Jeff - My preferred lighter bows once dressed and with accessories/stabilizer/counter weightswill likely weigh the same as a heavier bow. The lighter bow simply allows me to add the weight where I want it, rather than where it is machined into the bow. What this boils down to when the rubber meets the road.......is improved holding pattern, better stability, more accuracy, and more confidence in my shot. Whether I'm shooting at paper, foam, or a critter, it's an advantage in my eyes.