I have a Switchback XT and I am NOT giving it up. Wanting to get a speed bow this summer so I can hunt with it next fall. I already have one Mathews so why not another? Wanting yalls thoughts and opinions on the Monster XLR8 (for 2011 it is known as the Monster M5)

I love my monster 7. Fast as hell.

Thanks! I need to find someone that has one that will let me fling a few arrows. My dad has an X-Force but ever bow shoots differently that's why I wanna shoot a Monster.

If you are ever around here and want to give it a try send me a pm and we can meet up and fling some arrows.

I'm just to the north of Lake Worth every other week workin. In fact we can see the majority of the lake from the rig floor.

i HAD an xlr8 with hunting in mind ... and yes it WAS very fast!!! i HAD a 29" 60# because the extra 10# was really a waste for as fast as it was and on a cold morn when your muscles are cold and if you had to hold for very long it would be tough... it was a blast to shoot, very accurate, and had the most flat trajectory of any of the 12-15 bows i have had (mostly mathews)...but.... you pretty much HAVE to have a fully contained rest because when you draw and it breaks over it will pop the arrow off of most prong rest... and it breaks over very fast and very hard... i typically shoot 70-72# on any hunting bow and have no problem pulling and holding in cold and sitting situations... very good plan to shoot one sitting down and pulling back very slow like in a hunting situation before going with that bow... just my opinion... good luck!

I have an XLR8 and I love it. I have also owned a Mathews Hyperlite and while I was satisfied with it I just had my heart set on an XLR8. I have a drop away that is fully contained so I don't have a problem with it falling off the rest, as far as the "hump" most people talk about when drawing back the bow it has never really bothered me, but I can see where some people would not like it. I draw 82#'s on mine and it is blazing fast and the most accurate bow I have ever owned. Unfortunately I just had the upper limb crack on it the last week. Don't know it that is a reoccuring problem with them, but other than that I love it.

I shoot a Monster and it is fast. if ur not use to dual cams bows, they can be a little agressive. I'm a big guy so I don't have a problem pulling 70#. You can shoot heavier arrows faster and that will give you more KE and also quiet your bow a bit. I love mine. I have a QAD ultra rest on mine. I blow threw everything I shoot.

I shot the Destroyer 350 and the Monster 6 next to each other, I was amazed at how much smoother/quieter the Destroyer was. I then ended up with the Omen. It falls about in the middle of the two bows. It has just slightly more brace height and I've found the bow to be quite accurate.

I'd suggest getting one used though speed isn't for everyone and you shouldn't have to give more than about $500 for either of the top 3 I listed. Then if you just prefer the pleasantness of your switchback you can sell it and not lose any money.

@ Blood Trail - I've shot the pre-loaded limb bows some (xforces and monsters) and you can't relax too much once you get anchored...they are ready to rock! I've found high poundage duals are easier to draw than the majority of singles.

@ scott12345 - Destroyers are quiet and smooth to shoot. Came close to getting one the end of 09. I won't buy new not unless i cant find exactly what im lookin for. I dont think its neccessarily the speed factor but more of conquering the shorter brace height.

Love my M7. The M5 is alittle on the unforgiving side... If it is speed you want, any of the M's will produce, i only went with the M7 due to the DL. Shoot the M6 before you buy a 5. might be a good compromise between speed and forgivness.

I have an XLR8 and it is quite a lot of fun to shoot. It's quite fast and I don't find it that hard to draw, or to hold, and my shoulder is shot. It's fun to see how quickly it gets to a deer, and how much penetration you actually get. It's a whole new ball game.

I love it, and though in time I might buy another bow, I will more than likely keep this thing.