Both bows are great buys and I do not think you would go wrong with either one. I tried both along with the Mission X3 that Matt068 mentioned, and several other bow. I found the Bear to be smoother and with a lot less vibration than the Bengal.But then then cam may not have been set up right onthe Martin,I just tried one off the self at the dealers. ( I have owned several Martins over the years so I am not biased against them) The only thing that I did notice about the Bear is the serving wear on the cable, I noticed that the serving was slipping on all of the Bear bows that I checked out that had been shot. It looks and from what I have been told is easliy remidied by reserving the cable the factery installed one is not the best.

But after trying both I bought a Mission X3, I liked the grip better than the other two bows. The X3 was a surprise, it cost $299, has a very smooth draw, no noticiable vibration and is very quick. The X3 is a set draw length bow, but I do not find this to be a disadvantage, on examining the cam it has a slightly larger groove for the cables and strings so there should less serving wear.Theonly other bows that I like as muchas the X3that are even close to itsprice are theBear Truth and Jennings Reliant. The Truth and Relaintare simular to each other the Truth riser appears to be a developement from the Jennings with a newer Cam and more vibration dampining add ons.Both of the bows are higher in price but are what I would consider a lot of bow for the money.

When I started looking at bows this year it was just to find a back up to my Hoyt since I gave my nephew my other bow and did not want to be with outa second one. As you said there are still a few good bows at a good price on the market.