OutdoorMissouri.com

I'm looking at the Hunter and the Answer. Any opinions on Elite?

Elite? You'll get a mixed pot of answers here.

How about this - Why are you looking at those two models?

I was looking for a short A-A bow that was light and would get well over 300 fps. Of the bows I looked at, the Elite Hunter and Elite Answer felt best to me.

What are you set-up specs? What lb you plan on shooting, what draw length, and what arrows including finished weight.

Also, why the interest in short ATA?

Arrows are 9.1 gpi, 100 grain heads. Draw length 29, 70 lb.

I want a shorter A-A because it affords me the opportunity to hunt more places more comfortably. I usually ground hunt, but for the times I'm in a blind or a stand, I just want to have less of a chance of smacking the rail or window with the cam. Also, they're just easier to carry through brush.

I have the Answer and I like it a lot. But, I don't like it nearly as much as my GT-500. Both are smoothe shooters and were easy to tune. Like any shorter A to A bow though, the Answer is not as forgiving on a poorly-executed shot. All of this being said, I do not believe you can go wrong with the Answer.

if you want take a look at the new SR-71 from Strother Archery, Big Donney from the show has shot it and said its sweet.its fast, I think its should be out by end of year. I shoot the Wrath ...LP

You'll end up shooting about a 400-grain finished arrow with that setup. I could run better math, but that will work for now. 29" and 70#, those bows will be close to what you want, but I doubt either will actually break 300 fps. Enough to matter? Probably not to you.

I understand your reasons for wanting to go short ATA, and I know you're a pretty good shot. If I remember correctly, it's around 33" or a little more on the Answer (not sure on the Hunter), and really that's not that short of an ATA these days. In other words, I wouldn't really worry about it affecting your accuracy as referenced above.

You really can't go wrong with either of them, and Elite, in my opinion, makes a fine bow. They have decent machine work, and are fairly smooth. I personally like their grips and the way they hold, but like all of their ilk with that particular cam system, I don't much care for it. They will build very quick, and drop into a valley - by this, I mean you will notice them building markedly quick, more so than you're used to. I don't like this much, as they feel a lot like a true speed bow, without the benefits.

You, on the other hand, might find that you like this draw. You'd have to shoot them, but also be thinking about this while you do so.

One thing to consider - I know you keep equipment a long time. I personally don't believe Elite will be in a business a long time. If you know their history, you know they're lucky to still be alive. They have a loyal, but small, following, but I'm not sure they'll be here three years from now. I could be wrong. This is only a concern if you keep the equiment like I think you do, especially given the warranty Elite offers.

I see someone suggested the new "Strother SR-71". It's not a new bow, and it draws like chit. Not a good choice, in my opinion. They won't be around long, either.

I could make some suggestions as to what other bows to consider, but it doesn't sound like you want that. You won't go wrong with either of the Elite bows you're looking at, but I do believe there are more choices that would fit your needs that I would consider stronger choices.

One factor I didn't include in the discussion is that the bow shop 10 miles from the Tick Farm is an Elite dealer. The owner of the shop is getting his 2013 models in next month and he is switching his personal bow from Mathews to Elite, and his store manager has been using Elite for a year. I figure they will know the bows very well and if I ever need work done or any accessories, they will be very easy to buy from.

So maybe there are bows that would feel a little better to me, but of the dozens I've tried, the 2 Elites would probably be best, all things considered.

My Crackerized Answer, shooting a 382g arrow (29", 70#), is getting 310fps. I'm not sure what IBO was, I'd have to look. I was surprised to say the least.

Shooting it next to the GT-500, it doesn't appear to be nearly as fast. The GT-500 is only shooting 311fps. But, the same fellow did the work on both bows and I see no reason to question him. Compared to the GT-500, the Answer is a smoother drawing bow. The draw cycle is much more smooth. But, both feel pretty much fantastic after the shot. The grips are great and the finish is second to none. I keep my chit nice and use it for a long time too. These bows are nice.

One bonus you will have on a 2013 model is they come with factory Winner's Choice strings. You should be able to get either bow for $750 or even a bit less I would think.

Yeah, Winner's Choice are standard on 2013. The 2013's are going up about $80 over 2012 models.

Just order the bow Rafe. Damn Samcro discussed the same chit with me 3 years ago when I was looking at Elite/Strother. If they go belly-up, they go belly-up. You will still own a great bow that you will have a lot of confidence in.