Welcome to the realm of high-powered archery, where precision, comfort, and power converge.
Today, we're taking a deep dive into a product that has been stirring waves in the world of bow hunting and target shooting: the Excalibur Assassin 400.
This isn't just a crossbow; it's a testament to innovation and a nod to the relentless pursuit of perfection.
From its sleek aesthetics to its stellar performance, it's clear from the first glance that the Excalibur Assassin 400 is no ordinary crossbow.
Bearing the Excalibur name, a brand synonymous with quality and performance, the Assassin 400 comes with high expectations.
And let me tell you, after having the privilege of using it, I can confidently say that it doesn't just meet these expectations—it surpasses them.
In the following review, I will unpack the Assassin 400’s key features, taking you through my experience with this top-of-the-line crossbow.
We'll explore its performance, ease of use, adjustability, and the sheer power it brings to the table.
Specifications:
- Price: $1899.99
- Brand and Model: Excalibur Assassin 400
- Speed: 400 FPS
- Draw Weight: 325 LB
- Weight: 7.9 LB
- Draw Type: Integrated Crank
Now, let's delve deeper into the individual features of the Assassin 400 that make it a standout crossbow in the market:
Accuracy & Effectiveness:
The Assassin 400 TD truly shines when it comes to accuracy and effectiveness, thanks to the new Pro-Shot two-stage trigger system.
This design offers a light pull weight coupled with a crisp, clean, and consistent break, making it an absolute joy to use and significantly improving your accuracy.
Adjustability & Silence:
The Excalibur Assassin 400 provides an adjustable Tru-Fit Stock that allows each archer to customize their fit quickly and easily, catering to a wide range of body types and shooting styles.
Moreover, the integrated Charger Crank and S.D.S. Silencing system work in harmony to significantly reduce noise, providing stealthy operations while ensuring safety.
Tact-100 Scope:
The Assassin 400 comes equipped with a Tact-100 scope, featuring an illuminated multiplex crosshair system.
It provides precise adjustments from 10-yard increments all the way up to 100 yards, and an adjustable reticle for velocities of 300 to 451 fps.
This makes it a versatile choice whether you're hunting, target shooting, or practicing long-range shots.
Durability:
The Assassin 400 has High-Output Express Limbs that feature reinforced Armor Tips and are made from 101% uncut continuous fibers.
This offers exceptional energy transfer and extreme durability in a low-profile limb, ensuring your crossbow can withstand the rigors of the field.
Ease of Use:
One of the standout features of the Assassin 400 is its Quick-Loc Technology.
This design allows the crossbow to be disassembled and reassembled in mere seconds.
The ability to easily remove the riser/limb assembly makes the crossbow highly portable and easy to transport.
When you're ready to shoot, you can lock it back in place just as quickly.
Warranty:
And finally, let's not forget the peace of mind that comes with the limited lifetime warranty offered by Excalibur.
This warranty stands as a testament to the trust Excalibur has in the quality and durability of their product, giving you the assurance you need when investing in high-quality archery equipment.
My Personal Experience
The first time I laid hands on the Excalibur Assassin 400, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy build and fine craftsmanship – it felt robust, yet well-balanced.
But my appreciation for this crossbow truly deepened once I took it out into the field.
I remember one particular hunting expedition vividly.
It was an early morning in the dense woods, the air heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth.
As a deer grazed peacefully in the clearing, I raised my Assassin 400, appreciating the Tru-Fit Stock that had been adjusted perfectly to my form.
The silence was palpable, interrupted only by the occasional rustle of leaves under the deer's hooves. The S.D.S. Silencing system on the Assassin 400 proved its worth, allowing me to cock the bow without causing any disturbance.
This level of stealth gave me an edge that I had not experienced with other crossbows.
Taking a breath, I looked through the Tact-100 Scope, which provided a crystal clear view of the deer.
The illuminated multiplex crosshair system was a game-changer, highlighting my target even in the low light of dawn.
I adjusted the scope to account for the distance and anticipated velocity. The deer remained unaware of my presence, allowing me to take my time and line up the perfect shot.
The moment of truth came as I gently squeezed the Pro-Shot trigger.
The light pull weight, combined with a crisp and clean break, resulted in an incredibly smooth shot.
The bolt flew true, thanks to the Assassin 400’s accuracy, and in the blink of an eye, it found its mark.
It was in that moment I truly understood the capabilities of the Excalibur Assassin 400.
The seamless blend of power, accuracy, and quietness made it a formidable ally in the wilderness.
The ease with which I could disassemble it for transport and reassemble it when required was the cherry on top, making the Assassin 400 a truly remarkable piece of equipment.
