Interesting question. I think owner/staff almost has to be #1. One guy in my area deals Hoyt, Matthews, and Reflex. The other guy has the Bowtechs, Diamonds,and Parkers.

My first bow was a Parker because after shooting at both shops and looking at my budget, I based my decisionlargelyon how willing to work with a newbie bowhunter with a million questions, my bow shop owner. He was more than willing to put me on the range with any piece of equipment he had in the shop.He's also the reason whyafter shootingMatthews and Bowtechs, I will probably break the tieby going where my comfort leveland helpful bowshop owner are.

To me, there is no substitute.