I have a trad bow ive shot and killed deer with since I was a kid in the early 80s. I shot two deer with it this year. As for compounds, I still have a hoyt excell that I bought in 1985 and killed two hogs with it last year before I gave it away. My main go to compound right now is a bow I put together in 2000. Its a powertec frame I put redline limbs onand a #6HO cam. Great shooting and fast bow. A bow will last as long as you want it to, provided you give it propper care.