I have last years black mamba. I like it quite a bit. I canshoot 60 pounds with the same arrow as I used with my 70 pound x tec and get more speed. The 6.5" brace height isn't really that badand it has no hand shock or kick. They come with really good strings and I have had no trouble with tham stretching. Try one I don't think you will be dissapointed.