New guy here needing some wisdom..

Crossbow Hunting

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Doe Master
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by Doe Master »

First off welcome to the group . :)
If space in a blind is a concern . Then the micros are the answer .
I think the 330 or 355 are a great bow in the matrix line .
As Vixenmaster stated . On a calm deer the sound of the bow is not an issue .
As JP said is also a valid point . If you are on a budget then one of the older but just as good models will serve your purpose until you see what is your priory . Width or speed .
Good luck on your decision . For the most part we obviously are partial but subjective here . :)
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Pinpoint
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by Pinpoint »

Welcome,
I use an older model pheonix in my ground blinds and have had no problems with the width of the bow. This obviously depends on your blind. You can find some of the older models usually with lots of accessories for much less than $750. Might be something to consider if you're not sure how much you will be actually hunting with it. You can always upgrade later if it's something you enjoy! Good luck with your choice!

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M77 ruger
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by M77 ruger »

Okay guys you pretty much have my convinced on getting a matrix. I am really leaning towards the matrix 355 as it seems to have the better scope from what I'm reading over the 330. Is this correct? As far as Being able to cock the bow im pretty sure it's not going to be a problem I'm 34yrs old and 6-2 225lbs active good shape. Maybe I can find a 355 on sale by the time I'm ready to buy. I want to purchase one no later than June so I will have time to shoot and get use to it before deer season kicks off. Thanks again guys for all the info. You pretty much have my sold just hopefully I can find a good deal on a 355 if not the 330 might be the one I end up with.


P.s if you guys see or here of any going on sale please let me know
Normous
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by Normous »

Keep an eye on the "Trading Post" section here for a good M355 deal.
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Bodanny
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by Bodanny »

Welcome to forum. I also live in ga l mainly hunt in club in sc bow only trophy club. I am 61 yr young and own 3 Excalibur crossbow 380,335 micro and 175 Exocetexocet. I'm 5'8 220lb and have no problem crocking these. They are simple and super reliable. I definitely favor Excalibur and if you do run into problem with there bow they have super rep.s to solve or replace parts or even the bow. In US u have Dan Miller in Ohio. I have had him sent me a replacement stock I broke in just 4 days so I could hunt in Illinois the next week. All these forum members are a great asset of experience and knowledge. As one mentioned on eBay pine mountain archery is where I got both matrix 380 and micro 335 I won 335 for 660 . Good luck on choosing and again welcome to forum,
Carl ( Bodanny )
380 matrix, micro nightmare335,Exocet 175, my aluminum arrows, muzzy broadheads and a starvation aim, Vixenmaster strings
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Minnow
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by Minnow »

robertyb wrote:You can get the same bow as the M-355 basically by buying a Matrix 350 LE from a website I am going to post a link to. The M-350 is actually faster than a M-355 but they had to name it something. :D It is also a couple of hundred dollars cheaper because you will pay in Canadian dollars. At today's exchange rate it was $501 to your door with free shipping. Best deal in town. I bought one (do a search on here for link) and really like mine. The link shows him sold out but a popup appears for you to leave an e-mail address and he will let you know when they come back in stock. Usually within a week or so.

http://www.alflahertys.com/collections/ ... ope-3500se

X2 if this bow was out when I bought mine I'd be all over it probably the best bang for your buck
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longbow joe
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by longbow joe »

You cant go wrong with a grizzly on a budget. It does everything .the 330s a little faster metal frame n a little more money its up to you both awsome bows. The micro is the bomb in a blind nice n narrow i love mine for that reason but a couple hundred more Dollars for like 4 inches less width .
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M77 ruger
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by M77 ruger »

Wyvern creations has a bare bow pkg and a 2 different pkgs to go along with it. The 199.99 add on pkg has hawke map scope or for a little more a hawke 1.5-5 Sr.
Is either of these scopes better than the tac zone scope it comes with standard?

Also it seems from what I'm reading that the 330 has zero problems with limbs and what not, is the 355 just as reliable ?
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by xcaliber »

At your age, and physical abilities, the 355 would fit fit the bill. I think you would be very happy with the performance, and reliability, the 330 will not disappoint you either, it delivers great speed, and thump for whitetails.
Good Luck, and welcome aboard.
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by paulaboutform »

robertyb wrote:You can get the same bow as the M-355 basically by buying a Matrix 350 LE from a website I am going to post a link to. The M-350 is actually faster than a M-355 but they had to name it something. :D It is also a couple of hundred dollars cheaper because you will pay in Canadian dollars. At today's exchange rate it was $501 to your door with free shipping. Best deal in town. I bought one (do a search on here for link) and really like mine. The link shows him sold out but a popup appears for you to leave an e-mail address and he will let you know when they come back in stock. Usually within a week or so.

http://www.alflahertys.com/collections/ ... ope-3500se
As mentioned already, check out the trading post here. Secondly, with the high U.S. dollar, check out this seller. Even with the slightly higher shipping cost you'll still be way ahead....and because it's made in Canada, you don't pay duty. You'll only pay any U.S. taxes you'd have to pay anyway.

