Interesting hearing the views on Xbows. I am new to the sport. Got arthritis in the shoulder and it HURTS to draw my traditional bow. I got started in archery in themid 60's. Shot a Herter's (anyone else remember them?) recurve until I was exposed to compounds. Horse traded for a Carroll compound in 70 or 71 I think it was. Have used that bow ever since. It was always enough bow for me even considering its size and weight. I too remember the uproar about compounds, but it calmed down. I remember when there was quite a bit of concern over mechanical releases. That calmed down also. Never really had an opinion on Xbows, but over the years I listended to a lot of debate on them in the archery shops. Had a friend who let me shoot his older Barnet Xbow, I was amazed. Yes, they are easier to shoot than a traditonal bow, but they seem to have to same hunting and target hadicaps as traditional bows, just easier to hold on target. They ARE NOT the killing machines that the traditional bow shooters fear they are. They can't be used for hunting in Colorado YET, but I hope that changes soon as I can no longer hold at drawand shoot a traditional bow with enough accuracy to hunt. I am sure as more and more hunters find themselves in a position like mine, there will be more support for hunting with Xbows. I have lurked on several of the Xbow forums for quite awhile. Gathering information. :-) Asked a few newbie questions and almost everyone said to shoot or at least hold as many Xbows as I could and pick the one that felt best. Wish I could have done that, but I visited 7 sporting goods and archery shops and found 1 Xbow. So I had to trust what I heard and order online. I just ordered an Excalibur Exomax and accessories. Will be used just for target shooting until the laws change here in Colorado. This is a great forum and the friendliest I have found so far. Thanks to all who have welcomed me.