The Outback was a good bow. The Xtec and the Outback were almost the same in my eyes as to hand shock, being smooth, fun to shoot, very small valley and quietness. Really a toss up I think. I hear you on the handle on the Hoyt's. Either you like it or you don't. I've always loved how the Matthews bows fit into my hand, but I guess I don't mind the skinny handle on the Hoyt's. Both shot extremely well. With both bows maxed out, the Xtec just pulled so easy I thought it was set at 50 lbs. The outback wasn't that hard to pull at all, but there's a big difference between the two.