Testing the crossbow Excalibur Micro 360 SMU
Excalibur in its rarest form - Excalibur Micro 360 SMU BUC
Let's briefly revisit the recent history of the Excalibur brand. In 1992, Excalibur had earned enough money to acquire new production equipment and introduce the revolutionary Exo line.
Exo marks the beginning of the brand's most famous line and era. The crossbows were given aluminum heads as well as the drawn aluminum rail with a guide groove as we know it today. It was a simple, durable and ingeniously conceived crossbow design. The crossbow was easy to make, and by varying the rail length, a wide range of crossbows were created, from the 90 lb. target Apex to the top of the line Exomax/Equinox models with 225 lb. These were also the first reflex crossbows to surpass an arrow speed of 350 fps in 2004.
It was about setting new standards in terms of reliability and accuracy. Shoulder sets that shot well over 50,000 rounds without failure were no exception. The crossbow worked in all conditions, even hunting in temperatures well below -20°C. The Excalibur not only won all comparisons, but was unrivalled on the world's ranges for almost two decades.
The Exo series catapulted Excalibur to the top. The success was so great that, just as in the world of design or art, where the greatest achievements are often imitated, the Exo range was often copied. Whether it was the Chinese efforts of Jandao, Maximus... or the Canadian Middleton. None of them succeeded, and none of them came anywhere near the quality, reliability and accuracy of the Exo series Excalibur.
The Excalibur Exomax 100m
The company quickly gained momentum and within two decades, a small family business starting in a garage became a brand with 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Despite this, Bill and Kath never forgot their roots and dream of producing accurate and reliable crossbows of the highest possible quality, which they have embedded in the brand motto: " Recurve, Simply Tough".
After the Exo line, the smaller sized Matrix line followed the trend for smaller, bulkier crossbows for hunters. Again, it included a wide variety of types, built around the Matrix's shoulders. They varied in head angle and rail length. Performance ranged from the weakest Matrix 310 to the Matrix 405, which in 2014 was also the first reflex crossbow to break the 400 fps speed barrier.
In 2013, the American archery company Bowtech, which also owns the Diamond, Octane and Stryker brands, acquired Excalibur. Although some purists were unhappy that this distinctly Canadian entity was bought by a larger American corporation, the deal ultimately led to further growth for the company.
In 2015, the new Micro line was introduced.
The smallest in size, the line followed the demands of the market and hunters and
is again offered in a wide range of performance, from the Micro Short 308 to the extreme Micro 400 TD.
A year later, in 2016, the Matrix Bulldog models are introduced.
Dimensionally identical in bow size to the Matrix line, but bringing a number of improvements, increased reliability and further performance gains. The highlight of the range was the Bulldog 440, taking the scepter of the brand's most powerful model. Currently, the Excalibur Bulldog 430 SMU is the fastest crossbow on kuse.cz
In 2017, Excalibur launched the Sound Deadening System on the Micro Suppressor series, making this model one of the quietest modern reflex crossbows.
Excalibur introduced another interesting innovation in 2018 with its Take Down models, where the bow and crossbow body can be disassembled or folded, by sliding a single button and folding the lands, without the need for tools or great force. A quick and efficient solution for easy crossbow transport and storage.
In the same year, the Assassin series was introduced, where the cocking is provided by a sliding catch that slides down to the bowstring, catches it at rest in the front, and is pulled back to its full cocking and locking end position by an integrated crank cocking system.
Both innovations then target pulley crossbows, which have also undergone technical and performance advances over the past six years or so. Crossbows are narrower in the bow but still powerful. To keep up, the Excalibur achieves high performance with really high cocking forces. These are provided by the new, thicker High Output arms, with a claimed cocking force of up to 325 lb (my realistic estimate is closer to 400 lb). This is negated by the Excalibur manufacturer's Charger Crank retrieve system, which you pull with only 12 lb of force. It is also quiet and allows the crossbow to be easily and safely unloaded as well. The small size is then ensured by the smaller size of the Micro series and the ability to easily disassemble the crossbow for transport with the Quick-Lock system on the Take Down types.
Furthermore, the crossbows are equipped with high-quality Pro-Shot trigger mechanisms with ADF system against empty shot or Tru Fit length-adjustable stock, without the need for tools. The Assassin 400 TD crossbow incorporates all of the above patents. The ideal hunting crossbow?
Excalibur's latest contribution to the world of hunting crossbows is the Excalibur TwinStrike. As we've already suggested.
