Totally personal, I hunt with a 13.5lb rifle, while my 8lb rifle sits at home. My light weights do not get shot hardly at all anymore. (not sure I am even going to keep them) Steep long elk climbing :I am still taking my heavy weight because quite frankly I can shoot it better. Everyone that pics it up say "no way, it's to heavy" then they shoot it and say "were can I get one". You just have to decide for yourself and what works for me might drive you nuts and shooting light weights drives me nuts.