First Impressions of Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts
The Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts promise repeatable accuracy for crossbow hunters and target shooters alike, and that’s a bold claim. Excalibur has built a reputation for quality, and these bolts aim to uphold that standard. I’ve spent years in the field, relying on my crossbow for both hunting and honing my skills, and I’m always searching for equipment that can stand up to the rigors of demanding environments. These bolts sparked my interest because of their tight tolerances and high-quality construction.
I was seeking bolts that would provide consistent performance and improved accuracy compared to the stock bolts that came with my crossbow. The promise of .001″ straightness and +/- 1-grain weight tolerance was especially appealing. Several other carbon crossbow bolts are available in the market, such as Carbon Express Maxima Hunter and Gold Tip Ballistic Bolts. I chose the Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts because I wanted to test Excalibur’s claims, knowing that the company designs specifically for their crossbows.
Unboxing these bolts, I immediately noticed their sleek, minimalist design. The white and black color scheme is clean and professional. The carbon fiber shafts felt robust and well-constructed, and the nocks appeared to be securely attached. My initial impression was one of quality, and I was eager to see how they performed downrange. I was hopeful but also cautiously optimistic, knowing that the proof would be in the shooting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts took place at my local shooting range, an outdoor facility with distances up to 100 yards. The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze. I started at 20 yards to get a feel for the bolts and my crossbow setup. The Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts grouped tightly right out of the box, and I was quickly achieving sub-1 inch groupings.
I incrementally increased the distance to 40 and then 60 yards, continuing to see impressive accuracy. The bolts seemed to maintain their velocity well, showing consistent trajectory. I did notice a slight shift in my point of impact compared to my previous bolts, which is to be expected, and I made the necessary adjustments to my scope. There were no initial issues, but I did want to test the bolts in different weather conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts continue to impress. I have used them in a variety of conditions, including light rain and temperatures ranging from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They have consistently maintained their accuracy and flight characteristics. I have noticed some minor scuffing on the shafts from repeated use, but there are no signs of cracking or splintering.
Cleaning these bolts is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is typically all that is needed. Regular inspection of the nocks and vanes is important to ensure they remain securely attached and undamaged. Compared to cheaper bolts I’ve used in the past, the Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts are significantly more durable and consistent. The improved accuracy and reliability make them a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts
Specifications
The Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts are constructed using high-quality carbon fiber. They are built with .001″ straightness tolerance, ensuring minimal deviation during flight. The weight tolerance is +/- 1 grain, contributing to consistent arrow-to-arrow performance. They are designed for use with Excalibur’s CeaseFire Technology crossbows or any crossbow utilizing flat-back nocks.
The carbon fiber construction provides excellent strength and durability, allowing the bolts to withstand the high forces generated by a crossbow. The tight straightness tolerance minimizes wobble and drag, leading to improved accuracy and range. The precise weight tolerance ensures consistent trajectory and point of impact. The flat-back nocks provide a secure and reliable connection with the crossbow string.
Performance & Functionality
The Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts excel in performance and functionality. Accuracy is superb, and they consistently group tightly at various distances. Their reliability is commendable, and they have performed flawlessly throughout my testing. The bolts offer a noticeable improvement in accuracy compared to standard crossbow bolts.
The main strength is their consistent flight and tight groupings, making them a valuable tool for hunters and target shooters. The only area for potential improvement would be the fletching material, as it seems to be slightly less durable than the carbon fiber shaft. They meet and exceed my expectations in terms of accuracy and reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts feature a sleek and functional design. The carbon fiber shafts are lightweight yet robust, providing an optimal balance of strength and maneuverability. The white and black color scheme is aesthetically pleasing. They are comfortable to handle and easy to load into the crossbow.
The build quality is excellent, using high-quality materials. The weight distribution feels balanced and natural. There is no learning curve associated with using these bolts; they are simple and straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
These bolts are designed for long-lasting durability. The carbon fiber construction is resistant to cracking and splintering. The only area of concern is the potential for damage to the vanes. Maintaining these bolts is simple: regular inspection and cleaning are usually sufficient.
They appear to be built to withstand regular use and abuse. Replacement of damaged vanes or nocks is possible and relatively easy. With proper care, these bolts should last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts do not come with any additional accessories beyond the bolts themselves. There are no specific customization options offered by Excalibur for these bolts. However, you can customize the vanes and nocks with aftermarket options to suit your specific preferences.
They are compatible with a variety of aftermarket vanes and nocks, allowing you to fine-tune their performance. Common customizations include changing the vane color for better visibility or using lighted nocks for improved shot tracking. While Excalibur doesn’t offer these options directly, the bolts are designed to be compatible with standard aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently tight groupings at various distances.
- High-Quality Construction: Durable carbon fiber shafts ensure long-lasting performance.
- Consistent Flight: Tight tolerances provide reliable and predictable arrow flight.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple cleaning and inspection are typically sufficient.
- Improved Range: The aerodynamic design helps maintain velocity at longer distances.
Cons
- Vane Durability: The fletching material could be more durable.
- Cost: They are pricier than standard crossbow bolts.
Who Should Buy Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts?
These bolts are perfect for serious crossbow hunters who demand consistent accuracy and reliability. Target shooters looking to improve their groupings and extend their range will also benefit from these bolts. They are an excellent choice for anyone using Excalibur crossbows or any crossbow that utilizes flat-back nocks.
Beginner crossbow users might find the higher cost prohibitive, as cheaper options are available for initial practice. Those primarily shooting at short ranges (under 20 yards) may not fully realize the benefits of these high-performance bolts. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality arrow puller to help remove the bolts from targets without damaging them.
Conclusion on Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts
The Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts deliver on their promise of repeatable accuracy and reliable performance. They are a well-constructed and meticulously engineered product that enhances the crossbow shooting experience. The price is justified for those who value precision and consistency.
I would personally recommend these bolts to serious crossbow hunters and target shooters. The improved accuracy and reliability are well worth the investment. If you’re looking to elevate your crossbow shooting, the Excalibur ProFlight Crossbow Bolts are an excellent choice – upgrade your setup and experience the difference!