there was a time that i felt that xbows were for hunters who did'nt want to take the time to learn to be proficient with a vertical bow. after a severe back injury i had a choice.....hunt with a crossbow ....or....quit bowhunting. i have met some wonderful folks who love xbows....as i now do too. i no longer feel the way i once did. people who have'nt shot xbows are for the most part ill informed about them.those of us who use xbows know that there is not the great advantage that some folks think we have. speeds and range are much the same as modern vertical bows. one still must practice to be proficient with our bows. sorry...so long winded....but i needed to come clean. i'm ashamed of the way i used to feel.[&o]