I guess the first question you have to resolve is: do you like to shoot longbows? If you haven' t shot one it would be best to try some kind of longbow first as the grip is usually different, and for me the cant is different than shooting my ' curve. But be warned that not all longbows shoot the same: some will rattle your teeth, the Crusader won' t.

If you decide on a Crusader I' m willing to bet that the speed is better than your current Bear, at the same poundage.( just ask LBR his opinion on Dyna ' 97 ) You didn' t mention what your draw length is but it shouldn' t matter for smoothness- I have a 66" crusader that is 55# @ 28" but I pull it just under 30" with no " stack" that I can feel.

On the flip side, I doubt you could go wrong with the Hunter. Then your Bear will be trade fodder or collect dust in the corner. 50 people can give you 50 different opinions on what they like but it all boils down to what feels good in your hand.

RC