CREATIVE XP Adjustable Compound Bow Archery Set

My first compound, so maybe I’m not the best judge but….it shoots well and after tuning, I have no problem hitting my mark at 40 yards. I would suggest one upgrade the rest to a drop away and get a decent release, the one it came with shredded after about 20 shots. Overall, I really like the bow, accessories not so much, but for $150 bucks it’s worth it. Edit: Do not attempt to max out the bow, at 67 lbs the belly of the limbs (inner surface) showed compression splinters. I contacted the company and to my surprise the issued me a full refund. Excellent customer service, just wished that they could have supplied me with new limbs.

I do not know a lot about compound bows, only what I have studied and learned as of March 2021 when I purchased this bow. There are a lot of great bow shooters out there that take the time to post videos and answer questions for someone like me that has little time or opportunity to seek out bow shops or individuals to learn the “How To’s”, “Do’s” and “Don’ts”. I greatly appreciate those individuals. I am a 54-year-old Stage Two Cancer Survivor as of Sept 2020 with little strength and a bad left Rotator Cuff. I love shooting and this bow is great for me. If I wear it out, I will purchase the same one again if it is still available. Why? Because it works! There are a lot of bows out there. Better that this one? Sure, there are and way more expensive. I purchased this bow “Used” from the “Amazon Warehouse”; they have some great deals. The box was “Damaged”, the bow was perfectly okay. Let’s face it, I am never going to shoot my bow at a $10,000 check. May be at some hogs, a nice 8 pointer (a 6 point would do, LOL) or maybe a bear if I get that brave. So there is no need for me to put thousands of dollars into setting for archery if just hundreds will get the job done.

READ THE MANUAL BEFORE YOU GET STARTED.
This is a good starter bow package. It comes with everything you need to start shooting right out of the box apart from a target/backstop. It is lightweight and short, 30” axle to axle so it is not very forgiving when it comes to aiming due to the small angle of draw. But it is accurate. It is simple to adjust the poundage and the draw length without having to take it to a bow shop.. TUNING IT (PAPER TUNING, CAM LEAN AND TIMING, ADJUSTING, OR CHANGING THE STRING AND CABLES, ETC.) TAKES A LOT MORE TIME, EFFORT AND KNOWLEDGE BUT CAN BE DONE. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT IN DOING THAT, TAKE IT TO A BOW SHOP. MISTAKES CAN BE COSTLY, EVEN DEADLY. A portable cable bow press is a must for DIY. The one I purchased works good on this bow because of the “upward” angle of the bow limbs. I did make a slight alteration to the press I use. Once you decide this bow will work for you or for a youth just getting into archery or whatever your situation may be, some upgrades will increase power which will help improve accuracy. Technique is the biggest factor in accuracy. REPETITION, REPETITION, REPETITION.

UPGRADES.
This package come with a “Whisker Biscuit” arrow rest. I have heard or read that some people believe a whisker biscuit slows the arrow down slightly. That could be. A 30” 350 – 400 Spine arrow (10.2gpi) with a 100gr tip shot from a 52# bow with a 27½ draw length (my particular setup) travels approximately 234fps. That means the arrow is passing though the rest somewhere around 159mph. I am not sure how little the whiskers could reduce that kind of speed. Nevertheless, I could not get it “Paper Tuned” no matter what I tried (friction on the arrow shaft???) So, I purchased a “Drop Away” rest (see “Review”) Problem solved.

The “Arrow Quiver” was okay. It bolts onto the bow in two (2) pieces (integrated so to speak) which gave the bow a very compact profile. Nice! It holds four (4) arrows with “Field Points” which is fine for target practice but was too small for my “Fixed Blade Broadheads”. I replaced it with an old six (6) arrow quick release quiver from one of my crossbows. Good to go!

The “Arrows” (4) shoot well. There is no name or any markings on the shaft or the vanes, so I do not know what they are. They are stiff, 400 spine I imagine. They have good weight and hit the target with the same consistency and force as the name brands I purchased. You can never have too many arrows! I use them for practice but would not hesitate to use them for backups while hunting. And, of course, I tried a variety of vanes. I already had the equipment and supplies for my crossbows. You can tell by the pictures they do not make that much of a difference for me.

String and Cables. They were okay, not the best quality, but they worked. Someone who is selling an affordable quality bow with all the extras that were included at near rock bottom prices is not going put a set of $100 (my cost for a custom set) strings on it. Period. If that is what you are looking for, this is not for you. With the new set (pre-stretched and wound) I had to move my sight up. I was hitting 9” above aim point at 25 yards. Part of that could be I may have tied the “Nocks” slightly lower but still I could feel the extra power. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR STRING AND CABLES KEEP THE ORIGINALS FOR BACKUP or purchase a second string. And with a new string you need a “Peep Sight” and “String Silencers” (dampeners). I went with a peep with multiple inserts just in case my vision fades a bit more. I shoot with 1.5 Diopter glasses now. TIP: If you wear 2.5 “Readers” dropping in diopter will allow you to see the pins and the target equally. “Can you come closer Mr. Bear? You are out of focus”. That may not be the best idea. LOL

EXTRAS, PERSONAL CHOICES.
I purchased a “Stabilizer” mounting bracket that allowed me to attach a “Rear Stabilizer”. One about the same size and weight but just a bit longer than the “Front Stabilizer” was enough to balance the side weight of the quiver and arrows and also the forward weight from the “5 Pin Sight” and the front stabilizer, both of which came with the bow. I will be purchasing a “Quick Micro Adjust” sight shortly, just because. There is nothing wrong with the included sight. I do not know what brand it is. I will keep it for a backup. And I decide to go with a four (4) finger “Thumb Release”. I set it so it works more like a “Back Tension” release. The “Wrist Strap” release that was included works great and seems to be very well made. That is a backup keeper, too.

THE SELLER.
They were prompt in answering the questions I had, by email. That is the only contact I had with them which was all I needed. If I need more, I am sure I would get more.

PICTURES.
Bow with Upgrades. Practice Shots at 25 yards. I have shot out to 50 yards (ground shots only) but I need more practice and confidence. 50 yards is a long shot for tree stand hunting.

I hope this review helps customers with some questions they may have and the Seller with any changes or upgrades they may be considering.

I have learned Life is Short. Try to Laugh, Try to Love. Let’s go Hunting!!! Or Just Shooting.