Bowhunting involves countless variables. I think we forget just how many until a minor oversight or unforeseen factor incites a miss or marginal hit. Then, we remember there’s wind, unseen twigs, misjudged yardages, aiming with the wrong pin, and fast-footed animals that can duck beneath an arrow traveling 300 fps or faster, to name several. All of the looming challenges leave no room for an unreliable bow.

Since its inception, Elite Archery has designed and produced easy-to-shoot bows that build — not deplete — confidence. The first Elite bow I ever hunted with, the 2015 Synergy, was an ideal example. While shooting it out to 130 yards in the yard and smacking 10 rings consistently from said distance, I confirmed that the “shootability” flag Elite has been flying for years isn’t merely marketing hype. Put the 2021 EnKore in your hands and I think you'll concur.

First Impressions

The saying “first impressions are everything” applies well to bow buying. As I unboxed the new 33-inch axle-to-axle EnKore, my eyes met ultra-sleek craftsmanship. The 4.55-pound test bow flaunted a tactical Outdoor Green riser and black limbs, although your customers can choose from 14 different finishes. I immediately noted the Elite-earmarked VibeX Blocks limb dampeners and a Winner’s Choice Custom Bowstring set, which are standard inclusions.

Appearance aside, I’ve handled hundreds of bows in my day, and I know what to look for in terms of fit, feel and balance. As I examined the Elite EnKore, held it and drew it back, my first impressions were all positive. It not only looks great, but feels incredible, too.

Test Bow Specs

• Axle-to-Axle Length: 33 inches
• Brace Height: 6 inches
• Draw Length: 28 inches
• Draw Weight: 70.54 pounds
• Let-off: 75%
• Velocity: 286 fps (with 468-grain Easton 6.5mm Acu-Carbon 340 arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 84.99 foot-pounds
• Finish: Outdoor Green riser and black limbs
• Bow-only Weight: 4.55 pounds
• Accessorized Total Weight: 6.04 pounds
• MSRP: $1,099.99
• Contact: www.elitearchery.com

 

Setting It Up and Sighting It In

First impressions are important, but nothing replaces actual performance. Consequently, I outfitted the EnKore with an HHA Optimizer Tetra sight, Trophy Taker X-Treme Pro fall-away rest and a Stokerized SL-11 stabilizer. I tied in a peep sight and headed for my backyard archery range.

I’m a skilled archer, but even I can attest that sighting in a new bow usually takes time and acclimation. Not so with the EnKore. I was on at 20 yards within four arrows, and I walked back 10 yards at a time until I was shooting at 50 yards, all in a matter of 15 minutes. Even while sighting in, every single shot I took beyond 30 yards was either in the 10 or 12 ring on my Rinehart turkey target. It was almost too easy. On one 20-yard group, I put two in the 12 ring and then my third was a Robin Hood.

To appropriately evaluate a bow, repeatability is important to consider. In other words, can the bow do tomorrow what it did today? The EnKore proved to be a frustration-free bow with no tinkering needed after sighting in. During subsequent sessions, the EnKore continually produced the same accuracy it had during my inaugural session. I’ve had a few different bows in the past that were nightmares to keep tuned, so I deeply value a bow that holds its tune like the EnKore. 

 

Things I Noticed While Shooting the Elite EnKore

For optimal accuracy, a slim, torque-free grip is a must-have feature. As I launched carbon, I found the EnKore natural and effortless to grip. Not once did I struggle with torque.

It’s a given that most bows today draw smoothly, but not all have smooth transitions throughout the draw cycle. Even with the bow set at 70.54 pounds, I experienced an incredibly comfortable draw cycle from start to finish. As important, the draw cycle ends with a brick wall. And, holding at full draw for long intervals — something typical in the bowhunting woods — was easy. These are all attributes of the ASYM Tri-Track Cams. By the way, the three tracks also balance the tension load for impeccable cam alignment, which simplifies tuning.

Speaking of tuning, S.E.T. Technology puts tunability within the consumer’s reach — no bow press needed. No matter if the end user is paper tuning or broadhead tuning, micro-adjusting the limb pocket to address a tuning problem is as simple as using a hex wrench. It’s absolutely brilliant.

While shooting the EnKore, which has a 6-inch brace height, I had no issues with the bowstring slapping my wrist; that’s because it’s outfitted with a rubber bowstring stop, which halts the bowstring at brace height. The stop also substantially reduces vibrations, resulting in a quiet and smooth shooting experience.

Finally, and this is big, the EnKore boasts superb stability. As I pulled through each shot using back tension, my pin simply hovered on my target’s kill zone. This is the product of a wide limb stance and long, robust riser design set on a maneuverable 33-inch axle-to-axle platform. In other words, it practically aims like a Vegas-style target bow.

Remember what I said earlier about variables in bowhunting? Well, one of the biggest is Mother Nature. From inclement weather to steep, rocky terrain, bowhunting takes hardcore bowhunters to wild and unforgiving places where falling and dropping your bow is highly possible. Designed to withstand the knocks and blows, the EnKore features dual riser cages and beefy split limbs, not to mention that Winner’s Choice Custom Bowstring set I touched on earlier. Beyond durability, the riser cages also stiffen the riser in key locations where a conventional riser is prone to flexing.

Can I Get an EnKore?

Everything about the Elite EnKore embodies the type of bow you want in your hand when bowhunting challenges loom, as they always do. Obviously, shooting a bow involves the human element, but in my eyes, an ideal hunting bow is one that you can count on to put an arrow in the kill zone every time if you master the human element. And the EnKore can do just that. Starting MSRP is $1,099.99; www.elitearchery.com.

 

Additional Notes

The Elite EnKore was set up using a Last Chance Archery EZ Green Bow Press and EZ Green Bow Vise, and draw weight was calculated using Last Chance Archery’s Digital Bow Scale. A Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph measured the 468-grain Easton 6.5mm Acu-Carbon 340 arrow’s velocity.

In the field photos by Rebecca McDougal