Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 Review

The goal for the new Matrix Mega 405 is obvious — hit hard, crush bone and take down whatever is in your sights, no matter how big it is. On the Excalibur website, this rig is equated to an African double-rifle and the company's intent is made clear. "It's not meant for tournament competitions or backyard target games." Basically, this is a brute made specifically for hunting.

Many features and accessories are showcased on the Mega 405, including Excalibur's Compact Recurve Technology, Ergo Stock, PowerLoad limbs, REDS dampening system, Pistol grip, Dyna Flight string and much more.

Mega Recurve

As per usual with any recurve bow, the 405 has no cams, wheels or moving parts. A set of Matrix PowerLoad limbs are connected tip-to-tip with a Dyna Flight string measuring 35 inches long. Limbs are made of unidirectional fiberglass, and are formed in a composite mold. Excalibur limbs measure approximately 15 inches long, are made in-house and are advertised to be 60 percent more durable than previous limbs, as proven through cycle testing.

The Quad-Loc Riser on the Matrix 405 holds each limb at multiple points, eliminating any unwanted movement at this important interface. Precision CNC machining crafts the aluminum alloy riser into its final form, including a large dished out area made especially for broadhead clearance.

Excalibur's Recoil Energy Dissipation System (REDS) includes two modules that are attached to the riser on either side of the rail, where their rubber bumpers meet the string to reduce oscillation and noise. A foot stirrup, which aids in cocking the bow with a rope, is attached directly to the end of the riser.

Stock Portfolio

Unlike a stock on most guns, the 405's Ergo Grip Stock encompasses many of the physical features that involve handling — the forearm, trigger guard, pistol grip, rear stock piece and butt plate. A cheekpiece comes standard and adjusts for either right- or left-handed shooters. The base material is glass-filled Nylon, which is injection molded, allowing for detailed formations such as finger grooves, flares and ribbing. The pistol grip and foregrip are equipped with rubber inserts for added comfort and control.

A small flare is molded into the top of the forearm to serve as a reminder for shooters to keep their fingers below the flight deck. Excalibur uses the Kolorfusion process, which uses a dye transfer technology called sublimation to apply Mossy Oak Treestand camouflage to the entire crossbow. A C2 Crank is available to make drawing the 405 much easier.

The Bridge

The rail connects the bow and stock while also serving as the platform for the trigger housing, which is mounted to the end closest to the shooter. It is made of aluminum alloy and houses the linkage between the trigger and the release mechanism. Trigger pull is advertised at three pounds. Excalibur's Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire system is found in the scope mount, where it catches the string if the crossbow is fired without a bolt loaded. A built-in release allows for de-cocking.

The manual safety component at the back of the trigger housing easily flips between fire and safety positions and uses a simple blocking mechanism to prevent firing. A scope-mounting rail sits atop the trigger housing for Excalibur's Twilight DLX Scope.

What do I get?

Excalibur includes the following with every Matrix Mega 405 purchase: A Twilight DLX Scope and 30mm rings, a cheekpiece, a four-bolt quiver with bracket, four Diablo bolts, four 150-grain fieldpoints and a rope-cocking aid.

The Experience

A smaller, lighter crossbow is certainly welcome, and thanks to Excalibur's Compact Recurve Technology (CRT), the 405 is maneuverable. The draw weight on this bow is something to be considered. If you are not sure you will be able to handle the 290 pounds, then order the C2 crank.

Accuracy at 35 yards will definitely get the job done at only .625 inches center-to-center for a three-shot group. With this much power, you will experience some vibration and noise when firing, but you will get plenty of speed. The lightest bolt I tried was 375 grains and clocked in at 397 fps. I would like to see a larger flare on the forearm to better prevent fingers above the flight deck.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Excalibur Crossbow, 800-463-1817

Model: Matrix Mega 405

Safety Features: Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire system, Forearm flange

Weight: 6.2 pounds (advertised); 6.6 pounds (as tested)

Draw Weight: 290 pounds (advertised)

Power Stroke: 13.9 inches

Limbs: Matrix PowerLoad, recurve

String: Dyna Flight, 35 inches

Stock: Thumbhole, Injection molded glass filled Nylon

Grip: Ergo grip, Pistol style with molded rubber inlays

Finish: Mossy Oak Treestand

Forearm: Rubber inlays, Safety flange

Overall Length: 36.5 inches

Advertised Speed: 405 fps with 350-grain bolt

Suggested Retail Price: $1,299.99

Comments: A no nonsense, hard-hitting, hunting machine.

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