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Crossbow Review: Excalibur RevX

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Crossbow Review: Excalibur RevX
Excalibur’s RevX draws on the power of its 413-pound High-Output Express recurve limbs to generate advertised bolt speeds of up to 400 fps.

If you're familiar with the crossbow world, you know Excalibur is not only one of the oldest and most trusted manufacturers, they also have reached near-legendary status for their “crossbows without cams” platform and the almost indestructible rigs they produce.

For 2024, the company has introduced the RevX, which continues the Excalibur tradition with its no-cam platform and Armor Tipped, High-Output Express recurve limbs. An integrated ChargerX crank-cocking mechanism easily and safely manages the 413-pound draw force, while a Premium Trigger and Ceasefire Technology handle the launch sequence. In addition, a compact and stout aluminum riser with built-in limb pockets and broadhead scoop is outfitted with an oversized foot stirrup and vibration/noise dampeners. Using Excalibur’s 350-grain ProFlight bolts, the RevX can launch bolts up to 400 fps.

Built-In Control

Excalibur’s introduction of the built-in ChargerX crank-cocking mechanism is a game changer for the brand. Because Excalibur crossbows don’t use cams, the limbs have to carry the load in generating bolt speeds. This means high draw weights.

silks-crossbow-excalibur-revx
The RevX’s integrated ChargerX crank-cocking mechanism makes bringing the bow to full draw a snap, with only 16 pounds of force required to cock the crossbow.

Integrated into the stock, the ChargerX reduces the 413-pound draw weight to only 16 pounds, and it features an internal brake that allows the cocking motion to be stopped at any point in the process without the crank handle freewheeling, an important safety element.

The unibody stock offers comfort and control through its pistol grip and flared foregrip. Both are contoured to enhance control while also coupled with rubber inserts to add comfort. The flared structure of the foregrip and the built-in safety wings just above are designed to keep the shooter’s hand and digits below the flight deck and out of harm’s way. Excalibur created a docking station for the ChargerX crank handle at the lower back end of the stock so it’s always handy and doesn’t get lost. A slightly raised rubber cheek piece aligns the shooter’s eye to the scope, and an oversized trigger guard has enough space to allow for a gloved trigger finger.

Firing Mechanism

The ChargerX is connected to a sliding Cocking Carriage that moves up and down a track in the machined aluminum rail during the cocking or de-cocking process. When the carriage connects to the string you will hear an audible click, at which time the trigger safety must be manually engaged.

Excalibur’s Premium Trigger produces a lightweight trigger pull and is advertised as clean breaking. As for its Ceasefire Technology, this feature ensures the crossbow will not fire unless a bolt is loaded, the safety is off and the trigger is pulled. The technology works in conjunction with a new Rhino Nock that positively and audibly clicks into the system. A scope-mounting rail, equipped with a bolt retention arm, sits atop the docking station at the rear of the rail.

Rugged and Reliable

Excalibur’s brand and reputation have become synonymous with the terms rugged and reliable. The “bow” portion of this and all Excalibur designs is largely responsible for that reputation. No cams mean less hassle and fewer things to go wrong, get bent or go out of time. The company’s “two limbs and a string” platform is the epitome of the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle in design and engineering.

Armor Tips adorn the end of each High-Output recurve limb, ensuring ultimate durability. The machined aluminum riser has a small footprint and features built-in broadhead scoop and limb pockets while also serving as the anchor for the large foot stirrup and R.E.D.S. string suppressors. As for shot noise, Excalibur attacks that with its Sound Deadening System that includes a rubber overmold on the stirrup, Ex-Shox Sound Dampeners, String Stars and R.A.V.S. Limb Silencers.

In the Box

The RevX comes with the integrated ChargerX cocking device, Overwatch Illuminated Scope, four ProFlight bolts, four 100-grain fieldpoints, Rebolt Quiver and an owner’s manual.

At the Range

The built-in crank cocking mechanism is a home run on this rig, especially considering the 413-pound limb weight. Only 16 pounds of effort are needed, and an internal braking feature eliminates any freewheeling issues. With no cams or cables, this is a simple, straightforward design that has proven rugged and reliable — it’s a major advantage for Excalibur.

The disadvantages of the no-cams design come in the form of a larger footprint and louder shot noise than some other crossbows. The trigger pull is one of the lightest we’ve tested this year, which is notable considering the hold weight on the system. At 35 yards, the RevX stacked bolts in a group that only spanned .625-inch. One other point just to keep in mind is that the included trigger safety doesn’t auto-engage.

Recommended


The Specs

  • Manufacturer: Excalibur Crossbow, 888-689-1289; excaliburcrossbow.com
  • Model: RevX
  • Safety Features: Ceasefire anti-dry fire technology, safe cocking and de-cocking, manual trigger safety, safety wings
  • Riser: Compact, stout, machined aluminum
  • Overall Length: 33 inches
  • Tip-to-Tip Width: 25.5 inches (at rest), 20.5 inches (cocked)
  • Weight: 7.0 pounds (advertised); 7.01 pounds (as tested)
  • String: BCY DynaFlight 97, 26.125 inches
  • Limbs: High-Output Express recurve limbs
  • Draw Weight: 413-pound limbs; 16-pound cocking effort
  • Power Stroke: 15.25 inches
  • Stock/Forearm: Molded polymer
  • Finish: Mossy Oak Country DNA Camo
  • Advertised Speed: 400 fps with 350-grain bolt
  • MSRP: $1,599.99
  • Comments: Safe, fast and built like a bunker!

Speed & Energy

  • Velocity: Velocity: 367.1 fps (420-grain bolt), 342.3 fps (500-grain bolt), 392.2 fps (349.8 grain mfr. bolt)
  • Kinetic Energy:Kinetic Energy: 125.71 ft./lbs. (420-grain bolt), 130.12 ft./lbs. (500-grain bolt), 119.57 ft./lbs. (349.8 grain mfr. bolt)

Test Measurements

  • Maximum Width: 25.48 inches (at rest); 20.69 inches (cocked)
  • Overall Length: 33.88 inches with stirrup
  • Mass Weight: 7.01 pounds (crossbow only); 9.18 pounds (with accessories)
  • Average Trigger Pull: 1.28 pounds
  • Length of Pull: 16 inches
  • Average Shot Noise: 106.3 dBA (420-gr. bolt)
  • Max. Shot Deviation @ 35 Yards: .625-inch



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