i'm fairly new to x-bows and they are LOUD!!!i would limit my shots to 30 or less for sure on any whitetail.....as the gentleman who owns excal states, if you are doing anything to your x-bow to reduce noise (heavier arrows, things on your strings)that will also reduce speed your heading in the wrong direction. the additional speed an x-bow provides shortens the drop of a string jumping deer, an arrow high in the spine with a compound will be a double lunger with an x-bow. now thisis the opinion of a novice so if i'm talking out of my arse feel free to correct me.........thanks