Elite Ember vs Bear Alaskan XT
Quick take: The Bear Alaskan XT costs $80 less; the Bear Alaskan XT is rated 25 fps faster (335 fps ATA); the Bear Alaskan XT is the lighter carry (3.5 lb bare).
| Spec | Elite Ember | Bear Alaskan XT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $680 | $600 |
| Rating | 5★ (2) | 5★ (10) |
| Type | Mid-Range Compound | Mid-Range Compound |
| ATA/IBO Speed | 310 fps | 335 fps |
| Length | 31.25" | 33" |
| Brace Height | 6.25" | 6.25" |
| Draw Weights | 10-60 lb (single limb set, full range) | 45-60 lb or 55-70 lb (two limb options) |
| Draw Length | 15-29 in (rotating mods, half-inch increments) | 25-30 in (module adjustable) |
| Let-Off | 80% | 80% |
| Mass Weight | 3.6 lb | 3.5 lb |
| Construction | Compound | Compound |
| Setup | Sold as a ready-to-shoot package with CBE accessories; a bare-bow option exists through some dealers. Draw length and weight adjust with a hex wrench via rotating mods and limb bolts - no press needed. The yoked dual-cam system benefits from a pro-shop tune out of the box and periodic sync checks. | Sold bare (~$500) or as the Trophy Ridge-equipped RTH package priced here. Draw length adjusts via the DHC-XR cam without a press; draw weight is set by choosing a 45-60 or 55-70 lb limb option and backing out limb bolts. Plan a paper-tune session, and consider speed nocks/string silencers - owners report they tame most of the residual buzz. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (original owner) plus Elite Hunt Guarantee | Limited lifetime (original owner) |
Pros & cons
Elite Ember
- ✓Massive 10-60 lb / 15-29 in adjustment range fits youth through adults
- ✓Limb-stop back wall is rock solid - rare at this price
- ✓Package accessories (CBE sight/rest, Winner's Choice strings) beat rival RTH kits
- ✓Very light 3.6 lb bare weight for all-day carry
- ✓ArcheryTalk owners report less vibration and better hold than Bear Legit and PSE Stinger
- ✓Fit and finish widely described as a class above other budget bows
- ✓Elite's Hunt Guarantee and lifetime warranty back it
- ✗310 fps IBO is the slowest rating in this class; short draws give up more
- ✗Dual cams with yokes need occasional re-tuning versus binary-cam rivals
- ✗Some shooters find the light bow slightly nervous/unstable at full draw
- ✗No draw weight above 60 lb - heavy-poundage hunters are excluded
- ✗In-store-only at some retailers (e.g., Scheels), limiting online price shopping
Bear Alaskan XT
- ✓335 fps ATA speed leads the sub-$700 field alongside the Amplify
- ✓33-in axle-to-axle holds steadier than the 30-31 in bows in this class
- ✓Integrated Picatinny mount and roller cable guard are flagship-tier features
- ✓Light 3.5 lb bare bow despite the long riser
- ✓Smooth draw for a 335 fps cam - repeatedly praised on ArcheryTalk
- ✓RTH package makes it hunt-ready for roughly $600
- ✓5.0/5 (10 reviews, Pyramyd Air) and 4.8/5 at Walmart
- ✗Noticeable post-shot vibration/buzz that dampeners only partly control
- ✗25-30 in draw range leaves out short-draw and 30.5+ in shooters
- ✗Trophy Ridge RTH accessories are entry grade; sight and rest get upgraded fast
- ✗Draw weight requires picking the right limb range at purchase - no 10-70 lb flexibility
- ✗6.25-in brace is a touch less forgiving than 7-in rivals like the Hoyt Enduro