Question about Matrix 380 Blackout

[Reed380]

I was wondering if anyone else is having problems with there 380. The limbs having splinters along the edge of the limbs. I just bought this bow around October the 20th and shot it about 30 times and one of the limbs had a splinter appear. Sent off to Dan Miller and had replaced and received back Nov. 24. Shot about 15 times to sight in and went hunting. Hunted morning of Thanksgiving then got ready to go that evening and cocked the bow and one of the limbs had a splinter about 1" long and 1/8 in. deep appear. This is really getting ridiculous. If anyone has any suggestions as what the problem would be I certainly would like to here. I bought this bow on Excalibur's reputation and I know they stand behind there products but as I said this is ridiculous. Also am new to crossbows and this is leaving a bad taste. Thanks for replies in advance.

[Squirrel]

Are you keeping the brace height up and using a good quality carbon arrow weighing at least 375 grains? The heavier the arrow the better.

[vixenmaster]

I really am sorry to hear this has happened to yer 380. So fer mine hasn't had any trouble. I have only been shootin my Micro, thinkin i will sight-in Capt. Jack Sparrow wid the Zeiss Scope n some of my old junky GTII's n shootin whatever Mech. BH's i can find on my parts shelf above my work table

[Heyu]

I to have felt the sting of disappointment. And have many others on here. And could only imagine the countless other's we don't hear about on here. I've had and still do have other brands. Am not loyal to any company. I jumped into Excalibur it seems to late to expect it to be as they once were. The customer service seems great. Has to make up for the quality that seems to have taken a turn in the limb department. My boys have cheap barnett bows and ten points too that are holding up without a problem in years. I buy 2 Excaliburs and in a month have a limb go! Sure they will keep sending you limbs to replace, it just isn't the same. Surprised they haven't had a recall, mainly the 335 it seems. A lot more sold, so more limb problem heard. Right now it's a crap shoot it seems if you get a good set of limbs or not.While others have had no problems at all. We can only make sure to keep our brace height correct and use a heavier arrow than they state for getting their speed sales. Only their inspectors and Quality control people can tell us why this is happening. Hopefully it gets all sorted out and we can rest assured we still have that Excalibur quality that sets them apart. Customer service is number 1 though. A big plus.

[Reed380]

Yes Squirrel I am keeping the brace height correct and 400gr arrows plus new string from Danny Miller. I do love the way this bow shoots but the limb issue is a problem.

[robertyb]

Simply break the splinter off and keep shooting the bow. A single splinter does not affect the bow at all. You can do another limb swap after deeer season is over.

[Normous]

Excalibur quality has never let me down while hunting and shooting hard every season since the very early 90's.

Only once during the past 24 years has a limb been compromised by delamination requiring replacement. A poor decision to use aftermarket rope cocker during a practice session two seasons ago left my 405 limb in bad shape after both rope cocking hooks broke violently when pulled close to the ADF causing a dri fire.

My 380 limbs have gone through a few strings and many arrows and appear the same as they left the factory. No problems here to report.

Since my first Crossbow purchase I have always followed a strict checklist to ensure my arrows, string, sights , trigger, and crossbow have communicated and are matched together before pulling the trigger. This is my job each and every time.

Have I made some mistakes? heck YES! and the error was etched into my mind.

The way I see it, when I perform due diligence I am less likely to have a problem. The end result is that I have a lot of confidence in the field at the moment of truth.

Over the last few years I have noticed an increase in posts by new members similar to Reed380 who are new to crossbows and have problems.

It makes me wonder if these new to crossbow owners are not following a checklist of sorts and causing errors that can lead to equipment failures.

[Foxinthehenhaus]

Reed380

As the saying goes hopefully for you going forward

"Third time's the charm"

Be safe.


Concerned but hopeful going forward.

[fergie]

I've had my 380 black out a month shy of two years. third string on it at the moment. hundreds of shots in dead of winter throughout the summer months. same limbs it left the factory with. cocked for hours in treestands in rain, sleet, sun and snow. shot a 6 point buck with it at 50 yards yesterday morning and lovin' every minute of it.

[Reed380]

Normous let me assure you I am overly cautious with this bow and check every thing on the bow before it's used. I think it might be quality control are I could just be unlucky either way I will stick with this bow until I get it worked out.

[Foxinthehenhaus]

I could just be unlucky.

It appears as of late you can take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.
Too many occurances in fact to be simpy dismissed as inexperience operator error.

[otisbrazwell]

i'm trading down to a 355 as the 405 did the same thing..as far as brace height and arrow weight both were maintained (425gr arrow)..my first crossbow years back was the exomag which was well made..i belive that all the 335-380-405 limbs will fail at some point..now do I sell the 355 that's coming and move on? I'm thinking of darton which I had before with no problems and there customer service is good..

[Livtahunt]

With a heavier arrow and a correct brace height it sounds like its just plan bad luck. These other guys can blame user error or go on about how durable Excaliburs have been over the years but facts are they are having limb issues with the new bows, mostly the Micro and 405. Knock on wood I have been safe so far.