First off , welcome(to the site and hunting). I have no personal experience shooting one of the new bears but the seem to look good. There are alot of bows out there in the 300-500 dollar range. If I were you I would take a look at reflex, mission, and diamond bows just to name a few. Reflex is Hoyts 2nd line very nice but affordable, Mission is Mathews' 2nd line bran new this year. These bows are very nice for the money just ordered my brother in-law one for $350 for the bow. Diamond bows are bowtechs 2nd line of bows also very nice bows. What ever you do make sure that you go to a pro shop and get sized and set up right . If you father in-law is really big into archery take him with or a friend of yours that has some experience. Also this is the place to ask any question as everyone here is more than willing to help in any way they can.
www.reflexbow.com
www.missionarchery.com
www.diamondarchery.com

Good Hunting
Jeff