Crossbow Review: CAMX X330

CAMX is led by hunters who design and build crossbows that are laser-focused on the shooting experience. They work to foster a genuine, down-to-earth culture intended to thrive based on the success of their products and the loyalty of their customers. Meaningful innovation is their driver, and they follow that up with high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.

Starting with their integrated stock and forearm unit, CAMX outfits the X330 with lightweight components to keep mass weight to a minimum. An adjustable butt plate, pistol-grip brush guard and under-comb beavertail feature add comfort and control. The compact Micromite riser, Gordon Glass solid limbs and Dual Time-X cams form the bow, which powers the bolt down range.

Stock

CAMX outfits the X330 with the Comfortek stock, molded into form with glass-filled polypropylene. This material is chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio, ability to be molded into complex contours and all-around toughness. A series of different shims and accompanying hardware change the thickness of the butt plate up to 1.75 inches, allowing for a customized length of pull — the distance between the butt plate and front of the trigger.

The pistol grip and pass-through foregrip offer control, while the enclosed brush guard provides protection. The combination of the contour on the bottom of the foregrip and a beavertail under-comb feature allows the rig to sit level in your lap without pressure points.

Rail

The Free Flight Barrel is machined out of aluminum and finished with a military-grade hard coat anodizing process. The finish on the rail's top is Teflon-impregnated to reduce friction along the flight deck and prolong string life. A center-relieved groove runs along the barrel's top and is designed to cradle the bolt for enhanced flight.

CAMX's unique Thumbsaver Auto Return finger-guard system is mounted just below the flight deck and spans over 14 inches starting at the safety switch. As the X330 is drawn with the cocking rope, the Thumbsaver automatically moves out of the way but springs back into position when the cocking rope is removed. A slot in the front of the rail accepts the cables and cable slide.

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Bow

The X330 Micromite Riser is a minimalist's dream, with a small footprint made with lightweight aluminum. It is just enough to harness the limbs, provide a platform to attach the rail and connect the oversized rubber-coated foot stirrup. Armor Tuff limbs are made with Gordon Composite materials, which are laminated on both sides with glass skins for durability and strength.

Limbs measure 13 inches in length. At the end of each limb, there is a slot to accept the cams, which creates a V-shape. Ballistic limb tips are placed at both ends of each V to protect the limb and serve as a fixture to harness the axles. The Dual Time-X cams rotate on these axles and zero-tolerance reamed bearings.

Trigger

Sitting on top of the rail closest to the shooter is the trigger housing, home to the safety switch, Pivoting Arrow Retention safety system and Picatinny-style rail section, machined into its top surface to accommodate a scope. The PAR system retains bolts in place of traditional retention springs or brushes and blocks the safety switch from being switched to "fire" unless a bolt is loaded.

Package Deal

When ordering the CAMX X330, you have the choice of two packages. The Base package includes an ARC 330 scope, four Accuspine carbon bolts, black Wishbone quiver, Idler Rope Cocker and four fieldpoints. Choose the Hunter package, and you get the Base plus four Xbow 100 broadheads, camo quiver upgrade, Lo-Ready sling and a wax/lube kit.

Test Notes

The test bow tipped the scales at 8.3 pounds fully loaded, among the lightest I've tested all year. It is fairly wide, measuring more than 22 inches while cocked and just over 25 inches at rest. This width does make it possible to cock the X330 by hand, if necessary.

It all comes together with good balance and a steady hold. The trigger proved to be a little stiff; however, it must be good for accuracy, as we stacked bolts into a half-inch group at 35 yards — impressive! Noise was somewhat high until we added a couple aftermarket vibration dampeners that tamed the shot.