I'm the new kid on the block when it comes to crossbows even through I've used traditional equipment for years. I went with the Parker Buck Buster 150 as my first crossbow because it was easier to use with the cocking rope than the 175 and still would bemore thanadequate for Illinois deer. Mine shoots a tight group at 30 yards and is very forgiving as toincreased FOC effecting arrow flight. I'd think the 175 would be a great choice realizing that just a little more "umph" will be needed to cock it but you get a flatter shooting crossbow in the process. Tom