What part of the country are you in? There's going to be lots of big traditional tournaments and redevous this summer--great places to try out new bows and get a first-hand look at them.

There's lots of great bows on the market. A few things to consider.

There is no one perfect bow for everyone. Just because your buddy or a bowhunting icon likes a particular bow doesn't mean it's the bow for you. I very much admire Howard Hill and Byron Ferguson, and I prefer longbows, but I don't care for the longbows that carry thosetwo names.

Used bows can be a great buy, but keep it in perspective. If you draw 30" don't buy a bow that was built for someone with a 26" draw, at least not before trying it out yourself. Also, weigh the advantages/disadvantages. New bows come with warranties, used bows usually don't.

Advertising is just that--advertising. Some bows have test reports. If you expect the same speeds you read about, you are going to be dissapointed, just like you are going to be dissapointed when X-Brand cleaner doesn't make that spot in your carpet dissapear like it does in the commercial.

More expensive does not mean better. It can, and often will, mean prettier or more exotic woods or more options, but good (and bad) bows come in all price ranges.

Custom doesn't always mean better. One of the best shots I knew absolutely spanked gobs of "custom" bows in tournaments with an old Bear "Black Bear". There are no magic bows--the nut behind it is what makes the difference. Youmay benefit from a custom bow, but for some folks an over the counter bow will work just fine.

'Course these are mostly my opinions, based on my experience. Take it for what it's worth.

Chad