Elite Hunter Review

May 08, 2013 By Jon E. Silks

Elite Archery is very clear it wants to win you over based on an overall ownership experience. From the Elite Shootability Challenge to a remarkable customer care program called the Elite Promise, it's easy to feel at home and get comfortable thinking of yourself as a loyal Elite customer.

On the equipment side, Elite introduces the 2013 Hunter bow. The Hunter Cam is the centerpiece in Elite's drive for shootability, while the modules guarantee optimal performance at every draw length. Other highlights include Barnsdale limbs, Limbsaver damping accessories, Winner's Choice strings/cables, Kolorfusion camo finishes, Cerakote performance coating and one of the best grips in the industry.

The Shootability Challenge

Elite doesn't want you to "take the blue pill" or "drink the Kool-Aid" when it comes to the speed-at-any-cost mentality. Rather, it would have you take its Elite Shootability Challenge, which focuses on the overall experience of the shot from start to finish — not just one performance measurement like speed. Considerable design time has been focused on the creation of its new two-track Hunter Cam, with a goal of optimizing shootability even further.

In this configuration, one of the tracks is for the string while the other is for both cables. Using only two tracks allows a narrower side-to-side footprint, which reduces weight and brings the load from the cables closer to the center of the system. This increases efficiency and reduces the opportunity for cam lean and the negative effects that come with it.

Draw-length changes are modular; however, a bow press and T15 Torx wrench (star shaped) are required to change them. Modules are available for draw lengths from 25-31 inches, in half-inch increments. A slightly adjustable draw stop on each cam provides a solid back wall while allowing a measure of customization.

Shhhh!

With a laser-like focus on the bowhunter, Elite outfits its Hunter with technologies and accessories designed to tame the shot. It all starts with a set of 13-inch solid Barnsdale limbs. These three-layer, laminated limbs are manufactured using Gordon Composites' materials before a CNC-machining process fashions them into their final form.

The parallel position of the limbs at full draw distributes the force from release in equal and opposite directions thereby cancelling out any leftover energy. A bow that incorporates this technology has significantly reduced shock, vibration and noise as compared to a similar bow with upright limb sets. Limbs are available in peak weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds, each with 8-9 pounds of adjustment off peak.

Elite employs a host of Limbsaver products to further reduce shock, vibration and noise. The lineup includes a set of two UltraMax limb dampeners, four Cable Leaches, two Everlast String Leeches, a String Decelerator, and Cable Guard dampener. Limbsaver's accessories and NAVCOM material have had a significant impact on the archery industry for more than 10 years.

Tying up Loose Ends

Elite's two-piece grip incorporates wood side panels blended with the contoured section of the riser. The angle, shape and size create a stress-free cradle for the shooter's hand, and the materials and finish allow for repeatable positioning, which is critical for accuracy and consistency. Elite grips are an industry benchmark.

The Elite promise is a combination of a fully transferable limited lifetime warranty and the company's unique HuntGuarantee. The warranty is valid regardless of where the bow was purchased — new or used. As a part of the Hunt Guarantee, Elite will ship you a ready-to-shoot bow on loan to get you through that once in a lifetime hunt in the event that something happens to your primary rig.

Impressions

The Hunter embodies Elite's shootability mindset by offering a super smooth draw cycle, relaxed valley at full draw and a tame shot. While there is a measure of shock and vibration when the arrow is released, it is minimal. If you add a quality stabilizer to your setup, you can expect even less of both. The Hunter's grip is exceptional in both comfort and functionality.

Archery Accessory Box

ols, you'll realize that they are easy to misplace, which is why a storage system like the Archery Accessory Box from Plano Molding is a good idea. The Archery Accessory Box is designed with a see-through top, one lift-out tray, up to 16 adjustable compartments, and is compact enough to throw in your vehicle when you hit the road in the fall. Price: $20

Archers Allen Wrench Set

If you want to boil down tool needs to a granular level, the jumping-off point for all bow work involves a quality set of Allen wrenches. I emphasize the word quality because I've had sets completely explode on me the first time I've used them. I don't know why it's so hard to make a set of Allen wrenches that will last, but a lot of companies seem to have trouble with the task. Fortunately, Pine Ridge Archery has it figured out with their Archers Allen Wrench Set. This set has all of the wrenches you're likely to need, and it contains them with a bolt and nut assembly that doesn't allow them to flop all over the place like lesser-quality sets. I keep a set in my shop, my truck and my daypack, so I'm covered no matter where or when I hunt. Price: $10

Bowsmith

Another tool that has found its way into my shop is the Bowsmith from Real Avid. The Bowsmith contains needle-nose pliers, a string spreader, knife blade, fletching stripper, nock crimp, string loop setter, and a bevy of other tools (28 in total). This handy tool set is small enough to stow away in a pack as well, and it can be invaluable in bow camp when the nearest pro shop is far away. Price: $50

Allen Company Compact Bow Tuning Kit

I also used my Allen Company Compact Bow Tuning Kit. Since I had to redo my center serving, I also needed to tie on a new string loop, which necessitated the use of the contained bow square. Although I didn't use a nock set, the Compact Bow Tuning Kit comes with nock pliers and three nock sets. Price: $15

Digital Bow Scale

An often-overlooked tool that is simple and can be used by every bow owner is a bow scale. I like Cabela's Digital Bow Scale, which features a backlit LCD screen and automatic weight lock, and is accurate up to 110 pounds in case you plan to shoot deer hiding behind concrete walls. It amazes me how often I talk to bowhunters who simply guess at their draw weight after cranking their limbs in or out a few turns. It's much better to know exactly what your bow is set at, especially if you're getting close to either end of your bow's recommended weight spectrum. Price: $20

Pro Archery Pliers

If you're in the market for a pair of pliers that will last longer than any bow you're likely to buy and features a nock set crimper and remover, a D-loop stretcher and scary sharp side-cutters, look no further than the Pro Archery Pliers from Easton Technical Products. These needle-nose pliers are extremely durable and can make home bow fixes a breeze. Price: $22

Bohning Mini Server

Considering potential bow fixes, it would be wise to not ignore serving issues. Last fall I was sitting in a treestand in north-central Wisconsin, when I happened to glance down at my nocked arrow. The angle looked off, and upon closer inspection I realized that my center serving had slipped and my entire string loop had crept up my string, throwing my entire bow tune out of alignment. Back at the cabin, I busted out my Bohning Mini Server and re-served my string. The Mini Server is perfect for the home bow mechanic because it eliminates the need for a cable spreader and is extremely easy to use. However, that wasn't the only tool I used to get back to shooting. Price: $19

Economy Vise

After putting the above tools to good use at home or in deer camp, it's inevitable that you'll realize something is missing — a vise. The option to clamp your bow into a quality vise and work on it with both hands free is important, which is why I've started using an Economy Vise from Apple Archery. Plastic-coated jaws provide a secure grip on your bow's limb without causing any damage to the finish, while the Economy Vise allows for 360 degrees of left-to-right and front-to-back rotation. Just like using a lineman's belt to hang a treestand for the first time, when you use a vise like this to work on your bow, you'll wonder how you ever functioned without it. Price: $81