Bow Review: Xpedition Xcentric

Xpedition Archery, a relatively new company, was unknown to me until two years ago, when a friend insisted I try one of its rigs. On that recommendation, we ordered one to look over and it appeared the quality was there — the general design was solid, and in terms of performance it seemed to raise eyebrows. In fact, I was lucky to get it back from one of our outfitters! The only thing left was to actually test the bow.

Xpedition's Xcentric has a skeletonized riser with tons of wide-open space between the thin bridges, which are placed strategically for strength while allowing maximum material removal for minimal mass weight. A set of split limbs are pre-loaded and ready for the hard-hitting hybrid cam system that is advertised to generate IBO speeds in excess of 350 fps. In addition to the parallel position of the limbs, Xpedition also adds Limb Saver limb- and string-dampening accessories to calm the shot.

Open Format

Xpedition uses an open format on the Xcentric's riser, meaning there is minimal material and plenty of air between the front and back surfaces. Other than the handle and shelf area, only thin struts bridge the gap. Advertised mass weight on this 32€‰1„4-inch axle-to-axle rig is only 3.9 pounds. Each end of the riser flares out to create a platform for the limb-containment system. Below the shelf area is the company's two-piece laminated walnut grip. Made with radiused side plates, the design is intended to reduce torque, provide optimal balance and improve aiming stability.

Xpedition's machined aluminum ATR (Angled Torque Reducing) cable-containment system is mounted to the backside of the riser's sight window. The static fixture's position and shape are designed to reduce side load — and in turn torque — all without the use of moving parts. A friction-reducing coating minimizes cable wear. A metal stabilizer-mounting insert, LimbSaver Decelerator String Stop and your choice of many finishes, including Realtree Max-1, Realtree Xtra and Molten Black finish, complete the riser.

Limbs/Pockets

Xpedition employs industry-standard Gordon Glass to construct the Xcentric's 12€‰1„4-inch split limbs, which are heavily pre-loaded with the intent to store more energy, reduce noise and decrease hand shock and vibration at the shot. Limbs are sorted and ground for consistency allowing only a +/-.05-pound variance within the set. Limbs are available in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds. Dye Sublimation is used to apply the Realtree Xtra, Max-1, Xtra Black, Xtra Snow, Molten Black and DefCon Black finishes. The limb-control system is extremely minimal in material and size. The two main components that make up the pocket are machined out of aluminum and black anodized.

Cam System

The Xcentric's XS/PX Hybrid cam design is patent pending and features dual-adjustable draw stops for a custom feel. Xpedition built the cam to provide fine-tuning in the form of letoff, draw length and valley. Cams ride on centerless ground and hardened stainless axles with flange bearings on the cams. The machined aluminum cams are designed to cover a draw-length range of 27-30 inches in half-inch increments using a series of modules. System letoff is advertised at 80 percent. XS cams are outfitted with BCY 8190

Lightning Bowstrings.

Impressions

Xpedition's Xcentric performed well in the lab and on the range. There was a small shock and low-level, lasting vibration at the shot. One of my favorite stabilizers reduced the shock and completely killed the slight vibration. The draw is firm with consistent transitions, making the overall draw cycle pleasant. It should be noted the Xcentric was one of the most efficient bows we have ever tested, at 86.4 percent with a 375-grain Easton arrow. The grip is well formed and comfortable. After the shot, the Xcentric barely moves and reports back very little noise.

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