First of all, it is nice to see you posting questions or info again!

When it comes down to what is really important about shooting - putting an arrow where you want it to go, I don't think there is much difference between a good '95 bow, and a good '05 bow. The new ones are lighter, possibly quieter, definitely less recoil, but if they shoot better, it is only because the shooter thinks they will and has the confidence to make it happen. New bows MAY be somewhat faster, but that old Darton Viper I had (and finally sold) was within 10 fps. of the hotshot Newberry we shot. I also had one 3D shoot where I hit 7 - 10's with 5 Xs to start the shoot with that "obsolete" bow.

I like my QAD drop away, but honestly when I still had the Rampage with the Starhunter on it, it shot just as well as the Tundra with the QAD.

You and many others seem to do quite well with Rockets and other mechanicals. I am shooting enough KE to use them, but will probably shoot Slick Tricks this year. I would call them a decent advance, being able to shoot a strong fixed blade with a big cut, that pretty much flies like a mechanical.

We have much better string materials now, better sights (love fiber optics!), and a gazillion drop aways to choose from, plus the infamous Whisker Biscuit.

There is some better stuff now, but also lots of stuff that does little but keep money rolling in to the manufacturers. People killed deer, etc. back in the '90s, and shot good scores too. It WAS hard to find those little short bows you like back in the '90s though.[8D]