Excalibur REvX crossbow testing and shooting
Excalibur REVX – Canadian scalpel
Thanks to František Cerman from www.kuse.cz, we managed to obtain another interesting piece from this manufacturer for our next editorial test.
After the basic starter model MagAir SMU, the very well-balanced Micro 360 SMU BUC in the mid-price range, and the double-shot Excalibur Twin Strike TAC 2, we got our hands on the top-of-the-line Excalibur REvX.
Among the Excaliburs, the REVX is one of the most powerful and fastest, with the highest draw weight. With the powerful Excaliburs (from the Micro Mag 340, 360, through the Bulldog 385, 430 to Suppressor 390, 400 TD), the crossbow can be drawn not only with a cable draw, but also with an external Charger EXT crank draw, which can be easily attached and screwed onto the rear of the stock, allowing even a very powerful crossbow with reflex arms to be drawn with minimal effort.
This is a good, cleverly designed accessory solution. Even as you get older, you can continue to use your powerful and high-performance crossbow.
However, for the most powerful models, where the draw weight approaches 400 lb, an integrated crank mechanism system was included from the outset. This revolution began with the Assassin model, introduced at the ATA show in early 2018. The integrated mechanism was located at the rear of the stock, and the entire catch on the strap slides forward along the rail to the string, where it locks into place. By turning the crank with a force of only about 16 lb (approx. 7.26 kg), you can draw even the most powerful crossbow. The advantage is that you can stop, interrupt, or safely release the crossbow at any time. Thanks to the brake, the crank remains in position without spinning back under load and injuring anyone. Drawing is not only easy but also quiet and can be done not only while standing but also while sitting, which is an advantage in confined spaces such as hunting blinds and shelters.
As the title of the review below suggests, modern hunting crossbows are undergoing a gradual revolution that has already happened once before. Just like medieval European crossbows, modern crossbows are becoming increasingly powerful and faster, with greater draw weights, and just as in the Middle Ages, when late crossbows with steel arms could have a draw weight of over 1000 lb, today's most powerful reflex (draw weight over 400 lb) and compound crossbows (draw weight up to 340 lb) are drawn by crank mechanisms. Thanks to modern materials and manufacturing precision, today's crossbows offer several times higher performance than their medieval predecessors - but the idea remains the same: how to get the most human power into a mechanical weapon with the least effort so that the shot is faster, carries more energy, and travels farther.
What is this crossbow concept, what is it good for, what are its uses, and is it as accurate and durable as other legendary Excalibur crossbows?
These are the questions you will find answers to in the test below. Excalibur REVX - A revolution with a soul steeped in history
Assembly
The crossbow arrived in its factory packaging. Only the bow was fitted with a significantly better custom string from František Cerman. Disassembling the REvX is as easy as we are used to with most Excalibur models. That is, by connecting the complete bow (head, arms, foot stirrup, string dampers, arm dampers) to the body of the crossbow. And that with a single screw from the front.
Then you mount the optics, find their ideal position, and tighten them on the R.I.S. rail. That's it, you're done in a few minutes and you can start shooting. For simplicity, speed, and a nicely thought-out detail of removal +1
It was just as easy and quick to sight in the optics, which took no more than 15 minutes. +1
Appearance
The appearance of the Excalibur is also the brand's trademark.
And even with the REVX, you can tell that it is still an Excalibur through and through.
From the side, the crossbow is longer, lower, and appears slimmer and lighter than the classic Micro. This is mainly due to the rear part of the stock, which houses the crank mechanism. The string catch itself is now also slightly lower than the classic catch.
Otherwise, like most Excaliburs, you can recognize it by its angular rail made of extruded aluminum profile with a rectangular cross-section, which is connected to an angular aluminum alloy head with two separate arms. On the REVX, the rail has two grooves in the upper part parallel to the guide rail for the arrow. These guide the sliding catch on its way to the string and back to the firing position.
The inner edge of the groove is quite sharp, but that doesn't matter, as it is below the level of the string, which only slides along the edges of the rail.
The head is already the 4th generation of Micro heads and is now the standard head for this platform.
