I am going thru pysical therapy and can't hold up my Matthews. Next year I will (if able) go back to my compound, because it is more quiet. I bought the xbow because I LOVE to deer hunt and being out in the woods. I still have to be out in the timber, setting in a stand, and do everything you do except draw the bow. I have deer hunted enough, there is not anymore challenge with a vertical bow then a xbow. In Iowa you can't use a rifle, but with the rifles I have, they would not be a challenge until 800+yds. I am not saying xbows are for everyone, but you should have a choice. Its not any more advantage to use the xbow, then to use a modern compound with all the tricks, over a primative recuve