The Excalibur Micro 380 is a standout addition to Excalibur’s 2022 lineup, bringing new innovations to their trusted Micro series. As the first Micro crossbow to reach an impressive 380 feet per second (fps), it sets a new standard for speed while maintaining the compact design the series is known for. This model debuts Excalibur’s High-Output Limbs, engineered for enhanced performance without compromising durability or portability. It also introduces the new CeaseFire trigger system, an advanced safety feature that includes an anti-dry fire mechanism for added reliability.
The Micro 380 comes in a Mossy Oak Break-Up Country finish, complete with R.E.D.S. suppressors to reduce noise and vibration. The package includes everything you need to get started: a Tact-100 illuminated scope with mounting hardware, four 16.5-inch Quill arrows fitted with 100-grain tips, a Rebolt quiver, a manual cocking aid, and a set of R.E.D.S. suppressors. This well-rounded package ensures you’re ready to hit the range or the field right out of the box.
Excalibur also released the all-new Mag Air and the TwinStrike Tac2 this year.
Table of Contents
Excalibur Micro 380 Crossbow Specs
Excalibur Micro 380  | |
Speed | 380 FPS |
Overall Length | 33″ |
Width (Axle to Axle) cocked/uncocked | 22″/25″ |
Weight | 6.6 LBS |
Draw Weight | 12 LBS |
Our Rating | |
Price |
First Impressions
The Excalibur Micro 380 stands out as a premium recurve crossbow designed for hunters who prioritize performance, compact design, and reliability. Part of Excalibur’s highly regarded Micro series, this model combines the strength and traditional feel of a classic crossbow with advanced technology for modern hunting needs.
One of its defining features is the ultra-compact design, making it highly maneuverable in dense woods or tight spaces like ground blinds and tree stands. The high-performance limbs and precision-engineered components allow it to generate impressive arrow speeds of up to 380 feet per second when paired with a 250-grain arrow, delivering both speed and stopping power ideal for various game.
Despite its compact size, the Micro 380 does not compromise on durability. Built with rugged materials and Excalibur’s signature recurve limb system, it ensures long-lasting performance with reduced maintenance compared to compound crossbows. The simplified mechanics of the recurve design offer increased reliability in harsh environments, making it a trusted tool for seasoned hunters.
Additionally, the crossbow features ergonomic enhancements for better handling, improved cocking efficiency, and modern optics mounting options to support precision targeting. Its performance-focused design appeals to both veteran hunters and newcomers seeking a balance between tradition and innovation.
Design
The Excalibur Micro 380 features a sleek, minimalist recurve crossbow design that prioritizes durability and simplicity. Unlike compound crossbows, the Micro 380 uses fewer moving parts, enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance needs. Its rugged aluminum frame is built for durability while maintaining lightweight characteristics to reduce fatigue during extended hunts.
The crossbow’s compact design provides hunters with superior maneuverability, ideal for navigating dense woods or hunting from confined spaces like tree stands or ground blinds. A tactical-style foregrip and adjustable stock ensure comfortable handling and enhanced control.
Size and Dimensions:
Axle-to-Axle Width (Uncocked): Approximately 25 inches
Axle-to-Axle Width (Cocked): Around 22 inches
Overall Length: Approximately 33 inches
These dimensions highlight the crossbow’s compact nature, making it easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces without sacrificing power or accuracy.
Total Weight: Approximately 6.6 pounds without accessories and approximately 8.2 pounds with accessories.
The relatively lightweight design of the Micro 380 makes it manageable for hunters of various experience levels, especially during long treks or extended periods of carrying gear. Combined with ergonomic enhancements and an efficient cocking mechanism, the reduced weight contributes to a more comfortable and effective hunting experience.
Optics
The Excalibur Micro 380 typically comes equipped with a high-performance Tact-100 illuminated scope (depending on the package configuration) designed for precise targeting and enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions. Here’s a detailed look at its features:
Key Features of the Tact-100 Scope:
- Multi-Reticle System: Calibrated for precise shooting at multiple distances (up to 100 yards), allowing for quick and accurate range adjustments.
