First, if the proshop doesnt allow you to shoot one then I would be leary about buying one from there. Bow reps ALWAYS give the proshops bows for shoppers to try. Honestly, the biggest difference I see between the Hoyt and Matthews is that the Hoyt has a skinny grip vs the thicker grip of the matthews (all in preference). However, if you don t HAVE to have the newest thing the best thing to do is find last years model..you can get one all set up cheaper than just the bow if u were buying new.