The 2018 Obsession Fixation 6XP is one of four Fixation Series models in the new Obsession line. All sport a new, stiffer bridged riser and new limb pockets, among other features. Two models — the 6XP and the 7XP — offer Obsession’s Two Track XP cam, which is draw-length specific, while the 6M and 7M Two Track DE cam is modular, allowing shooters to change draw length by installing different modules. Aside from slight differences in the range of available draw lengths, the chief difference between the models is, as you might guess, the choice of a 6-inch or 7-inch brace height, and a corresponding slight decrease in speed on the higher brace-height models.

The new XP Limb Pocket System is noteworthy; sleek and fairly simple in design, these limb pockets differ from others chiefly in that at the pivot point a 3/8-inch stainless steel rod goes through the riser itself. This results in less torque in the riser and, along with the stiffer — and somewhat heavier — bridged riser, increases the overall stability of the bow as well as in theory at least, enhancing accuracy. Those kinds of improvements are key when the goal is to produce a very fast bow that retains a high degree of shootability. A lot of manufacturers produce at least one model that claims high speed and shootability, but Obsession has thus far put all its eggs, and its reputation, in one basket by publicly announcing that offering high-performance bows that are also very smooth-drawing and dead in the hand is Obsession’s reason for being.

Other features of the Fixation bows include an angled cable rod to reduce cam lean and torque, Axion limb dampeners between the split limbs, an adjustable string suppressor, a new rear stabilizer mount, an adjustable string stop and America’s Best bowstrings. Obsession’s signature grip, dubbed the Torqueless Custom Grip, is a skinny, side-plate-style grip.

The appearance of the Fixation bows, while clearly Obsession, are nonetheless distinctive. Despite being somewhat flared at either end, generous cutouts, a curvaceously sweeping, highly reflexed design, and slightly indented bridges top and bottom contribute to a sleek look. While the large cams and past-parallel limbs give it a poised-to-strike, aggressive look. Cams are available in black, red or orange. The test model, cams included, was black, with the red and silver of the understated Obsession logos and the red and black America’s Choice bowstrings contrasting. Fit and finish was flawless.

Shooting the Obsession Fixation 6XP

Installing accessories presented no difficulties. I made some slight adjustments in draw weight; limb bolts were snug but turned smoothly, with no sticking, slipping or chattering. The bow paper tuned easily, and in a matter of minutes was shooting bullet holes with unfletched arrows.

At 4.5 pounds, the Fixation bows are not on the light side. They’re a little heavier than the average compound bow. Like most compound bows, they’re slightly top-heavy in terms of balance, but this is not an issue at full draw. The weight of the bow no doubt contributes to its pleasant-shooting qualities despite its high speed — and 358 fps makes it a barn burner, to be sure. The grip, as mentioned earlier, is a side-plate-style grip, and though it’s narrow, is quite comfortable.

The Obsession Fixation 6XP draws very smoothly and comes to a quick — but not jarringly sudden — stop against a very firm back wall, thanks to cable and limb stops on both cams. The valley is not wide, but the cams aren’t grabby. At the shot, the bow pops forward slightly in a loose grip, and vibration is minimal. In short, I find it to be very shootable.

Full disclosure: I prefer fast bows. Not, though, at a significant cost in shootability. There are bows that are marginally smoother and more dead-in-hand, but only at a significant cost in speed. There are faster bows than the Obsession Fixation 6XP, but they do sacrifice some shootability. Not every shooter cares about speed, but I would contend that it offers real advantages. The search for that optimum combination of speed and shootability is a very personal quest, but if you’re of the opinion that a fast bow can’t be a smooth bow, I’d encourage you to try the Fixation 6XP. Eliminating the ice-cream-smooth but slow bows and the sizzling-fast but not-all-that-pleasant-to-shoot bows leaves very few bows that are very fast and very shootable.

The Obsession Fixation 6XP is a current contender for top of that heap.

For more information, visit www.obsessionbows.com.