If you're leaning towards the Widow, take advantage of their "test drive" program. It would be money well spent.

In the last several years I've had the pleasure of shooting a good number of "high end" custom bows. Some were outstanding. Others I wouldn't have used for much more than bowfishing. I'm not going to post the bad ones (IMO) here, but I'll give you a run-down of the ones I liked...in no particular order.

Bob Lee: The quietest recurves I've shot. Average on speed. Above average for stability. Excellent overall craftsmanship. The only down side is that they will not warranty for FF-type strings, although the bows are built to take it.

Palmer: Kind of like a Bob Lee on steroids. Same double bolt limb retention. Far above average for speed and stability both (IMO the fastest deflex riser recurve on the market). Craftsmanship is outstanding. The entry-level Palmer for $475.00 is probably the best bow under $500.00 on the market...and better than most costing twice that much.

Chek-Mate: Nice variety of woods. The Hunter II is a very stable bow that pulls exeptionally smooth and is average for speed (with respect to high-end custom bows). Craftsmanship is great, and they can be had for much less than just about anything from Martin. I've hunted and shot 3D with a pair of them for the last two seasons, have no complaints, and lots of venison in the freezer.

Habu: Outstanding craftsmanship and stability. Average for speed. I understand they are about $1,100.00 now though. Comparitively speaking, I think they're a touch over-priced.

Fox High Sierra: Craftsmanship, finish, and feel that'll make your jaw drop. Just absolutely beautiful bows. Very smooth draw. Can't comment on stability and speed as I don't have enough shooting time with one (yet) to accurately compare. I understand they are planning on setting up at the United Bowhunters of Illinois' banquet later this month. I'll have to hand the checkbook to my wife while I play around with them some more.

Morrison: Another beautiful bow with a nice smooth draw. By all accounts they are on the high-end for speed. Can't comment on stability.

Robertson: Exceptional craftsmanship. I can't comment much more though, because his bows are not built for draw lengths more than 30", and I draw 32". My draw length is beyond the limits of his design, so it wouldn't be a fair assessment.

Sovereign Ballistik: Good craftsmanship and above average speed. The one I shot drew smooth, but was a little quick to point out a bad release. Perhaps a longer bow would have been more forgiving for me.

I'm sure there are a few others that I've forgotten, but those are the ones that stand out right now.

JRW