Ok, what is the hype over the thumbhole stock?

[jeshoffstall]

Seems the thumbhole versions in each weight class are talked about 10:1 over the regular stocks on this and other forums. I picked up a Vortex which I love shooting on the bench, but after a weekend in the woods I think a Exocet would be easier to handle. Is there a benefit to hunting with the thumbhole that I am missing?

Is it possible to but an Exocet stock on a Vortex?

Thanks!
Jack

[agingcrossbower]

No difference, its just different stokes for different folks. No, a rifle style excallibur stock does not fit a vortex. I can make a custom stock for you but unfortunately you'll have to pay for it. Good Luck!

[gendoc]

ok, i have read from many here that the vortex isa exocet except for the T/H stock... i have both, and can tell you from my opinion... i like the TH stock much better for stability with free-hand shots.
but don't take my word for it... others need to reply

[vixenmaster]

The T-hole stocked models have been the newer style several yrs old. So its the new kid on the block. Which is better is a personal choice. I like each style very much & have no trouble at all hunting out of tree stands with my T-hole Vixen.

[one shot scott]

i like the feel of the thumbhole stock, i think i can hold the bow a bit more steady. the safety is a bit more of a reach though.

[wayne]

Got 2 of the thumbhole type excal's - 1 for the wife & 1 fer me, the really strange thing is that I hate thumbhole stocks on long gun's, can't seem to shoot them as good as others, while shooting all the excal's before I bought, for us we seemed to get a steadier hold while shooting the excal's off/hand. seems to be the only reason I went that way. Other then that, we have no other reason, weird I know.

[deerhunter0430]

I wonder if it has something to do with the way the pistol grip
helps stabilize the wingspan. Just my observation when I was
trying them on for size.
Hank

I agree with hank on this...

[skizmo]

I just purchased a Ibex w-thumb hole stock...b4 I bought this xbow I must have shot 15 different xbows compound and different excals and my shot freestanding was much more steady and accurate with a thumb hole stock...and I felt more in tune with the xbow(confidence)...I think at the end of the day its personal preference...But for me thumb hole stock was the only way to go.

[seabee401]

Jack
I Encounteredthe same issue not too long ago.I am new to crossbows myself. The first thing i did was come onto this forum to read and learn fom the many experienced and knowledgeable peole here.
i already knew I wanted an excalibur, having shot many types and brands before my decision.
I decided on the Phoenix. Shot it. Bought it. Love it.No regrets.
Then , I decided I needed another Excal.! (didn't really but they are addicting!)
I wanted a 200# model. So, I tested the Vortex. Felt good while shooting @ the store, but I soon came to realize I wasn't as comfortable w/ thumbhole stock. Maybe because of shooting my Phoenix (traditional stock). I ended up selling it and buying the Exocet, which is like a Phoenix on steroids. Couldn't be happier w/ both Phoenix and Exocet now! I should have known better in the first place.
Like many others here will tell you, All Excaliburs are great bows. You just have to find what fits you.If you are used to traditional stocks on your long guns, like me, then that may be the way to go w/ the excal's also.
Hope this helped.
Tom

[Farmer]

I do not own a thumb holed stocked Excalibur but like it for off hand shooting , it seem to give me a better feel for the trigger ( i find the same with the Relayer Y25 stock ) . It ends up its what ever floats your boat .

[j.krug]

In a nutshell, there is no difference performance wise but many, including myself find them to be more comfortable to shoot. My trigger hand feels better and more comfortable when gripping the stock. I also like how the grip feels when carrying the bow down at my side with only one hand thru the thumbhole grip. It's a personal preference and is not the same for everyone.

[jeshoffstall]

Thanks all, makes sense. I have not shot this thing off hand enough to notice the improvement in stability but i can see how it would help!!

[ninepointer]

Consumer demand and the competition all do it.

Long-time Excalibur owners will remember the ads in which Excal prided itself for not giving in to "Star Wars" styling. Even with the thumbhole stocks (which are nice to shoot BTW), I think Excalibur has stayed true to this pinciple.

[theoldarcher]

I have owned both the Thumbhole stock and the traditional style stock models. I totally agree that when shooting offhand the thumbhole stock models are by far, hands down more stable therefore making for a more accurate shot. For me though, with the way I hunt I find that the traditional stock is more comfortable for me. Everyone has to weigh the way they hunt and their comfort zone with the style crossbow stock they choose. Either way, which ever model you choose, you can’t go wrong with the best