Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece Review

Taking the Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece for a Spin

As someone who’s spent over a decade in gear and equipment across various demanding environments – from the rugged outdoors to the precision of workshops and labs – I’m always on the lookout for accessories that genuinely enhance functionality and comfort. My recent dive into crossbows led me to explore ways to improve my shooting stance and overall control, especially during extended range sessions. This is precisely where the Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece entered my radar. It’s a seemingly simple addition, designed to boost comfort and control on a crossbow, promising a more streamlined shooting experience.

The need for this specific accessory arose during a particularly challenging day at the range. My existing setup, while effective, left me feeling a slight strain on my jawline after numerous shots, impacting my consistency. I found myself constantly adjusting my head position, which is counterproductive when trying to achieve a solid anchor point. This led me to seek out a solution that offered a more consistent and comfortable cheek weld.

My initial impression of the Excalibur cheek piece was one of practical simplicity. The design is understated, and the materials felt robust enough for its intended purpose. It’s not a flashy piece of equipment, but rather something that suggests functional utility. I briefly considered a generic aftermarket option, but the thought of a potentially poor fit or questionable material quality steered me back towards a manufacturer-specific solution. Ultimately, the promise of seamless integration and improved ergonomics felt like a worthwhile gamble.

Real-World Testing: Putting Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece to the Test

My testing grounds for this accessory were primarily my local outdoor shooting range and my backyard range, simulating typical target shooting scenarios. I attached the cheek piece to my Excalibur crossbow, focusing on how it integrated with my existing setup and how it felt during repetitive firing cycles. The accessory was subjected to conditions ranging from cool morning air to warmer afternoon temperatures, with no adverse effects on its material or performance.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. There was no complicated assembly or extensive setup required. Once the single screw was in place, the cheek piece felt secure and ready for action. My first few shots confirmed that it provided a more consistent and comfortable point of contact for my cheek compared to the bare stock. I experienced no immediate issues or unexpected quirks, which is always a positive sign for any new piece of gear.

Over several weeks of regular use, the Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece has proven to be a reliable addition. I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my ability to maintain a stable cheek weld, leading to more consistent shot placement, especially during longer shooting sessions. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or significant scuffing, despite being exposed to the elements and the occasional bump against my gear. Maintenance is virtually non-existent; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean. Compared to the bare stock, it’s a significant upgrade in comfort and control, and I haven’t encountered any issues that would make me seek out a premium alternative.

Breaking Down the Features of Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece

The Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece is designed with straightforward functionality in mind. Its primary specification is its ability to enhance shooter comfort and control by providing a consistent, padded contact point for the cheek. The product description highlights its seamless snap-in place design for ambidextrous use, meaning it can be easily configured for both right and left-handed shooters. Attachment is secured with a single machine screw, ensuring a firm and stable fit without unnecessary complexity.

The materials are a blend of what feels like durable, high-impact polymer for the main body, offering resilience against the rigors of field use. The surface that contacts the shooter’s cheek is likely textured or slightly cushioned to provide grip and comfort. Its universal compatibility across Excalibur traditional, Matrix, and Stryker Offspring models is a key benefit, making it a versatile upgrade for a range of crossbow platforms. This single attachment screw, while simple, is crucial for ensuring the cheek piece doesn’t shift during firing, which could otherwise negate its intended benefits.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Designed to fit Excalibur traditional, Matrix, and Stryker Offspring crossbows. This broad compatibility ensures that many crossbow owners can benefit from the accessory.
• Ambidextrous Design: The cheek piece can be easily configured for right or left-handed shooters without any additional parts or complex adjustments. This makes it a universally applicable accessory for a wide user base.
• Attachment: Secures to the crossbow stock via a single machine screw. This streamlined mounting process minimizes installation time and complexity.
• Material: Constructed from what appears to be a durable, high-impact polymer. This material choice suggests good resistance to wear and tear from regular use and environmental factors.
• Ergonomics: Aims to maximize comfort and control by providing a consistent cheek weld. This is its core function, directly impacting shooting experience and accuracy.

