I think find a bow that fits and feels good in your hands then worry about the price.....alot of people get hooked on the name thing. I've shot all the bows in 2005 when i bought mine and believe it or not I bought a lower end bow. Had all the top end stuff on it just the riser was cast instead of alunium (sp)........also look and year old modles that are not current modles.

Bottom line is a $200 bow will make a bull just as dead as a $1200 one. If you put the arrow in the right spot. Might make a bit more noise or have a bit more hand shock. But for 1st time archers I dont think spending money on a top end bow is practical??

my 2 pennies

AL