- Illumination: Red and green reticle illumination options provide improved contrast and visibility in low-light conditions, such as dusk or dawn hunting scenarios.
- Adjustable Brightness: Multiple brightness settings ensure adaptability to different lighting environments.
- Magnification: Offers up to 2-5x magnification for enhanced target acquisition without sacrificing a wide field of view.
- Durability: Fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof construction ensures reliable performance in harsh weather conditions.
Additional Benefits:
Precision Calibration: Specifically tuned for crossbows shooting at speeds of up to 380 fps, matching the performance of the Micro 380.
- Quick-Detach Mounting System: Allows for easy attachment and detachment without compromising zero retention.
- Parallax-Free Design: Helps maintain accurate targeting even when the shooter’s eye position shifts slightly.
The inclusion of this scope complements the accuracy and power of the Excalibur Micro 380, making it a formidable tool for hunters seeking precision and versatility in the field.
Cocking
The Micro 380 typically comes with a Rope Cocking Aid, which reduces the draw weight by 50%, making it easier to cock by hand.
For those seeking a more effortless cocking solution, the Charger EXT Crank Cocking Device is available as an accessory. It significantly reduces the effort required to cock the crossbow, making it ideal for those with reduced upper body strength or those hunting for extended periods.
Features of the Charger EXT Crank:
- Reduces cocking effort to nearly zero.
- Silent operation ensures no noise during cocking.
- Easy to install and compatible with the Micro 380.
- Can be removed after cocking to keep the crossbow lightweight during the hunt.
If you have physical limitations, then a Charger Crank is recommended.
Trigger and Safety
When it comes to crossbow hunting, repeatable accuracy is essential for both confidence and success in the field. Achieving this level of precision requires a combination of design factors, with a clean, consistent trigger break at the top of the list. The Excalibur Micro 380 delivers on this promise with the innovative Factory-Installed Pro-Shot ACP (Adjustable Custom Precision) Trigger System.
The Pro-Shot ACP trigger system elevates the Micro 380’s accuracy by offering:
- Trigger Weight: A 3-pound trigger pull optimized for precision shooting.
- Adjustable Staging: Configurable as either a single-stage or two-stage trigger, allowing hunters to customize the feel to their preference.
- Frictionless Roller Catch Technology: Ensures a smooth pull by eliminating grit between the sear and catch, resulting in a crisp, clean break with zero creep.
- Enhanced Safety Mechanism: The trigger only moves into firing position once the crossbow is cocked, enhancing both safety and reliability.
The manual safety system operates completely silently, ensuring stealth during critical hunting moments. Whether setting up for a shot or moving through the woods, the silent safety operation maintains the hunter’s tactical advantage.
The Excalibur Micro 380 introduces CeaseFire Technology, a first for the Micro series. This system ensures the crossbow will only fire under three specific conditions:
- An arrow is correctly loaded.
- The safety is disengaged.
- The trigger is pulled deliberately by the shooter.
By preventing accidental discharges when the bow is empty or improperly loaded, CeaseFire technology significantly enhances safety and builds trust in the crossbow’s operation during high-stakes hunting scenarios.
The combination of the Pro-Shot ACP trigger and CeaseFire technology positions the Excalibur Micro 380 as a leader in both accuracy and safety. These innovations ensure not only repeatable accuracy but also the peace of mind hunters need to stay focused and perform at their best in the field.
Performance
The Excalibur Micro 380 is a powerhouse in a compact package, engineered for speed, accuracy, and consistent performance. It boasts a factory-rated arrow velocity of 380 feet per second (fps) and delivers an impressive 112 foot-pounds of kinetic energy (KE). In real-world testing, the Micro 380 demonstrated performance that was both powerful and reliable, making it an exceptional choice for hunters seeking accuracy and stopping power.
