If you don't have to hold a bow back (like on a cross-bow), how would it compare to a compound bow....like on a cross-bow?

60+ years ago I started shooting and hunting archery.  I had a long bow, soon I got a semi-recurve (Ben Pearson, a great bow), then went to a recurve (best was my Browninng 42#); got old lost sight in my right eye and went to a x-bow (Horton).

while I did shoot target for years, I'm mostly a deer and turkey hunter now.  I've got more than 30 deer (whitetail and mule) with and arrow, a few antelope, and many turkeys.

But to answer your question, in my opinion the compound x-bow is faster and heavier than straight limb (longbow) designs.  longbrow straight limb crossbows are lighter, tougher to draw, and use longer arrows.  Because the compound bow has sharply changing force of acceleration I think it can be less accurate.  But adequate.

I've had all wood, wood/fiberglass, even all aluminum bow limbs.  The materials have gotten stronger over the years making for faster designs.  I hunt out of blinds and tree stands, and keep my shots well under 25 yards.  I know guys that take 50+ yd shots; but they often have long chases and lost deer.

just some of my thoughts.

should say x-bow prices are out of sight...unnecessarily so.

what are you hunting needs?

I think that the CBs were recurves.  I know the dif.

I'm in Colorado, so deer and elk would be the main use.  I suppose that Antelope would be a possibility too.

I'd have to get a doctor's note to be able to use it in archery season.

I then wrote a handwritten note separately saying I had arthritis in my hands and got the special permit.  Since then the law allows x-bows, and that is all anyone uses.  x-bow use has really cut down on the herd...long season, quiet so late hunting doesn't get caught, and season includes the rut.

I understood that you meant small recurce x-bows.

If you are hunting elk in parks, the shots can be long unless you can call them in.

x-bows recoil, but forward.  The bolts are moving slow so you need to hold on to them for accuracy.  My longest shot was 53 yards at a buck antelope, heart.

Practice is necessary and short range is the key for most shots.  Many hunters think they are rifles, as they have  a sight and a trigger...they are not.  Lots of un claimed wounded critters.

I think either bow would be fine for your use...but carrying weight might be a problem.  so a lightweight recurve could be better....especially if you are senior or heavy...climbing hills and mountains?

let us know what you decide.

by the way, I have a red dot sight on mine.  (Tru-glow, basic) and I can group 6 shot in 3 inches at 25 yards.

If possible, get a chance to shoot the x-bow before buying it.   Triggers are usually not great when you compare to a rifle.  some are better than others, but you can aclamate somewhat if the one you get is heavy/creepy.

x-bows are heavy to carry, so I avoid add-ons like crank cocking devices...a string cocker is light and fits in pack.  I use a separate quiver, again keeps the bow ITSELF light for carry and holding while shoot.

just thoughts.

never found my 300 fps to be lacking.

  I use to hunt with an older woman who killed whitetail with a 32 # target bow; an accurate shot.

I think my x-bow enters a deer at 250 fps and exits at 150 fps after cutting a few ribs.  wing, I did kill a mule buck with a bow near Ucross Wy and an antelope near Gillette Wy...your backyard!