I have three Bowtech bows, an Extreme Solo (70 pounds) and two Stalkers, a leftie and a rightie. I also have a
Parker 31.

I did not like the balance of the Patriot when I picked it up, although I have to say that most of the people on these sites who own Patriots are fanatical about them. The new (2003) Patriots are supposed to be a bit lighter and have a different balance to them. Basically I would not buy one without trying it.

The Extreme Solo is a more conventional compound bow, so the risk of getting it sight unseen is less. The quality is high and I think you would be happy with it. But my favorites are the Stalkers, because they are so light. I really like light bows, and don't mind a little reaction (the Stalkers do not have the sand trap technology of the Extreme Solo, nor the great high quality strings). I like the Parker 31 too for the same reason, really light.