Elite Ritual 30 Review

Editors' review

The Elite Ritual platform was a well received platform for most shooters in 2019. This year, Elite decided to extend that platform by creating a model in the compact category with the Ritual 30 measuring 30.5-inches axle-to-axle. For those shooters wanting something a little more maneuverable for treestands and ground blinds, the Ritual 30 is going to be very popular. The modular based cam system adjusts in half-inch increments from 25.5-30-inches, and has four maximum draw weight limb configurations. As with other Elite models, the Ritual 30's back wall is rock solid and the draw cycle is definitely a characteristic Elite. The finishes and Elite accessories available are massive and should leave shooters to personalize every aspect of their bow to their personal style. The $1049 MSRP is a bit higher than other aluminum flagship models, but is still within $100 of other competitors. For anyone on the market for a compact hunting bow, the Ritual 30 is going to be tough to beat, and deserves a chance at becoming the hunting rig for many shooters in 2019.

Finish

Shooters will not lack choices for the 2019 Ritual 30 finish options. Elite has a huge variety available, and their finishes are some of the best available in the archery industry based on how great they look and how well they withstand the abuse shooters put their rigs through. For solid riser colors, Elite offers OD Green, OD Brown, and Ninja Black with each of these three options coming with black finished limbs. For camo offerings, Elite has RealTree Max, RealTree Snow, RealTree Edge, Kuiu Verde, Kuiu Vias, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, Mossy Oak Mountain Country, and an Exclusive Decoration Green. For those wanting a target Rhinodized finish, Elite does not disappoint having Graphite Gray, Purple Rain, Emerald Green, Surge Red, Cobalt Blue, Copper Flame, and Sunset Pink. There are a few major camo offerings left out of the Elite lineup including Gore Optifade, Under Armour, and even Kryptek patterns, but if shooters can not find a sweet looking pattern to meet their demands in the Elite lineup, it is their own fault. Elite went through great lengths to make their finishes as diverse as possible, and what they ended up with is one of the largest selections for a hunting bow on the market.

Riser

The riser on the Ritual 30 is similar, yet different from previous models years from Elite. For similarities, the engineers decided to keep the dual caged risers on the top and bottom of the grip area for increased stability and rigidity where it is needed. However, there was a riser stabilizing support on the bottom of the riser, below the stabilizer mounting hole, which was removed. Elite claims this allows a little bit of flex to the system, which makes it feel better to shooters overall. This also helps reduce the overall mass of the bow, which tips the scales at a barebow weight of 4.1-pounds. The bow weighing closer to the 4-pound mark is appreciated for those wanting a lighter overall package for toting around the woods or backpacking through the mountains. Stabilizers can be mounted to the front of the riser, directly in line with the rear mounted string stop system, or to the rear below the string stop system. This leaves a huge variety of stabilizers and weight configurations available for shooters to decide which works best for their personal preferences. Perhaps the largest technology advantage added to the Ritual riser from a tuning perspective is the Linear Tunable Roller (LTR). In combination with nock position, cam spacing, and rest adjustments, moving the LTR can give shooters the right amount of cable tension to match the arrow configuration for every single shooter. Instead of yoke tuning like techs would have done in the past, there is a great deal of adjustment in moving the cable guard system left or right. This simplifies things quite a bit from an Average Joe's perspective and can easily be done by those interested in tinkering on their own set ups.

Grip

The Ritual 30's grip is different than the historic Elite handle, and most feel like that is for the better. The trendy grip shape for 2019 is a flat back style with a fairly slim profile, and the Elite grip matches that trend pretty well. Shooters are left with a great feeling grip, which promotes the best hand placement for having a repeatable and proper grip on the bow. The Ritual grip is side plated for some added comfort, but the side plates do not add much to the overall shape and feel of the grip area. For those coming from the previous banana shaped Elite grip, there may be a slight adjustment period to get used to how the Ritual feels in hand, but the results and comfort in the proper hand placement after the adjustment is well worth transitioning.

Limbs

Elite has gone a few years with the split limbs, and 2019 continues that trend. These limbs have proven to be durable and withstand the torture normal hunting conditions can place on bows during the season and preparation leading up to it. Maximum draw weights on the Ritual 30 are available in four configurations including 50, 60, 65, and 70-pounds. For most archers on the market for a high end hunting rig, these options are great. It would be nice to see an 80-pound offering like some other companies offer in 2019, but 70-pound hunting models have been performing in the timber for years. There are no installed dampeners on the limbs or pockets from the factory, but most shooters will opt to keep the bow that way after shooting it instead of adding aftermarket dampeners. The limb pockets are typical of the Elite standards as well. The tolerances are tight, and the limb movement is zero during the draw cycle, which of course equates to higher efficiency and optimal accuracy in the whole system. The limb decals are pretty minimalistic, with the Elite and Ritual badgings present, but not overpowering.

