for a new guy, unless you have friends that are into that will help you, go to a pro shop... Go to multiple pro shops... Ask TONS of questions... Try out any and every bow that even looks half way appealing to you. Which ever shop will answer your questions kindly and in the easiest to understand manner, let them earn your money. There's no reason a shop can't put together anice middle of the line rig for you in that price range.

Other than that, the only advice I can give is don't take advertisements as the gospel truth. Wait for other people to be the guinea pigs for you. People like us on HNI.