Help with first crossbow - Ibex vs. Matrix

[SKILCZ]

Spoke with Dan Miller.

He is basically trying to talk me into the Axiom. I had liked the feel of the thumb hole stock (Ibex) initially, but he brought up a good point about the safety location and having to move to disengage it when you see an animal in your sights. While I did like the Matrix I held, he brought up the bang for buck line of thinking and it being hard to beat the Axiom. He also mentioned that the axiom can take any game in the world.

It is hard to argue with that logic. There's nothing I would need a crossbow to do that the Axiom/Ibex can't do. Yes, I like the smaller package of the Matrix, and I love that the 330 weighs only 5.1 lbs. I guess I have to decide if that's worth an extra $300.

He basically said that since I'm totally new to crossbows, he thought I should buy the Axiom and if I love it, then down the line I can get a Matrix and keep the Axiom for the wife/kids. If I don't love it (which I highly doubt), then he said for a small loss I could sell it.

What do you all think? Should I go with the standard (non thumb hole) stock for the safety location?

[Fred T]

When I was comparing the Axiom and Ibex ,I much preffered the thumbhole stock.It just felt better when shouldered.As for the safety it has been a non issue for me as it has become second nature.

[strum]

bottom line is youll love any one of them once you bring it home and the axiom is no exception.its light short and a joy to shoot. and it as no slouch in the speed department either.
if money is not the issue then it would be a no brainer between the axiom and the matrix 330..which one you say? The matrix wins
its going to be lighter, shorter, narrower,cock as easy if not easier,shoot faster,and hold its value better .
oh and welcome to the forum..keep us updated on your purchase man.

[racking up points]

When I was comparing the Axiom and Ibex ,I much preffered the thumbhole stock.It just felt better when shouldered.As for the safety it has been a non issue for me as it has become second nature.

If you sit with your bow at the ready, in hand, the whole time you're on stand like I do...you appreciate the comfort of the thumbhole stock. Disengaging the safety is a non-issue.

[maine hunter]

My first bow was the axiom. I still have it,nice and light and very accurate. The price of the axiom is around 500-600. I shoot the vortex now and love it!!! It has the thumbhole stock and feels great to me. The new matrix 330 goes for 750-800. Myself I would get the 330. If I was ever going to get another bow it would be mthe new 330. Good luck!!!

[georgiaboy]

I've taken quite a few critter's with the Ibex & Vortex, both thumbhole stock. The safety is a non issue...never think about it when it's go time. If you prefer the thumbhole stock pull the trigger and don't look back.

[SKILCZ]

Is the 330 in stock anywhere that you know of?

[bigredopie]

As someone who was in a similar situation a couple years ago, I know it can be an agonizing decision. As many have already mentioned you really can't really go wrong with any of the Excalibur bows but which one is best to start with? The matrix series is noticeably smaller in width but that size comes at a cost as they are popular and newer so there are fewer around. With the safety on the back of the trigger, the traditional stock requires less thumb movement to reach it, but I would put more weight on which stock feels better holding it to your shoulder, you will get used to the safety either way. Of course a couple years ago there was no such thing as a matrix either so that was simply not an option for me at the time.

For me I read a lot on this site and others, tried a few out that I could lay my hands on and then did a lot of soul searching. Once I narrowed it down, I kept a close eye on the trading post, here archery talk, ebay, etc looking for a deal. With the new bows coming out this time of year and a lot of hunting seasons winding up you can get a great bow, often with a few extra tossed in, for much less than the sticker at Bass Pro. It does take a bit of patience and timing as often the best deals don't last long, but for me, these bows are basically bullet proof, guaranteed forever and easy to work on, a good used bow was the perfect solution. As a matter of fact I was able to buy two good used bows with everything we needed to get started for less than the cost of a new bow and that way my father and I could hunt and shoot together.

[strum]

Is the 330 in stock anywhere that you know of?

youll have to wait on the 330 just a little longer. call Wyvern Creations.
Dave will steer you right

[SKILCZ]

I will try to wait a bit longer and see if I can get my hands on a 330 to try it out with my wife and compare it side by side to the Ibex, ideally by shooting them both. We may head to Cabela's and try to shoot a 355 next to an Ibex and see what we both think.

How long has the Matrix line been out? Are there any issues with the shorter limbs handling the higher force of increased velocity? I guess that's another concern of mine--longevity of the newly designed shorter limbs with higher force on them. I also am always a bit apprehensive about buying anything right when it first comes out in case there are "bugs" to be worked out.

Thoughts on the longevity of the shorter recurve limbs with higher forces on them vs. the proven longer limbs with lower forces?

[bigredopie]

Well there is no doubt the matrix line is the new kid on the block as it has only been on the market a year so far. That being said I believe it was in testing and development for several years to ensure they are as bullet proof as their older brethren.

Packing more power into smaller limbs is definitely a riskier proposition and I have read about more limb problems with the new bows over the last year than I remember seeing with previous models. I believe that is one reason the adf is included on the 380 models and many have added them to their 355's. Most issues seem to arise due to dry firing the bow so the adf helps to eliminate this issue.

I do love shooting my 380, but I am so glad I had my Vortex first to learn and make mistakes with. It just seemed to be much more forgiving. Think of it like buying your first vehicle. Your first one just has to be reliable and able to handle some brain farts, but once you get the hang of it, then you can invest in the sportscar. A little long winded, but that is my 2 cents.

[Excalibur]

Nobody would know better than you, your wife and kid. Get your hands on them and test them out.

[SKILCZ]

So I shot the Ibex and the 355 side by side. Cocking, I could tell the Ibex had a lighter draw weight, but having to pull it back further made the difference less noticeable. Shooting, I felt like the Ibex was a little smoother and definitely quieter, probably due to the lower force, I imagine. When I held the two on top of one another, the Matrix was considerably narrower. I didn't notice the weight difference much when shooting, but the Matrix was a little more easy to hold and steady, seemingly from its narrower size. Both bows were display models and had not been sighted in, and neither had the quiver attached. I nailed the bull's eye with the Ibex, and the Matrix shot about 3-4" off reproducibly in the same spot at 20 yards with multiple shooters. I know the Matrix just needed to be sighted in.

Is there any disadvantage or advantage to 18" vs. 20" arrows?

[Hunt it]

I've owned majority of excal models over the years. Bough my first one from Bill and Kath when they made them in basement of farmhouse in Breslau 31yrs ago.

I now shoot a 380 and would never switch back. If your wife and kids can cock the 380 they will find the size and weight nicer to work with than larger models. I shoot 410gr arrows at 355fps and there biggest issue is finding a target to stop the arrows! There is no wrong model but take family to a shop with range and see what they are most comfortable with and go from there.

[ertreecare]

Proud to say i just bought my first excalibur and it wasnt a easy decision with every bow having a good review lol.wife only gave me a $500 limit for a new bow so i got her nails done took her out to dinner and bought a tanning bed then played the guilt card!!! Ended up buying the matrix 330! And it cant get here fasy enough.im curious if the 330 comes with the string bumpers or if i need to run out and buy some? Most reviews do not mention then but a few of them do.any help would be appreciated