When X-Bows were permitted forall hunters here in Alabama, which had been permitted for certified handicapped folks for years, there was an outcry of lametations heard all across the state. Similar, I guess, to what some of you have olreadey related in this forum. In my opinion here's what went down. So called "traditional" archery guys cried foul. Some that commnted in local fish wrappers went as far as to hint that if a non-handicapped person could not gear up and do what it took to become a proficient archer with "normal" equipment,this person should just refrain from archery hunting.The way one could, and I do, look at this commentary is to ask those persons "How far back technology wise whould be Ok with you?" To be obsurd, why not go back to spears and slings as the "fair chase" standard ? And by the way spear hunting is legal for deer in Alabama !!! I am one that feels that the X-Bow is a bit easier to master than a stick, recurve or coumpond bow. From expoerience I am convinced that the X-Bow has enough disadvantages to make is no more than a equal too these as far as a deer hunting tool. To me it is more cumbersome and in all reality does not give me any additional "distance" to speak of. And unless I have a great rest, my gourps are no better than with my compound.Plenty tight, but no better. I think that the jury is still out on the long term popularity of X-Bow huntintg. And frankly nearing 60, I am glad that I may still have the option to achery hunt come the time when I can no longer break 45-50 pounds of pull, or hold steady withpout a rest of some sort.I was glad that the compound was developed for similar reasons. With the onset of arthritis and the aches and pains that come with aging, it became almost impossible for me to pull and hold my 60# recurve.Compounds defintiely extended my archery and I look forward to be one of those "old farts" mentioned previously that takes to the woods with the X-Bow because they can no longer do the "bow thing".