Thanks to the front screw mounting, it is much more subtle, shorter, and lighter than previous versions. This head no longer uses Air Brakes arm dampers like older models, only rubber string stop dampers. This makes it simpler, smaller, and lighter. +1
The foot stirrup is standard size with a distinctive rubber coating, which is good for stability when drawing on all types of surfaces, quieter handling when drawing, and reduced wear on the stirrup itself. + 1
The limbs are stronger HO Express (High Output Express) type, which are used on the most powerful Excalibur Micro models with speeds of 380-400 fps.
They are equipped with rubber limb dampers from the SDS (Sound Deading System) series, which we nicknamed "roosters" or "stars."
The limbs are colored in the Mossy Oak Country DNA camouflage pattern, which is not only very attractive but also works perfectly on many surfaces – dry grass or leaves in a meadow, in the forest, on wood, and on stone surfaces. +1
Top view of the drawn HO limbs with a draw length of 10.4" on the REVX. We can see their beautiful reflex curve, similar to that of a traditional horsebow, which, given the strength of these limbs, hints at the energy hidden inside and commands real respect.
As already mentioned, riser is connected to a rail made of extruded aluminum profile with a rectangular cross-section, which has two grooves in the upper part parallel to the guide rail for the arrow. These guide the sliding catch/release mechanism on its way to the bowstring and back to the firing position when it is pulled back. The catch is connected to the winding system by a solid flat cord, which is extremely strong and wear-resistant. I see a big improvement here compared to the original models with integrated rope for example on Assassins, which had a weaker round cable that lasted for about 1,000 shots. With the REvX, we are talking about multiples of that, maybe even 10,000 shots. Based on years of experience, the system is trouble-free, and so far, no REvX has needed to have this flat, sturdy belt replaced.
There is a small service window on the front right side of the rail where you can mechanically release the string catch when the crossbow is unloaded and rewind it empty. +1
Like the head, the rail is finished in a very nice black, fine anodized coating. The workmanship is traditionally perfect. + 1
The rail is connected to a one-piece stock. It has a modern look with angular details and intersecting surfaces, such as the lightweight skeleton rear part of the fore-end or the trigger cover frame.
The fore-end is dominated by massive wings that protect the fingers from getting caught in the bowstring. The lower part of the fore-end is widened for a better grip, with a rubberized surface and vertical grooves for a more secure grip. This is not only pleasant but also practical. It doesn't get cold in winter and doesn't slip in the rain. +1
The same rubber coating can be found on the pistol grip and cheek piece, albeit in a smooth finish. +1
The pistol grip has a good angle, finger recesses, and the distance between the trigger blade and the grip is ideal. +1
The cheek piece is not adjustable, but thanks to the lower height of the trigger catch and the mounting of the optics on it, the height is sufficient. It fits instinctively, its edge fits exactly at the level of your face between your upper and lower teeth, the view through the optics is perfect, eye relief is instinctive, quick, easy, and the position is comfortable. +1
Like most Excaliburs, the crossbow fits perfectly in the hand of the vast majority of shooters the first time they try it. So, once again, the ergonomics are perfect. +1
The rear of the stock lacks the traditional groove for a cable cocking device.
The draw is handled exclusively by a crank mechanism. No hand or cable draw is possible. -1
On the one hand, this reduces the versatility of the crossbow and limits it to the use of the crank and dependence on it. On the other hand, it allows almost anyone to draw such a powerful weapon. During testing, a 13-year-old girl managed it!
This means that almost anyone in the family or community can cock the crossbow, with all the advantages that such a powerful platform offers. +1
Otherwise, only very fit and strong men can cock it with a cable cocking device. Very few people, in fact. Those who feel the need to compete or torture themselves can try the Micro TD400 model with similar parameters. I strongly advise against it.
The handle itself is tucked away at the rear under the stock. When cocking, press the safety catch on it and pull it out from under the stock, press the safety catch again and insert it into the designated slot. Turn it counterclockwise to unwind the retaining strap. Press the bronze-colored safety catches to release it from the rear and continue turning until you reach the bowstring. Push it onto the bowstring.
Turn clockwise to wind the catch and bowstring back to its rear, starting position.
It takes about 12 turns before the catch locks into place at the rear.
The catch will make a soft clicking sound when it locks into place. You need to turn it back three times and slightly loosen the winding.
Then you need to manually secure it against firing. The safety catch can be operated from both sides, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed users. The rear position is the safety position, the front position is the release position. Pull the handle, and you're ready to shoot.+1
It sounds complicated when you write it down, but in reality, it's a piece of cake after a few tries.
