Mildrd, I agree with your conclusion. That's why I'm shooting straight and mild reflex/deflex bows. Liberty is a very nice bow. My brother has a Chief Elite, which has a little more reflex/deflex than the Contender. Still very quiet. I shoot mostly Roberstons, Hills and Dwyers. The Dwyer mild reflex/deflex longbow is very smooth and quiet. With a D-97 string, it's as quiet as the Hills, and may be the quietest longbow I have. In fact, I'd rate it's characteristics in the exact order of your preferences. Very quiet and forgiving, very little hand shock. Not a speed demon, but fast enough. I particularly like it with bamboo limb cores. Good luck.