I really can't speak for the older bows as I have never shot anything but the new bows that are out today. The oldest bow I shot was a 2000 golden eagle. I can tell you though, the difference between that bow and the new Hoyt that I have now is like day and night. The Hoyt I have now is so smooth and great to shoot. I had a Mathews Legacy last year and sold it for the Hoyt Vipertec. I can say that the Hoyt line is much nicer to me then my Mathews was. The grip is thinner and just feels great in my hand. I think any of the Hoyt model bows that are out today would be a lot nicer then any of the bows that were around 4-6 years ago. The bows today are faster and just seem to be nicer. This of course is all just my opinion