The Excalibur Illuminated Made a Bold First Impression
The Excalibur Illuminated arrows arrived, promising to be the perfect complement to my Excalibur Micro Series crossbow. As an outdoor gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of arrows, but the Excalibur Illuminated immediately piqued my interest with their promise of enhanced visibility and performance in low-light conditions. These arrows claim to be specifically engineered for optimal flight and accuracy within the Excalibur ecosystem.
I’ve spent years wrestling with accuracy issues, especially as the sun dips below the horizon. Traditional arrows often become nearly impossible to track, leaving me guessing about impact points. The promise of an illuminated nock was a beacon of hope for improving my hunting game in those crucial twilight hours.
The packaging was simple, but effective, protecting the arrows during shipping. Upon unboxing, I immediately noted the robust build quality. The 16.5-inch length and 2-inch offset vanes felt substantial in my hand. The total arrow weight of 163.4 grains felt balanced for my Excalibur Micro 360.
Compared to standard Easton arrows, the Excalibur Illuminated arrows appeared slightly thicker in diameter. I also considered Carbon Express arrows known for their speed, but the integrated illumination system and specific compatibility with my Excalibur crossbow ultimately swayed me.
I was genuinely excited. The prospect of improved accuracy and visibility was a game-changer. The initial impression was one of quality and thoughtful design. I couldn’t wait to put them to the test in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Excalibur Illuminated to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Excalibur Illuminated arrows took place at my local shooting range. It was late afternoon, offering the perfect low-light conditions to assess the illumination feature. I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.
The arrows performed admirably, even with a slight crosswind. The illumination was immediately noticeable and significantly improved my ability to track the arrow’s flight path. The 2-inch offset vanes provided stable flight, even at longer distances.
The only minor issue arose when activating the illuminated nock on one of the arrows. It required a bit more pressure than expected, almost feeling like I was going to break the nock. After some experimentation, I was able to easily activate all the nocks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Excalibur Illuminated arrows have held up remarkably well. I’ve put them through a rigorous series of tests, including multiple sessions at the shooting range and a weekend hunting trip. The durability is impressive.
Despite repeated impacts with targets, the arrow shafts show minimal signs of wear. The vanes remain securely attached and maintain their shape. Cleaning is also easy; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any residue.
Compared to previous experiences with cheaper arrows, the Excalibur Illuminated arrows are a clear winner. The consistent performance, enhanced visibility, and robust build quality make them a worthwhile investment. They definitely outperform the generic arrows I used to buy in bulk.
Breaking Down the Features of Excalibur Illuminated
Specifications
The Excalibur Illuminated arrows are specifically designed for Excalibur Micro Series crossbows. They measure 16.5 inches in length and feature 2-inch offset vanes. The Outside Diameter is .347 inches, and the Inside Diameter is .3015 inches.
The arrows weigh 9.9 grains per inch (GPI), resulting in a total arrow weight of 163.4 grains. This weight is crucial for achieving optimal kinetic energy and accuracy with Excalibur Micro crossbows. The 2-inch offset vanes enhance stabilization during flight, contributing to tighter groupings at longer distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Excalibur Illuminated arrows excel in both accuracy and visibility. The offset vanes contribute to stable flight, resulting in consistent groupings. The illuminated nocks make tracking arrows in low-light conditions significantly easier.
A minor weakness is the slightly stiff activation of the illuminated nocks, but with practice, this becomes less of an issue. Overall, the arrows meet and exceed expectations. They provide a noticeable improvement in performance and functionality compared to standard arrows.
Design & Ergonomics
The Excalibur Illuminated arrows boast a robust and well-designed construction. The materials used are high-quality, ensuring durability and consistent performance. The 163.4-grain weight feels balanced and comfortable in hand when loading and shooting.
The arrows are user-friendly, requiring minimal setup. Activating the illuminated nocks is simple once you get the hang of it. The overall design is sleek and functional.
Durability & Maintenance
These arrows are built to last. The durable construction and high-quality materials ensure they can withstand repeated use. Maintenance is straightforward.
A quick wipe down after each use is all that’s needed to keep them in optimal condition. The illuminated nocks are also replaceable, extending the lifespan of the arrows.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Excalibur Illuminated arrows come ready to use with pre-installed illuminated nocks and offset vanes. While customization options are limited, the nocks are replaceable, allowing you to switch to different colors or non-illuminated versions. The compatibility with standard Excalibur accessories like quivers and broadheads makes integration seamless.
Pros and Cons of Excalibur Illuminated
Pros
- Exceptional Visibility: The illuminated nocks dramatically improve arrow tracking in low-light conditions.
- Enhanced Accuracy: The 2-inch offset vanes contribute to stable and accurate flight.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality materials and robust build ensure longevity.
- Optimal Weight: The 163.4-grain weight is perfectly suited for Excalibur Micro Series crossbows.
- Easy to Maintain: A quick wipe down is all that’s needed to keep the arrows in top condition.
Cons
- Slightly Stiff Nock Activation: The illuminated nocks can be a bit difficult to activate initially.
- Limited Customization: Customization options beyond nock replacement are limited.
Who Should Buy Excalibur Illuminated?
The Excalibur Illuminated arrows are perfect for hunters who frequently hunt during dawn or dusk, when visibility is limited. They’re also ideal for competitive shooters looking to improve their accuracy and consistency. Anyone using an Excalibur Micro series crossbow will benefit from these arrows.
Those who primarily hunt or shoot during daylight hours may not fully appreciate the benefits of the illuminated nocks. Budget-conscious archers might find the price a bit steep compared to standard arrows. A must-have accessory would be a good quality arrow puller.
Conclusion on Excalibur Illuminated
The Excalibur Illuminated arrows deliver on their promise of enhanced visibility and performance. The illuminated nocks and offset vanes contribute to improved accuracy and ease of use, especially in low-light conditions. The robust construction ensures longevity and reliability.
The price of $54.99 is justified by the enhanced features and overall quality. The enhanced visibility and improved accuracy make them a worthwhile investment for serious hunters and shooters.
I would absolutely recommend the Excalibur Illuminated arrows to anyone looking to upgrade their Excalibur Micro Series crossbow setup. Take your hunting game to the next level and experience the difference!