We here in Alabama approved the universal use of X-Bows a few years back. There were the identical lamentations here that have already been expressed by others on this string.However, those "fears" never panned out in Alabama.For sure the hunting stores were indeed fogged with folks that figured here was an easy way to get into the "archery" season. I know 5 folks who rushed out to by X-Bows. None were here to fore archers. They were all looking to extend their season 6 weeks and all expecting a simplistic route to taking deer during the archery only days here in Alabama. I bought one for my handicapped brother. When it turned out to be too heavy and complex for his particular situation, I kept it.(Glad I did.)

Of the 6 of us only 3 still have the X-Bow. Only 2 of us have taken deer with our X-Bow. The others gave up after discovering that there is really not that much of a difference in down range performace, shootability or accuracy between a good X-Bow and a god compound.The major advantagewas not having to make and hold a draw.The big disadvantages were weight and having to have a clear area as wide as the X-Bow's limbs to be certain that the X-Bow can be fired without the limbs striking anything. Where I hunt, that is a big deal.

As for me, I am 60 years old, and donot rebound from injuries like I did even 10 ears ago. After injuring my shoulder in early October setting up a lock-on, I wasunable to draw my compound witout a good deal of pain.With about 4 1/2 weeks in the archeryseason left, I switched to the X-Bow.I lucked out and was able to take 2 does with it, but the real plus for me was having a "chance" to hunt those weeks,feeling good about my chances to add meat to the table.

So my advice ... just chill and watch what happens over the next 3-4 years. I think it will mirror what has happened here in Alabama.