The optics were just as easy and quick to shoot, taking no more than 15 minutes. If you are not sure about this, you can use the services of a dealer and have the crossbow shot by him.
Appearance
The look of the Excalibur is also the brand's trademark.
You can recognize the Excalibur by the square rails made of drawn aluminum profile with a rectangular cross-section, which is connected to a square head made of aluminum alloy, on which two separate arms are mounted. The crossbow differs only in size and in detail in the shape and appearance of the buttplate from its early days. The basic shape remains.
All of the above attributes are represented here, and in their best and purest form. Perfectly CNC machined head, without any edges, burrs, in fine black anodized finish. It is fitted with threads for the arm bolts, for the stirrups holding the arms, the caliper and the threads for the shock absorber holders of the bowstring. Simple, handsome and functional. +1
The footplate is standard, duralumin, finished in a fine black anodizing, with lugs at the footplate and a rubberized surface to prevent slipping and to ensure a quiet pull. +1
The arms are standard Micro. These are used for Micro crossbows up to and including 360 fps.
For the most powerful Micro 380 and 400 fps models, the stronger HO (High Output) arms are used. Colours, as well as the stock in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country (MOBUC, BUC). They are equipped with rubber shoulder dampers from the SDS (Sound Deading System) series.
The headstock is followed by a classic duralumin drawn rail profile that is accurate, has excellent flatness, is strong yet lightweight. Here it is finished in a nice dark grey hard anodized finish. +1
Workmanship, appearance and finish perfect. +1
The stock is a modern polymer skeletonized stock in a cool Mossy Oak camo, with Break-Up Country (MOBUC, BUC) deco. It features black softening at the extended foregrip, which is repeated on the pistol grip stock. The advantage is that it is comfortable in the hand, does not slip and does not get cold. It also features five vertical lugs on both sides of the forearm for a more secure grip. Behind the foregrip is a square trigger guard, which is large enough for shooting with a glove and perfectly follows the angular shape of the rear skeletonized part of the stock. The rear of the stock has a gentle curve with horizontal ribs of roughening for a more secure fit in the shoulder, and it is complemented at the top by a simple non-adjustable cheekpiece of rounded shapes that breaks up the angularity of the stock shapes and connects to the rounded fore-end. The stock is thus not only balanced in appearance and light, but it is a benchmark in terms of ergonomics and even without any further modifications it fits perfectly to the vast majority of shooters.
Compared to the previous tested Micro TD362 with the old stock type, which made it look clumsy and heavy, the Excalibur Micro 360 SMU BUC looks light, dynamic and balanced.
For customization options I would just go with a taller cheekpiece, either adjustable or custom made, they are made from 3D printed plastic, milled from silon, laminated or expensive woods, they can be made from carbon. Likewise a thicker or more select stock boot or hook. I've seen countless types, designed a few myself. In short, there is no limit to modifications. 0
The trigger mechanism with a top catch is also legendary and is largely responsible for the accuracy of Excalibur crossbows. Here is the basic version. The trigger has a very nice recess for the finger, its position on it is instinctive, the distance of the finger from the grip is ideal +1. Trigger resistance was very consistent, averaging 4.34 lb, or 1969 grams, and was very comfortable to use. Considering the magnitude of the cocking force, this is really a perfect result.
The fish mounted optic on the trigger mechanism is superior, already with an integrated ADF (anti dry fire) anti empty shot system. This is a very useful accessory to help prevent unintentional dry-fire. +1
Otherwise, the optics mounting rail itself is solid, honest and is one of the other strengths that make the Excalibur accurate, robust and reliable.
If I may recommend, coat those four screws with threadlocker glue from, say, Loctite, and mark their heads with scribbles. You will be sure that nothing will come loose, neither when mounting a large and heavy optic nor when shooting frequently. +1
The Micro 360 SMU BUC uses a better optic, the factory Excalibur OverWatch scope with a ten-point multi-axis that allows you to shoot out to 100 meters (110 yards). The zoom setting is calibrated in fps from 300 to 450 fps instead of multiple zooms. So if the Micro 360 SMU BUC has a velocity of around 360 fps, I set the scope ring to 360-370 fps. I will set the main crosshairs at 20 yards (yards) and the other pins will sit at 30, 40, 50 to 100 yards (yards). At this speed, the zoom corresponds to about 3.5 times...
However, it will comfortably shoot small targets at 50 yards. Only the smaller targets at the maximum distances are harder to hit.
