October Mountain Crossbow String 26 1/4 in. Excalibur Micro & MagAir Review

The October Mountain Crossbow String 26 1/4 in. Excalibur Micro & MagAir Made a Bold First Impression

The October Mountain Crossbow String 26 1/4 in. Excalibur Micro & MagAir might seem like a simple replacement part, but for any crossbow hunter relying on Excalibur’s Micro or MagAir platforms, it’s the lifeline of their hunt. A broken string means a sidelined crossbow, a frustrated hunter, and potentially a missed opportunity. This review dives deep into the October Mountain offering, examining its construction, performance, and value within the context of demanding hunting situations.

My journey to this particular string started with a near-disaster on a backcountry elk hunt. The factory string on my Excalibur Micro 360, after seasons of reliable service, finally gave way during a practice shot days before the season opened. I needed a replacement, fast, and the October Mountain Crossbow String presented itself as a readily available and budget-friendly option.

Upon receiving the string, my initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The tri-color (brown and black) Ultra Cam material looked robust, and the overall construction appeared clean and well-executed. It didn’t have the same premium feel as some high-end custom strings I’ve used in the past, but it certainly didn’t feel cheap either. I was particularly intrigued by the “Ultra Cam” material, hoping it lived up to its name in terms of durability and minimal stretch.

Compared to a custom string from a smaller archery shop, the October Mountain option lacks the personalized craftsmanship and potentially superior materials. However, custom strings often come with a significantly higher price tag and longer lead times. Against a comparable factory replacement string (if I could have sourced one locally in time), the October Mountain Crossbow String offered a comparable price point with the added appeal of potentially enhanced material.

My first impression was a mix of relief and anticipation. Relief that I had found a string quickly, and anticipation to see how it would perform under pressure. Time to get to the range and get it shooting.

Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain Crossbow String 26 1/4 in. Excalibur Micro & MagAir to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local archery range, a controlled environment ideal for evaluating a new string’s performance. I installed the October Mountain Crossbow String on my Excalibur Micro 360, following Excalibur’s recommended stringing procedure. The fit was perfect, indicating accurate manufacturing to the specified 26 1/4 inch length.

During the first few shots, I focused on observing the string stretch and settling. As expected with any new string, there was a slight initial stretch, requiring minor adjustments to the scope. I then spent a couple of hours testing accuracy at various distances (20, 30, and 40 yards). The string performed admirably, delivering consistent arrow velocities and tight groupings. The weather was dry and mild, offering no immediate challenges to the string’s performance.

One pleasant surprise was the reduced noise compared to my worn-out factory string. The October Mountain string seemed to dampen vibrations slightly better, resulting in a quieter shot. No immediate issues arose during this first intensive range session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including numerous practice sessions and a subsequent deer hunting trip, the October Mountain Crossbow String has proven to be surprisingly reliable. It has maintained its integrity and performance without any noticeable degradation. I estimate that I have shot over 200 arrows with it so far.

There are no signs of excessive wear or fraying. This is reassuring, as string wear is a common concern with crossbows, particularly those with high draw weights. Regular waxing with a quality crossbow string wax has undoubtedly contributed to its longevity.

Maintenance is straightforward. I apply a thin coat of string wax after every few shooting sessions, ensuring thorough penetration into the string fibers. Compared to my experience with some cheaper strings that quickly develop fraying and require frequent replacement, the October Mountain string has significantly outperformed expectations. It may not be a top-tier custom string, but it has proven to be a robust and dependable replacement that has saved my season.

Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain Crossbow String 26 1/4 in. Excalibur Micro & MagAir

Specifications

• Length: 26 1/4 inches. This is specifically designed for Excalibur Micro and MagAir series crossbows, ensuring proper fit and function.
• Material: Ultra Cam string material. This synthetic fiber blend aims for a balance of strength, durability, and minimal stretch.
• Color: Tri-color (brown and black). The aesthetic choice provides visual appeal.
• Compatibility: Excalibur Micro & MagAir crossbow models. This string is tailored to these specific platforms, guaranteeing optimal performance.

These specifications are vital for crossbow string selection. Proper length is crucial for correct draw weight and timing, and therefore for accuracy. String material directly impacts durability and shot consistency.

Performance & Functionality

The October Mountain Crossbow String delivers solid performance. It provides consistent arrow speeds and contributes to acceptable accuracy at typical hunting ranges.

Its strengths include reliable performance, reasonable durability for its price point, and easy installation. A potential weakness is that it might not offer the absolute highest levels of performance or longevity compared to premium custom strings. However, for the average hunter, it exceeds expectations for the price.

This string met my expectations for a replacement string and has allowed me to continue hunting with confidence. I would rate its performance as above average.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality appears to be adequate. The Ultra Cam material feels sturdy.

The string is easy to install, requiring no special tools or expertise. The tri-color design is aesthetically pleasing, and adds a touch of style to the crossbow.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the absence of wear or fraying after significant use, the string has demonstrated promising durability. Regular waxing is essential to extend its lifespan.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine waxing. With proper care, this string should last for a reasonable hunting season.

Accessories and Customization Options

The product itself is a replacement string, so accessories aren’t directly applicable. However, it is compatible with standard string wax products.

You can customize the string by adding string silencers or other aftermarket accessories to further reduce noise and vibration. The October Mountain Crossbow String works perfectly with standard crossbow string accessories.

Pros and Cons of October Mountain Crossbow String 26 1/4 in. Excalibur Micro & MagAir