Matrix 405 or 380?

[coop]

So I have a Middleton 400ss, limbs just will not hold up on it. Tired of waiting weeks and months for new ones. Thinking of getting a 380 or 405 I really would like to shoot a 400gr arrow around 360-370. Which would you get and why? Draw weight is no issue for me, but want the bow to be trouble free.

[8ptbuk]

I would suggest the 405 for the numbers you posted . A 380 WITH a heavy set of limbs would probably be fine also , but you never know what your getting as far as limb size .

[CrazyAce]

I would suggest the 405 for the numbers you posted . A 380 WITH a heavy set of limbs would probably be fine also , but you never know what your getting as far as limb size .

x2

[Hunt it]

Do you mean 360-370 fps??? I hope so as 460-470 not obtainable at this point with any Excalibur. I have 2 -380's and have had zero issues.

[vixenmaster]

I really don't knowed if'en a 380 will get you 360 + wid a 400gr arrow. The 405 of which I had certainly would. It was jus to heavy fer me to tote 1/2 mile to stand n back

[xcaliber]

The 380 with 400 grains should get 360 plus. I would go with a 380!

[one shot scott]

How much do you target shoot? If a lot then I would perhaps recommend a 380 over the 405 for reliability and comfort, but you may not be getting the fps you want.

I have had a few 380s (3) and all have been issue free. Not all are happy with the tactzone scope that comes with them but I like mine. Limbs: keep the brace height spot on and you likely wont have any issues. Sorry to hear of the problems you're having with Middleton. Even if you do have an issue with Excal they are generally pretty quick with warranty.

[SEW]

How much do you target shoot? If a lot then I would perhaps recommend a 380 over the 405 for reliability and comfort, but you may not be getting the fps you want.

Hunting and significant target - M380
Primarily hunting - M405

I think a 400g arrow thru stock stringed M405 is >380'/sec, likely >385. My fully silenced 405 with stuff all over it is still 375'/sec with 403g arrow. Identically set up M380 is 350'/sec. My limbs have 3 silencers (currently classified)each, Excal Air Brakes, Excal Brake pads, & string silencers. A M405 shooting 375'/sec with a 403g arrow, while being even quieter than a Solution 350 (without the noisy plastic hand guard) shooting a 440g arrow is a big deal, to me!
I'd get a M405!

[coop]

Hunting and significant target - M380
Primarily hunting - M405

Why not target on 405? Limbs cant take it?
Don't worry about poundage pull, I/M 6'1" 220 52 and lift weights and run!
Main thing I want is a bow that will not break on me...Middleton cant last a season. On 4th limbs, its high poundage too. But it broke during every hunting season. All but 1 was when cocked hunting, it just starts delaminating, takes a few mins, its when its under pressure of being cocked when it breaks. It seemed to be the perfect bow, fast, light! But its just not able to with stand my hunting! Where a bow maybe cocked 14 hrs a day at 290lb because I don't come out of woods until dark many days! Can excal bows at this poundage handle this day after day? My Middleton cannot! Its proved that it cannot!

[Normous]

You can target shoot all you want with the 405 but you will likely fatigue sooner than with any other lighter bow from the extra force required to cock it and from wrestling with your arrows deeply melted in the target
A fatigued shooter form is not the best way to achieve better accuracy.

[wildcatter]

If 400 grain and 360 ish fps is seriously what you want,,,, get a 380, I'm with all the rest and I too have 2-380's,,,,, I get 358 fps with a 415 grain arrow in the Lynx,,,and 362 fps with Mad Max shooting the same arrow, I don't have hot limbs, @ 97.5 to 99 deflection, but would say I am getting what most have posted.

If all you want to do is hunt with it, and you can handle cocking that much weight,,, I'd add a little weight to that and get up around 450 grains, and with the 405 should be well over 370 fps. either bow will kill anything that walks or crawls!!!

[SEW]

My 405 was used extensively this year with multiple 12+ hour cocked periods. It's had >300 shots. Same with 380. Of course, the 405 is more highly stressed. I haven't been reading about many, if any, 405 limb failures.

[cdwester]

Either will do the job. I have a 405, and it's shooting 380 through a Chrony, with standard Diablos and a NAP FOC which is 170 grains. I've only taken one shot at a deer and I dropped her pretty quick. For the little extra weight/length I'd go for the 405.

[paulaboutform]

I completely understand what you're saying. You're sick and tired of spending your hard earned money on a product that consistently disappoints you. That's reasonable. I own an M380 and I'm putting together a custom 405. I think these bows are inherently great and trouble free but like everything man made, things can go wrong. If you want truly to never be concerned, get an ibex or vixen. Even then, I'm sure one of those has been repaired at some time.

I guess what I'm getting at is that you don't live on another continent and if something happens you can be taken care of in a matter of days in a pinch. I say go with the 405 or you'll always be wondering. If it feels like too much bow I'm guessing there's a 380 owner that would be willing to make a trade. Good luck, there's really no wrong choice.

Paul

[coop]

Thanks for the replies, bought a 405, now just gotta wait for it to get here.