And over time, I've come to appreciate it even more. It's not just its performance in the field, but the durability it's demonstrated despite frequent use, and the confidence of knowing that I have a product backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The Excalibur Assassin 400 has proven to be a worthy investment, a trusted companion on many a hunting expedition since that memorable day.
Price and Value for Money
At a price tag of $1899.99, the Excalibur Assassin 400 is undoubtedly an investment.
It's a premium-priced crossbow that may initially seem steep for some.
However, when evaluating its value for money, it's essential to consider what you're getting in return.
Firstly, the Assassin 400's performance is top-notch.
This is not just a crossbow; it's a precision instrument that delivers incredible speed, accuracy, and power.
Its high-quality components and innovative features, such as the Pro-Shot two-stage trigger system, the Tact-100 Scope, and the S.D.S. Silencing system, truly set it apart from its competitors.
Secondly, the Assassin 400's durability means this is a product designed to last.
The High-Output Express Limbs, reinforced Armor Tips, and overall sturdy construction ensure that this crossbow can withstand the rigors of regular use.
This durability translates to longevity, meaning your initial investment will be spread over many years of use.
Lastly, the ease of use and adjustability features, like the Tru-Fit Stock and Quick-Loc Technology, make the Assassin 400 accessible and comfortable for a wide range of archers.
This adaptability adds value by providing an excellent user experience regardless of your body type or level of experience.
Adding to that, Excalibur’s limited lifetime warranty is a significant value-add.
Not only does it reflect the confidence the company has in their product, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
In summary, while the Excalibur Assassin 400 does come with a higher price tag, it offers substantial value for money. It's a case of ‘you get what you pay for', and with the Assassin 400, you're paying for top-tier performance, durability, versatility, and the backing of a reputable brand.
This makes it a worthy investment for serious archery enthusiasts and hunters who demand the best from their equipment.
The Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and the Excalibur Assassin 400, while exceptional in many ways, does have a few drawbacks worth mentioning.
For one, the price point can be a barrier for some.
While I do believe that the Assassin 400 provides excellent value for the price, it's an investment that may not fit within everyone's budget, particularly for beginners or casual archers.
Another minor issue I personally encountered involved the initial setup.
Despite the Quick-Loc Technology making it easy to disassemble and reassemble the crossbow, I found that the first few attempts at setting it up took a bit longer than I'd expected.
It was a bit of a learning curve, but after a few practice runs, I was able to get the hang of it, and it's been smooth sailing ever since.
Additionally, while the Assassin 400 is lighter than some other models on the market, at 7.9 LB, it can still feel a bit hefty after long periods of use.
During a prolonged hunting trip, I noticed a bit of fatigue after carrying it around all day.
However, this is a minor inconvenience and something that can be mitigated with proper conditioning and breaks.
What are people saying?
The Excalibur Assassin 400 has garnered rave reviews from users who have experienced its performance first-hand.
G Salerno shares that the Assassin 400 TD proved his initial doubts about single-string crossbows wrong, demonstrating remarkable speed and accuracy.
The crossbow enabled him to successfully hunt two doe and a buck from 40 to 50 yards away.
He also mentions the fun of demonstrating to others how quickly the crossbow can be assembled and disassembled.
Another user, J, shares that the Assassin 400 was a fantastic upgrade from his previous Excalibur crossbow, the Phoenix.
He praises the Assassin's smaller size, increased speed, deadly accuracy, and the ease of use of the built-in cocking unit.
The crossbow's compact size makes it fun and easy to shoot offhand, while the ease of changing a worn or broken string gives it a significant advantage over compound limb crossbows.
J also appreciates the clear, easy-to-adjust Tact-100 Scope, and the fact that the Assassin comes as a complete package, including a perfect carrying case and other necessary accessories.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
After spending considerable time with the Excalibur Assassin 400, my answer to the question “should you buy?” is a resounding yes.
While it does carry a premium price tag and there are minor drawbacks such as the initial setup learning curve and potential for fatigue during prolonged use, these are far outweighed by the crossbow's benefits.
It's also worth noting that the price is reflective of the quality and advanced technology you're getting, and the minor issues can be easily overcome with a bit of practice and conditioning.
In conclusion, the Excalibur Assassin 400 is a top-tier crossbow that offers exceptional performance and value for money.
Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter, a target shooter, or someone looking to get into the sport, this crossbow is a worthwhile investment that's sure to enhance your archery experience.
It's a product that lives up to the Excalibur name and is certain to impress even the most discerning archery enthusiasts.
Click here to learn more about the Excalibur Assassin 400 TD and get the best price on Amazon.
