I bought one about2 months ago. It is a very smooth bow. I was the Sam as you, my old one was about 10 yrs old, so yes iris much better I shot several side by side, the spider, the chill, the heli m , the elite hunter , and the element. I really liked all of them, but to me the spider and the element stood out to me. I usually keep my bows for a while, and the store cut me a deal so I went ahead a dropped the extra cash on the element. If I were on a budget for my bow, I would have gone with the spider. That being said I have not found anything yet about the bow that I do not like it is quiet, light, and very accurate, but then again most new bows are. Shoot several bows and buy the one that feels good and you will be happy.