Your friends should be worried, there are some really good crossbows on the market. If at all possible try out the bow before you purchase and don't get caught up in the speed craze. Just as with verticals it comes back to haunt you.
For my 2 cents I'd go with a Excal and Goldtip arrows. Also consider getting a higher quality riflescope with good low light performance. Rember you can't hit what you can't see.