At the beginning of 2016, Excalibur released two new models in the Micro lineup, the Micro 355 and the Micro 315. The Excalibur Micro 315 is basically the "budget" form of the Micro 355, but this also means you still get most of the performance for a lot lower price (see on Amazon). In this Excalibur Micro 315 review, I'll cover the specs, features, how well it shoots, and compare it to the different Micro models (the 335 and 355).
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Images courtesy of BowtechArchery.com
Excalibur Micro 315 Specs
- 315 FPS
- 77 ft lbs of kinetic energy
- 260 lbs draw weight
- 10" power stroke
- 32.5" long
- 25" un-cocked width
- 21.5" cocked width
- Weighs 5.2 pounds
The Micro 315 crossbow shoots at a fast 315 FPS. It is based on the Micro series platform, so the power stroke is 10" and the limb to limb width is 21.5" fully cocked. The combination of these specs produces 77 ft pounds of kinetic energy.
The kinetic energy makes the Micro 315 great for turkey hunting and deer hunting. If you're looking to hunt bears, moose, or other big game, check out the Micro 355.
Weighing only 5.2 lbs, you'll be able to hunt all day without getting fatigued. Also only being 32.5" long and 25" wide, you'll be able to hunt in tight spaces.
Features
Like all Micro series crossbows, the Micro 315 crossbow has the Guardian Anit-Dry-Fire system. This is a key feature that should not be overlooked because it gives you more confidence in been able to maneuver while hunting. It's also built into the scope mount, so it is efficient from a weight perspective. The feather-lite skeleton stock is another weight saving feature that allows the Micro 315 to only weigh 5.2 pounds.
Excalibur's Quad-Loc riser allows you to have a more consistent shot and improve your accuracy. Mixed in with the Gen II CRT Limb system, you still get extremely durable limbs without added weight. A four arrow quiver and bracket are included with the 315 as well. Excalibur made the Micro 315 to be a great performing crossbow without any frills.
What's In The Box
Here is everything you'll get if you buy the Micro 315 crossbow:
- Dead-Zone Scope with 1 inch rings
- Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire system
- Rope cocking aid
- Four 16.5" arrows
- Four 150 grain field points
- Four arrow quill
How it Shoots
Since the Excalibur Micro series crossbows are all based on the same platform, they basically all shoot similar. The main difference is really FPS and foot pounds of kinetic energy are lower on the Micro 315 crossbow. You will still get a deadly accurate shot, but it'll be a bit noisier without the R.E.D.S string suppressor system. Here's a quick video showing how great the Micro 315 shoots.
Dead-Zone Scope
The Dead-Zone scope is used on the Micro 315 instead of the Tact-Zone scope, which you can find on the 335, 355, and high end Matrix series. It is slightly smaller with only 1" rings, instead of the Tact-Zone's 30mm rings. This isn't a big deal for hunter who prefer close range encounters.
Hunting With the Micro 315 Crossbow
If you prefer hunting turkey from close range and like the option of being able to maneuver quickly, the Excalibur Micro 315 is a great crossbow to buy. You'll also be able to hunt deer with this crossbow without issues. Its small size allows hunters to use it really well in ground blinds or treestands.
If you want a high-end crossbow for a medium price, you really can't beat the 315. It is the lightest crossbow that still packs a huge punch. For more information about great products to use while turkey hunting, check out this article from Bow Hunting Mag.
Micro 315 vs Micro 335 vs Micro 355
To briefly sum up the difference between the Micro 315, 335, and the 355, would be to call the 315 no-frills, the 335 a solid offering, and the 355 the high-end model (read my in-depth review of the Micro 355 here). Here are the features they share in common:
- Weigh 5.2 lbs
- 10" power stroke
- Gen II CRT limbs
- Guardian Anti-Dry-Fire system
- Quad-Loc riser
- Feather-lite skeletonized stock
Excalibur Micro 315 differences
- Lacks the R.E.D.S string suppression system
- Lightest draw weight at 260 lbs lbs
- Shortest length of 32.5" vs 355's 33.5"
- Tact-Zone scope
For a more in-depth comparison between all Excalibur crossbows, check out their 2016 crossbow catalogue.
Best Bolts For Excalibur Micro Crossbows
Whether you're turkey hunting or deer hunting, there are only 2 bolts I recommend for your Excalibur Micro crossbow. Both are 16.5" long arrows and are made by Excalibur.
Quill Micro Bolt
The Quill micro bolt comes in a 6 pack and works well for both deer and turkey hunting. They have 2" vanes that are offset. These were specifically designed for the Micro series, so they're 100% compatible with all Micro models. Customers have been loving these bolts!
Excalibur Illuminated Arrows
If you tend to lose arrows, another arrow I recommend is the illuminated 16.5" bolts. They are more expensive and only come in a pack of 3, but they certainly are much easier to find!
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Compact but still comfortable
- Very accurate
- High value provided for the price
- Great turkey hunting crossbow
Cons
- No-frills option
Excalibur Micro 315 Review Conclusion
This is definitely a fantastic product and is one of the lightest crossbows on the market. If you're looking for a great shooting experience and the best crossbow for turkey hunting, I would recommend the Excalibur Micro 315 crossbow. It is the no-frills option compared to the 335 and 355, but still provides very accurate shots at a much lower price point. It is very compact but doesn't compromise power, giving it a unique competitive advantage. Check out the Micro 315 on Amazon.
If you're not sold on the 315 and want a crossbow with a little bit more oomph, but don't want to spend too much more money, then we recommend you buy the Excalibur Micro 335. It's been getting great reviews and offers just a little bit more than the 315.
Excalibur Warranty
All Excalibur crossbows come with a limited lifetime warranty from manufacturing defects. For more information, visit ExcaliburCrossbow.com.
Micro 315 Crossbow Manual
Electronic Manual - PDF format
Let me know in the comments what you think of this Excalibur Micro 315 review. How do you think this crossbow compares to others?