The optics were just as easy and quick to shoot, taking no more than 15 minutes. If you are not sure about this, you can use the services of a dealer and have the crossbow shot by him.
Appearance
The look of the Excalibur is also the brand's trademark.
You can recognize the Excalibur by the square rails made of drawn aluminum profile with a rectangular cross-section, which is connected to a square head made of aluminum alloy, on which two separate arms are mounted. The crossbow differs only in size and in detail in the shape and appearance of the buttplate from its early days. The basic shape remains.
All of the above attributes are represented here, and in their best and purest form. Perfectly CNC machined head, without any edges, burrs, in fine black anodized finish. It is fitted with threads for the arm bolts, for the stirrups holding the arms, the caliper and the threads for the shock absorber holders of the bowstring. Simple, handsome and functional. +1
The footplate is standard, duralumin, finished in a fine black anodizing, with lugs at the footplate and a rubberized surface to prevent slipping and to ensure a quiet pull. +1
The arms are standard Micro. These are used for Micro crossbows up to and including 360 fps.
For the most powerful Micro 380 and 400 fps models, the stronger HO (High Output) arms are used. Colours, as well as the stock in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country (MOBUC, BUC). They are equipped with rubber shoulder dampers from the SDS (Sound Deading System) series.
The headstock is followed by a classic duralumin drawn rail profile that is accurate, has excellent flatness, is strong yet lightweight. Here it is finished in a nice dark grey hard anodized finish. +1
Workmanship, appearance and finish perfect. +1
The stock is a modern polymer skeletonized stock in a cool Mossy Oak camo, with Break-Up Country (MOBUC, BUC) deco. It features black softening at the extended foregrip, which is repeated on the pistol grip stock. The advantage is that it is comfortable in the hand, does not slip and does not get cold. It also features five vertical lugs on both sides of the forearm for a more secure grip. Behind the foregrip is a square trigger guard, which is large enough for shooting with a glove and perfectly follows the angular shape of the rear skeletonized part of the stock. The rear of the stock has a gentle curve with horizontal ribs of roughening for a more secure fit in the shoulder, and it is complemented at the top by a simple non-adjustable cheekpiece of rounded shapes that breaks up the angularity of the stock shapes and connects to the rounded fore-end. The stock is thus not only balanced in appearance and light, but it is a benchmark in terms of ergonomics and even without any further modifications it fits perfectly to the vast majority of shooters.
Compared to the previous tested Micro TD362 with the old stock type, which made it look clumsy and heavy, the Excalibur Micro 360 SMU BUC looks light, dynamic and balanced.
For customization options I would just go with a taller cheekpiece, either adjustable or custom made, they are made from 3D printed plastic, milled from silon, laminated or expensive woods, they can be made from carbon. Likewise a thicker or more select stock boot or hook. I've seen countless types, designed a few myself. In short, there is no limit to modifications. 0
The trigger mechanism with a top catch is also legendary and is largely responsible for the accuracy of Excalibur crossbows. Here is the basic version. The trigger has a very nice recess for the finger, its position on it is instinctive, the distance of the finger from the grip is ideal +1. Trigger resistance was very consistent, averaging 4.34 lb, or 1969 grams, and was very comfortable to use. Considering the magnitude of the cocking force, this is really a perfect result.
The fish mounted optic on the trigger mechanism is superior, already with an integrated ADF (anti dry fire) anti empty shot system. This is a very useful accessory to help prevent unintentional dry-fire. +1
Otherwise, the optics mounting rail itself is solid, honest and is one of the other strengths that make the Excalibur accurate, robust and reliable.
If I may recommend, coat those four screws with threadlocker glue from, say, Loctite, and mark their heads with scribbles. You will be sure that nothing will come loose, neither when mounting a large and heavy optic nor when shooting frequently. +1
The Micro 360 SMU BUC uses a better optic, the factory Excalibur OverWatch scope with a ten-point multi-axis that allows you to shoot out to 100 meters (110 yards). The zoom setting is calibrated in fps from 300 to 450 fps instead of multiple zooms. So if the Micro 360 SMU BUC has a velocity of around 360 fps, I set the scope ring to 360-370 fps. I will set the main crosshairs at 20 yards (yards) and the other pins will sit at 30, 40, 50 to 100 yards (yards). At this speed, the zoom corresponds to about 3.5 times...
However, it will comfortably shoot small targets at 50 yards. Only the smaller targets at the maximum distances are harder to hit.