As for speed, it's not a tragedy either. When I pulled, it took me twelve turns to fully cock it in 5-6 seconds. I was able to reduce the entire process from attaching the handle, sliding the catch to the string, clicking, drawing the crossbow, removing the handle, loading the arrow, and aiming to about 30 seconds.
The arrow rest is a traditional flat spring steel rest. It is rubberized to prevent rubbing against the arrows, which reduces wear and noise. It slides down together with the catch. However, its pressure is greater, and it is necessary to lift it slightly with the arrow tip. This could be solved by slightly bending the rest upward.
The catch itself is of the CeaseFire type, for which Rhino-type arrows with a fitting are designed. When the fitting clicks gently into the trigger mechanism, the crossbow is ready to fire. If the arrow is not fully seated or is not present in the crossbow, the crossbow will not fire, thus preventing dry firing. A very nicely designed anti-dry-fire system. Another plus for safety. + 1
The trigger itself is very comfortable. Whether it's the position of the finger on the trigger, the shape, material, and finish of the trigger blade, which has vertical ribbing for a more secure grip, or the overall feel of the trigger. The trigger has a slight pre-travel under the spring. After overcoming the pre-travel, you will feel a point at which the crossbow fires. A smooth, consistent trigger. Perfect. + 1
The REVX comes factory-equipped with Excalibur OverWatch optics with a ten-point multi-axis reticle allowing you to shoot up to a distance of 100 meters (110 yards). Instead of a magnification multiplier, the zoom setting is calibrated in fps from 300 to 475 fps. So if the REVX has a velocity of around 390 fps, I set the optics ring to 390-400 fps. I zero the main crosshair at 20 meters (yards) and the other pins will be set at 30, 40, 50, and 100 meters (yards). At this velocity, the magnification corresponds to approximately 4x.
However, it is comfortable to shoot at small targets even at 50 meters. Only smaller targets at maximum distances are more difficult to see and more tiring for the eye. In addition, the small rings of the individual pins were very difficult to see and disappeared on the black center of the air rifle target. It was possible to use the optics' backlighting. But even then, the readability was not perfect. This time, I decided to shoot at air rifle targets at a distance of 25 meters and at larger red dots with a diameter of 60 mm on a rubber target cube at 50 meters. This made aiming easier, more accurate, and less tiring. It was just a matter of perfectly centering the ring in the optics on the red dot. Groups of three shots could be aimed within this dot (for example, three three-shot series – one at the bottom, two at the top left and right).
The lower magnification provides a large eye relief range, with a beautifully open field of view, making it very easy to find the correct eye position. Low magnification is an advantage for novice shooters, as the image is more stable, the brain is not overloaded with shaking, and shooting is calmer and more confident.
As with other Excalibur crossbows, the image is surprisingly clear across the entire field of view, without any errors, fogging, or edges. In addition, it has surprisingly good light transmission. I give this above-standard optics in the set a thumbs up. +1
Just check the tightness of the screws on the optics themselves from time to time.
The bowstring is an aftermarket custom bowstring from František Cerman. It is a really solid, high-quality bowstring that is worth investing in beyond the factory crossbow. After 10-20 shots, it is good to lubricate the bowstring and occasionally rub a little lubricant between its strands outside the center wrap.
Even after more than 200 shots, the string shows no signs of wear. This is perfect for such a powerful crossbow with a huge load on the catch! +1
And the last plus of the REvX set are 4 high-quality carbon arrows
Black Eagle Excalibur Proflight Premium arrows, 16.5" long, with a total weight of 354 grams, aluminum insert, 100-gram tip, 2" Blazer fletching in yellow with a flat aluminum Excalibur Rhino-type nock.
So far, the best in terms of both quantity and quality of arrows supplied in the set. +1
As always, I expected high accuracy from Excalibur, but the results pleasantly surprised me. You get a top-class crossbow that is perfectly built, equipped, and accurate right out of the box and requires almost no adjustments or tuning, even for competitive use. In this respect, it reminds me of the top-of-the-line Mission SUB-1 compound crossbow.
