A couple years ago, I was in the market for a Xbow. I was shooting my FIL's to see how I liked it. It was around Christmas and he said "I don't bow hunt anymore, and you've been good to my little girl, so Merry Christmas." WOW! Anyway, it was a Parker, and the price was right!
So, here's a few comments. Parker is out of business. Parker bolts have a slightly different nock, which is required for the anti-dry fire mechanism. I bought a bunch. Not sure if aftermarket nocks are available. I've been very pleased with the Parker, but just something to keep in mind.
I've shot rope cocks and those with the crank. The rope requires you to keep the rope handy, and pull it back, like a like a seated row. So if you've had back pain, that's something to consider.
The crank is slow and noisy. There may be quieter ones out now, but the ones I've seen were loud. Think slow paced ratcheting click-click-click. Then again, by the time you fumble around and get the rope, the crank may be faster.
In general, x-bows are a lot louder at the shot than compounds. I've gotten second shots with the bow. Don't think that would happen with an x-bow.
I think some have de-cocking mechanisms that allow de-cocking without shooting. Mine doesn't have that. I don't kike holding the rope back with one hand and pulling the trigger while it is pointed at my foot. Granted it's unloaded, but it looks too easy to have the rope slip.
If you don't get one with a de-cocking mechanism, go ahead and buy one of those de-cocking bolts with the rubber head. I thought 20 bucks was a bit much. Until I "unloaded" mine by shooting it into the ground from a tree stand. TAfter breaking two $7 bolts that are off the market, 20 bucks seems like a good deal!
Practicing with my x-bow is a lot different than my compound. I shoot Muzzys in both. Muzzy makes a practice BH for compounds, so I practice with those. When I'm ready to hunt, swap to the sharp blades and I'm dialed in. Muzzy doesn't make a practice blades for x-bow bolts. So I shot field points for practice and dialing in the scope. Switched to BH's and had to start all over. So I have a set of dull-bladed BH's, and a set of sharp ones for hunting.
The buck in my post ID pic was taken with my x-bow, which you can see in the pic.
Longer than expected but hope that helps. Oh, you can be proficient with a x-bow much quicker and with much less practice than a compound.