I would get the Hoyt Trykon; much better bow then the VTEC; I just traded a Xtec in for one and the Vtec and Xtec are basically the same. Now once you have your compound get a good used traditional long bow or recurve. These can be bought for $100 or less. You will master the compound if youpractice in a week; where the traditional is going to take much longer IMO. Most people hunt with a compound and there is a reason; they are easier to be good with; unless you are Byron Ferguson