I've been researching crossbows and pretty much leaning towards the Matrix 380. Definitely going with the recurve over the compound since I've never dealt with any bow. If it's like rifle hunting, I'm sure I'm simply starting a new collection.
If you're familiar with crossbows chime in and let me know the good, bad and ugly on em. I'm a rookie at this.

Go shoot several before selecting one. I am not a fan of the Matrix 380 or 405. Something about 260 and 290 lb draw weight. Have seen some that love them and others that one time trying to do the cocking stroke almost have a stroke and say hell no.

I'll do that thanks. I'm getting a short list of ones to try. Several compounds look good but I've never worked on em at all. May be swayed once I get in a shop and try em out.

The Matrix higher poundage bows had a few limb problems, usually from brace height being set too low. Also the 405 had a trigger recall which got a new design instaalled in it. The other Marix models were reputed to have the worst triggers ever for Excalibur (as a whole, some had very nice triggers) Recommend shooting before buying. Also, while the nearest dealer is in Oklahoma, you might want to look at Kodabow. I have one you can shoot if you get over this way.

I did a ton of research on this last summer, and ended up with this exact crossbow. I'm not going to lie, it does have a 260lb draw weight but I am 6' tall and don't have trouble pulling it. I've shot it 80-100 times and I've not once not been able to c0ck it on one pull. However, my dad is about 5' 10" and getting older and it takes a lot for him to pull it, mainly because it's kind of a long pull. I shortened the cocking rope about as much as I could for him and he can draw it with effort.

I shied away from the compounds due to the complexity-if something goes wrong, you're kinda screwed. Recurve like the Matrix, there's no cams/etc. to get out of time, no cables to break-you just shoot it and occasionally adjust the brace height, which is very easy to do. If the string breaks, as long as you have a backup and a stringer (which you need anyway for adjusting the brace height), you're right back in the game. I also hear Excalibur has amazing warranty service but I don't think many have needed it.

I love it and the only other one I would consider right now is the Matrix Micro, because it's another magnitude of narrow versus the Matrix versus the older Excaliburs and would be great in ground blinds.

There have been several for sale lately in the classifieds at good prices-I bought mine used off Ebay and saved about $300 off a new one. If you want to go new, try Wyverns for good deals.

I have a 380 and a 405.

I am 5'9" 165lbs 46 years old and can c0ck either one multiple times in a row with no problem.

I replaced the trigger in both with a Triggertech 2-stage 2.5lb hunting trigger (about $150)

Scope from the factory is acceptable for hunting but I replaced the scopes with a Vortex Viper XBR. It has a much nicer reticle and and far superior low light performance.

I shoot heavier bolts (490 grains) than the 350 grain minimum recommended by Xcal. The heavier bolts are quieter and easier on the limbs and generate 6-8 ft-lbs more KE but are slower.

Shooting the above bolts with a fixed blade broad head will reliably break both shoulders on a whitetail on a broadside shot with complete pass through.

I also replaced both stocks (one with walnut and one with laminated). This was personal preference. Fortunately I did as the first time out with my 405 I slipped/fell and landed on the stock and from past experience I know it would have snapped the factory plastic.

Replaced the factory strings with custom flemish strings. This is not necessary but will result in some noise reduction, less string stretch (less brace height adjustment) and they have a longer serving life.

Have not had any issues with the limbs at all.

As was earlier stated proper brace height is very important to prevent damage to limbs.

As you can see I have done a lot of aftermarket mods to the x-bows but none of it was necessary to hunt with them. The 380 will hunt fine right out of the box as long as the brace height is set right and is capable of taking any animal in North America.

To date I have taken 5 WTs with the 405 and a porcupine. With the 380 I have taken 4 WTs and 2 coons.

DFWPI is selling one in the classifieds.

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/5481998/Pig_Slaying_Machine_%28Excalibur#Post5481998

I'm in Arlington if you want to try and shoot this one, but let me know soon, as I may lean towards keeping it, but haven't set my mind to it just yet.

Q...bucks, the low maintenance is one of my main thoughts also. I can learn as I get familiar with em but totally new right now. I've considered the micro and it's not off the short list completely.

Hirogen...yep, I've read about the triggers, some being good others not so much. A decent scope will come eventually also. I'll definitely get the Flemish string too.

I've read where some guys make their pull strings using bright orange 550 para-cord. USA made, not the import stuff.

There's a lot to learn. Almost like when I started reading about reloading before I bailed off into that.
I appreciate all the information from everyone. It helps to make a better informed decision from those that have been there done that, rather than went there and read about that. Thanks guys.

DFWPI,
Hopefully I'll get to go into a shop and do some hands on comparison with a few different bows. May be a couple of weeks or so before I get a chance but I may get with you on that afterwards. Thanks.
Big hogs on that ad too. Would love to get an arrow in one.