Excalibur Trailblazer 100 Review

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 Made a Bold First Impression

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 grain mechanical broadhead promises devastating accuracy and penetration for crossbow hunters pushing the velocity limits. Marketed towards crossbows up to 500 FPS, these broadheads boast a 1.75-inch cutting diameter and a no o-ring design to prevent pre-deployment. As a seasoned hunter, I’ve seen countless broadheads come and go, but the Trailblazer 100’s focus on high-speed crossbows and its promise of a massive blood trail intrigued me.

I needed a broadhead that could consistently deliver pinpoint accuracy from my high-poundage crossbow, especially for longer shots. Many mechanical broadheads I’ve used in the past suffered from premature deployment or inconsistent flight at higher velocities, leading to frustrating hunts. The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 claimed to solve this issue, immediately piquing my interest.

The broadheads came in a standard blister pack, securely holding three broadheads. Upon opening, I was immediately impressed with the sharpness of the blades and the robust construction of the ferrule. They felt solid and well-made, inspiring confidence.

Compared to similar mechanical broadheads like the Rage Hypodermic or the Grim Reaper Whitetail Special, the Excalibur Trailblazer 100 seemed more streamlined. The blade retention system looked more secure than designs reliant on o-rings. My initial thought was that Excalibur was onto something, potentially solving the common problems found in high-speed mechanical broadheads.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The design seemed well-thought-out, but the proof would be in the performance. I was definitely excited to put them to the test and see if they lived up to the claims.

Real-World Testing: Putting Excalibur Trailblazer 100 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local archery range, specifically focusing on long-distance accuracy. I shot the Excalibur Trailblazer 100 from 40, 60, and 80 yards. The weather was slightly windy, providing a decent challenge to assess wind drift.

The Trailblazer 100 performed admirably in the wind, showing minimal drift compared to other broadheads I’ve tested. They grouped consistently with my field points out to 60 yards, and only showed a slight drop at 80 yards, which was easily compensated for with minor sight adjustments. The blades stayed securely locked in place during flight and upon impact with the target.

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 required a small amount of tuning to match the point of impact with field points. Once I matched my crossbow to the new broadheads they were shooting lights out!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple practice sessions and a whitetail hunt, the Excalibur Trailblazer 100 continued to impress me. The blades remained sharp after multiple shots into foam targets, and the overall construction held up well. I didn’t observe any signs of premature blade deployment or any loosening of the components.

The broadheads showed no significant signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use. Cleaning was simple; I just wiped them down with a cloth and applied a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts. They maintained their sharpness and continued to fly true.

Compared to some of the other mechanical broadheads I’ve used in the past, the Excalibur Trailblazer 100 definitely outperforms them in terms of durability and consistent flight, especially at higher velocities. I have not had any issues with the blades prematurely opening at high speeds. They have provided great penetration on target.

Breaking Down the Features of Excalibur Trailblazer 100

Specifications

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 is a 100-grain mechanical broadhead designed for high-speed crossbows. It features three blades that create a 1.75-inch cutting diameter, promising a massive wound channel. The broadhead is constructed with a durable ferrule and a blade retention system that does not rely on o-rings or rubber bands.

• Grain Weight: 100 grains.
• Cutting Diameter: 1.75 inches. This generous cutting diameter is designed to inflict maximum tissue damage for quick, humane kills and massive blood trails.
• Blade Count: Three blades. The triple-blade design ensures a large cutting surface.
• Construction: Durable ferrule and robust blade retention. This increases reliability and prevents premature deployment.
• Compatibility: Designed for crossbows up to 500 FPS. This is a key feature, as many mechanical broadheads struggle with consistent performance at such high speeds.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the broadhead’s accuracy, penetration, and overall effectiveness. The 100-grain weight provides a good balance of speed and momentum. The large cutting diameter maximizes tissue damage, leading to quicker kills. The robust construction ensures the broadhead can withstand the impact forces of high-speed crossbows.

Performance & Functionality

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 performs exceptionally well. It delivers excellent accuracy at extended ranges, especially out to 60 yards. The broadhead maintains consistent flight and penetrates deeply, even into dense targets.

The strengths of this broadhead lie in its accuracy and reliability. The lack of o-rings eliminates the risk of premature blade deployment, and the robust construction ensures the broadhead can withstand the rigors of hunting. One weakness is the limited cutting diameter compared to some other mechanical broadheads on the market, but the 1.75-inch cut is still plenty sufficient for most big game animals.

It definitely meets and even exceeds expectations for a broadhead in this price range. The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 provides consistent accuracy and reliable performance, making it a worthwhile investment for any crossbow hunter.

Design & Ergonomics

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 boasts a streamlined and aerodynamic design, contributing to its accurate flight. The broadhead feels solid and well-balanced in hand, inspiring confidence in its build quality.

The design is user-friendly. There is no significant learning curve. Simply screw it onto your arrow and get to shooting.

Durability & Maintenance

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 is built to last. It has a durable ferrule and robust blade retention system that holds up very well to repeated use.

Maintenance is simple. After each use, I cleaned and lubricated the broadhead to ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 does not come with any specific accessories, but replacement blades are available for purchase. There are no major customization options for this broadhead.

It is compatible with standard crossbow arrows and can be used with lighted nocks and other common arrow accessories. Be sure to match the weight of the broadhead to the specified arrow weight for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Excalibur Trailblazer 100

Who Should Buy Excalibur Trailblazer 100?

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 is perfect for crossbow hunters using high-speed crossbows who demand accuracy and reliability. This broadhead is also well-suited for hunters seeking a broadhead that provides a massive blood trail for easier tracking.

Hunters who prefer a larger cutting diameter or extensive customization options might want to consider other broadheads. Those using lower-poundage crossbows might find better performance with fixed-blade broadheads.

Must-have accessories would include replacement blades and a broadhead wrench for easy blade replacement. Proper arrow spine matching is also essential for optimal accuracy.

Conclusion on Excalibur Trailblazer 100

The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 is an outstanding mechanical broadhead that delivers on its promises. It offers excellent accuracy, reliable performance, and a massive wound channel. The Excalibur Trailblazer 100 is specifically designed for high-speed crossbows.

The price of $60.49 is justified, especially considering the broadhead’s durability and consistent performance. Compared to other broadheads, the Trailblazer 100 offers great value for the money.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Excalibur Trailblazer 100 to any crossbow hunter looking for a dependable and accurate broadhead. If you’re tired of inconsistent flight and premature deployment, give the Excalibur Trailblazer 100 a try. You won’t be disappointed!