Bowtech Insanity CPXL Review

Editors' review

The Bowtech Insanity CPXL combines a 35-inch axel-to-axel measurement with a 7-inch brace height, blazing fast speed of up to 340 feet per second with an easy to draw cam system and Center Pivot Extreme limb pocket technology all into one very easy to shoot package. The 2012 Insanity CPXL utilizes a lot of Bowtech's most useful engineering to create a great shooting bow available in a draw length out to 32-inches. Those shooters interested in an all around bow will need to add the Insanity CPXL to their list of bows to shoot.

Finish

Bowtech is offering a new finish on their products this year known as Anorock. Anorock is a slightly textured finish that has been used on several target bows, but will be put to the test on the CPXL this year. This finish will be replacing the finish from the last few years, and hopefully some of the limb finish issues seen on the Destroyer and Invasion models as well. The finish appears to be sturdy and able to withstand normal abuse, but only time will tell if the Anorock will prevent peeling and chipping issues Bowtech has experienced the last few years.Anorock finish is available in 8 color options on the Insanity CPXL this year, which broadens the spectrum a bit from options shooters have had in the past. Target shooters will enjoy the options they have available to them being able to choose from: BlackOps, Inferno, and Onyx. Shooters interested in a camo pattern option will not be disappointed either. They have Realtree APG HD, Mossy Oak Treestand, Mossy Oak Infinity, Gore Optifade Open Country, and Gore Optifade Forest available. With all these options available, Bowtech is sure to find a pattern to please most shooters.

Riser

The riser of the Insanity CPXL is almost the 35-inch axel-to-axel measurement, which makes it very stable to hold on target while aiming. The strategically placed cutouts help cut down overall mass of the bow while maintaining strength for easily repeatable shots. The riser also features one of Bowtech shooters favorite technologies known as Center Pivot Limb Pocket technology. Bowtech calls this technology Center Pivot Extreme (CPX), which turns the bow into a slightly deflexed design. This helps cancel out vibration and adds consistency and strength that is repeatable for added accuracy. Bowtech uses a FLX Guard that actually flexes with the cables while the bow is being drawn. This tension is typically placed on the riser, so Bowtech created a flexing guard to take the stress off the riser. This guard after the shot aligns itself with its original position. A rubber dampener added to the guard cancels out any noise caused from this movement in the process. The CPXL also features a rear-mounting carbon string stop system. This string stop system is placed directly in line with the front mounting stabilizer hole as well. Any vibration not canceled by the carbon rod or the rubber dampener will be transferred to the front mounting stabilizer. This takes away any hand shock that may be transferred from the strings forward movement being stopped.

Grip

Bowtech has not changed the grip on the CPXL, as it sports the same grip as the Insanity CPX and the Invasion. The grip is decently comfortable and is a slight upgrade to the all-plastic grip of the Destroyer in terms of looks. The grip is comfortable and has characteristics of a thicker grip as well as a thin grip due to the thin neck of the grip. All in all, the grip is rather comfortable and should be easy to adjust to despite any grip a shooter is coming from.

Limbs

Bowtech is continuing to use the 7-layer, carbon core, Hardcore limbs they have used the last few years. Unlike traditional limb design, where only the outsides of the limbs are used, the Bowtech Hardcore limbs put the carbon core to use. This improves strength and limb longevity along with storing up more energy that will be transferred in to arrow speed. This also helps the CPXL produce a little more speed without having to make up for it with a stiff draw cycle from the cam. The Insanity CPXL features limbs in maximum weights of 50, 60, 70, and even 80 pounds. Like most limbs on the market, they also have a lower range of about ten-pounds. This means shooters opting for 70-pound limbs will be able to adjust the limbs down to around 60 pounds if they desire. The graphics on the limbs seem to be either very well liked or hated. The red decals add to the aggressive styling of the bow, but some shooters feel they are a little too cartoonish. Regardless of which side the archer is on, the bow's performance is not affected at all with the limb graphics.

