Excalibur Matrix 310 Review (In-Field) – Recurve Crossbow

ModelDraw WeightStrokeVelocitySuggested Arrow LengthCrossbow Length / Weight
Excalibur Matrix 310 Crossbow

Excalibur Matrix 310 Crossbow

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200 lbs.10.9"310 FPS

Crossbow Academy: ballistics, sighting, tuning
18"34" / 5 lbs. 2 ozs.
Pros:
- Comes as a complete kit
- Easy to cock
- Accurate
- Ultra Light
- Can Decock by Hand

Cons:
- Scope Could be Better
Small Game Hunting?yes2
Deer, Elk Hunting?yes2
Moose, Bear Hunting?yes2
Target Shooting?yes2
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Also Recommended:Best Excalibur Crossbows

Excalibur Matrix 310 Package Contents

The Excalibur Matrix 310 is offered as a complete kit. It does not come with a case, but it does come with just about everything else you might need for a day at the range. Add some broadheads and a little practice and you are ready for a day in the blind! In the package you will get the Matrix 310 crossbow, a multiplex scope, a four arrow quiver and four Diablo arrows. You will also get 150 grain field points and a rope cocker as well.

Kinetic Energy of the Matrix 310

The Matrix 310 was designed to allow for hunting in states where a draw weight of over 200 lbs. is not allowed (can you say, “New York?”). It is impressive that you will still enjoy a hard-hitting crossbow while remaining at that 200-lb. draw mark. Using a 350-grain test arrow at 310 fps, the energy when fired is right at 75 ft. lbs. Taking that out to hunting ranges, you are still looking at around 69 ft. lbs. at 30 yards, plenty for most game in North America.

Use our arrow ballistics calculator for more valuable information.

Ballistic Data For The Excalibur Matrix 310

Your actual results will vary slightly depending on weather, and significantly with arrow weight change. See our Crossbow Ballistics Guides section for a complete understanding of how we conducted our tests and why this data matters.

Design, Safety, Comfort and Accuracy

Excalibur has long been known as a company that makes high-quality crossbows, and the Matrix 310 is no exception. The 310 is truly designed as a light-weight, ultra-compact, hunting crossbow. The Mossy Oak Breakup Infinity pattern does a good job of helping the crossbow blend in and the fact that it is a recurve means less moving parts to potentially fail.

The limbs also employ the Excalibur REDS (Recoil Energy Dissipation System) which virtually eliminates vibration and greatly enhances the stealth of the crossbow. One really cool feature is that you can actually decock the Matrix 310 by hand, which is a huge advantage to not have to fire an arrow at the end of a quiet hunt. The thumbhole stock allows you to hold the crossbow without worry of losing your grip and the light weight further ensures security when handling.

Hunting with the Excalibur Matrix 310

Taking the Matrix 310 into the field promises to be an absolute pleasure. With its light weight and compact frame, you will enjoy being able to maneuver even in tight quarters and won’t be worn out carrying it to the blind. The 200 lb. draw weight means you will enjoy additional areas to hunt in while not sacrificing power or speed. The trigger is very good and has almost no creep, with a crisp let off…a feature that is going to really help put that arrow right through the pump station!

How Quiet is the Matrix 310

The Matrix 310 is a fairly quiet crossbow due in large part to the REDS. As with just about any crossbow, however, we would recommend looking in to string suppressors or dampeners. You can never be too quiet when firing at that trophy!

Cocking the Matrix 310

The Matrix 310 is one of the easiest crossbows to cock we have seen in a long time. The short power stroke really makes a difference when pulling back, and with the included rope cocker, we would be surprised for the average person to ever need a crank with this one.

Quality of the Optics

The included multiplex scope is certainly adequate for most situations, but we have heard from many folks that upgrading might not be a bad idea. We don’t fully disagree with them. Excalibur has some truly excellent crossbow scopes in their lineup and you might be wise to check one out as an upgrade.

See our detailed guide on how to sight-in your crossbow

What Arrows to use with the Matrix 310

The Diablo arrows included with the Matrix 310 are up to the job for most hunting situations. Given the compact design of the 310, should you decide to go with an aftermarket arrow, you really want to stay in the 18” range as a 20” arrow is going to sit pretty far out. One other thought is to really evaluate your field tip/broad head weight as the 150-grain field points that are included are going to slow down your crossbow a bit. The 310 fps rating was obtained with 350-grain total weight projectiles, so a 150-grain tip is going to really up that weight.

You can also learn more about crossbow arrows and take a look at our broadhead recommendations

Overall Thoughts

The Excalibur Matrix 310 is an overall excellent crossbow. As with many other Excalibur crossbows, you really aren’t going to go wrong with this one. The light weight and ultra-compact design translate to a crossbow that is going to be really comfortable to carry in the field and really easy to maneuver in tight quarters. The fact that it is a recurve is another positive as you are going to enjoy more reliability with fewer moving parts.

The ability to decock by hand is another really important feature that many experienced hunters will appreciate. Given the quality of the trigger as well as the overall quality of the 310, this is certainly a crossbow that is worth a second look. Take a look at today's amazon.com price on this crossbow and check out our top 10 crossbows rankings for more.

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