Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ Review

The Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ Made a Bold First Impression

When I first saw the Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″, I was immediately struck by its purposeful design. These arrows are specifically crafted by Excalibur for their Micro Series crossbows, promising a perfect match for performance and reliability. As someone who’s spent over a decade tinkering with outdoor gear, I appreciate the precision engineering that goes into optimizing every component of a hunting system.

I’ve been grappling with accuracy issues on my Excalibur Micro 360, and I suspected my current arrows weren’t up to par. The Quill 16.5″ arrows seemed like the ideal solution, specifically designed to maximize the capabilities of the Micro series. My initial impression was of a well-constructed, no-nonsense arrow designed for serious hunters.

Unboxing the arrows, I was pleased with the clean finish and consistent fletching. The weight felt balanced, and the 2-inch offset vanes looked meticulously applied. Compared to generic arrows I’ve used in the past, the Excalibur Quills exuded a sense of quality and attention to detail that I found reassuring.

I’d considered using Easton arrows, as well as some carbon fiber options from Black Eagle, but the Excalibur Quills offered a compelling combination of a manageable price and optimized performance for my crossbow. The specialized design won me over. I was definitely excited to get these arrows out to the range and see how they performed with my setup.

Real-World Testing: Putting Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ arrows at my local archery range, shooting at targets from 20 to 50 yards. The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a full-blown shower. Immediately, I noticed a difference compared to my previous arrows.

The Quill 16.5″ arrows flew truer and with greater consistency, even in the slightly windy conditions. There was no noticeable fishtailing or wobbling in flight, and they consistently grouped tighter than my previous setup. Using these arrows required almost no adjustment period; the Excalibur Quills performed flawlessly right out of the box.

I did not encounter any immediate issues, but I did notice the vanes seemed a bit more susceptible to picking up moisture than some other materials I have used. However, it did not appear to affect the arrow’s performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ arrows continue to perform admirably. I’ve taken them on several practice hunts and have been consistently impressed with their accuracy and penetration. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after multiple shots into dense targets.

The finish on the arrows has held up well, and the fletchings remain securely attached. Cleaning is a breeze. I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use and inspect them for any damage. They certainly outperform any of the cheaper arrows I have used in the past, and I would certainly recommend these for practice or hunting.

Breaking Down the Features of Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″

Specifications

The Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ arrows boast several key specifications tailored for Excalibur Micro Series crossbows. These arrows are 16.5 inches long, which is optimal for the compact design of the Micro series. The inclusion of 2-inch offset vanes enhances stability and accuracy in flight.

The Quill 16.5″ arrows have an Outside Diameter of .347 inches and an Inside Diameter of .3015 inches. The weight comes in at 9.9 grains per inch (GPI), resulting in a total arrow weight of 163.4 grains. These specifications are not just numbers; they directly translate to improved accuracy, greater kinetic energy, and deeper penetration on impact.

Performance & Functionality

The Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ arrows excel in delivering consistent and accurate shots, a critical aspect for ethical hunting. Their optimized design minimizes deviation in flight, resulting in tighter groupings at various distances. I have found that the arrows group well and are reliable when using the proper setup.

The strength of these arrows lies in their consistency and accuracy, and a weakness might be their weight compared to more expensive carbon fiber options. For hunters using Excalibur Micro Series crossbows, the Quill 16.5″ arrows meet and often exceed expectations, providing reliable performance in the field.

Design & Ergonomics

The Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ arrows are built with a focus on functionality and durability. The materials used are sturdy and well-suited to withstand repeated use. The weight of the arrows feels balanced, which contributes to a more stable shooting experience.

These arrows are user-friendly, requiring no special adjustments or modifications for use with Excalibur Micro Series crossbows. The minimal learning curve makes them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced crossbow hunters.

Durability & Maintenance

The Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ arrows are built to last, with proper care. Regular inspection and cleaning will prolong their lifespan. The durable construction means they can withstand numerous shots before showing significant wear and tear.

Maintenance is straightforward, typically involving wiping down the arrows after use and ensuring the fletchings are intact. Minor repairs, such as re-gluing a loose fletching, can easily be done with readily available adhesives.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″ arrows do not come with additional accessories beyond the standard nocks and fletchings. Customization is limited primarily to changing the arrowheads to suit different hunting needs. The arrows are compatible with a wide range of standard arrowheads, allowing hunters to tailor their setup to the specific game they are pursuing.

Pros and Cons of Excalibur 22QV16-6 Quill 16.5″