Xpedition’s MX-16 features dual riser cages designed to stiffen the platform for enhanced consistency and accuracy. The bow’s HDS Cam system is highly efficient and generates excellent arrow speeds.
By Jon E. Silks
Designed to combine the consistency of a stiff riser — resulting from a dual riser-cage structure — with the speed and smooth draw of the company’s HDS cams, these bows are built for the field.
Both rigs are built on Xpedition’s popular Mako platform, with the MX-15 having a shorter brace height and faster arrow speeds.
Additionally, the MX Series features a set of pre-loaded split limbs, a double-roller cable-guard system, Torqueless Grips, a host of vibration-dampening accessories, GAS Bowstrings, metal stabilizer-mounting inserts and more.
Caged Lion Xpedition employs 6061-T6 aluminum, one of the most popular bow materials, to manufacture the M-16 riser. The aluminum is first forged and then machined into its final form before a hydro-dip or powder-coat process is used to apply the finish. The MX-16 features a reflex riser configuration, which means the throat of the grip is behind the pivot point of the limbs. This design allows for a longer power stroke and faster arrow speeds.
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The first thing you will likely notice about the MX-16 riser, however, is the presence of two large cages built directly into the structure — one just above the sight window and the other below the grip and metal stabilizer-mounting insert. Each cage, which was strategically located based on advanced computer modeling, is sized and shaped specifically to create a stiffer, more rigid riser that drastically reduces overall flex. This enhanced stability is critical to maximizing shot consistency and, in turn, your effectiveness as an archer.
Machined into the riser, complete with chamfered radii, the MX-16 Torqueless Grip is fitted with two wooden side plates set at a 19-degree pitch to add both comfort and functionality in terms of a repeatable hand position. The grip is contoured to fit the shooter’s hand and designed to produce a neutral wrist position.
Xpedition’s cable-containment system is built on an angled mounting block that supports a straight rod and a double-roller fixture. The angle is designed to reduce lateral torque during the draw cycle and advertised to be more consistent than systems that flex. One set of rollers glides over the fixed rod while the other set rotates with movement of the cables.
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A Limbsaver-tipped String Stop and lower, rear-facing metal stabilizer-mounting insert round out the riser package.
Hybrid Hammer The MX-16, which is a second-generation Mako design, is advertised to generate arrow speeds up to 352 fps IBO with 80 percent letoff and a 6-inch brace height. The Hybrid Dual Stop (HDS) cams feature an upper, split-yoke system that anchors to the outside of the limbs, allowing the archer to customize draw length via a rotating module that moves the system through its range of 26-31 inches, in half-inch increments. An additional quarter inch of adjustability, up or down, is available through the draw-stop adjustment.
Cams are machined from aluminum, black anodized and ride on centerless, ground, hardened stainless axles. Xpedition uses single-color GAS Bowstrings for both bowstring and cables. GAS, which uses BCY fibers exclusively, employs a proprietary Total Tensioning System (TTS) for enhanced string stability, zero creep, no peep rotation and no serving separation. Speed Nocks placed on the string increase speed and reduce oscillation and, in turn, noise.
Loaded Limbs The split limbs on the MX-16 are pre-loaded to a slightly past parallel position at rest for increased energy storage. MX-16 limbs are pre-loaded to the point of being slightly past parallel before the bow is drawn. Heavy pre-loading is designed to increase stored energy and speed while minimizing horizontal movement, which reduces shock and vibration. Limbs are split, measure 12.25 inches long and are made from industry-standard Gordon Composites material. Limbs are matched into sets based on deflection values, are custom shimmed and available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds. Xpedition’s limb pocket features a specially designed front bezel, side brace arms that connect the front and rear pocket pieces and two screws in each limb to stabilize and secure the limbs while aligning them precisely at this critical interface.
Impressions The Xpedition MX-16 has a firm draw cycle, as you might expect from a bow generating these speeds. However, it is extremely consistent, with no harsh transitions from start to finish.
There is very little shock or vibration at the shot. This is particularly notable considering the speed of this bow and can certainly be attributed in part to the high dynamic efficiency numbers (using more of the energy to propel the arrow) of the cam system and the bow’s relatively high mass weight. Shot noise followed suit, with a relatively quiet report.
The grip was both comfortable and functional, allowing me to consistently seat my hand into the same position.
The Specs Manufacturer: Xpedition Archery, 844-263-3665; xpeditionarchery.com Model: MX-16 Riser: Aluminum, reflex, dual cage Grip: Torqueless, wooden side plates Limbs: Split, Gordon Composites Draw Weights: 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds peak Draw Lengths: 26-31 inches, in half-inch increments; rotating module Cam System: Hybrid Dual Stop (HDS) Letoff: 80 percent (advertised and as tested) String: BCY 454, 59.125 inches Cables (x2): BCY 454, 35.375 and 37.625 inches Brace Height: 6 inches Axle-to-Axle Length: 32.75 inches Weight: 4.2 pounds (advertised), 4.7 pounds (as tested) Finish: Realtree Edge, Realtree Excape, Realtree Timber, Molten Black, Tactical Sand, Ops Green Advertised IBO Speed: 348-352 fps MSRP: $1,099 Comments: Fast and stout, with minimal shock, vibration or noise.