The only things that come to mind are the more pronounced shape of the stock, the spirit level, the tilt, and the large optics. But even in this factory set, its accuracy is not far behind the competition specials for 3D. This is due not only to the excellent workmanship, but also to the consistently identical draw weight, perfectly consistent and light trigger, and, last but not least, the premium Black Eagle Proflight Premium arrows. When using light arrows, the crossbow fits within the competition rules for HDH-IAA 3D Limited up to 165 joules. So you can even take it to international 3D shooting competitions. I saw the REVX live for the first time at the HDH-IAA 2024 World Championships in Moosburg, Austria, where Austrian shooter Kurt Rieger was shooting with it. +1
I performed supported shooting at 25 and 50 meters while seated on a Caldwell Matrix shooting stool. A total of 5 series of 3 shots at each distance. Always 3 shots at one target, dispersion measured with a caliper in mm, largest spacing of the circumscribed circle. The best result (15 mm at 25 meters, 17 mm at 50 meters!) and the worst result (18 mm at 25 meters, 30 mm at 50 meters!) were recorded, as well as the average of all shots (16.8 mm at 25 meters, 25.8 mm at 50 meters!).
Accuracy at 25 meters
Individual series at 25 meters
Three hits in a row at 50 meters, the best series was only 17 mm, the worst was 30 mm!
3 hits in a row at 50 meters
Absolutely perfect accuracy! The best result achieved so far from all the crossbows tested. If it hadn't been windy and I had shot more series repeatedly, the results would certainly have been even better!
I used Caldwell Ballistic Precision gates to measure the speed.
Based on measurements with other gates, we have found that Caldwell measures approximately
4 fps more. That is why the measured value is shown in parentheses – 4 fps.
The arrows used for measurement were Black Eagle Excalibur Proflight
16.5" 354.0 gr. With a slightly heavier arrow and dampened limbs, the crossbow almost reaches the manufacturer's advertised values. +1
I measured the noise with a Steinberg Systems SBS-SM-130C sound level meter.
Temperature 9°C, humidity 58%, wind 16 km/h. 1 meter next to the crossbow at shoulder level, microphone pointing towards the crossbow. Again, 10 attempts. The highest and lowest results were recorded, with an average of 87.5 dB (354-grain arrow) from all measurements. -1
The crossbow is slightly noisier, but this is due not only to its reflex design, but also to the enormous accumulated energy it has at its disposal, the loss of which is also manifested as noise when fired. With a heavier arrow and other damping elements, the result would be better.
I measured the trigger pull weight using a Trigger Pull Scale, again with 5 attempts, recording the highest (3.0 lb) and lowest results (3.0 lb), with an average of all measurements (3.0 lb). The trigger had exactly the same resistance every time. A truly top-notch competition-level trigger. +1
Conclusion
The price for the tested set, including Overwatch optics, R.E.D.S. string dampeners, limb dampeners, sound-deadening footrest, ADF CeaseFire system, arrow holder, 4 premium Proflight arrows, string wax, and Allen keys, is CZK 33,300 incl. VAT. Yes, it's not a low price, but...
It's significantly less than anywhere else. And if you're looking for a similarly powerful, accurate, and reliable compound crossbow, you'll pay significantly more. Not to mention the subsequent more demanding and expensive service.
Here you can easily purchase the Excalibur REvX crossbow at a very reasonable price.
For this price, you get the Excalibur in its purest form with all the necessary accessories and all the advantages that have made the Excalibur crossbow famous for 40 years. That means accuracy, reliability, simplicity, low maintenance, easy and inexpensive servicing, easy availability of parts, and, in addition, the Excalibur warranty, probably the best warranty service on the crossbow market. +1
The Excalibur platform also offers the widest range of future modifications and additional equipment. It will be up to you how you use or modify the crossbow. It is suitable for advanced shooters for home hobby shooting, for long-range shooting, and for competitive 3D shooting according to HDH-IAA Limited rules up to 165 joules.
It could also be used as a defensive weapon at home, for survival purposes.
The advantage is that almost anyone (girls, women, older shooters, or shooters with health limitations) can draw such an extremely powerful and high-performance weapon, allowing them to shoot at speeds and with forces that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Of course, the primary purpose of the REVX is hunting, but in our country only where it is legally permitted.
The more I shot with the crossbow, the more I enjoyed it. You get used to life with such an obedient monster very quickly.
It is the most accurate crossbow I have tested so far and, in my opinion, a perfectly balanced set.