Paul
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M77 ruger
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by M77 ruger »

paulaboutform wrote:
robertyb wrote:You can get the same bow as the M-355 basically by buying a Matrix 350 LE from a website I am going to post a link to. The M-350 is actually faster than a M-355 but they had to name it something. :D It is also a couple of hundred dollars cheaper because you will pay in Canadian dollars. At today's exchange rate it was $501 to your door with free shipping. Best deal in town. I bought one (do a search on here for link) and really like mine. The link shows him sold out but a popup appears for you to leave an e-mail address and he will let you know when they come back in stock. Usually within a week or so.

http://www.alflahertys.com/collections/ ... ope-3500se
As mentioned already, check out the trading post here. Secondly, with the high U.S. dollar, check out this seller. Even with the slightly higher shipping cost you'll still be way ahead....and because it's made in Canada, you don't pay duty. You'll only pay any U.S. taxes you'd have to pay anyway.

Paul
Is this the same bow as the matrix 355? Can't find any info on it. Is this only sold in Canada if so how would the warranty work
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M77 ruger
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by M77 ruger »

Also wanted to thank all of you guys for all the help and info. You guys have definitely helped me make up my mind. Sorry for all the questions but no one really that I hunt with uses a crossbow so didn't really have anyone else to ask. I look foward to learning a lot from you guys. Now for another question when do these crossbows go one sale normally?
L. E. Carroll
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by L. E. Carroll »

In my opinion the 355 is just as reliable as the 330 I have had both and settled on the 355 and a 335 Micro as my two final "Picks"....

The 1.5 -5 hawk is a better scope as many have written of problems with the taczone in wet conditions and a few have fogged up, Others have complained of clairity and glass quality issues.

However, if you don't really need the illumination? Wyverns also has the Leupold 2x7 Crossbones as an option.... That would be my pick followed closely by a Nikon "Bolt". :wink:

Gene
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robertyb
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by robertyb »

M77 ruger wrote:
paulaboutform wrote:
robertyb wrote:You can get the same bow as the M-355 basically by buying a Matrix 350 LE from a website I am going to post a link to. The M-350 is actually faster than a M-355 but they had to name it something. :D It is also a couple of hundred dollars cheaper because you will pay in Canadian dollars. At today's exchange rate it was $501 to your door with free shipping. Best deal in town. I bought one (do a search on here for link) and really like mine. The link shows him sold out but a popup appears for you to leave an e-mail address and he will let you know when they come back in stock. Usually within a week or so.

http://www.alflahertys.com/collections/ ... ope-3500se
As mentioned already, check out the trading post here. Secondly, with the high U.S. dollar, check out this seller. Even with the slightly higher shipping cost you'll still be way ahead....and because it's made in Canada, you don't pay duty. You'll only pay any U.S. taxes you'd have to pay anyway.

Paul
Is this the same bow as the matrix 355? Can't find any info on it. Is this only sold in Canada if so how would the warranty work
Nope. This one is new and is actually faster than a Matrix 355. It is a special release fron Excalibur that seems to be only sold by a few Canadian dealers. I heard that there were only about 1000 made.
As for warranty work it is the same as any Excalibur made with a lifetime warranty. Takes regular Matrix parts. Only difference is in the length of the rail as on every model made.
And when I got mine the other day it was free shipping and no duty or taxes.
Open my link for information on the bow.
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Melmark
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Re: New guy here needing some wisdom..

Post by Melmark »

TheBig1 wrote:Welcome, you'll find plenty of wisdom here. I'm relatively new to crossbows myself, I just bought my first one last August. But I can tell you for a fact, that you will not go wrong with buying an Excalibur and by joining this forum to gain information.

Why'd I buy an Excalibur? Because I was hard pressed to find one bad review on them. Plus, anything that needs done to this bow, I can do it all by myself. Something wrong with the string? Change it yourself. Anything! Other bows I'd have to take to a shop to get done.

You'll hear plenty of opinions on both the 330 and 355 but I have the Grizzly and couldn't be happier with my purchase for $500. I took the extra money and upgraded like crazy.

Good luck to you,
Chad
Chad, I am at Lake Carey Pa. and just bought a grizzly....what trick stuff did you do to your bow? I just ordered one and am curious what the hot upgrades are
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