I agree with every word. Bargains are out there, but there is always a difference. Silly saying, but if a 300.00 bow would be worth 700.00; then it would be 700.00. The biggest differences I notice is hand vibration and noise at shot. Of course speed comes into play, but that is a slippery slope. I look for a quiet bow, personally. It seems to be the cherry on top when all the other factors come together nicely. I would suggest buying a topline 05' or 06' model. The mathews outback and the bowtech patriot are phenomenal bows that no one mentions anymore, for example. You can get these loaded and affordable if you don't mind driving a used car.