Chronograph Testing Results
Using the arrows provided in the package, the Micro 380 consistently achieved speeds of 372 fps during our chronograph tests, close to its marketed speed. When we switched to a heavier 410-grain arrow, the crossbow still maintained a respectable speed of 352 fps, showcasing its versatility in handling various arrow weights while delivering formidable KE for larger game.
Pinpoint Accuracy
Accuracy is where the Micro 380 truly excels. During field testing, we achieved consistently tight arrow groupings, even at extended distances. The recurve design, combined with Excalibur’s precision engineering, ensures repeatable accuracy, crucial for ethical hunting and confident shooting.
Broadhead Testing
To evaluate broadhead performance, we tested the Micro 380 with a variety of broadheads, including:
- Excalibur Boltcutters
- Rage Crossbow X Broadheads
Both types of broadheads flew true, demonstrating excellent flat-shooting capability and precision. The crossbow maintained broadhead accuracy comparable to its performance with field points, reinforcing its suitability for practical hunting conditions.
Arrows and Quiver
The Micro 380 is designed to work with 16.5-inch Quill arrows, each fitted with Excalibur’s Rhino Nocks. These nocks are specially engineered for crossbows equipped with the CeaseFire Anti-Dry Fire Technology to ensure safe operation by preventing accidental discharge when an arrow is not correctly seated. However, Rhino Nocks are versatile enough to function seamlessly with all Excalibur crossbow models.
Key Benefits of Rhino Nocks:
- Durability: Built to withstand repeated use without degrading, even in rugged hunting conditions.
- String Preservation: Their design drastically reduces string wear, contributing to longer string life and more consistent shooting performance.
- Secure Fit: The Rhino Nocks “snap” firmly into place, ensuring secure arrow seating for reliable and accurate shots.
However, hunters should be mindful of the audible snap when loading an arrow, especially in close-range scenarios like hunting from a tree stand. This sound, while minimal, may alert nearby game.
The newly designed Rebolt quiver complements the Micro 380’s hunting performance. Lightweight and easy to attach or detach, the quiver holds up to four arrows securely. Its design prioritizes accessibility, with the outer slots allowing for quick arrow removal, while the inner slots hold arrows more firmly for secure storage. Although the tighter fit provides excellent retention during movement, it requires additional effort to remove the arrows when needed.
Recommended Accessories
Arrows and Broadheads
Quill arrows are specifically designed to optimize the performance of compact, high-power recurve crossbows like the Excalibur Micro 380. These 16.5-inch arrows are engineered to balance speed, accuracy, and penetration while accommodating the unique demands of the crossbow’s compact design and advanced safety features.
 | Excalibur Quill arrows 16.5″ & 250 Grain Specifically designed for use with Excalibur’s MICRO Series crossbows. Quill Carbon Arrows are 16.5 inches long and feature 2-inch offset vanes for flawless flight when matched with the appropriate broadhead! |
Pair your arrows with fixed-blade broadheads for reliability or mechanical broadheads for greater cutting diameter, depending on your hunting needs.
Mechanical Broadheads: Rage Crossbow X broadheads are great for maximizing wound channels, ensuring quick, ethical harvests.
Fixed-Blade Broadheads: Excalibur Boltcutter Broadheads are an excellent choice. These are specifically engineered for recurve crossbows, offering precise flight and devastating penetration.
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Excalibur Boltcutter Broadheads | Rage Crossbow X Broadheads |
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Storage and Transportation
We recommend buying a crossbow case to keep the Micro 380 secure and safe during transport and in storage.
 | Excalibur Tomb Case
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Final Verdict
Excalibur Micro 380
Summary
Excalibur’s Micro 380 combines durability, maneuverability, and excellent recurve performance and offers good value for your money. It is perfect for run and gun, spot, and stock hunters where lightweight and comfort are a must or the treestand and ground blind hunters where space is limited. It is an excellent crossbow for 2022 that we can recommend to both beginners and more seasoned hunters.
