First, find someone you can trust who is experienced with a bow. Friend, relative, etc. The more they know how a bow works, tech terms, setting it up, etc. the better off you will be. Find some good established archery shops and check out all of the brands..........not just the one(s) that seem to be the most popular because like buying a car, YOU are the one who has to be satisfied. Make dang sure the draw length is right(not close), and the poundage is what you are comfortable shooting. Don't buy something because its close in fit and because its on sale or clearance. If it doesn't feel like it should, which is solid at full draw and a comfort and joy to shoot.......you will be struggling to shoot as well as you can and will not enjoy it.