I have 3 Excals, two recurves and a wheel bow they only made for a few years. My two recurves are an E'max [225lb], and a Phoenix [175 lb] I got the E'max first or I would never have gotten it. It's a great bow, just more than what I/me/we/you will ever need. The Phoenix is my bow of choice. Like Dnk said the Vixen is the entry level bow for Excal, but I like the Phoenix as if you go to other weight arrows or gentler string choices, you won't lose as much fps wise, in other words, it's more versatile. Good Luck, anything out there will kill deer out to 30 yds.