Elite GT500 Review
Pros
- excellent finish
- narrow style grip feels very comfortable to many shooters
- steady and holds very well
- good valley and rock solid back wall
- wide range of draw length and draw weight adjustment
- modular-adjustable eccentric system (2010 version only)
- relatively smooth (but a fairly stiff) draw cycle
- good all-around bow suitable for hunting, 3D, and indoor spots
Cons
- earlier models (before 2010) were cam specific
- draw cycle is on the stiff side and has a hump at the end
- a bare bow could have less vibration (installing a good stabilizer helps to quiet it down)
Video
content from YouTube
Editors' review
The Elite GT500 is a solid and very adjustable all-around bow suitable for many archery types.
Fit and Finish
Elite bows have always been known for excellent fit and finish. The GT500 is not exclusion - its fit and finish is flawless and is among the best on the market.Riser
The GT500 comes with a reflexed riser machined of 6061-T6 aluminum. In a nutshell, a reflex geometry increases the power stroke helping to deliver faster speeds. Another interesting feature of this bow is a metal stabilizer insert - a great addition to any bow.Grip
The narrow style grip with a flat platform on the riser is considered by the majority of shooters as very comfortable, consistent, and torqueless. With a very smooth surface, the two laminated wood side plates create a unique feeling while sitting perfectly in the hand. Admittedly, this is one of the best grips in the industry.Limbs
The three layer laminated limbs manufactured from the Gordon composite material are known for their durability and reliability. The limbs are solid (as opposed to split) and reach a parallel position at full draw thus cancelling out the leftover energy and significantly reducing shock, vibration, and noise.With the extended draw weight poundage, the GT500 covers draw weights from 30 to 90 lbs which is very impressive. What that means is the bow can be used by both small frame archers and big game hunters.Eccentric system
The eccentric system on the GT500 is capable of generating fast IBO speeds and is pretty efficient. While the 2008-2009 GT500 bows were equipped with the cam specific performance system, the 2010 modification was redesigned to allow for modular draw length adjustments. However, even with the latest change, the bow still needs to be pressed to change out the modules.It's important to note that each GT500 bow is equipped with one of the two available cams depending on the draw length. The Cuda cam is designed for short draw shooters and covers a range of 23-26.5 inches (2008-2009 bows) or 25-26.5 (2010 version). The Revolution cam, on the other hand, covers draws from 27 to 30 inches (2008-2009 versions) or 27 to 31 inches (2010 bows). The draw lengths are adjustable in 1/2 increments on both cams for all years and modifications. Also, the let-off on all GT500 bows is approximately 80%.In terms of design, this is a two track binary cam performance system designed for faster speeds and smoother draw. One of the tracks is for the string and the other track is used for both cables. Omitting technical details, this design helps to significantly eliminate cam lean.Tuning
With the binary cam system, this rig needs to tuned properly to generate faster speeds. While some shooters say the bow doesn't meet advertised IBO speeds, others point out it takes some time and patience to tune the bow so that it shoots faster. So, when tuned properly the bow comes very close to its advertised IBO speeds.Draw cycle / Shootability
The draw cycle on the Elite GT500 is impressively smooth (but a fairly stiff), has a little hump at the end, and drops quickly into the valley. Both Revolution and Cuda cams deliver very similar draw cycles and can be compared as follows: while the former draws easier, the latter is faster. That's about it. Both are equally smooth and have a good valley: neither will take off if you creep a little. The GT500 comes with two draw stops (one on each cam) making for a very tunable valley and a solid back wall. With a long AtA length and generous brace height, this is a good balanced and forgiving bow that holds very well.Silencing system / Quietness and vibration
A bare GT500 is not the quietest bow out there but can definitely be quieted down. A good stabilizer gets rid of the unwanted vibration and hand shock. Also, string leeches should help to eliminate the noise coming from the strings. As many other bows, a bare GT500 is not super quiet but feels good on release when equipped with a proper silencing package.Good all-around bow
With a long AtA length, forgiving brace height, and fast IBO speeds, this rig is suitable for different types of archery including 3D, hunting, and spot shooting. So, if you are looking for "do it all" bow, the GT500 can be a perfect choice.Elite GT500 vs Elite Pure
| Bow | Elite GT500 | Elite Pure |
| Version | 2010 (Revolution Cam) | 2013 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 7.125 " | 7 " |
| AtA Length | 34.875 " | 36 " |
| Draw Length | 27 " - 31 " | 27.5 " - 31.5 " |
| Draw Weight | 50 lbs - 90 lbs | 40 lbs - 80 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 332 fps - 336 fps | 326 fps - 330 fps |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs | 4.1 lbs |
| Let-Off | 80% | 80% |
| Where to buy Best prices online |
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Elite Archery shooters like comparing the GT500 with the Elite Pure - a bow that was released in 2011. When shooting bare bows side by side, experts note the Pure has less shock and vibration. On the other hand, people who only shoot fully equipped bows can't feel much difference. It really makes sense: almost all modern compound bows feel good on the shot when equipped with good stabilizers and other silencing components. The draw cycle on the Elite Pure is a bit smoother that on the GT500 and there is no hump at the end - it's more linear and effortless. When it comes to the valley, once again, the Pure seems to be a bit better as reported by Elite shooters who shot both rigs side by side. Overall, the Elite Pure is considered to have a better and easier draw cycle compared to the GT500.