RE: Local bow shop vs. eBay
I agree with just about every reply here. Before you decide to go the "e-bay" route, do your homework. Go to local shops and larger retail stores to test some, and then look into e-bay. I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner, but for someone with a little more knowledge and experience.
I bought a Darton Avalanche online recently and saved about $230 from retail. Before making this purchase I tried out at least 50 other bows, so I knew what I was looking for.
Mike