I spent a fair amount of time researching mine. I bought the Excalibur Matrix because more dealers told me it was the most bullet proof reliable crossbow available. The only thing I am not real happy with is the scope. The scope is fine for decent light, but when it gets down to last minutes of shooting time and under heavy canopy it does not cut it. It's better than unaided eyes, but not a lot. The bow is very accurate. It has plenty of power and speed. It has a good trigger, even by rifle standards. Strings are cheap. Hard to beat.