I have an XT (which will be for sale) and a Drenalin. I shot both side by side and do not notice a difference in hand shock at all. I also do not get any string buzz from my Drenalin.

Could it be that the rest, sight, or stabilizer was loose?

I believe the Drenalin is a bit smoother than the XT and they "feel" very much alike EXCEPT the weight. You do notice the nearly half pound difference in overall weight.