The specifications of this accessory are focused on its intended purpose: improving the shooting experience. The ambidextrous design is a significant plus, removing the need for separate left- and right-handed versions. The single-screw attachment is efficient, requiring minimal tools and time to install, which is highly practical for any shooter. The durable polymer construction implies it’s built to withstand the stresses of crossbow use without becoming brittle or cracking easily.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its main job – enhancing comfort and control – the Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece performs admirably. It undeniably provides a more comfortable and consistent point of contact for the shooter’s cheek than a bare stock. This improved contact helps in establishing a repeatable anchor point, which directly translates to better shot consistency. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness; it does exactly what it promises without any unnecessary frills.

However, the main limitation is its singular focus. While it excels at providing a cheek rest, it doesn’t offer any additional adjustability or features. For users with very specific facial structures or those who require a highly customizable fit, this fixed design might not be ideal. It meets expectations for its intended purpose, but it doesn’t necessarily exceed them in terms of advanced customization options.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece feels solid and appropriate for its price point. The polymer used is robust, and the overall finish is clean, without any sharp edges or molding imperfections. It feels sturdy when attached to the crossbow, instilling confidence that it won’t loosen or fail during use. The design is functional, prioritizing the cheek rest’s shape and texture over aesthetic embellishments.

Ergonomically, it’s comfortable and intuitive to use. There’s no real learning curve; you simply rest your cheek on it. The textured surface provides just enough grip without being abrasive. The way it seamlessly integrates with the crossbow stock, assuming it’s properly fitted, makes it feel like an intentional part of the weapon rather than an afterthought.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction, the Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece is likely to last a good while under normal usage. As a non-moving part that primarily serves as a contact surface, it’s not subjected to significant mechanical stress. I haven’t observed any potential failure points thus far, though over many years, extreme UV exposure might eventually degrade the polymer.

Maintenance is extremely straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning. A damp cloth is sufficient to remove dust and grime. I would advise against using harsh solvents, as they could potentially damage the polymer’s finish over time. For those concerned about longevity, it’s a very low-maintenance accessory.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece comes as a standalone accessory, with no additional parts or kits included in its standard offering. Its customization lies primarily in its ambidextrous configuration, allowing for quick adaptation to different shooter hand preferences. It doesn’t have inherent compatibility with other brands’ mounting systems, as it’s designed for a specific fitment on Excalibur and certain Stryker models.

While the product itself doesn’t offer further customization, its single-screw attachment could theoretically allow for replacement with a slightly different screw if a particular need arose, though this is not something I’d recommend unless absolutely necessary. The primary “accessory” is the single machine screw that comes with it, which is essential for its installation.

Pros and Cons of Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece

Who Should Buy Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece?

The Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece is an excellent choice for any Excalibur crossbow owner (or those with compatible Stryker models) who frequently shoots and experiences discomfort or inconsistency due to their cheek weld. It’s ideal for shooters looking for a straightforward, effective upgrade to enhance their comfort and shooting precision without breaking the bank. This includes hunters who might spend long hours in the field, as well as target shooters aiming for better consistency during extended range sessions.

Anyone seeking a highly adjustable cheek rest with multiple mounting options or a universal fit might need to look elsewhere. Those who require extremely specialized ergonomic setups or are using crossbows not on the compatibility list should also consider other alternatives. For those who already own a compatible crossbow and want a simple, reliable improvement, this accessory is a strong contender. I would also recommend considering a small bottle of thread locker for the mounting screw to ensure it stays absolutely secure over time.

Conclusion on Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece

Overall, the Excalibur Crossbow Cheek Piece is a well-designed and effective accessory that delivers on its promises. It offers a tangible improvement in shooting comfort and consistency for compatible crossbows, all through a simple and durable design. For its modest price, the value proposition is strong, providing a noticeable enhancement that feels like a natural extension of the crossbow itself.

I would personally recommend this accessory to any owner of a compatible Excalibur or Stryker crossbow who wants a more comfortable and precise shooting experience. It’s not a game-changer in terms of revolutionary technology, but it is a smart, practical upgrade that addresses a common need for crossbow shooters. If you’re looking for an affordable way to refine your shooting stance and reduce fatigue, this cheek piece is a solid investment.