Eccentric System

The Ritual Cam System remains unchanged from the 2018 installment of the cam. When paired with the Ritual 30's smaller frame, module draw lengths are available in half-inch increments from 25.5 - 30-inches. The modular system has unique draw lengths, so shooters are not able to change from one draw length to another without purchasing a different module. The Elite limb stop system allows for the undisputed solid back wall feel Elite is so well known for as the stop comes to rest against a pad installed on the limbs. Elite put themselves on the map because of a high let-off, solid wall draw cycle, and the Ritual is no different straight from the factory. However, the limbs stop comes in a channel, which allows shooters to fine tune their exact holding weight from the factory 90% setting all the way to a 75% let-off if they choose to have more holding weight and less let-off. The solid back wall feel does not change, but the holding weight can be adjusted based on the shooter's individual preference. The IBO rating for the Ritual 30 is a modest 332 feet per second, which seems to be a sweet spot in the industry for 2019. This means arrow flight is going to be ideal, but there is a great deal of competition in rigs with this type of performance. From an engineering standpoint, the cam is a two track system, which eliminates the need for yokes on the Ritual. However, Elite understands the need to be able to tune out left or right tears from the system, and also account for different fletching configurations. In order to deal with this, Elite has designed a cable guard system called the LTR system, which can be moved to account for what yoke tuning was like in the past. Moving the roller guard system eliminates left and right tears during the tuning process, without needing to play with the cams and their timing. In theory, this could eliminate the need for a bow press during the tuning process, and allow the everyday shooter the ability to fine tune their rigs from home if they choose to do so.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The Ritual is a compact hunting bow, but to be honest it does not feel like one. This bow has the comfort of a longer axle-to-axle rig, and actually feels pretty steady on target. The draw cycle is a typical Elite draw where shooters reach peak draw weight early in the cycle, and it gradually gets easier to pull until the 90% let-off and the impressively solid back wall is pulled into. The Ritual Cam System does offer shooters the option to slide the let-off all the way down to 75% let-off if they choose to do so. However, most people love the feel of the high let-off offered on Elite, so that will more than likely be what shooters end up with on their Ritual 30. After the shot, the bow wants to stay on target, and the noise and after shot vibration are non-existent. The entire shot sequence is enjoyable on the Ritual, and as mentioned earlier, the bow feels longer than its actual 30.5-inch frame making it easy to hold on target. Shooters not drawn to a compact hunting bow may find themselves wanting a larger string angle, but those familiar with the compact hunting bows will be thrilled with how the Ritual 30 performs.

Usage Scenarios

The Ritual 30 is a compact hunting bow designed for treestand and ground blind shooters to have more maneuverability in their hunting setups. For shooters with shorter draw cycles, this is going to be an outstanding hunting bow, which will be able to shoot accurately in 3D shoots gearing up to the hunting season. For those on the longer end of the draw length range, perhaps a longer rig may be more comfortable in regards to the string angle, but giving shooters the option to decide for themselves is a great way to go for Elite. As a hunting bow, the 30-5-inch axle-to-axle measurement is really tough to beat.

Ritual 30 vs. Ritual 33

Bow	Elite Ritual 30
Version	2019
Picture
Brace Height	6.75 "
AtA Length	30.5 "
Draw Length	25.5 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	287 fps - 332 fps
Weight	4.1 lbs
Let-Off	75% - 90%
Where to buy Best prices online	$300 to $1000 Compare prices

Elite Ritual 30 and Elite Ritual 33 are very comparable, and should be on the lists for anyone on the market for an Elite hunting rig. The main difference is the axle-to-axle length and some minor speed and weight differences associated with the riser measurement. For those with a shorter draw length, the Ritual 30 will be hard to turn down. However, as shooters approach the longer side of the draw length range, many shooters will find the 33-inch model to be more comfortable as it relates to the string angle at full draw. Both models are fairly compact for treestand and ground blind maneuvers, with a slight edge going to the shorter Ritual 30. Both models have similar draw cycles and feeling after the shot. Ultimately, the decision will be made on personal preference, but those wanting as compact of a rig as possible will likely be drawn to the 30.5-inch Ritual 30 at the end of the day.

Payment Options

Elite has a unique payment option for their bows, which includes the Ritual 30 model. Elite partners with a company name Vlarna, and allows shooters to finance their new bow for monthly payments. The Elite website has additional information available for those interested in financing their new rig, but the Ritual 30 has a monthly payment of $64 for 18 months with 9.9% interest. This is not necessary for everyone, but it may be helpful for some shooters on the market for a new rig wanting a monthly payment option to help with the cost of a new bow.

Elite Hunt Guarantee

Another unique warranty benefit of being an original owner of an Elite bow is the Elite Hunt Guarantee. Like most warranties, it is nice insurance to have, but something shooters hope to never benefit from. However, Elite promise to send a new bow overnight to the location an owner is at if anything happens to their bow while on a hunt. It can be a dry fire from a careless friend, a string break caused from a broadhead getting too close to the string, or it goes tumbling out of the tree stand after the pull up rope snaps. No matter what the reason, Elite will ship a loaner bow, absolutely free of charge, to the shooter the next day. The bow will come set to the exact draw length and weight the shooter requests, with a rest, sight, and peep installed. Shooters will need to sight in their loaner bow with their specific arrows, but that's it. Hopefully, this type of service is never needed, but what confidence this gives shooters on the hunt of a lifetime with the company they trusted their success with.

Summary

Elite has done a great deal to make their bows as desirable as possible in an extremely competitive hunting bow market. The Ritual 30 is a 30.5-inch compact hunting bow with fairly typical speeds. However, the draw customization, available accessories, and sweet looking finish options start to set the bow apart from the competition. Add in the Elite draw cycle and rock solid back wall, and many shooters will be left with a smile on their face after giving the Ritual 30 a test shot. Compact hunting bows are not marketed to every hunter, but for those wanting a maneuverable rig for tight hunting situations, the Ritual 30 is tough to beat. The MSRP of $1049 is a bit more expensive than other flagship models, but it is still within $100 or so, and shoots like a bow worthy of the Elite company name.