Hi, I'm Dan, and I shoot Excaliburs. Sounds like an intro at "Xbows Anonymous" lol. 1st off, any name brand xbow will be adequate for deer hunting. This post is NOT to slight any other brand out there. Here's why I like Excals. They are lighter than compounds, [but a tad wider]. You do your own maintenance. All models have the same excellant trigger. They have won more competitions [3-D] in the past than all the other mfgrs put together. Two things you don't get w/ an Excal are: [a] a serial # on the bow, a warranty card to fill out and send in. Neither are needed, they stand behind their products regardless of age or original owner, yada yada, yada. About the only way to screw one up is to dry-fire it w/ Fast Flight string. I'm not going so far as to say every split limb is replaced under warranty, but mine and Planters were. In both cases, only one limb split but both were replaced so they match. There are no "tune-up specials" trigger upgrades, bells and whistles, [YOU put the safety on each time you cock it]. There are no cables to fray, no wheels to need timed, just plain simple and deadly. I've shot every Excal made except for the "Point Blanc" target bow, including their joint effort w/ Bear on the Maxpoint[USA Paradox [Can]. Being a compound, I couldn't offhand it, so adios amigo, it's being loved in Texas as I make this post. I currently own a Phoenix and an Emax, which is a bruiser!! Had I shot the Phoenix 1st, the Emax would still be at Cabelas. So......that's my story and I'm sticking to it!! Have fun!!

Btw: Welcome to the forum! You new guys are showing up in droves, which is in my humble opinion a great thing!! Glad to see you here!! ps: have no idea what button I hit to get this bold print, it was unintentional!!