There are so many good bows on the market, and you don't need to spend big bucks to get the best or what fits your bill. This is what I did last spring before buying a new bow. I made a list of what exactly I wanted in a bow. Like you mentioned brace, ata, but also, let off- adjustable, grip style, single or dual cam, fps ratings, split or solid limbs if matters, weight of bow, draw stop, back wall- soft or hard, and very important quietness! You get the idea. Its all important. Then I surfed the net on different bow manufacturer's websites. Called for catalogs, found other sights that rate bows, and gave specs like www.huntersfriend.com does. it lists bows on a comparision chart by specs, and will show them in different ways you prefer. Like as you say by forgiveness ratings. I then wrote down all the bows that most met my needs. I then found shops in my area that carried these bows, or places that sold them. I Shot as many of them as I could, or at least looked them over good if couldn't. That told it all right there, and I fell in love with a bow that felt just great to me. Everyone here can tell you what bow make & model they feel is the best. But it doesn't mean a thing if it doesn't feel the best to you!! And I found all the research a part of the fun of buying it. It also made me more knowledgable of different bows, and how much they can vary in design, and feel. Good Luck!