As an ardent outdoor enthusiast and a long-time archery aficionado, I've had the pleasure of testing an array of crossbows.
From sleek, compact models to the more robust and intricate designs, each one has its unique charm and capabilities.
Recently, I got my hands on the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow – a model that's been creating quite the buzz in the archery world.
With its innovative design and premium quality, it promised a lot, and believe me, it has delivered even more.
The TwinStrike is not your everyday crossbow; it brings a new level of technology and sophistication to the table.
With a name echoing the mythical sword of King Arthur, one would expect the Excalibur TwinStrike to be a game-changer, and it indeed stands up to the legend.
In the following paragraphs, I'll delve into the features, performance, and overall user experience of this remarkable piece of equipment.
We'll explore how it holds up in terms of speed, weight, safety, ease of use, and, most importantly, its groundbreaking dual-shot technology.
So, whether you're a seasoned archer looking to up your game or a novice eager to delve into the sport, buckle up as we embark on an in-depth journey of the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow.
Specifications:
- Price: $1199.99
- Brand and Model: Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow
- Speed (FPS): 360 FPS
- Draw Weight: 358lb
- Overall Length: 33.375″
- Weight: 7.5lb
- Overwatch Illuminated Scope
- DualFire Technology (Instant Follow-Up Shot)
- Charger EXT Crank
- CeaseFire Technology (Safety Feature)
- R.E.D.S. Suppressors
- Included Accessories: 30 mm Scope Rings, 4 Quill 16.5″ Arrows, Rebolt Quiver
Discussion of Features
A standout feature of the TwinStrike Crossbow is the DualFire technology. It's equipped with dual triggers, engineered to accurately fire two shots from a single crossbow with tight groupings. This feature dramatically improves your effective range, giving you the advantage of a follow-up shot that few other crossbows on the market can offer.
The Overwatch Illuminated Scope brings more to the table than just a fancy name. It features an Illuminated Multi-plex reticle with 2x-5x magnification, making it a great companion for both range practice and field hunting. This scope ensures that when that once-in-a-lifetime shot presents itself, you have the precision to make it count.
The CeaseFire technology prioritizes your safety above all else. The crossbow will not fire unless an arrow is loaded, the safety is off, and the trigger is pulled. This feature, along with the new Rhino Nock, which provides a positive, audible click when loaded, can give you peace of mind while handling this powerful weapon.
The Charger EXT Crank is another worthy mention. It dramatically reduces the draw weight, making the crossbow easy to cock and decock. This feature is especially appreciated when you're out in the field for long hours.
Finally, the R.E.D.S. Suppressors incorporated into the design significantly reduce shock, vibration, and noise. It's a little detail that you might not notice at first, but you will appreciate it when the crossbow fires with minimal recoil and disturbance.
The Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow also comes with a variety of accessories, including 30mm Scope Rings, 4 Quill 16.5″ Arrows, and a Rebolt Quiver. These accessories are quality additions that complement the overall package, providing great value for the price.
My Personal Experience
During a recent hunting trip in the Appalachian mountains, I got to put the TwinStrike to the test.
The deer season was in full swing, and I was on the lookout for a sizeable buck that had been eluding me for a couple of days.
As luck would have it, I spotted him late one afternoon, grazing near the edge of a clearing.
Drawing the TwinStrike was effortless, thanks to the Charger EXT Crank.
The reduced draw weight allowed me to quickly and quietly ready my shot without startling my quarry.
And the Overwatch Illuminated Scope was a godsend in the waning light, providing me with a clear, magnified view of my target.
Now here's where the TwinStrike truly shone: as I released the first arrow, it struck the buck but didn't immediately down it.
Ordinarily, this is where a wounded animal might escape as you scramble to reload.
But the DualFire technology came into play.
With the second arrow already loaded and the ability to quickly take another shot, I managed to down the buck before it could vanish into the thicket.
It was a thrilling experience that really drove home the value of that instant follow-up shot feature.