Eccentric System

The Insanity CPXL is powered by the same cam system as the Insanity CPX. The Overdrive Binary Cam system produces fast speeds along with an easy draw cycle. The Overdrive cam shoots 340 feet per second with the CPXL's 7-inch brace height, which is very fast and forgiving. The binary cam system is adjustable on the CPXL in half-inch increments from 27.5-32-inches without needing different cams or modules. However, depending on where the included module needs to be moved, a bow press may be needed to assist the archer with draw length adjustment. Shooters can adjust almost everything about the cam system including the split buss cable harness for optimal cam synchronization. This can also be adjusted at any Bowtech dealer to make sure everything is fine tuned for the shooter.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The Overdrive Binary Cam System is designed to produce speed and kinetic energy. With that, shooters expect to have a little rougher draw cycle, but that is not the case with the CPXL. The weight builds up very quickly at first, but it transitions very nicely before making it to a somewhat short valley and then a solid back wall. Overall, the cam is very easy to draw and is comfortable to hold while settling the pins on the target. The back wall is aided by an adjustable string stop mounted on each cam. While at full draw, the string does not want to creep forward like a few other speed cams. Instead, shooters are able to relax before the shot just a bit if they want to. The arrow release is virtually shock-free, and with a stabilizer and accessories mounted, it will be. The arrow release is also very quiet as well. Archers will find the CPXL easy to draw, the longer axel-to-axel measurement easy to hold on target, and the silent arrow release very appealing to shoot.

Silencing Package

The Insanity CPXL comes equipped with a few silencing options to assist with vibration dampening. The FLX Guard sports a rubber dampener that cancels out vibration and noise after the guard is released to its resting position. Bowtech also attaches cable dampeners from the factory to the Octane strings, which look to be more durable than previous Bowtech models. The carbon rod string stop system also has a rubber dampener included to aid with stopping the strings forward movement after the shot. Overall, these additions are very effective in eliminating residual string movement and noise causing vibration.

Bowtech Insanity CPXL vs. Bowtech Insanity CPX

Bow	Bowtech Insanity CPXL	Bowtech Insanity CPX
Version	2014	2013
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	6 "
AtA Length	35 "	32 "
Draw Length	27.5 " - 32 "	25.5 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 80 lbs	40 lbs - 80 lbs
IBO Speed	340 fps	355 fps
Weight	4.4 lbs	4.3 lbs
Let-Off	80%	80%
Where to buy Best prices online	Not available now. Please check later.	$425 Compare prices
	compare more bows

These two Bowtech bows for 2012 are very similar using almost identical technologies. The CPXL features a longer riser and a longer brace height. For long draw shooters, the CPXL is a wonderful choice being able to reach a maximum draw length of 32-inches. Offering two almost identical models, shooters will have to weight what is important to them. For those wanting a little bit longer brace height and a longer riser, the CPXL will be the way to go. If shooters are looking for a more compact faster shooting rig, the Bowtech Insanity CPX may be a better option.

Usage Scenarios

The Insanity CPXL is a really great bow for a variety of uses. Archers with a longer draw length will truly love this option to a limited number of choices. Shooters interested in hunting with the CPXL will be able to do so. The Overdrive binary cam system produces more than enough speed and kinetic energy to take down most big game species. Although the bow is a little longer than today's hunting bow standards, it still does not compare to some of the older compound models. The Insanity CPXL will also be a great target or 3d bow as well. The 35-inch axel-to-axel measurement is sure to perform very well for shooters along with the Center Pivot Extreme Technology.

Summary

The Bowtech Insanity CPXL uses a lot of Bowtech engineering to create a nice shooting bow. Offering a 7-inch brace height, a 35-inch axel-to axel measurement, and IBO speeds up to 340 feet per second, the CPXL is a great bow sure to appeal to a lot of shooters. It appears that Bowtech has addressed the finish issues this year, but only time will tell if the finish will withstand everyday use. For shooters on a strict budget, the suggested retail price of $1049 may be tough to manage. However, shooters interested in a multipurpose bow that draws smooth and shoots well, the CPXL would be a great on to add to the wish list.