Bow Review: Xpedition Xcursion 6

Xpedition marries the precision found in the aerospace industry with many years of experience in archery design and production. The result is a high-quality product built to perform at the highest levels.

Xpedition’s new Xcursion 6 is outfitted with the company’s XP-1 single cam, Gordon Composites split limbs and Dual Plane X Bridge riser. The machined grip joins multiple vibration-killing components and technologies to quiet the shot.

X Factor

Xpedition features its X Bridge technology on the Xcursion 6, which uses multiple X-pattern bridges at the top and bottom of the riser to support the front and back surfaces of the structure. Each leg of the X is set on a different plane to reduce weight, add rigidity and reduce vibration by interrupting the phase and frequency of leftover energy as it passes through the X. Xpedition’s goal is to create a lightweight bow that acts like a heavier bow in terms of killing vibration, shock and noise.

The machined aluminum ATR (Angled Torque Reducing) cable-containment system has no moving parts. A static cable system avoids the inherent complications built into systems with rollers or flexible arms. It holds the cables in grooves positioned to reduce side-loaded torque during the draw cycle and shot. Teflon-impregnated, type 2 hard-coat anodizing creates a wear-resistant, low-friction surface.

Chamfered radii on the grip add comfort and help with porper, repeatable hand placement, which is critical to consistent accuracy. The machined grip uses two Torqueless side plates and an angle that produces a neutral wrist position. A Limbsaver-tipped string stop and stainless-steel stabilizer mounting insert round out the riser package.

XP-1

There are three cams available on the Xcursion 6. The XS and PX3 are hybrid cams and together cover draw lengths from 25-30 inches.

Our test focuses on the XP-1 single-cam system. The XP-1 maintains good speed but is designed for a silky smooth draw. Both cam and wheel are machined from 6061 aluminum, black anodized and rotate on centerless, ground and hardened stainless axles. Draw lengths on the XP-1 range from 25 ½-30 inches, in half-inch increments, through a module system, while quarter-inch adjustments can be made by moving the draw stops. System letoff is advertised at 80 percent (adjustable). Xpedition uses Hail Archery Products string and cables made from BCY 8190 material.

Loaded Curves

Xcursion 6 limbs are highly pre-loaded, with their curvature reaching beyond parallel while the bow is at rest. The intention is to store more energy, increase speed and reduce shock, vibration and noise. Limbs measure 12 ¼ inches long and are made from Gordon Composites material. Limbs are available in draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds peak, each with eight to 10 pounds of downward adjustability. Limb pockets use minimal material to control the limb-to-riser interface. Custom shims further maximize cam and limb reaction throughout the draw cycle and shot. Realtree Xtra, AP Black and Badlands finishes, applied through dye sublimation, are available. A textured Molten Black powder-coat finish is also an option.

Range Performance

The Xcursion 6 was a pleasure to shoot. It has a comfortable and functional grip and little report at the shot, with a small jump and extremely low-level vibration. As expected, there was not much shot noise. A quality stabilizer killed the jump and vibration, and the bow slowly tips away after the shot, allowing for good follow-through. The Xcursion 6 grip has the right shape, angle and thickness to make it super comfortable, with no pressure points or annoying ridges. Another positive was the draw cycle; smooth throughout. This bow shines by scoring good marks in every category.

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