Since I have always been obsessed with accuracy, the REVX is the winner among the crossbows I have tested so far.
If it hadn't been windy and I had shot multiple rounds, the results would certainly have been even better!
I used Caldwell Ballistic Precision gates to measure the speed.
Based on measurements with other gates, we have found that Caldwell measures approximately
4 fps more. That is why the measured value is shown in parentheses – 4 fps.
The arrows used for measurement were Black Eagle Excalibur Proflight
16.5" 354.0 gr. With a slightly heavier arrow and dampened limbs, the crossbow almost reaches the manufacturer's advertised values. +1
I measured the noise with a Steinberg Systems SBS-SM-130C sound level meter.
Temperature 9°C, humidity 58%, wind 16 km/h. 1 meter next to the crossbow at shoulder level, microphone pointing towards the crossbow. Again, 10 attempts. The highest and lowest results were recorded, with an average of 87.5 dB (354-grain arrow) from all measurements. -1
The crossbow is slightly noisier, but this is due not only to its reflex design, but also to the enormous accumulated energy it has at its disposal, the loss of which is also manifested as noise when fired. With a heavier arrow and other damping elements, the result would be better.
I measured the trigger pull weight using a Trigger Pull Scale, again with 5 attempts, recording the highest (3.0 lb) and lowest results (3.0 lb), with an average of all measurements (3.0 lb). The trigger had exactly the same resistance every time. A truly top-notch competition-level trigger. +1
Conclusion
The price for the tested set, including Overwatch optics, R.E.D.S. string dampeners, limb dampeners, sound-deadening footrest, ADF CeaseFire system, arrow holder, 4 premium Proflight arrows, string wax, and Allen keys, is CZK 33,300 incl. VAT. Yes, it's not a low price, but...
It's significantly less than anywhere else. And if you're looking for a similarly powerful, accurate, and reliable compound crossbow, you'll pay significantly more. Not to mention the subsequent more demanding and expensive service.
Here you can easily purchase the Excalibur REvX crossbow at a very reasonable price.
For this price, you get the Excalibur in its purest form with all the necessary accessories and all the advantages that have made the Excalibur crossbow famous for 40 years. That means accuracy, reliability, simplicity, low maintenance, easy and inexpensive servicing, easy availability of parts, and, in addition, the Excalibur warranty, probably the best warranty service on the crossbow market. +1
The Excalibur platform also offers the greatest number of future modifications and additional equipment. It will be up to you how you use or modify the crossbow. It is suitable for advanced shooters for home hobby shooting, for long-range shooting, and for competitive 3D shooting according to HDH-IAA Limited rules up to 165 joules.
It could also be used as a defensive weapon at home, for possible survival.
The advantage is that almost anyone (girls, women, older shooters, or shooters with health limitations) can draw such an extremely powerful and high-performance weapon, allowing them to shoot at speeds and with forces that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Of course, the primary purpose of the REVX is hunting, but in our country only where it is legally permitted.
The more I shot with the crossbow, the more I enjoyed it. You get used to life with such an obedient monster very quickly.
So far, it is the most accurate crossbow I have tested and, in my opinion, a perfectly balanced set.
Since I have always been obsessed with accuracy, the REVX is the winner among the crossbows I have tested so far.
If you are interested in the crossbow and would like to purchase one, be sure to visit good Excalibur dealer and try it out for yourself, as that is the best review.
+ Simple assembly
+ Simple disassembly
+ Compactness, easy to transport
+ Simplicity
+ Excellent workmanship
+ Appearance
+ Low weight
+ Stability and balance
+ trigger mechanism!
+ ADF
+ good above-standard optics
+ great accuracy
+ ease of service and repair
+ price of spare parts
+ Excalibur warranty service and customer care
- minor imperfections in the grip tape
- lack of a spirit level
- slightly higher noise level
- price of the crossbow
Overall rating 93/100
Photo sources
https://www.kuse.cz
https://excaliburcrossbow.com
www.bowhunter.com
https://thehorizontalzone.net/excalibur-assassin-400-td-review/
https://www.ezflipmags.com/Publications/ArrowTrade_Magazine/64/#p=71
http://www.crossbowmen.com/index.htm.excalibur.html
author's archive, author of the test and review is
Daniel Mrázek