Editors' review
The XLR is a big person's bow. With the draw length limited between 29-32-inches, it is one of the few offerings available for archers over 30-inches. The 37-inch axel-to-axel measurement makes this bow a bit longer than other offerings on the market. Combine the stabilization from a longer riser with decent speeds and a brace height of 8.5-inches, and you have the recipe for one of the most forgiving bow available. The Rev cams could be a bit faster, but many shooters are willing to trade in a bit of speed for the smooth draw. Backed by a fully transferrable lifetime warranty, the XLR is a wonderful option for longer draw shooters in the market for a new bow.
Finish
The finish on the XLR is done very well. It is smooth to the touch, and looks a bit glossy, but not so much animals in the woods would see it. Shooters can choose between the AT edition, which is a black and camo mix, or choose solid black or solid camo. It would be nice for other offerings to be available, but the lack of finish choices should not be a reason for shooters not to choose Elite.
Riser
The XLR sports a machined aluminum riser, which is quite a bit longer than what some may be used to. The overall axel-to-axel measurement of the XLR is a long 37-inches, which means the riser is longer as well. The machining is done very well, and adds a unique look to the XLR, while still looking like over offerings in the Elite lineups. The rear mounting string stop system works very well to deaden the forward moving string while transferring the energy away from the shooters hand. For those interested, there is a front mounting stabilizer hole as well.
Grip
The laminated wooden side plated grip has a really great feel and look. The wood helps add a high-end feel to the appearance of the bow, but the functionality of the grip is fantastic as well. The grip features a slight curve, which allows for a torque less grip that is repeatable shot after shot. Many shooters feel the Elite grip is one of the best available from any manufacturer.
Limbs
Similar to other Elite models, the XLR is outfitted with a laminated solid limb, which is manufactured in three layers for increased strength and stability. Even though the axel-to-axel measurement is a bit longer, the limbs still do a nice job of cancelling out the vibration caused after the arrow has been released. The XLR limbs are offered in a 50-pound weight range, with maximum weights available in 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 pounds. Each set of limbs is adjustable by ten-pounds below its maximum range. Although the bow is limited to longer draw shooters, those shooters have tons of options to choose from in terms of which weight will be suit each shooters individual needs.
Eccentric System
The Rev cam is a module based draw length cam system, which is adjustable between 29-32-inches in half-inch increments. The Rev cam, which is also featured on the GT 500 is known for being decently smooth with reasonable IBO speeds. With two slightly adjustable draw stops contacting each limb, and a let off close to 80%.The Rev cam is an engineered two-track binary cam system, which is designed to help eliminate cam lean. While the bow is drawn, one track stores the string, while the other handles the cables. Theoretically, the pull on each limb tip is more balanced and the cam is able to stay more centered, without twisting or leaning to the weak side. Like other binary cam systems, tuning is everything. A good tune will make a huge difference in how the XLR performs from a speed and accuracy standpoint.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The XLR draw cycle is a little stiff. The weight is felt from start to finish, but the transitions are also smooth throughout. The Rev cam offers a generous valley, but does have a slight hump in the draw cycle. The hump is easy to get used to after spending a little time with the bow. The back wall is comparable to what other Elite bows have felt like in the past, being rock solid. Shooters are also allowed a little wiggle room to creep without the bowstring wanting to jump forward. The weight is easy to control through the draw cycle, and the 37-inch axel-to-axel measurement holds well on target. Typically, anything over a 7-inch brace height is considered a forgiving bow, and the XLR features an 8.5-inch brace height. The bow is really dead in the hand and fairly quite as well. Although the XLR may be a bit longer than some other rigs available, they are comparable to hunting bow of old with longer axel-to-axel measurements.
Noise and Vibration
The XLR is not the most shock free bow available on the market today. Although it comes from the factory with limb dampeners and a high quality string stop system, there is still some residual vibration that can be felt after the arrow is released. A front mounting stabilizer is a great addition and helps out a lot. Others may choose to add some string dampeners to the bow as well. It is not going to rattle shooters teeth loose, but there are better options on the market for shock free rigs.
Usage Scenarios
The XLR is a nice all around bow. Although the 37-inch axel to axel measurement may be a bit longer than some prefer, for shooters with a draw length over 30-inches, there may not be another option. Many hunting bows are designed to be a bit more compact than the XLR, but that does not mean it can no get the job done. In fact, many shooters prefer the stability offered by the longer bow measurements. Accuracy and forgiveness are going to be two main qualities of the XLR, and 3D shooting and hunting both benefit from those two things.
Summary
The XLR makes a solid option for longer draw shooters. There is a huge draw weight range, module cams, a forgiving brace height, and decent speeds with the XLR. For some shooters, it may be one of the only bows matching the specifications they need, but shooters will not feel like they are settling on a bow just because of limited options. The Rev cams have a solid back wall and make the XLR a lot of fun to shoot.
