Ryan,
For a pure hunting bow you will love the Z28! It is super smooth and rolls into the valley like butter. The handles on all the Elites are the same, very nice and narrow to minimize torque on the grip. I would most closely compare them to Bowtech grips, if you have ever felt those?? The GT500 is faster than the Z28 but many find the draw a bit less smooth and the valley a bit shorter. The A2A on the GT500 is a couple inches longer and has less BH as compared to the Z28. The GT500 spits fire for speed though!
Go and check them out, I think you will find the 2-hour drive worthwhile!
Just a side note, make sure the shop is knowledgable on Elite bows. If they have adjusted the draw-stops and they are not set properly, the bows will feel like they have no valley at all.
GOOD LUCK!
Mark
PS - Where in IL are you?? I will be heading down within a few weeks and if you are close I will bring my Elites for you to check out and see which you like better.
Last edited by MIBIGHNTR; 08-07-2009 at 06:48 AM.