In the quiet aftermath, I was struck by another impressive aspect of the TwinStrike.
The R.E.D.S. Suppressors had minimized the noise of my shots, ensuring I didn't disturb the rest of the wildlife or alert other potential prey in the vicinity.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $1199.99, the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow is indeed a significant investment, but it's crucial to consider the value it offers for that price.
In terms of raw performance, cutting-edge technology, safety features, and the quality of included accessories, this crossbow offers an exceptional return on investment.
Let's start with the DualFire technology.
The ability to fire two shots in quick succession, without the need to reload, is revolutionary in the crossbow world.
It dramatically increases your chances of a successful hunt or hitting your target in a competitive setting. For some, this feature alone could justify the price tag.
The Overwatch Illuminated Scope, too, is a high-end addition that can enhance your shooting accuracy and consistency, particularly in low-light conditions.
A scope of this quality can often be an expensive accessory if purchased separately.
In terms of safety, the CeaseFire technology and the Rhino Nock provide an added layer of assurance that is invaluable.
Safety is something that you can't put a price tag on, especially in a sport like archery where a single mishap can have serious consequences.
The included accessories – 30mm Scope Rings, 4 Quill 16.5″ Arrows, and a Rebolt Quiver – also add to the overall value.
These are not just throw-ins but quality components that complement the crossbow and enhance your shooting experience.
Last but not least, the convenience features like the Charger EXT Crank and the R.E.D.S. Suppressors make the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow a pleasure to use.
These features contribute to a smoother, quieter, and more enjoyable shooting experience, which can make a world of difference during long hours in the field or at the range.
When you take all of these factors into account, the price of the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow begins to look not just reasonable, but potentially a bargain.
It's not just a crossbow you're investing in, but a comprehensive shooting solution that can significantly enhance your archery experience.
The Drawbacks
Like any piece of equipment, the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow isn't without its minor drawbacks.
As someone who's had the opportunity to put it to extensive use, I've come across a few points that could potentially be improved.
Firstly, the dual-arrow system, while revolutionary and highly effective, does take some getting used to.
It's not quite as intuitive as a traditional single-arrow crossbow, particularly when it comes to reloading in the heat of the moment.
During one of my early outings with the TwinStrike, I found myself fumbling a bit with the second arrow. However, with practice, I got the hang of it and it became second nature.
The TwinStrike is also a bit on the heavier side, weighing in at 7.5lb.
While this lends a certain sturdiness and stability to the crossbow, it can be a bit of a strain during long treks through the wilderness.
I remember on one occasion, during a prolonged hunting trip, I felt the extra weight by the end of the day. But, this is a minor trade-off for the robust build and advanced features.
Lastly, the price point could be a barrier for some, particularly beginners or those on a tight budget.
While I firmly believe that the TwinStrike offers excellent value for money given its feature set, it's still a significant upfront investment.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
As we come to the end of this review, the central question remains: Should you buy the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow?
In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes, particularly if you are a dedicated hunter or archery enthusiast looking to upgrade your equipment.
The TwinStrike offers a wealth of features that are not just impressive on paper, but have a tangible impact on your archery experience.
While it does have a couple of minor drawbacks, such as a slightly heavier weight and a somewhat steep learning curve for the dual-arrow system, these are overshadowed by its benefits.
With a bit of practice and conditioning, these issues quickly become less significant.
As for the price, yes, it is an investment.
But it's an investment in a piece of premium, cutting-edge equipment that offers incredible value.
If you're serious about your archery, the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow could well be the game-changer you've been looking for.
In conclusion, the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow offers a fantastic blend of performance, safety, convenience, and innovation.
It's a premium piece of equipment that lives up to its promise and offers excellent value for the price.
If you're in the market for a top-tier crossbow, I would wholeheartedly recommend giving the TwinStrike a shot.
You might just find it to be the upgrade you never knew you needed.
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