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Outdoor Life published a field test of Xpedition’s 35-inch NexLite 35 compound bow after two weeks of shooting. Reviewer Scott Einsmann reported average five-shot groups of 3.19 inches at 50 yards and a four-shot speed average of 281.6 fps under the stated test setup; the results describe one reviewer’s testing, not independent or universal performance.
Outdoor Life published a two-week test of Xpedition’s NexLite 35, a 35-inch compound bow designed to pair a long axle-to-axle length with low mass weight. Reviewer Scott Einsmann reported 3.19-inch average groups at 50 yards and a speed average of 281.6 feet per second with a 430-grain arrow, results that give prospective buyers a specific performance reference for a bow marketed for both hunting and target use.
The NexLite 35 weighs 3.95 pounds unrigged, according to its listed specifications. Einsmann said his test setup weighed 4.9 pounds after adding an XLOK stabilizer, Axcel Armortech sight, XLOK bow stand and QAD arrow rest. The bow has a 35-inch axle-to-axle length, a 6.375-inch brace height and draw-length options from 25 to 32 inches. Listed draw weights are 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds; its manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $1,700.
For accuracy testing, Einsmann shot five groups of five arrows at 50 yards, which averaged 3.19 inches. For the speed test, he set the bow at 61.2 pounds of draw weight and a 31.5-inch draw length, then shot a 430-grain arrow. The four-shot average was 281.6 fps. Those figures are the review’s test results; the article does not describe them as a guarantee of what every archer will achieve.
Einsmann said the bow paper-tuned without difficulty and praised its stability at full draw, solid wall and limited vibration after release. He described a smooth draw cycle with a more pronounced final effort approaching the valley. The review also notes that the bow uses Xpedition’s Tip-Shift shim system, which the reviewer said can be adjusted with an Allen wrench without a bow press. He did not need it for his initial paper tune, but had used it during the 2026 bow test.
Performance Across Hunting and Targets
The test addresses a practical question for archers considering a longer bow that is unusually light: whether it can remain manageable in the field while delivering the stability and performance some target shooters seek. Einsmann’s reported groups, speed result and comments on the bow’s steadiness offer evidence from one hands-on review, rather than a manufacturer specification alone.
The low bare-bow weight also leaves room for accessories without making the tested setup excessively heavy, according to the reviewer, whose rigged bow weighed 4.9 pounds. That could matter to buyers choosing between a dedicated hunting bow and a single bow they hope to use for hunting and 3D or target shooting. However, suitability depends on the individual archer’s draw length, tuning, form and preferences; the reported results do not establish how the bow will perform for all users.
The review identifies trade-offs alongside the favorable results. Einsmann wanted an interchangeable grip, a mod with a softer transition and deeper valley, and draw-length adjustment in quarter-inch increments. Those preferences may matter to shoppers who prioritize fit or a less demanding draw cycle over speed.
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What the NexLite Offers
Xpedition positions the NexLite 35 around its Magnite riser, described by the company as a nanocomposite alloy about 30 percent lighter than 6061 aluminum. The manufacturer also claims the material is stronger and absorbs vibration better than aluminum and carbon. Those material-performance statements are company claims; the supplied review does not report independent material testing.
The bow includes an Integrate arrow-rest mount and a machined Picatinny sight mount. Xpedition also offers compatible XLOK accessories, including a low-profile quiver and bow stand. Its Tip-Shift system uses interchangeable shims to shift cam position. Einsmann described the system as simple and rigid, and said its shim markings must total four dots when installed.
The review appeared during the late-October bow-buying period and followed two weeks of testing. It presents the NexLite as a possible crossover option because of its 35-inch length and low stated mass, while its measurements and impressions remain specific to the reviewer’s equipment and test conditions.
““I shot five five-shot groups at 50 yards that averaged 3.19 inches.””
— Scott Einsmann, Outdoor Life reviewer
Limits of the Test Results
The supplied report gives results from one reviewer’s testing, not a multi-archer comparison or controlled independent laboratory evaluation. It does not provide the make and model of the chronograph, environmental conditions, or the spread of individual group sizes and speed readings. The 3.19-inch and 281.6-fps averages should therefore be read within the specific setup and test methods described.
It is also unclear how the bow will fit or perform for archers with different draw lengths, release styles, arrow weights and tuning needs. The article lists available draw-weight options but does not give a full model-by-model price breakdown, final equipped configurations or long-term durability findings. Xpedition’s statements about Magnite’s material properties are not independently verified in the report.
Try the Bow Before Buying
The review’s practical next step for interested buyers is to shoot the NexLite 35 at a local archery shop and assess its draw cycle, grip, fit and balance with their own release and intended accessories. Shoppers can compare the bow’s long axle-to-axle length and listed draw settings with their needs, then ask a dealer about available configurations and current pricing.
No additional testing or follow-up findings are specified in the report. Further evidence would be needed to compare results across different archers and setups or to assess long-term reliability. For now, the published figures remain a single-review benchmark, with the reviewer’s stated preferences and test conditions providing important limits on how they should be interpreted.
Key Questions
What accuracy did the NexLite 35 achieve in the review?
Scott Einsmann reported an average of 3.19 inches across five five-shot groups at 50 yards.
How fast did the bow shoot?
It averaged 281.6 fps over four shots with a 430-grain arrow, at 61.2 pounds of draw weight and a 31.5-inch draw length.
How much does the NexLite 35 weigh?
The listed bare-bow weight is 3.95 pounds. Einsmann said his bow weighed 4.9 pounds with the accessories used in his test.
What did the reviewer say could be improved?
Einsmann said he would like an interchangeable grip, a mod with a softer transition and deeper valley, and draw-length adjustments in quarter-inch increments.
Does the review prove every archer will get the same results?
No. The figures come from one reviewer’s test setup. Results can vary with the archer, tuning, draw settings, accessories and arrow choice.
Source: outdoorlife.com
