I have not shot the XL Version. I like the 33 ATA. But I am not a very tall guy so I know that biggerfolks lots of times like the longer ATA. Also 95 percent of my hunting is done from a tree stand therefore making the shorter ATA better for me. I have talked to a guy who has shot both and said they felt pretty much the same. But I would definately shoot them both and not take anyones word for it. It is amazing how minor differences can feel enormously different to other people.