First Impressions of Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171
The Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 promises a blend of precision engineering and robust construction for the serious competitive archer. Axcel is a well-respected name in the archery world, and this sight, with its ultra-high modulus carbon bar and balanced inline tensioning system, piqued my interest from the start. This sight claims to offer unmatched stability and adjustability.
I was looking for a sight that could handle the rigors of tournament shooting and provide consistent, accurate performance. My old sight, while serviceable, lacked the fine-tuning capabilities I needed to compete at a higher level. The Axcel Achieve XP‘s reputation for precision adjustability and rock-solid stability drew me in.
Unboxing the Achieve XP, the first thing that struck me was the overall quality. The machining was clean, the finish was flawless, and the sight felt substantial without being overly heavy. It seemed like a piece of equipment designed for serious business.
I considered the Shibuya Ultima CPX and the CBE Vertex 3D before settling on the Axcel Achieve XP. The Shibuya is known for its smooth adjustments, but I was concerned about its long-term durability. The CBE offered excellent value, but I wanted the absolute best in terms of stability and precision.
My initial impression was one of excitement tempered with a bit of apprehension. It looked like a fantastic piece of equipment, but I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype on the range. The Wedge Lock mounting system and the promise of zero backlash in the windage adjustments were particularly intriguing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 at my local archery range, under typical sunny conditions. I spent several hours dialing in my settings at various distances, from 20 to 70 yards. The ease of adjustment was immediately noticeable.
The sight performed flawlessly, even when subjected to some deliberate bumps and jostles. The windage and elevation locks held firm, preventing any unwanted movement. Getting used to the sight was straightforward, thanks to the intuitive design and clearly marked adjustments.
The only slight hiccup I encountered was initially figuring out the best placement for the included sight tapes. Once I found the optimal position, the sight worked like a charm.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 continues to perform admirably. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to a few minor impacts during transport. Cleaning is simple.
A quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth keeps it looking new. This sight has far exceeded my expectations. The increased accuracy and consistency it provides have demonstrably improved my scores.
Breaking Down the Features of Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171
Specifications
- Balanced inline tensioning system: This feature keeps the sight aligned during tension adjustments, minimizing unwanted movement and maintaining accuracy. It allows for smooth and consistent adjustments.
- Ultra High Modulus carbon bar: The carbon bar is 2 times stronger than comparable models, offering superior rigidity and a high weight-to-strength ratio. This significantly reduces vibration and increases stability, leading to improved accuracy.
- Wedge Lock mounting system: This Wedge Lock provides a robust and precise mounting platform, clicking securely into place. It ensures the sight remains firmly attached to the bow.
- Superior “Windage Dovetail Guide System”: Replacing traditional twin-dowel systems, this guide system provides zero backlash in windage adjustments. It allows for exceptionally precise corrections.
- Elevation and windage locks: These locks prevent any unwanted movement when activated, ensuring that settings remain consistent. They are crucial for maintaining accuracy.
- Thinner, jeweled elevation bar: This lighter and stronger elevation bar contributes to the sight’s overall stability and responsiveness. It is essential for quick and accurate elevation adjustments.
- Larger knurled elevation and windage knobs: These oversized knobs provide easier adjustments, even when wearing gloves. The improved grip and leverage contribute to more precise tuning.
- Metal sight tapes: The sight allows for the addition of metal sight tapes, enabling precise yardage marking. These tapes provide visual references for different distances.
- Included Sight Scales: 9 and 10, 13 and 14, 17 and 18, 21 and 22, 25 and 26, 29 and 30 and 33 and 34. These scales offer a range of settings to accommodate various shooting styles.
Performance & Functionality
The Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 performs exceptionally well. Its accuracy is unmatched. The smooth and precise adjustments, combined with its rock-solid stability, make it a top-tier sight.
The only area for potential improvement would be to include a more detailed instruction manual. Although the sight is relatively intuitive to use, more comprehensive documentation would be beneficial for novice users. It vastly exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 features a sleek and functional design. The materials are high-quality, and the sight feels well-balanced. The weight is manageable.
There is a slight learning curve to fully master all of its adjustments. This sight is user-friendly overall.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of moving parts will help maintain its performance.
The sight is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning and maintenance. Replacement parts are readily available from Axcel, ensuring long-term usability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 comes with a variety of sight scales. It allows for the use of metal sight tapes. It’s compatible with various aftermarket scopes and lenses.
The industry-standard mounting system ensures compatibility with a wide range of accessories from other brands. This allows for extensive customization to suit individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171
Pros
- Unmatched stability thanks to the ultra-high modulus carbon bar.
- Extremely precise windage and elevation adjustments with zero backlash.
- Durable construction using high-quality materials.
- Easy-to-use locking mechanisms for secure settings.
- Sleek and functional design that enhances performance.
Cons
- Relatively high price point compared to other sights.
- Instruction manual could be more detailed.
Who Should Buy Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171?
The Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 is perfect for competitive archers. Serious hunters who demand the highest level of accuracy. It’s best for anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance sight.
Those on a tight budget or who only shoot occasionally might find this sight overkill. The high price point might be prohibitive. A beginner should also skip this sight.
A high-quality scope lens and a durable carrying case are must-have accessories. Custom sight tapes tailored to your specific arrow setup are great for maximizing performance.
Conclusion on Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171
The Axcel Achieve XP Compound Sight 88171 is an exceptional piece of archery equipment. It offers unmatched stability, precision, and durability. The high price is justified by the significant improvement in accuracy and consistency.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to any serious archer looking to take their game to the next level. If you are serious about archery, invest in the Axcel Achieve XP. You won’t be disappointed.