I have the same experiences aas Frank. The less recoil, the better I shoot.

Aesthetically, I' ve come to like them (VFT style bows), but really I don' t think I' ve seen many really nice looking compounds (other than the paint/anodizing). For looks, I think a long slightly reflexed riser, with a set of Recurve limbs, and a pair of dual hatchet cams is about as nice looking as it gets in a compound. Unfortunately, I just can' t stand to shoot such equipment anymore .Those style designs are super accurate for sure, but unpleasant (for me) to shoot. I shoot higher poundages and I want smooth; as little jump/recoil as possible while giving me the performance I desire. A bow with traditional limb angles and alot of string and cable length are just too thumpy/shocky for me..unless I get a 50 pounder for targets. I' ve gotten so used to VFT type angles that even my 2003 Hoyts were really starting to get on my nerves, LOL Guess I' ve been spoiled by Patriots, VFTs, Legacy' s and LX' s.

Now..if ya wanna talk pretty..nothing beats a custom longbow or recurve...Cocobolo riser...bocote limbs...some osage accent stripes in the riser..whooooweeeee