Lets see, I have shot a 2002, 2003, and 2004 Patriot and a 2003 and 2004 Ex-VFT! Honestly, there isn't much differance. The Pat has a larger brace height, but in my opinion, that is a null point as the EX-VFT was every bit as easy and forgiving to shoot as the Pat! Speed, recoil, and noise were pretty much the same! If it was up to me, I would save the extra money and get an EX-VFT. My best-friend bought a 03 EX-VFT and has absolutely fell in love with the bow. I have shot his bow a good bit and it is very smooth drawing (especially for the speed that bow puts out), and that thing is holding up perfectly. He still has the factory strings and they are great, no stretching and no signs of wear. Heck, he even has the original hush kit. He has thousands upon thousands of shots out of the bow and the string silencers are still holding up perfectly!

That extra $150 you save on the EX-VFT will go a long way on accessories!