Elite GT500 Review

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	$399 Compare prices	$55 Compare prices
	compare more bows

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.

Summary

To conclude, the Elite GT500 is a very adjustable all around bow suitable for different types of archery. While first models were cam specific, the latest modification has a modular-adjustable performance system capable of generating respectable speeds. With wide ranges of draw length and draw weight adjustment, this bow will fit different shooters including big game hunters. This is a steady and great holding bow that is a fairly stiff (but smooth) on the draw with a little hump at the end. The back wall is rock solid due to the two draw stops the performance system is designed with. The valley is good and allows for creeping a little without the bow wanting to take off. Overall, the Elite GT500 is a great all-around bow suitable for all types of archery including hunting, 3D shooting, and spot shooting.