help me decide axiom/ibex or equinox

[digiwind]

All,

Thank you for all the great info I've found here. Being browsing for a while, trying to figure out which one to get. I guess I've done my homework well, or I wouldn't be here in the first place!

Little background: never done crossbow hunting. Got a cheapo 240 fps SA Fever to play with, like it and want to get a REAL bow to hunt deer and hog with. I am 5'6, 160lb.

Although I really like the specs of Matrix 355, it's new intro at full MSR of $900. Kind of steep for me. I'd likely go with axiom/ibex (shorter) for $500 kit shipped, or $650 equinox Lite Stuff shipped (include veri zone, SR5 and cheekpad). Both new from authorized dealers. I am leaning towards Equinox for the vari zone scope, and SR5, but concern a bit about its draw of 225lb and overall size/length, as I'll be hunting from a shooting house and occasionally from a ground blind. I guess for that reason I should look closer at the Matrix 355. Maybe I can upgrade later with very little cost, say a year or two from now? (what would say the resale values of these bows are then?) I've only got to see axiom in my hands. It's a bit heavier than I imagined (with quiver and shadow zone attached). Speed is not a big concern, although I do want to have a longer effective reach, so equinox is surely better.

Bottom line: 1) do you think draw of 225lb at 16.5" an issue for me? 2) 2" longer a big deal in shooting house (between ibex and equinox)?

Thank you all again!
Will

[Normous]

Welcome Will, my #1 choice is the 355 all said and done, it will give you everything you want in one ideal light and fast package and you won't have to deal with reselling and investment loss down the road.. If price is a concern then I suggest the Axium/Ibex at your height because it will be much easier to cock over the Equinox.

[Carnivorous]

I am about the same size as you & once tried to cock the Equinox. Not an easy task for guys our size. Let's just say I can do it a few times but trying to shoot multiple times will leave you very sore for a few days.

I had the Ibex before I got the Matrix 355 & it was a perfect fit for me & I harvested a few very nice deer with it.

I agree with Norm if you can get the Matrix 355 now you will be much better off if you feel you will upgrade later on you might as well go all the way now.

Cocking the 355 for me is no problem & it's super fast & much better balanced than the older bows.

Good luck with your purchase.

[vixenmaster]

If'en you ck around some you can find the Matrix 355 fer about $800. At 5'6" 16.5" power stroke is a long pull. I would looke around fer a Vortex 200 lb if'en i couldn't afford the 355

[Tennessee Rebel]

I'm with Belleriver and Vixenmaster. If plan to upgrade later, you will be time and money ahead to go with the 355 now. The Vortex would be my next choice. I am 5' 11" and 230 lbs. and have had a Equinox and Exomax in the past. The last inch or two of cocking them was a stretch after a few shots. I sold both of those and got a metal rail Ibex which is MUCH easier to cock. Now I have the Ibex and a Matrix 380. I think you would love the 355: shorter, narower and very fast!

[digiwind]

Wow! I didn't expect so much responses in such a short time span. You guys are awesome!

I'll take a closer look (again) at 355 then. I can get an Ibex for $550 so I might just go with that. I've seen 355 selling for $830ish but not from authorized dealers.

One of the reasons I was looking at Equinox is that I was told you can easily shorten the pull length by shorten the rope (so you pull in the string a bit by hand when you click on the 2nd hook). That was in theory and I have no way of testing that. Is that a feasible thing to do?

Usually I wouldn't fret about $900 vs $650. It's just that I've spent way too much in a last few months on "toys" (a few CMP M1 on top of some other "must haves"). The wife is borderline upset now (well the DoD furlough didn't help either, as I've lost a few crossbows that way LOL)

Thanks again,
Will

[digiwind]

One more question if I may: how much difference in effective range you think there is, between 305 fps vs 350?

According to this link, the speed drop shouldn't be an issue, and ibex can kill a deer effectively (ie with enough KE) even at 80yds:

http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/conten ... ballistics

Or am I dreaming? Will the wind (say 5-10knts) do anything to the slightly slower speed of 20" arrows?

Will

PS One of the reason to mention "upgrade down the road", is that I am not sure if any of my boys (age 8 and 11 now), would be a bow hunter down the road. Guess I worry too much (11 will start rifle with me this year).

[vixenmaster]

Matrix-Equinox-Vortex can all reach 50 yds, Ibex is a 35 yd model imo pm sent

[robertyb]

If you decide to go with a new Matrix 355 I would suggest call David at Wyvern Creations (603-659-0575). I think he has the full package at the lowest price.
I saw a Phoenix used for sale yesterday for $375 pretty sure in Archery Talk classifieds.

(just looked. The Phoenix is in classifieds at CBN site and is $350.)

Hope you get what you want, Excals are hard to beat.

[Deerstalker]

IMO you should go with the Equinox. I am 74 & have no problem cocking the beast. All of the Excals are extremely accurate and any of them will harvest any animal that you may choose to hunt. You could sell the Equinox at a later date if you wanted to upgrade to a Matrix but I believe that you will love it.

[yooper_man]

Will,

You can get the Matrix 355 package for $789.00 free shipping without tax. Go to the link below and call Wyvern Creations at (603) 659-0575.

http://www.wyverncreations.com/index.ph ... 333e3db039

Andrew

[Drew]

Digiwind where are you finding an Equinox package for undrr $700? That's a great price! I plan on getting the Beast this Friday!

[massbow]

go with a 355 and be happy!!

[digiwind]

It sounds like a good idea to get the matrix 355 at 789, vs equinox at 650 (actually less, you can find it on vergona outdoor website for 639).

Only concerns left are the lesser performance history of Matrix, and some questions about quality of the tact zone scope (fish tail issue). But then again, I shouldn't worry about it considering the excellent+ Excalibur warranty I have heard so much about.

Thank you all again! I will report back once I have my hands on the 355. (I've got an email back from David confirming the price and will proceed with an order shortly)

Will
PS Anybody can confirm if it's a good idea to buy from authorized dealer only? One place selling lower than 789 but not a dealer.

[yooper_man]

Will,

I would buy from Wyvern Creations with zero worries. Excalibur's excellent lifetime warranty will address any and all issues as if they arise.

When you purchase from an Excalibur authorised dealer you will always have a pair of solid legs to stand.on!

Andrew