cub last fall set it up with a matrix length string and killed a couple of deer with it without issue one. I sold an Axiom to be able to buy the cub and have no regrets in doing so.. I feel very comfortable with the reliability of my Cub and have no qualms about it being my only bow...
A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.