Take a look at those shops again and see if there are any bows on consignment. Guys/gals change bows like I change women for christs sake! You can get a steal if you just look around. See what the store wants and ask who the owner is and "make him/her a deal". I haven't shopped for a bow since 2003 and cringe about the thought of buying new. I'm sure you can get a new setup for under 500...maybe not. Someone will chime in and maybe throw a few models your way. Hoyt, Bowtech, Mathews, Browning, and PSEare a few that stand out. Hit all the Manuf. sites and start drooling.