Crossbow purchase

[Okostis]

I am looking to purchase an Excalibur Crossbow. I have narrowed my choices to the new Matrix 310 or the Matrix 330. I have done a lot of research to come to these 2 as a final decision. I am not sure yet which one to buy, and wanted some feedback and opinions on which one could/would be better. I know everyone will have different opinions but that will help me make a decision. If there are any other crossbows for recommendation please let me know. Thanks.

[xcaliber]

Between those two, the 330 gets my vote. Same bow, and not much effort to cock either, I would go with the extra power.

[Deerstalker]

I suggest that which ever one you decide on that you get a bare bow & trick it out the way you want. Nikon or Leupold scope, BEE arrows from south shore, & a Boo string. Cock/shoot as many models that you can.

[Sandman]

Neither one would be a bad choice~!

Welcome aboard btw.

[galamb]

Are you going to hunt with it and do you live somewhere with one of those odd/makes no sense laws like you can't use more or less poundage than XXX etc??

The 310 was (probably) built to meet the limitations of a 200 pound draw weight (max) regulation.

In practical use you probably wouldn't see much of a performance difference between the two.

If you are shorter in stature you would find the 310 a little easier to cock than the 330 (but just a little easier - it's 20 lbs lighter and have to pull about 1/2" less).

If I was buying the "package" I would opt for the 310 which includes the REDS system (a $70 add on) and the overall price is about 30 bucks less then the 330 which doesn't include them as "standard".

I use my bow to hunt deer - both of these are "more than you need" for deer anywhere in the eastern half of North America - so from my point of view, no advantage between the two from that perspective.

So my vote is for the 310 "package" - it's the best value for the money - if you don't like the scope you can sell it off and use what you get to offset the cost of whatever optics you choose.

Unless you know "exactly" how you want to kit out, going the bare bow route can be quite a bit more expensive then the package by the time you buy all the "stuff" you need - so if you are just getting into this, the "all dressed" is a great way to start and upgrade individual parts etc as you get comfortable and see what you want/are trying to achieve.

[ehntr]

310 and 330 are the same weight and same length (must have something to do with the difference in risers, haven't seen a 310 riser). 330-405 all have the same risers. 310 is out of the lineup for 2015. I'd go for the 330 myself...................that's because I have one lol. 330 is even lighter than the micro. Pulling 220 on this bow is easy with the short power stroke. I put on the Danny Miller version of the Reds and the ADF. Bought/traded for both of these accessories on the trading post.

[Okostis]

Thank you for the suggestions. I was just curious, any opinions on the Excalibur Axiom SMF vs M 330.

[galamb]

The guy that I party hunt deer with shoots an Axiom SMF. It's a good bow, shoots well, accurate etc - it's an Excal...

It is however, quite a bit of bow in length and width - it's big and unwieldy compared to the Matrix line.

And that is his only complaint - it gets hung up quite easily while trekking through the woods.

From limb tip to limb tip, the 310/330's are 5" less compared with the Axiom - not quite enough for me to buy a new bow (I shoot a Vix II which has the same limb-limb tip measurement but is shorter in the overall stock length then the Axiom), but if I was just buying it today, at least for me, it would be a no brainer - I would go for the slimmer/trimmer bow.

Now, if you are just range shooting or simply walk across an open field/good path to your stand, the Axiom wouldn't be a handicap - but if you do some bushwhacking or plan to shoot from a blind, the Matrix would be less "restrictive".

[flightattendant100]

Thank you for the suggestions. I was just curious, any opinions on the Excalibur Axiom SMF vs M 330.

2015 catalog has an SMF Matrix in it. A lower priced Matrix that I think is 200lb draw for those states. Just a thought. New 2015 cat. Is on home of. Welcome and good luck

[jparchery]

if its only between the two of them, I would go 330, but you should really consider the 355

[Patriot*]

I am looking to purchase an Excalibur Crossbow. I have narrowed my choices to the new Matrix 310 or the Matrix 330. I have done a lot of research to come to these 2 as a final decision. I am not sure yet which one to buy, and wanted some feedback and opinions on which one could/would be better. I know everyone will have different opinions but that will help me make a decision. If there are any other crossbows for recommendation please let me know. Thanks.

You have made an excellent choice in crossbows. I would not trade any my Excalibur crossbows for any other crossbow. Whatever you choose know you have choosen "Simply the Best" so welcome to a great forum with very knowledgable members will to offer help along the way.

[Razor cut]

I would pick the 330 but it's your choice! Good luck.

[Waif]

Thank you for the suggestions. I was just curious, any opinions on the Excalibur Axiom SMF vs M 330.

Axiom a fine bow.
330 even finer. I'm very pleased with the Axiom but would switch to a 330 given the chance. But then I'm still tweaking an Exomax...
The matrix profile alone being smaller seems hard to pass up; enough that if budget allowed and no Excalibur's were in the stable ,for a first buy a Matrix where I would lean.
Only opinion though. Try and shoot a variety of Excaliburs!

[Okostis]

So many choices yet don't know which one to choose. Just when I thought I was set on the M330 I came across the Micro 335 on sale and its only 27$ more than the M330. (M330 - $769, Micro 335 on sale for $796 from $900. these are the prices here in Toronto, may vary in other parts). Thoughts on the Micro 335? Take it or leave it?

[canoe13]

I was going to suggest looking at the new Grizzly model as a lower cost way to get an Excalibur but I have to say now is; GO FOR THE MICRO!! It is the bow that most Excal. fans have been dreaming of for a long time. It's harder to draw but all that power in such a small package can not be beat. Have fun and be safe with your new bow and welcome to the Excalibur clan.