Micro vs. Matrix

I have a Matrix 330. I'm sure that someone will chime in with more info than I. I think the main difference is the limb length and power stroke. Sorry I can't give you more info.

It is mainly the width of the limbs. The trade-off for the narrower limbs is a higher draw weight.

I have had both. The matrix 355 was a great bow, but for me, the micro is easier to manuever in blinds and tree stands.

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When the Micro 335 nightmare came out I was one the first ones to get one and sold my Matrix 355.I can't see me ever going back to wider limb Matrix.

It's funny though I started out with an èxocett! Lol

I have a BD400 and a Micro 355. The Bulldog uses Matrix width limbs but with a bullpup design making for a shorter bow with the same draw length. I find it easier for me to shoot the BD400 more accurately at longer distance than the Micro, like beyond 45 yds. Since that's my maximum hunting distance anyway, the Micro is my choice for most days. I definitely prefer carrying and hunting with the Micro in the dense woods and like the short arrows that fit in my pack but am not exclusive with it. Actually, I don't think that I would notice too much difference if I was forced to settle for just one and would choose the BD400. Mostly because it has the newest version of limbs and I have had a Micro limb set blow up on me so still not too confident in them.

Does the Micros have more limb problems than the Matrix bows? Just throwing that out for conversation for prospective new buyers to learn from.

dow said:

unless there are REAL, SIGNIFICANT or CRITICAL improvements, I can't see spending the kind of money they're asking for a newer, better, slicker, prettier, shinier, niftier model when there are older models still available as unsold inventory ?

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I see your point.
But to many, the slicker, shinier and niftier qualities of the new models are significant enough reasons to purchase.

Personally if I was in the market I'd go the Matrix line every time.

Gabowman said:

Does the Micros have more limb problems than the Matrix bows? Just throwing that out for conversation for prospective new buyers to learn from.

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I have both bows in my house and therefore, I keep an eye on posts about either. While the Matrix seems to be bullet proof, the Micro gets a ridiculous amount of breakage posts (limbs) when comparing the two.
So many posts to damages that I just accept that it isnt if it will happen but rather when.

I prefer the Micro but having been exposed to too many damages, I would not replace it, given the choice to go back in time and do the initial purchase again. The Micro we have was purchased at 50% off (end of model year) and carries the warranty so I dont feel ripped off but still.... Its not worth the uneasy feeling each time its being cocked, as I look for splinters and listen for cracking sounds.
Just not worth it.

That's why if the new 2020 limbs are less prone to shards and breakage excalibur should make the new 2020 limbs and new supposedly stronger limb tips available to all previous micro owners at a discount

Seems like all the micro series bows have crazy draw weights, at least in the matrix lineup, draw weights are manageable enough that a rope cocker is all one needs.

deermanct said:

Seems like all the micro series bows have crazy draw weights, at least in the matrix lineup, draw weights are manageable enough that a rope cocker is all one needs.

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Agree.
And are the benefits of a marginally shorter, narrower, and lighter crossbow in the Micro really worth it?

AndyC said:

Agree.
And are the benefits of a marginally shorter, narrower, and lighter crossbow in the Micro really worth it?

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That's what I'm wondering.

Between the two lines are there models that have the same features, i.e. same trigger group, length of pull, optics, safety features, etc., other than the limbs? If so, then it seems to me that the matrix line would be the more prudent choice, all other things being equal.

On a related subject, I had one shoulder rebuilt about 1-1/2 years ago, and my other one is in pretty bad shape too. Do both lines use the same crank system? If so how is it? If not, is one intrinsically better than the other?

Just looking at my Micro and Bulldog Matrix, pretty much everything is the same or similar if you compare Matrix to Micro except size. The Bulldog versions have a trigger linkage but same trigger. So if you see to compare the bows that produce same energy, the Matrix with it's longer limbs and longer powerstroke is less stressed so probably more durable.

They do use the same cranks, either the C2 or the newer Charge. I have the older C2 and it works fine on both but the new version is purported to be better. My crank is not trivial to cock but if you can open a can with a manual can opener you should be OK. It takes a couple more turns to cock a Matrix than a Micro but hardly noticable.

For me it's a toss up, with no spare limbs on hand and only 1 bow, I would choose a Bulldog 400 or 380. If I had extra limbs, I would take a Micro.

I also have both, a micro suppressor and a bulldog 400. I have hunted with micro the last 2 years really like it in the treestand, both bows shoot great but from a just shooting perspective I like the bulldog better. I feel it has less recoil at the shot, not that crossbows have recoil but you have to have a good grip on the micro it likes to jump, i can honestly say i have never been able to see my arrow hit the target with it.

smong2000 said:

...My crank is not trivial to cock but if you can open a can with a manual can opener you should be OK. It takes a couple more turns to cock a Matrix than a Micro but hardly noticable.

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Great comparative illustration!