Since you already have an Excal... I have hunted with both the Hickory Creek Mini and Excal Micro and I am a saddle hunter. The Hickory Creek really is the perfect little bow for saddle hunting! You can stay close to the tree because the bow is vertical and even with the scope, the Mini is a super light bow.Planning on getting a second crossbow (my exocet stays with me) sorta torn between the Hickory Creek Vertical bow or Excalibur Micro for saddle hunting. Opinions please-----THANKS -----Greg