I, too, am an ex-Exomax shooter. It was a nice crossbow, but it went through string servings as fast as most people change their socks. Recently, while in Europe, I had the opportunity to shoot the Vortex. Even though it is only 25lbs less draw and has a 1 inch shorter power stroke, it seemed to (imo) to be alot less violent and almost the perfect blend blend of power and shootability. I am in in the market for a recurve and it's going to take someting remarkable to keep me from making it a Vortex.