I don't know about this "subjective" or "objective" stuff but you asked for our recomendations so here is mine. I tore a rotator cuff in my shoulder last spring and had to hunt with a crossbow last year. I used a Barrnett Revolution 150 and harvested 3 deer with it. I took shots from 15-35 yards and the 35 yard shotEXITED the shoulder blade with a clean pass thru!

I think my crossbow was about $400.00 ready to hunt but I am not sure. I can't speak of other bows but EVERY crossbow I have been around is very loud compared to a bow. I have Limbsavers on mine but it still make a lot of noise. The plus side is it shoots a 22 inch (long for a crossbow) bolt at 345fps and at 15 or so yards ducking a string is not a factor.

I will agree with the post about going to a pro shop and checking them out "hands on." Buy what you like! I shot High Country bows for years and most of this board hated them. Just because a crossbow fit MY needs doesn't mean it will be perfect for you.

SF