The newer crossbows are following a similar trend that the vertical bows did--the facination, and the chasing of more speed.
However with the crossbow it seems people want a narrow design. We all know many that are new to the crossbow are also using firearms. People want a croassbow that is not unweildy, and cumbersome as compared to the crossbows of not many years ago.
Then we also have the reverse draw concept where we can have a little long draw cycle , all while keeping poundage reasonable.
The big thing I have seen, and it stands to reason here folks--when you attempt to get all that power out of those narrow limbs--that's a lot of penned up energy, and it wears hard, and fast on the limbs, cam/wheel axles, strings, and buss cables. It's a no brainer that these designs are going to require much higher maintainance due to design. There is a price to pay for not just in the purchase, butkeeping after the bow itself. If one likes to shoot a lot then you better be prepared to spend money on strings, and buss cables, and any other parts if something goes wrong--and it will.
In our modern world today when I look at the newest offerings in vertical, and crossbows I shake my head. I can honestly say I never dreamed I'd see pricing where it is now. The great thing is that one doesn't have to shoot for the stratosphere when buying a new, or for that matter a used model. When it's all said, and done, and you are placing the tag on the game you just recovered--the animal doesn't know, nor did it care what was used--the job is done.
We all have to live within our means, or at least we should be. Taking out loans, making credit card payments at high interest rates in order to buy, or obtain hunting equipment can be VERY dangerous, and I highly suggest folks do not do this.
We all have to keep our finances, and priorities in our households first in our minds.
There is absolutely nothng wrong in admitting, and facing the fact that for many of us all this high end hunting gear is simply out of reach for normal working class people.